Saturday photo shoot: The Old Barn
A special Saturday photography time in my new red dress!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
A...Teacher in the Making?
Well, I am a teacher--officially. =) Not, of course, a *real* teacher with a permit and all, but a teacher nonetheless. Are you surprised?
Well, it all started a few months ago with a friend of ours’, who has six boys and a new baby girl, and also works. Her youngest son, in kindergarten, is the only one she can home school at the moment, and so is doing her best to teach him when she can. He loves to learn and doesn’t want to be public schooled, and so his Mother was having a terrible time FINDING time. One day, she called us up, and asked if Olivia (my sister, 17) and I might consider tutoring him once a week in language arts and writing for a few hours. Would we ever! I can only ponder all the benefits of this experience--for all of us! On our little student’s end, he will be having fun with people he knows (we are all very attached), while learning at the same time. WE will be getting excellent training for future years when we, hopefully, will be home schooling our children. Isn’t it exciting?
But that is not all. A few weeks later, a woman whom we had not heard from in a long time met my mom at the store. She told my mom that she had been thinking of Olivia and I recently, and that she had been very impressed with us when she came over to dinner once…5 years ago, when I was nine and Liv was twelve (I was rather surprised, but touched to hear that)! Anyways, SHE was wondering if we could tutor her grandson, in reading. Now, we will have two kindergarten students, starting in the next week or so. Who knows--maybe our class will grow? I never thought I would be a teacher at fourteen, but then again, the Lord does seem to surprise us quite frequently!
~Painting: "The Teacher" by Norman Rockwell~
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Adventures of the Weekend..
Well, yesterday was an entertaining day altogether. =) For, it all comes down to:
We went skiing!
...Of course, the only ones in our group skiing were Olivia (my sister) and I; the rest tried their hands (or, shall I say, their feet!) at snowboarding. It was my third time on the slopes, so I didn't struggle with "first-time troubles" that the rest had to go through, as this was their first time. However, after more than a few tumbles and snow-drenched backs and faces, I'm happy to say that all were on the road to becoming absolute pros in the snow-playing business!
It was a *beautiful* day on the mountain, and God's creation was breath-taking. We started out with our little group of five girls, one mama, and one baby at 8:30 a.m. sharp. =) After a two-hour drive, we arrived at the desired location, ready and pumped with our skis, snowboards, and other snow gear. It took those who did not have their own equipment nearly an hour to get their rentals (the shop's owners were extremely slow, I'm sorry to say), but at last we were all set to do some serious gliding.
After a few hours, one or two of us would head down to the lodge to mind the baby, so that the *Mama* could take a turn with her skis. At 7:00 we were ready to go, but--alas! The keys were nowhere to be found. They at last turned up, hidden beneath Baby Tuevya's bouncer, and we set off--the van filled with the anguished wails of Tuevya, who is indeed afraid of the dark. =)
We arrived home with Baby and all of us fast asleep, without further mishap, though quite unwilling to leave the crowded yet toasty car. We all look forward to going again, and gratefully thank the dear Mrs. J. for playing chauffeur and getting us there, baby and all. Unfortunatley, I have no pictures to post, as "someone" forgot the camera! ;)
May the LORD bless you this weekend!
We went skiing!
...Of course, the only ones in our group skiing were Olivia (my sister) and I; the rest tried their hands (or, shall I say, their feet!) at snowboarding. It was my third time on the slopes, so I didn't struggle with "first-time troubles" that the rest had to go through, as this was their first time. However, after more than a few tumbles and snow-drenched backs and faces, I'm happy to say that all were on the road to becoming absolute pros in the snow-playing business!
It was a *beautiful* day on the mountain, and God's creation was breath-taking. We started out with our little group of five girls, one mama, and one baby at 8:30 a.m. sharp. =) After a two-hour drive, we arrived at the desired location, ready and pumped with our skis, snowboards, and other snow gear. It took those who did not have their own equipment nearly an hour to get their rentals (the shop's owners were extremely slow, I'm sorry to say), but at last we were all set to do some serious gliding.
After a few hours, one or two of us would head down to the lodge to mind the baby, so that the *Mama* could take a turn with her skis. At 7:00 we were ready to go, but--alas! The keys were nowhere to be found. They at last turned up, hidden beneath Baby Tuevya's bouncer, and we set off--the van filled with the anguished wails of Tuevya, who is indeed afraid of the dark. =)
We arrived home with Baby and all of us fast asleep, without further mishap, though quite unwilling to leave the crowded yet toasty car. We all look forward to going again, and gratefully thank the dear Mrs. J. for playing chauffeur and getting us there, baby and all. Unfortunatley, I have no pictures to post, as "someone" forgot the camera! ;)
May the LORD bless you this weekend!
