And because I have been absent for over three months, this post is going to be loaded with photos, so if you can make it to the bottom, well.... I'll think of something to give you. *wink*
It was a crazy time, planning the wedding, picking up the decorations, dress shopping, bridal shower, Last Night Out, rehearsal and decorating, then the big day came... saying goodbye.
But it was a lot of fun, too, and I'm wishing someone else would get married so we can do it all over again!
I'm going to be absent for a while, guys. (not that I haven't been already)
Because life is just.... life, you know? Things have been little crazy, personally, for me.
I will be not blogging again until the New Year.
Please don't miss me too much, or forget about me, all right?
When I return in January, I will have decided whether or not I will continue blogging on this personal blog. I am tossing the idea around, so hopefully I've reached a decision by then.
I may still do updates on Roses are Red (I hope to anyways) during this break, so don't give up me entirely.
So, because I will be gone, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you all! *blows kisses*
I'll be back in January.
"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
Hey, ya'll!
Just figured I'd let you lovelies know that I have a new beauty blog!
Head on over to Roses Are Red if you'd like.
I will continuing my personal blogging here, so don't worry about that. I'll continue the photo dumps, writings, ect.
First of all, I think I should warn ya'll that I will not be posting a very big photo dump for the month of September. (Prepare for boredom)
Although I did take pics like I do every month, it wasn't a lot.
I have been working a lot these days, and I don't think you would really find photos of me scrubbing a bathtub that grand, you know?
apple pie to celebrate fall!
a trip to the beach with family
I get this every time we go to the ocean, but who cares?
Clam Chowder in a sourdough bread bowl <3
believe it or not, this is a river. Not the ocean
headed home
cleaning supplies for the first day on the job!
I was really nervous that first time, but it's getting easier each day, and although I can't say I ENJOY scrubbing stranger's toilets and tubs, it pays decent.
It seems like I spend all my days cleaning, whether it's for our clients, or my own house, and it does get a little old. You know?
so I treat myself after work!
yeeeeeah.... I treated myself again. Deal with it
My first relaxed, lazy morning in a long time!
siblings conversations are always the best
when you take a quiz and get both of your favorite characters....
Oh yeah *sunglasses*
Currently read (or reading):
Little Britches by Ralph Moody
I'm still reading this (I've read it many times)
This is an excellent series, ya'll. Seriously
To Tame a Land by Louis L'Amour
heh... Name any Louis L'Amour, I've probably read it recently
Recently watched:
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
(this photo is from the first Jurassic World, I know)
Strange how you could love a movie about
crazy dinosaurs on a rampage. lol
But if you watched this, you'd understand... I think
The ending, though! Ugh
I like the Jurassic World trilogy better than the first
Jurassic Park movies, but maybe that's just me
Zootopia
surprisingly enough for someone
who isn't a huge fan of new Disney, I really liked this one
Moana
Like I said, I'm not a huge fan of new Disney
(exceptions like Wreck-It-Ralph, Inside Out, others)
This was ok... I liked Dwayne Johnson's singing
and the humor was nice. But wasn't too epic for me
These days I've been scrubbing floors, eating food, hanging with the siblings, sleeping in when I can, trying to get into a workout routine, and enjoying this fall weather.
The mornings are cold and fresh, (the other morning we had frost on the ground!) the leaves are changing color, and the days have been windy.
Tuesday afternoon I went on a walk with my mom and sisters.
The air was nippy, the skies blue, and the birds were singing like they've never sung before. It was a lovely outing. <3
Last Sunday, after church, some of us gals went to BV and then walked the mall for a while, enjoying the change of pace, laughing at some of the styles coming out, and squealing at the others,
(The NEW nineties is the fashion vibe around here, and I couldn't be happier. Childhood, man!)
Basically just plugging along, enjoying life (or trying to) and getting accustomed to a new job.
What have you been up to? Have you watched the new Jurassic World yet?
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 have been absent, I know.
Please, allow me to explain.
It's been a rough time for me, personally, this past few months.
My bank account was getting lower, and lower and lower., until I was becoming quite anxious and overwhelmed, realizing I couldn't keep this up.
