Like I'm Going to Lose You

"I think he knew I loved him, although I didn't say. I guess I shouldn't have assumed he did, cause now he's gone away...Tell them that you love them, you still have today. Talk about your hearts and souls before they go away." 

God said it is not good that Man should be alone. 
 He wasn't speaking only of a spouse when he said this, although that is a large part of it.  Human beings were not created to be alone. 
Do you ever ponder that? 
Those siblings that live with you, annoy the daylights out of you…they were given to you by God, to be loved by, and to love. 
 I live in a very close-knit family. We tell each other we love one another, squish on the couch together, give hugs when they are needed. 
 Often my siblings and I have been looked down on for this… some say it isn't right for a brother and sister to be so close. It's strange for sisters to be so free with telling each other their feelings. 
 Others think it silly and 'obsessive’ because we tell our parents goodnight and how we love them, even on vacation. 
That's okay. They don't understand. Someday they will. 
 You see, I've seen loved ones taken suddenly, some with warning, some without. Some were very close to my heart, some I didn't know so well. 
But in just a blink of an eye, they were gone. 
 That person who was always there when you went visiting, not always the center of your attention; sometimes just standing in the background of your memories. But they were there. And they touched your life in some way or another. 
 Until they weren't there any longer, and their absence leaves a strange void in your heart. 
Life is precious, dear friend. So precious. 
 I can tell you without hesitation, that if I lost any of my siblings, my mom, my dad...it would tear my world apart. 
 Not a day goes by without me looking back at that little girl standing at her Grandma's bedside, not wanting to even touch her, just because of childish fear. 
 That sweet, wonderful woman held into my arm with a surprisingly strong grip, and tried desperately to speak to me with her eyes. 
 And the most beautiful smile lit up her face, and that's when she let me go. 
Oh, I wish I had held her close then! Told her I loved her! 
 It wasn't until a few years after her passing that I experienced the pain of grief; I was so young when she died. I didn't understand. 
But I do now. 
 So I hold my loved ones so so dear, because now I know. 
We are not promised tomorrow, and none of us have very long in this earth. 
 We don't choose our time; we never know when the ones we truly care about are taken from us… so quickly. 
 I implore you, tell your family you love them. 
Don't wait until your standing by their coffin, or holding their hand as they take their final breath. 
 You may never get the chance again. 
God gave us family for a reason: to give us human companionship, to help us on this walk through life. To remind us just how much He loves us, and how beautiful it is to love someone above ourselves. 
 Your grandparents, your neighbor. That kindred spirit you would be lost without. Your spouse. Your sister, brother, mother, father, cousin, aunt. Anyone who you hold dear to your heart. 
 Tell them how much they mean to you. Through actions, words and deed. 

"So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you. And I'm gonna hold you like I'm saying goodbye. Wherever we're standing, I won't take you for granted. Cause we'll never know when we'll run out of time. So I'm gonna love you like I'm gonna lose you."

Go give your loved ones a hug and let them know they are a gift from God <3 
 Have a wonderful evening, ya'll
                                                                                       