Monday, March 15, 2010
My *First* Short Story!
Hello, hello, my dear followers!
...Well, since dear Tarissa has so kindly told me that she would enjoy reading my feeble short story, I will post it! If you are a blossoming writer, please feel free to *kindly* critisize (spelling??...), compliment, or complain. =) I will not mind!
A small, weather-beaten structure leaned heavily upon the old red barn as if it were tired and in need of a well-earned rest. It had once been a cheery building, with a quaint powder-blue coat and neat white trim. But now, its paint was chipped and worn to a dusty grey, with no one to care how it looked (except for the Farmer’s wife, who had long since given up her complaints).
“It’s only a chicken coop, after all, Ma,” the Farmer would console her, lighting his pipe and glancing somewhat guiltily out the window towards the sagging chicken house. “The gals and their kingly cock don’t mind--‘sides, I wouldn’t lift a finger for that pesky ol’ rooster, him thinkin’ he owns the world. I’ve a mind to git rid o’ him once an’ fer all, one o’ these days.”
The said “Girls”--Jenny, Sara, and Gilda--were scrawny things, each with a bedraggled brown feathered back and drooping comb. Cackling and pecking among the weeds each day, they were long past their laying years and lived solely because of Mrs. Farmer’s pleas for her small brood. They were cheerful, nevertheless, and loved their home. “The Kingly Cock,” on the other hand, was quite the bird. He was handsome and obviously intelligent with sleek bluish feathers, gold-specked plumage, and a glistening curved beak (often used upon the unfortunate Farmer at feeding time). He was much younger than the Ladies, but to their distress still amused himself by frequently picking on them. Gilda had once confided in Sara that she “loved the boy dearly, but would be ever so delighted if he would stop pecking her once in awhile and do some good in the world!” Sara had merely sighed and dashed for a fat worm, remarking that they would simply be better off without him. And so, the quiet life at the farm continued, and the cock was christened, “King.”
Mrs. Farmer’s peach trees soon blossomed, much to her delight, and Spring was officially underway. The hens strutted down their wobbly ramp each morning to greet the sun, King following close at hand. The Farmer would not admit it, but he was terribly frightened of the young cockerel, and he did his best to slink through the barn door unnoticed. In this he was never successful, and surprise attacks were frequent.
“Augggh!! Take that--and that, ye rascal!“ A noisy war of broom against beak would follow, leaving a trail of feathers and bristles, and ending with a muttered vow to the small crowd of inquisitive hens,” I aim t’ git rid o’ that thar King one o’ these days, M‘ladies! Hit’s about time someone did…”
One bright morning in mid-May, the Farmer rose early, kissed his wife, and departed, responding to her queries with news that he had purchased a calf in town. “Iffin’ I fix her up right, an’ take care of her real good, we’ll have money to splurge come winter. You’ll git those lacy curtains yer always wantin’, Ma, and we kin buy ourselves one o’ those newfangled auto-mo-beels.”
Supper was on the table when he at last returned.. A warm breeze blew, sending a waft of blueberry pie through the open kitchen window to where the Farmer had just pulled his rickety wagon to a stop. He decided that putting away the pretty brown-eyed calf could wait. After all, it would not be dark for another hour, and Ma’s pies were no good cold…he quickly made his way to the house, and the screen door slammed. King stepped from his place behind the garden hose, disappointed. It had been a dull day with the Farmer away, and his wife was much too slow to provide much entertainment at feeding time. He made his way out back to the parked wagon, where the forgotten calf lowed dejectedly. The Girls had immediately surrounded it, cackling pityingly.
“Oh, the poor dear,” Sara crooned, generously offering the forlorn animal a beetle. She declined politely, and attempted to gnaw at her line. “Think of how dreadful it would be to have a horrid cord around one’s neck!” She eyed the rope with disdain. “ I believe it is our sisterly duty to at least allow the poor prisoner some grass--don’t you agree, girls?” Her fellow sympathizers nodded, and all three began to peck determinedly. The rope was soon thoroughly frayed. The cow gave a happy “moo,” and lumbered towards Mrs. Farmer’s favorite tulips. King decided not to interfere, and started towards the hutch. It was nearly dark, and he did not wish to be caught alone outside when the Farmer came to shut their coop for the night.
