Entering A Contest

This is the photo I am entering for Grace's spring photo contest. See sidebar if you'd like to enter too.

Taking a Break

Hi guys! :) It's Sunday! I will be leaving for church soon, so I will make this quick.

I would like to take a bit of a break. With finals for school this week, tech week for the play next week, and opening night two weeks away (I am so excited!), I am going to resume blogging on Mother's Day. Thank you for understanding and please don't miss me too much. :)

The Cute Side #20

My Playlist

Here are some of my favorite songs...

Gold by Britt Nicole

Fireflies by Owl City

Red by Taylor Swift

Strangely Dim by Francesca Battistelli

A Thousand Years by Christina Perri

You Are by Colton Dixon

Paradise by Coldplay

There are many others, so maybe I'll do a post like this again sometime. What's on your playlist?

Have a great day! :)

Part Four of Anna's Story

"No!" I cried falling to the ground in exhaustion. This is horrible, just horrible! Why did this have to happen?

I felt strong arms envelope me in a hug and I realized it was a neighbor, but I didn't know which one at the time. Then, we were brought inside a house while people tried to stop the fire from spreading and our animals from running away. I felt gentle hands wrap a warm blanket around me and guide me towards a bed where I sank into the mattress and fell asleep.

The next morning, I awoke feeling Henrietta stir next to me. I blinked open my eyes, not knowing where I was at first. But then the horror and terror of last night washed over me and I gasped. What are we going to do?

Quietly, I got out of bed so as not to disturb Henrietta and pulled on the clothes laid out for me. Mrs. Bryant's dress was a bit big on me, but it would have to do. Then, I pried my hair lose from its braid and set to combing it. My hair was tangled and smelled strongly of smoke, which nearly made me gag, so I pulled it up into a bun to hide the singed ends.

I slowly walked down the front stairs to the main level. The house was silent and I wondered what time it was. Where is everyone?

I was met with Mrs. Bryant and her husband talking in hushed whispers in the parlor. They immediately stopped when I stepped on a squeaky board just outside the door.

"Why, good morning, Anna," Mrs. Bryant greeted, standing up. "Are you hungry for breakfast?"

All I could do was nod, and I followed her into the kitchen where her maid stood ready.

"Sarah, could you make sure Anna and the rest of them get breakfast?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"And Anna? I will be going into town today to settle some important matters. Will you and your siblings be alright spending the day within our property?"

"Yes, ma'am," I repeated. "Thank you for your generosity."

"It's what neighbors do," she smiled.

After I had gotten some food into my growling stomach, I decided to head outside to see if my brothers were up and about.

Although Mrs. Bryant's yard was smaller than ours, it was one of the most beautiful gardens I'd ever seen. Flowers of all shapes, sizes, and colors adorned the place. Neatly trimmed hedges and bushes were lined up along a walkway in the middle. At the end, a stone fountain added to the peaceful setting. Birds tweeted and flew about, whistling happy songs. I whistled a tune of my own and they soon followed suit. For the first time since the fire, I smiled.

After turning a corner, my eyes fell upon James. He stood by the far fence, staring into the distance. His arms were clasped behind his back and he wasn't moving a muscle. I found myself next to him, but I didn't speak. I let him go first.

"We can't stay here forever, you know."

I glanced at him, wondering where he would go with this.

"I know, but we just got here. Nobody expects us to leave anytime soon, do they?"

"No, but their generosity will only go so far. They don't want to have to worry about five children they aren't even related to."

"Clark and Obadiah aren't really children anymore. And while they find work, we could help the Bryant's out. After all, they're not as young as they used to be and with a place like this I'm sure we'll be able to do something to earn out keep. Where else can we go?"

"Mother's got a brother a couple of miles away. Maybe they'd take us."

"Uncle Matthew and Aunt Winifred? You have got to be joking - there is no way they'd take us. They don't even like us."

"True. What about Grandmother and Grandfather?"

"They live too far away and could die any day. Just face it - we're orphans!"

I plopped down on the ground in despair. Was there really no hope for us?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

To be continued...



P.S. I am praying for the people of Boston today. It's such a tragedy! :(

Week Seven

A black and white photo...

...write about your insecurities.

We all have insecurities. Some more than others. Here I will post some of mine that I used to have and am going through right now. I don't want this to be a negative post; I hope to inspire you to overcome yours.