My once-a-week cleaning job wasn't keeping up with my constant needs and bills (gas, phone, eye care, ect.) and, at the possibility of sounding like a vain creature, my wardrobe looks pretty sad.
It was a struggle to keep gas in my vehicle, and when friends wanted to go out for lunch, I'd always get a sad feeling in the pit of my stomach, because I knew I couldn't.
I couldn't seem to find anything worthwhile, that would actually pay well, plus be convenient for someone as insecure is me.
No place I inquired about was hiring. I even asked at my favorite coffee shop, but I'm pretty sure they only hire relatives, so I came up empty there, too.
I was practically down to my last dollar, and I couldn't take it anymore.
One night I actually broke down, crying and stating I didn't know what I was doing anymore, where I was going from here; why did I even exist?
Nothing seemed to be going right for me, and all my prayers seemed to be falling on a silent ear.
Down to my last options, I typed on the ALC Facebook page:
"Looking for a babysitting/cleaning job. Would prefer to work for someone within the church, part-time. If you are interested, or know of someone in need of help, please let me know!"
I pushed the 'post' button and walked away, doubting I would even get a response.
'O, ye of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?'
Only a few days later, a woman messaged me about a nanny job, which sounded a little sketchy, but I was considering it, and asked God to show me if that's what he wanted me to do. The next day I got another message, from a relative, Myrna Jussila.
She was moving and needed someone to take over some of her clients, if I would be interested.
Well, of course I told her I certainly was, as was my sister Daminika, and she filled me on the details. It sounded appealing enough, and I pretty much agreed to give it a try.
A job at last! My prayers had been answered.
One kink in the plans, though: We had to buy our own vacuum.
Like the ungrateful, weak creature that I am, I promptly switched my stress from finding a job to figuring out how to buy a vacuum. I mean, they aren't the cheapest item in the store.
The following Sunday I was seated in church, and instead of listening to the sermon as I ought, I was stressing over where on earth was I going to get the money for a vacuum.
I prayed that maybe someone had one they no longer wanted and would let us take it, or maybe randomly win one, shoot, maybe even have one fall into my lap. Anyway possible, Lord, help me find one!
After church, we went home, and I went into my room to change out of my church clothes. A message flashed across my cell phone screen. "Hey, girls, I found a vacuum for only $50!" No way.
Another prayer answered.
This may seem like a little thing to some, but it had been weighing on my mind until I thought I would surely scream from the anxiety, and here one 'falls in my lap.'
I could have cried for joy, but again, my happiness soon gave way to anxiety, as I dreaded the days when I would have to go and meet the owners of the houses I would be cleaning. Talking is not my thing.
The night before we were to meet our first client, I was a nervous wreck, and then this song popped up on my Youtube.
Again, I moved to tears, as I realized my lack of faith, my silly fretting over petty things that were out of my control.
And so now, as I slowly become adjusted to another new season in my life, I often have to remind myself, 'Over and over, again and again God is faithful.'
I don't know how long this season will last, or how things will go, but the best thing I can do is square my shoulders and just keep moving forward, knowing 'Jesus is with me, so I'll claim the victory.'
On a lighter side, I'm super excited about another upcoming season: Fall!
I have never been the type to cling to summer, in fact, I always look forward to the changing seasons, because there is always something breathtaking about each one.
Summer has sunny days, relaxing evenings and river walks, while Winter is full of crackling fires, Christmas trees, snow, and peppermint candies.
Spring has lush green grass, bright wildflowers and songbirds.
Fall....
Ah, Autumn.
The last of the harvesting is under way, apples are pressed into cider, leaves are raked into piles perfect for leaping into, rain patters the rooftops and waters the grass that's been bleached and burnt by summer's heat.
You can see your breath as you snuggle into your jacket and scarf, clutching a steaming mug of spicy tea while listening to the sounds of nature.
Boots and sweaters.
Thanksgiving and foggy mornings.
There is so much to love about this coming season!
What life-changing season do you remember the most? Apple cider or Pumpkin coffee? LaKaysha