Suddenly, King glimpsed a movement out of the corner of his eye. A low growl came from behind, and he turned to see a large black shadow slink from behind the barn, its yellow eyes glowing like embers. It was ready to pounce, fixed upon a tiny form munching among the flowers. King sprang into action. With a leap, he was between the cow and its predator, feathers ruffled and wings flapping. “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” He crowed defiantly, raising himself to his full height. Enraged at the small barrier which separated it from its meal, the beast gave a scream and started forward. A door banged, and the Farmer raced from the house, blueberry stains on his overalls and a rifle in hand. “Cougar!” He murmured, taking aim. The mangy animal soon lay dead at his feet. Mrs. Farmer hurried from the house. “Papa! Are you all right? What happened? Is--” she stopped short as she saw a tear roll down his cheek. There, beneath the weight of the dead cougar, lay the small body of King. His feathers were bloody and torn, and the proud plumes drooped. The calf grazed beside them quietly, unaware of her narrow escape.
“Ma, we are in the presence of a valiant warrior,” the Farmer said quietly, tenderly lifting the former King from the ground. “The little troublemaker saved our calf, and gave his own life for her. I’m sorry I ever said a cruel word about ’im.” Sorrowfully, the two penned up the stray heifer and made their way back to the house.
When the sun rose the next morning, Mrs. Farmer took three remaining tulips from her unfortunate garden and went with her husband to a pretty field out back. She placed them on the fresh turned mound, as the Farmer placed a marker, carefully engraved with the words, “KING,” at the head. As they began the returning walk, he turned thoughtfully to his wife. “Ma? I’ve been thinkin’. When we sell the cow, perhaps we kin do without that thar auto-mo-beel, and--” The Farmer sighed, then glanced back at the small grave. “--and we kin fix up the chicken coop. I’d say it’s about time, wouldn’t you?”
...Well, since dear Tarissa has so kindly told me that she would enjoy reading my feeble short story, I will post it! If you are a blossoming writer, please feel free to *kindly* critisize (spelling??...), compliment, or complain. =) I will not mind!
KING
A small, weather-beaten structure leaned heavily upon the old red barn as if it were tired and in need of a well-earned rest. It had once been a cheery building, with a quaint powder-blue coat and neat white trim. But now, its paint was chipped and worn to a dusty grey, with no one to care how it looked (except for the Farmer’s wife, who had long since given up her complaints).
“It’s only a chicken coop, after all, Ma,” the Farmer would console her, lighting his pipe and glancing somewhat guiltily out the window towards the sagging chicken house. “The gals and their kingly cock don’t mind--‘sides, I wouldn’t lift a finger for that pesky ol’ rooster, him thinkin’ he owns the world. I’ve a mind to git rid o’ him once an’ fer all, one o’ these days.”
The said “Girls”--Jenny, Sara, and Gilda--were scrawny things, each with a bedraggled brown feathered back and drooping comb. Cackling and pecking among the weeds each day, they were long past their laying years and lived solely because of Mrs. Farmer’s pleas for her small brood. They were cheerful, nevertheless, and loved their home. “The Kingly Cock,” on the other hand, was quite the bird. He was handsome and obviously intelligent with sleek bluish feathers, gold-specked plumage, and a glistening curved beak (often used upon the unfortunate Farmer at feeding time). He was much younger than the Ladies, but to their distress still amused himself by frequently picking on them. Gilda had once confided in Sara that she “loved the boy dearly, but would be ever so delighted if he would stop pecking her once in awhile and do some good in the world!” Sara had merely sighed and dashed for a fat worm, remarking that they would simply be better off without him. And so, the quiet life at the farm continued, and the cock was christened, “King.”
Mrs. Farmer’s peach trees soon blossomed, much to her delight, and Spring was officially underway. The hens strutted down their wobbly ramp each morning to greet the sun, King following close at hand. The Farmer would not admit it, but he was terribly frightened of the young cockerel, and he did his best to slink through the barn door unnoticed. In this he was never successful, and surprise attacks were frequent.
“Augggh!! Take that--and that, ye rascal!“ A noisy war of broom against beak would follow, leaving a trail of feathers and bristles, and ending with a muttered vow to the small crowd of inquisitive hens,” I aim t’ git rid o’ that thar King one o’ these days, M‘ladies! Hit’s about time someone did…”
One bright morning in mid-May, the Farmer rose early, kissed his wife, and departed, responding to her queries with news that he had purchased a calf in town. “Iffin’ I fix her up right, an’ take care of her real good, we’ll have money to splurge come winter. You’ll git those lacy curtains yer always wantin’, Ma, and we kin buy ourselves one o’ those newfangled auto-mo-beels.”