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

My Angel

Yesterday I read a post by Julia that really started me thinking.
 Honestly, ya'll, you need to read it. 
 I had a conversation with her on the subject before she posted it, and we discussed a few things back and forth, and I really enjoyed talking with her.
 But as we were chatting, I found myself saying things, that my own mother had instilled in me, since I was a little girl.
 I found it was more than simply repeating what I had heard my whole life. I was stating things I truly believed in. Because of her.
 And as I was commenting on Julia's beautiful post, I mentioned the lessons my mom had taught me, and my heart suddenly became very full.
 I was blown away by the realization that she has given me so much, and I felt the need to write this tribute to her.
 She went through the pain of bringing me into this world, marveling at the red-faced, squalling LaKaysha, and thanking God that her little baby was whole.
 She still speaks of her labor with affection, love and tenderness, remembering how beautiful it was when I was laid in her arms.
 Only a mother could go through such pain and call it beautiful. <33
She spent sleepless nights rocking me, her eyes filled with tired tears as she looked longingly at her soft bed, but she did not complain, and pushed herself through the trying days of having a colic baby.
 She watched me grow, rushed to me when I was hurting, kissed me and held me tight.
Giving me all the love could, striving to let us live in a home that was happy, safe, and full of Christ.
I can only imagine the emotions she felt as she watched me, praying she could raise me to walk in the Right way, asking God to keep me in the palm of His hand.
 The wise words, the simple truths she placed in my heart, instructing me as best as she knew how, hoping the lessons were taking hold.
 Teaching me to watch my tongue, guard my heart from evil, to talk Jesus and Mommy and Daddy whenever I was afraid.
 Striving, struggling, to be a good example for her children.
Loving us as no else could.
 I know she still has sleepless nights, praying for each of her kids and hoping they stay safe.
The trying times when she lost her patience, the hard days of going through life without her own mother, the tears she shed, simply trying to remain strong.
 I treasure her all the more for them.
I can imagine the fears and frustrations she had. And has.
"Am I doing this right? Lord, have I prepared them for this world, that's so full of temptations and fears?"
 As she watches us all grow into adults, with our own personalities and dreams, leaving home to marry, driving and voting, I know she prays for each of our hearts and souls.
 Struggling to let us go.
All those years, we were her babies. She cared for us, nurtured and loved us, and now as we grow, and she has to let her little birds try out their wings, we are STILL her babies.
 I know I do a terrible a job of showing her how much I appreciate her presence.
Arguing and complaining, wishing for more than I have, and failing to see just how much she tries to give us her everything.
 And then I look at her beautiful face, so gentle and kind, her heartwarming smile, and my eyes fill with tears.
 Pride keeps me from going to her, my heart in my hands, and tell her how much I love her, how much I still need her.
 So I write it, something that always came easier for me than speaking out loud.
Dear, sweet Mommy.
 Thank you.
Thank you for the hugs, the kisses, the tears, sleepless nights, endless prayers and the lessons you give me each and every day.
 They did mean something, and they still do.
I can only pray that someday I can be the kind of daughter you can be proud of.
 The kind of woman Christ will be proud of.
I know if I become half the woman you are, I'd be satisfied.
 Those years of tears and joy were not wasted on me, and I treasure you, so very very much.
I love you.

 I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life. ~ Abraham Lincoln

The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Suffering passes, while love is eternal. That's a gift that you have received from God. Don't waste it.~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

my mother is my angel

no, it's not mother's day. But this song... 

It's everything I've tried to say. 

(and it's me to to a T, except maybe about being wild)

Give your own mother a little love today. 
 She is the closest thing to an angel you'll have here on earth. 

                                                                                       LaKaysha

The Face of God

It's sad when you think about the labels humans tend to put on each other.
 You look at the magazines and movie posters, full of 'beautiful' women, with flawless skin, large eyes and long, luscious hair, and you sigh when you realize that you're so...ordinary.
 Oh, dear one, you are far from ordinary.
You are lovely.
 I once made a comment to a friend, saying Abraham Lincoln was very handsome.
Of course, you can imagine the listener's response.
"Lincoln was known for being ugly!"
How sad, when people look at each other and think them ugly. Homely.
If we only looked at each other through the eyes of God, we would see ourselves and others so much differently.
 If we could see others as human beings, created by the same God, with hearts, feelings, and souls.
That girl you saw at your local grocery, cries, hurts and aches just like you, and she has many fears, struggles, and insecurities, just like you.
 The man that passes your house each day, with the round face and large nose, has a soul that longs to be at peace, just as much as you.
 Every human being, every solitary soul scattered across this globe, is beautiful. 
The old woman with laugh lines, thin gray hair, and wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, is gorgeous.
 That skinny teenage boy with the huge Adam's apple, is handsome.
The young, insecure girl with large glasses, freckles, and large teeth, is a shining angel.
Black, white, red, yellow, young, old, male, female.
 Whether you have flawless skin, acne, perfect teeth or braces.
 We are all crafted with loving hands, hands that long to hold all of us in the bosom of His Grace, loved, wanted.
 All of us.

