Thus Far

Technically, I finished the first one at the very end of 2022… but it was after Christmas, so it feels close enough to 2023 to me. 😉 This was such a beautiful, atmospheric story. The writing made it feel like a fairytale, that gossamer dreamscape of not-quite real, like the story is whispered on a winter night as the waves lull you to sleep. The characters all had such beautiful, intricate backstories, and with so many different pieces moving, I was always half-questioning what was real and what was a story within the story.  My one issue with that is that the book is pretty slow moving, so even though I would be engaged while reading it, I could easily put the book down and not come back for a couple of days. I wanted to know how everything came together, but there wasn't an urgency of need to know. Also, since we were engaging with so many different stories at once, I was unsure how—if at all—all of those pieces would come together. But those concerns were assuaged by th

Picture Credit Recommended Listening 6:20 : My phone chimes, a gentle melody with a light buzzing—it’s the vibrating that shakes me awake. I turn quickly to stop the sound before it wakes my roommates (aka sisters), and then I lay for a few minutes, enjoying the cozy morning coolness under soft, sherpa blankets. It takes a little time to coax the sleep from my limbs and my body from the bed, but eventually, I make my way up. I pad across the room and fetch a water bottle, my Bible, notebook, and pencils from their place on my mantel. Wrapped in my favorite hoodie, I crawl back under the covers, arrange my pillows into a comfortable chair, and then open God’s Word to have some Just Us Time before the full day begins. I finished the book of Micah earlier this month (the prophets’ books are always so fascinating), and I think I have a new favorite verse from it. Picture Credit I turned that picture into my laptop background to keep that reminder close over these next few weeks. 🥰 7

It’s been a long time since the holidays have looked like they used to, hasn’t it? I found myself in the days after Christmas angry, and sad, and depressed. I had spent time with family. I had received beautiful gifts for which I am grateful. I’d had a couple of days off work and some time to just sit with a cup of salted caramel hot cocoa watching my favorite films and filmmakers online. It sounded so idyllic and, for a few moments, felt that way... and yet there is and was  so much in my life that is not as I thought it would be. There are real problems hanging over my everyday that stir up anxiety and threaten my future. There are obstacles that refused to budge and kept me away from other loved ones this year. There are dreams I’ve been gripping to my chest and toiling at day after day for over a decade—and yet it feels like not an inch of progress has been made since day one. I had been looking for wonder and magic to make up for all the letdowns and pain, and I did as much as

Will all of these get watched? Mmm, probably not. But I’ll have to do at least a few of them because I said I would, lol. In truth, I love Holiday movies—when I can force myself to sit down and watch them; it’s the pausing to take a rest in the middle of a busy season and regular busy life that is the difficult part. So, here is my declaration to hopefully rope myself into watching a couple of these, along with a little reminder to you, dear reader, to make a tea or a cocoa, put on a favorite holiday film, and take a break if you need it. 😉 A Hallmark Christmas Movie    I’ve been watching one or two of these every Christmas season for the past few years ( Holly and Ivy was last year's choice), and I’ve enjoyed every one I’ve seen so far! They have such a perfect, cozy, heartwarming vibe that helps get me in the mood for the season if I’m struggling to really feel it (hello, living in the south and never having snow for Christmas time. :p) I’ve already watched The Noel Diary

 A bit different than my normal posts I know, but I was talking to my sisters the other day about the people who give the best holiday gifts. Those who seemed to look right into our minds and see things we didn’t even know we needed but were the perfect gifts for that year. Then I thought about the times I’ve been able to give gifts that were well-appreciated and came up with a few tips from my giving strategy for the Christmas season. Hope you enjoy! Tip Number 1: Listen Throughout the Year Sounds a little late, haha, but you can still start this today! Pay attention in conversations: what are others’ frustrations? What would make life easier for them? What’s a wistful thing they wished they could have or do (experiences make great gifts!) but either aren’t able to or feel they can’t justify the money for? As an example, my dad started working from home after COVID-19, but since then, because of his desk setup, he’s had some neck pain from looking down all day. Last Christmas, I

As of today, this blog has been live for a whole year! A nd I have not posted nearly as much as I intended, haha . Honestly, it feels like I just started blogging again, and I can't believe we're creeping up to the end of 2022. This year has flown by. But on the bright side, it is  Fall again, my favorite season, and that does lift the spirits. Praise God for Autumn days <3 Source:  https://contemplatingoutlander.tumblr.com/post/188069902172/welcome-october-from-anne-of-green-gables Since my last post, I’ve been doing a lot of writing. I hit some snags in my WIP, a Cinderella reimagining called The Second Prince , which have taken all my focus and brainpower to work out. In truth, they’re not totally resolved, but I’m trying to take some steps back, get the fresh opinions of fellow writers, and then see what I might be able to work out. If you’re interested, here’s the concept for the book: Prince Sirion knows that his actions in the Island War have disqualified him from