Supper was on the table when he at last returned.. A warm breeze blew, sending a waft of blueberry pie through the open kitchen window to where the Farmer had just pulled his rickety wagon to a stop. He decided that putting away the pretty brown-eyed calf could wait. After all, it would not be dark for another hour, and Ma’s pies were no good cold…he quickly made his way to the house, and the screen door slammed. King stepped from his place behind the garden hose, disappointed. It had been a dull day with the Farmer away, and his wife was much too slow to provide much entertainment at feeding time. He made his way out back to the parked wagon, where the forgotten calf lowed dejectedly. The Girls had immediately surrounded it, cackling pityingly.
“Oh, the poor dear,” Sara crooned, generously offering the forlorn animal a beetle. She declined politely, and attempted to gnaw at her line. “Think of how dreadful it would be to have a horrid cord around one’s neck!” She eyed the rope with disdain. “ I believe it is our sisterly duty to at least allow the poor prisoner some grass--don’t you agree, girls?” Her fellow sympathizers nodded, and all three began to peck determinedly. The rope was soon thoroughly frayed. The cow gave a happy “moo,” and lumbered towards Mrs. Farmer’s favorite tulips. King decided not to interfere, and started towards the hutch. It was nearly dark, and he did not wish to be caught alone outside when the Farmer came to shut their coop for the night.
Suddenly, King glimpsed a movement out of the corner of his eye. A low growl came from behind, and he turned to see a large black shadow slink from behind the barn, its yellow eyes glowing like embers. It was ready to pounce, fixed upon a tiny form munching among the flowers. King sprang into action. With a leap, he was between the cow and its predator, feathers ruffled and wings flapping. “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” He crowed defiantly, raising himself to his full height. Enraged at the small barrier which separated it from its meal, the beast gave a scream and started forward. A door banged, and the Farmer raced from the house, blueberry stains on his overalls and a rifle in hand. “Cougar!” He murmured, taking aim. The mangy animal soon lay dead at his feet. Mrs. Farmer hurried from the house. “Papa! Are you all right? What happened? Is--” she stopped short as she saw a tear roll down his cheek. There, beneath the weight of the dead cougar, lay the small body of King. His feathers were bloody and torn, and the proud plumes drooped. The calf grazed beside them quietly, unaware of her narrow escape.
“Ma, we are in the presence of a valiant warrior,” the Farmer said quietly, tenderly lifting the former King from the ground. “The little troublemaker saved our calf, and gave his own life for her. I’m sorry I ever said a cruel word about ’im.” Sorrowfully, the two penned up the stray heifer and made their way back to the house.
When the sun rose the next morning, Mrs. Farmer took three remaining tulips from her unfortunate garden and went with her husband to a pretty field out back. She placed them on the fresh turned mound, as the Farmer placed a marker, carefully engraved with the words, “KING,” at the head. As they began the returning walk, he turned thoughtfully to his wife. “Ma? I’ve been thinkin’. When we sell the cow, perhaps we kin do without that thar auto-mo-beel, and--” The Farmer sighed, then glanced back at the small grave. “--and we kin fix up the chicken coop. I’d say it’s about time, wouldn’t you?”
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
An Award, and a Small Update
I have been *awarded* by my dear friends, The H. Sisters of "Living at Home." Isn't that exciting? And guess what it is for?
..Isn't that sweet? I love you, dears! <3
Hmmm...and let's see. What has been going on around here lately? Well, first of all, today I wrote a short story! We are doing this English class, you see (at home, of course!), and the focus is "short stories." We are learning to right short stories, and read them as well. It is quite fun! But anyways, my first project I have completed. It is called, "King," and if you would like for me to post it so that you can read it, I would love to! It is not very good, of course...but then, there is always time for improvement! =)
Tomorrow is Wednesday. If all goes according to plan, at 10:00 I will be going to a local church were a somewhat large group of homeschoolers meet every week for a sort of co-op, to take a P.E. class, and to play the piano for the HS choir there. Then, we are going downhill skiing! A second attempt...last time we went, driving nearly 2 1/2 hours to get there, it was closed! =O But we did get to do four *free* rides on the lifts, courtesy of the lodge, before they closed. HOPEFULLY that will not happen again!
Please be praying for our friends, Rachael and Sarah C. They just returned from helping at an orphanage in India two weeks ago (which they enjoyed immensly), and yesterday they left for Amsterdam! =) Please keep them in your prayers for safety, fun, and God's blessings. Thank you, friends! I have never been out of the country, but would love to, someday...just to travel, and see the different lands and cultures. I think it would be great fun! Have any of you ever dreamed of Missions work, or simply travel? If so, where would you like most to go? Please tell me in a comment!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
*Ahem!* Announcement!! Please Visit...
Hello, Dear Friends: I have an *announcement* and *request* to make of you...