How fickle humans can be.
 We rate each other like we would the flavor of an apple, or the quality of a cow, and then when society changes its mind on 'beauty', we change ours, too.
 Clint Eastwood was told he'd probably never make much of himself as an actor.
He was too skinny, his eyes much too squinted, he talked soft, his Adam's apple was too big, and, goodness, he was blond.
 Not dark and handsome like William Holden. No, he'd never make it.
Against their better judgement, the studio used him anyway, and what a shock, when years later, this 'ugly' skinny boy became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood history.
 But even more than that, he was considered one of the handsomest men in America. And still is.
 What silly, foolish creatures we are!
Placing each other on a scale, tossing some out, telling others, 'Oh, you're all right, I suppose. Pretty, but not beautiful.' and even when we do find one that seems 'gorgeous' we are always watching them, urging them to fix this, don't do that.
 It seems we only find the flaws in others.
How often do we look for the good? The beautiful?
 Not a single one of us is useless, unloved. Ugly. 
 That's such a dreadful word. Ugly.
 Look at yourself.
Deep down, you are no saint.
 We all are sinners. Wretched sinners, in need of a loving Savior.
But in that Savior's eyes, we are treasure. 
Treasure that He came to save, and keep, until it can truly shine, for all eternity.
Crafted like snowflakes, with something special about each one of us.
 When we can put aside all our foolish pride and cruel judgement, to truly see each other, and look for the living soul inside, then we can catch a glimpse of something heavenly.
 Then we can see a small part of the face of God.
Love each other, and uplift one another.
 Even that tattoo-covered, pierced young teenager with the hard eyes is in need of love, forgiveness, and understanding.
 Because in truth, without God, we would all be down that road, wouldn't we?
Let's think about this before we are so quick to lash out with cruel judgments and mocking words.
 Why not put aside the phrase, 'Look at that weirdo' and choose instead, 'Oh, Lord, there is another treasure in need of rescuing. Won't you help them today?'
 It's up to us to shine our light in such a dark world.
Because, despite the hate, the anger and war this earth is so full of, God's light will never go out, and His warm, loving gaze can mend the dirtiest, filthiest wounds.
 God loves you. And He loves me.
How can we not love each other?
                                                                             LaKaysha

Where Do I Go From Here?//Learning to Live

You all know my issues with being single, having anxiety, and all that jazz.
 I've written about it before.
Why hasn't he come yet?
What am I supposed to do with my life?
 Whine, whine, whine.
This is partly why I took that wonderful vacation to New Hampshire; to get away from things, to take a moment to breathe, and to simply enjoy being with family.
 And it was amazing.
I know, I keep saying that, but I had such a great time, ya'll!
 I snuggled with my sweet little cousins that I miss so much, hung out with a cousin who I haven't really talked to in a long time, got to know him better, and I stepped out of my comfort zone to do things I would never have here at home.
 I went Glow Bowling, I drove a stick-shift (NEVER would have dreamed of it before) went to a gathering where I didn't really know anybody, and went to volleyball....
 Sounds like nothing to you, but to an insecure introvert like me, it's a big deal.
I was so... happy.
 I didn't realize how unhappy I had been until we flew out and I saw how other young people live.
One night, Tyrel took Daminika and I to volleyball, and we didn't really talk to anyone.
 Just sat up against a brick wall and watched the game.
But as I was sitting there, the thought occurred to me.
 I can be content with where I am.
So I'm not married.
Obviously God knows that I am not ready for marriage just yet.
But, you know, I can still be quite happy.
 Sitting around pouting because I haven't a boyfriend isn't the way to live at all.
I'm nineteen years old!
 It isn't like I'm an old maid, with no future in sight.
I enjoyed hanging out with the guys, without looking around and wondering if there were any available.
 All the guys I hung out with were my cousins, anyways. lol
But I realized that I should simply enjoy living.
  If I can't be content with being single, then how can I be content with the problems that arise if I do marry?
 It isn't what life gives you, it's how you respond.
I guess, what I'm trying to say (and doing a terrible job at that) is that God finally got through to me, and told me to relax.
 Wait.
If you've read my sister Felicity's blog, you'd know that she now has a man of her own, and that she once had a similar revelation.
 I love the way she put it.
"Wait. It's going to be beautiful."
 I have been job hunting for a while now, with no prospects in sight, and it can get pretty overwhelming at times.
 But I have learned to breathe.
I have learned that life is beautiful, with all the bumps and curves, the storms and turmoil, and God gave me a great, wonderful purpose.
 To live for Him.
In any way He sees fit.
'He makes all things beautiful, in His time.'
 I still have my problems, but the trip to NH did wonders for me, and God opened my eyes to things I have never seen before.
 Showed me that it's all in His hands.
'I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.'