1. Talking on the phone. Has anyone else ever suffered from this or am I the only one? Please don't let me be the only one... Well, even if you haven't, I have overcome this fear after having to talk on the phone with friends and family so many times that now I don't even look at it twice before entering the number. Yah! :)

2. When I'm at an after-school activity and I'm the only one who hasn't been picked up yet. All alone, waiting. Boy, does this scare me and sends my brain into overdrive of all the horrible things that could have happened to my mom or dad on the way here. Especially when it's dark. Gives me the shivers just thinking about it. Now, this doesn't happen very often, but I might as well put it up here since it's true. So, in a nutshell, being alone is an insecurity of mine that I haven't conquered yet.

3. The future. Sometimes, I get so worried and anxious about the future. Will I pass my Driver's Ed test? How will I get a job? How do I spend my money wisely? Where will I go to college? How will I get a house? Will I be able to survive on my own without my parents guiding me? Who will I date? How do I know what is right for me? But I know I have to trust in God and He will make my path straight. It will be hard, but I know I can do it.

4. Trying new things. Wow, do I have a hard time with this one. From the littlest of things like picking a new movie or book to read or watch that isn't in my genre, to the big things like going to a public high school next year (yeepers!) and being the one to go up and say hi to the person who looks like they need a friend. Though every year, I can see myself improving slowly and I thank God for giving me courage.

What are some of your insecurities?

Thanks for reading and have a great day! :)

The Cute Side #19

Actually it would make you sick :P

Ah, Saturdays. :) The day where after a long week of school, homework, and activities, you can finally rest, read, watch movies... anything that makes you happy. Alas, they don't last very long, so spend your time wisely! Have a great day! :)

P.S. Be sure to vote on my new polls!

Entering a Contest

I'm entering a design contest by Storyteller here. Do you like?

Have a great day! :)

Interview with Autumn

1. What are your hobbies?
Reading, writing, dolls, violin, blogging, being with friends and a lot more..

2. What do you like about my blog?
Everything!

3. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Probably flying

4. Would you rather read or write?
That's a hard one... hmm.. I guess write

5. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Talks with my parents

6. Dog or cat?
Definitely dog, I've had a cat and they're annoying.

7. City or country?
COUNTRY! I couldn't stand to live in the city.

8. What are you most looking forward to in life?
Growing up:P

9. Favorite season?
Summer or winter

10. If you had 1 million dollars, what would you do with it? (Be specific.)
Probably give some for a good cause, spend some and save some

Thanks Autumn! I enjoyed reading your answers. Be sure to visit her blog here. Have a great day! :)

Do you ever...

{This post was inspired by Erin}

Do you ever have a hard time talking to people? Do you ever want to talk to them, but the words just don't come? Do you ever feel pressured to talk because then they might think you're shy?

I do.

I realized when I am an adult and talking with my kids, they might not know what a pencil is. They might not know who Taylor Swift or Justin Bieber is. The might not know what a mailbox is. They might not know what a "real" book is! They'll think pencils, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, real books, and mailboxes are old fashioned and "not cool" anymore. Wow. That's crazy to think about. But I guess it must be what our parents feel like. I wonder what these next couple of decades will bring...

The Fashion Tag

Thanks Britt! :)

1. How would you describe your style?

Modest, comfy, colorful, fun, and stylish!

2. What are your wardrobe staples?

Dolmans, tanks, colored skinny jeans, UGG boots, Converse, and hoodies.

3. Most expensive clothing item you own?

My purple "wedding" dress (the dress I wear to weddings - it's beautiful!)

4. Most wanted item?

Sundresses!

5. Favorite designer?

I don't really have one.

6. How much do you spend on clothing?

Um, maybe $20 a month? I have no idea though. :P I usually buy my clothing in groups. Like, I save up a bunch (around $100+) then at the beginning of each season I buy clothes according to that season. Also, no more that $25 per piece unless it is a special item.

7. Favorite places to shop?

Delias, Aeropostale, Ross, Kohls...

8. Favorite fragrance?

Beautiful Cherry Bliss by Bath and Body Works.

9. Favorite way to have your hair?

Down and plain or in a pretty braid.

10. What is your go to outfit when you don't have anything to wear?

A fitted T-shirt and jean shorts with flip flops.

11. Most prized possession?

My robe. It's long and comfy and warm and PURPLE!

I tag... anyone who wants this! Have a great day! :)

P.S. My computer died :( so this may affect my blogging and emailing schedule. Now, I am using my mom's which isn't always available. Just to let you know.