                                                                                    LaKaysha
 

Like Snowflakes, Crafted with Love

Sometimes you find things on Pinterest that seem to describe you perfectly!
 And there are the quotes that seem to put into words just what you've always wished you could say, explain...
 Would you like a small glimpse into my world?

 

 

 

I'm a hard person to understand.

 I love people, but like being alone.

I enjoy a nice conversation one-on-one most of the time, but I hate talking in a large group.

 Sometimes I need to be alone and cry, but other times I wish someone would notice my hurt.

I like the simple life, dirt roads and screen doors, but love shopping, nice clothes and high heels.

 It's hard for me to open up so I don't try, but other times I long for someone who understands and has the patience to listen while I try to talk.

 

It's amazing, when you think about it.

 Each person is completely different from another.

God created every one of us with our own little quirks and personalities, just like He crafted each snowflake, or each leaf on a tree.

 Nobody has the same handwriting, voice, or laugh.

He made you, and I, tenderly, and lovingly, because He cares.

 

Isn't that amazing?

 

                                                                                  LaKaysha

 

Car Accident

Don't you all start having conniption fits.
 This happened way back in 2008. lol
Nine years ago.... Wow
All this snow, and nerve-wracking drives through it and the ice got me to thinking about our accident years go.
 It was snowing, and we were on our way home from our new house which was still under construction.
 We have deep ravines and ditches along our roads (I mean, the road was built into a hill!) and they can be pretty steep....
 I remember thinking little about the snow and slush.
I was pretty young and, come on, Daddy won't let anything happen to us, right?
 Of course he wouldn't, but I was too young to know the difference between what Daddy can and can't do.
We little 'chillens' were watching 'The Apple Dumpling Gang' on our little screen that hung from the van ceiling, paying little attention to the scenery outside, when I heard my dad say something.
 I looked up and saw him desperately cranking the wheel, his face cold and urgent, and knew something bad was going on.
 The rest of the kids weren't paying attention.
All I remember is the van started sliding, I closed my eyes tight, and began praying, out loud, "Jesus, please, save us. Jesus, please save us."
 I could feel the van moving, but didn't dare open my eyes, until, for just a split second, everything was still, and I peeked my eyes open.
 Everything seemed to be flying by, and the trees were coming up fast.
I realized we were in the air, and quickly closed my eyes again.
 If we were going over, I didn't want to see.
 Then WHAM!
I heard my mom cry, "God, help us!", the crash of glass, and then I was slammed against my van door, hitting my head on the glass window.
  When I opened my eyes, Liberty's car seat was squishing me against the door, it's plastic edge hurting my shoulder, and we were leaning against a tree in the deep ravine.
 My mom only had a small cut above her eye (amazingly, you'll agree when you see where she was sitting) Daminika a small cut/rash in her neck from her seatbelt, and couple of us had whiplash.
 I remember my mom turning to look at us and kept asking if we were ok.
We kept saying yes, and then she said, "Thank the Lord!"
 Being the obedient little child I was, I promptly said, "Thank you, Lord Jesus!"
(Yes, I was a character. You ought to hear the candy story...but's that for another day.lol)
 But it had been my first brush with death.
My first realization that I could have died.
 I remember telling my mom as we waited for the ambulance, "Mommy, we could have died."
She was kind of preoccupied (rightly so, wouldn't you agree?) and just kind of said, "Yes, yes, we could have."
"But we didn't, Mommy." I couldn't really explain.
 I couldn't really describe to anyone what I was feeling then.
Only that God is really in control, and my life was in His Hands.
 It was actually a very wonderful thought, to think that nobody, not even I, had a say whether I lived or died.
 Only God.
I remember getting into the ambulance, and being a little frightened, shivering even though I wasn't really cold.
 They offered me a blanket but I shook my head silently.
The paramedics asked each one of us in turn if we hurt anywhere, and I told them my shoulder really hurt, but when they pulled my sweatshirt off to look, they saw that it was only a bruise.
 My great-aunt and uncle came to pick us all up and brought us their house, and a couple of us went down Urgent Care to get checked out better.
 But there were no serious injuries. :)

 My mom's side, where we hit the tree

And that, my friends, is why I have trouble riding or driving in the snow.
 I can't even go by that spot, snowy or not, without hearing that crash again.

But, our lives are God's Hands, and we just be careful, do the best we can. and leave the rest to Him.
 
                                                                      LaKaysha

The Country Life

Good morning, everyone!
 It's on mornings like these that a person is so thankful to be alive. :)
The sun is shining on the mountains, glistening on the dew-dropped trees in the neighbor's orchard, and the air is cold, nippy, and wonderfully fresh.
 Living out in the country has always been my dream and desire.
I have never even considered moving to town, where there is nothing but cars, people, traffic, loud noises, and general annoyance.
 Out here the noises we hear are cows, birds, horses, and although we do have a highway along our land, it's nothing like the house I lived in before, where there was constant roaring of engines, night and day.
 Our little town generally shuts down by midnight. ;)
I have had people tell me that I live a little too far out for them, and it's all I can do to keep from laughing.
 Me? Far out?
The Big Town is only twenty minutes away, for crying out loud. ;)
I'd actually prefer to be farther out, but things don't always go the way you want, and besides, I really like my view.

Believe it or not, there are mountains behind all that fog. ;)

 

Sometimes it's so dark, and foggy, a heavy haze over the hills and fields, I feel like I'm in Scotland or Ireland and don't mind a bit.

 And in the summertime....boy.

The sun is bright against the hills, the fields and orchards are green and inviting, and I am so thankful I live here.

 

This is a different angle, but same view.

I think I took this in the spring?

 

With our Pacific Northwest weather, the view changes almost everyday, and I love it!

 Just a quick little note this morning, to let you know I am alive and well. ;)

 

                                                                             God's peace,

                                                                                       LaKaysha 

Insecurity: How Wrong It Is

Ok, I'm sure those of you that know me personally are reading the title of my post, and are thinking rather hotly,
"You are insecure!"
 Very true. I struggle with insecurity, and I have for quite a number of years now.
But one day it dawned on me, as I pondered my problem.
 Selfish, self-centered....that's what it means to be insecure.
Now, don't take this personal; I am only stating a fact.
 Think about it.
When you are insecure, you think everyone is looking at you.
 What do they think of me?
I don't want them to think I'm a dumb, awkward girl.
 Oh, no, that girl is laughing at me, I just know it!
I can't wear that, people will look at me!

Me, me, me, me.
 Notice how when you are insecure, it's all about you?
I don't think we mean to do it, but unknowingly, we are placing ourselves first and foremost in our minds.
 You just think about yourself, how everyone is looking at you, and thinking about you.

Lately, when I start feeling like that, I try to bring someone else to my mind, whether it means talking sincerely with the person next to me, or remembering someone in prayer.
 It helps to focus on someone else's needs. :)

Another reason insecurity is wrong:
 We are supposed to walk with confidence in our Father, knowing that our lives are in His Hands, and we are to be shining His light everywhere we go.

Matthew 5:15
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick and it giveth light to unto all that are in the house."
 
I don't mean we should be proud and haughty.
 I believe we are to always be humble.
But we can still place our faith in our Heavenly Father, walk with our chins held high and with the peace that He leads and guides us, and can give us the words to speak, and the actions to display.

That's all it really boils down to, when you think about it.
 Anxiety, fear, shyness...He knows our problems, and He can strengthen us and help us to overcome our weaknesses.
 It's His strength, not ours.

Just some thoughts, and I hope I made sense to ya'll. ;)

                                                                      LaKaysha

Wisdom to Warm Your Heart: From Our Favorite Bear

Ah, Winnie the Pooh....
 I am eighteen years old, but I will NEVER stop loving that lovable stuffed bear with his innocent air. He is the spirit of all things that is in a child, and a picture of the child in all of us, never failing to warm our hearts with his simple wisdom.
 And so, just because we all need a little bit of childhood in our stressful lives, I am sharing some of Pooh Bear's love with all my followers! <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone else love this bear?

 Someday I will buy the books for myself, and the original movies, too. :)

 

                                                                        LaKaysha

A New Season

Fall is around the corner, guys!
 Is anyone as excited as me?
I have always loved fall...the smell of rain on the green grass, a warm fire in the stove, pumpkins, apples and cider... ah, it doesn't get much better than that.
 It's always exciting for me whenever a new season approaches, no matter which one.
I guess I am always looking forward to the change of seasons.
 When it's nearing the end of winter, I am ready for summer, and whenever summer finally comes to a close, I wait for winter with excitement. haha
 One of my favorite things we do in the fall is our annual Fall Party or Harvest Party, whichever you prefer.
 As Christians, we do not celebrate Halloween, but we do get together to celebrate the coming season before winter sets in and we are all cooped up forever.
 I guess it's the same idea that the earlier generations had whenever they got together to celebrate the harvest before the snows came. :)
 Well, anyways, we gather together to eat delicious food, drink apple cider and other spicy drinks, and to enjoy each others company.
 Something my Grandma started when I was young was a costume party to go with our gathering.
I am a historical fashion nut, so it has always been something I enjoy, because I can put my knowledge of past clothing to use. ;)
 I thought maybe I would share some costume idea with ya'll, if you are interested. ;)

Time eras are always fun.
 1800's, 1900's, maybe even future fashion would be interesting! ;)
I have done the 1940's many times (a personal favorite era of mine), but any era can be lots of fun!
 If you wanted to dress up 30's, but don't have much for fancy dress, all you need is a skirt that comes below your knee, a blouse and sweater, and a cute little beret atop pin curls.

 The 1960's is also a easy era to do on a budget!
A tunic or shorter dress overtop leggings or tights is all you need really, because the hair and makeup is really what makes the look.
 Blue eye shadow, thick black eyeliner and ratted hair is perfect for the 60's.

Eras aren't the only theme I have done, though. ;)

 There is always your typical princess, bride, cowgirl, or Mommy.

Last year my little cousin Evelyn was a Crayon!

 It was adorable!

She wore a pink sweat outfit and taped the word 'Crayola' up her side in black tape, and wore a paper cone atop her head for the crayon's point.

 Clever, huh?

My sister was a Spanish senorita one year, and wore a long, full, tiered skirt, a ruffled white blouse tucked in, with a colorful scarf draped over her head.

 A long blingy necklace was around her neck, and some bangles on her wrist would have been even better.

 Her hair was in a tight bun, and she did her eye makeup dark to create a more Spanish look.



If you have money and wanted to go all out, there are other ideas.
 You could dress up like your ancestors would have (Swedish, Irish, German, ect...) or there is always characters from your favorite book or movie!
 Last year my brother went as Adam Cartwright from Bonanza. *smiles*
Anne Shirley, Jo March, Huckleberry Finn, Peter Pan, or Robin Hood are just a few ideas.

I was actually Maid Marion one year. :D

'Anne Shirley'

Then there are real people.
 George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Betsy Ross, Clara Barton, Jacky Kennedy, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn....
 So many choices!

Any ideas of your own?
 I would love to hear them!

                                               LaKaysha