Please visit my new photography blog, Capturing Creation. For a long time I have been interested in photography (like so may of us are), and have recently been taking a LOT more photos than usual! I *love* photography, an do not have one of those "good" cameras or even an editing program, but I would love to share some of my snapshots with you on this blog. Please check it out, and tell me if you have a photography blog, that I might visit! I am always interested in advice, guidelines, etc, too. =) Thanks, and hope to see you there!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Let's Have some Fun!
Abigail Kraft is having a "Blog Party" over at 'The Rear Window!' It is a neat idea--click on the link to check it out! She is having some fun giveaways if you link up to the post and do this "get-to-know-me interview:"
1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?: The Evening. Everything is restful--school is over for the day, and there is sometimes a little free-time to indulge in, writing, reading, etc! Sunsets are beautiful, as well. =)
2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?: Ooh! I know! Orange Chicken and rice...yummy!
3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?: That is super hard. There are so many things that I would want for this world (and my family and friends...and perhaps myself, hehe..)! But one main thing would probably be that the ruthless dictators of countries such as North Korea would be cut off from power.
4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?: Hmm...well, I have the tendancy to say, "I know," alot (even if I have just found out)! I have been mimicked and teased about that for a while...=) I don't mind, and say it anyways out of habit!
5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?: Oh, DEFINITLY Laura Ingalls, or "Little Women." I would like to be a character like, a mix between Jo and Meg for "Little Women," and of course Laura in "Little House." I love both those time periods!
6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?: I would *love* to be able to play several instruments really well! =)
7. If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?: Anything tropical--Hawaii, the Bahamas, California, the Caribbean...or, somewhere in England or Switzerland!
8. If you were a really good singer, which genre would you sing?: Hmmm...most definitly Christian, and perhaps a mix of hymns/contemporary.
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what [store] would it be?: Oh, wow! Probably Goodwill, American Eagle (for ONCE!), Ross, Target...the possibilities are endless!
11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?: Probably a turquiose blue!
12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?: (Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey) ..I really haven't seen that movie, so I guess I don't know!
13. What's the last album you listened to?: Ooh, I don't remember...oh, yes! It was an album that my Aunt gave us for Christmas, recordings of the worship at her church. Pretty!
14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?: I hate "Cliques!" Little clusters of groups that ban certain people from certain people annoy me. I hate seeing anyone (or feeling) left out!
1. What's your favorite time of the day, and why?: The Evening. Everything is restful--school is over for the day, and there is sometimes a little free-time to indulge in, writing, reading, etc! Sunsets are beautiful, as well. =)
2. If health wasn't an issue, what food could you live off of?: Ooh! I know! Orange Chicken and rice...yummy!
3. If you could have one wish granted (besides wishing for more wishes), what would it be?: That is super hard. There are so many things that I would want for this world (and my family and friends...and perhaps myself, hehe..)! But one main thing would probably be that the ruthless dictators of countries such as North Korea would be cut off from power.
4. What's one thing that you get teased about a lot?: Hmm...well, I have the tendancy to say, "I know," alot (even if I have just found out)! I have been mimicked and teased about that for a while...=) I don't mind, and say it anyways out of habit!
5. If you could choose one movie, book, or TV show to spend your life in, which would you pick? What type of character would you be?: Oh, DEFINITLY Laura Ingalls, or "Little Women." I would like to be a character like, a mix between Jo and Meg for "Little Women," and of course Laura in "Little House." I love both those time periods!
"Laura Ingalls"
"Little Women"
6. If you could have one talent that you don't already have, what would it be?: I would *love* to be able to play several instruments really well! =)
7. If money were no object, where would you go on vacation?: Anything tropical--Hawaii, the Bahamas, California, the Caribbean...or, somewhere in England or Switzerland!
"England"
"Switzerland"
"Hawaii"
8. If you were a really good singer, which genre would you sing?: Hmmm...most definitly Christian, and perhaps a mix of hymns/contemporary.
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, what [store] would it be?: Oh, wow! Probably Goodwill, American Eagle (for ONCE!), Ross, Target...the possibilities are endless!
11. If every outfit in your wardrobe had to be one color, what would it be?: Probably a turquiose blue!
12. If you were one of the seven dwarves, which one would you be?: (Doc, Grumpy, Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Happy, or Dopey) ..I really haven't seen that movie, so I guess I don't know!
13. What's the last album you listened to?: Ooh, I don't remember...oh, yes! It was an album that my Aunt gave us for Christmas, recordings of the worship at her church. Pretty!
14. What's something we'd be surprised to know about you?: I hate "Cliques!" Little clusters of groups that ban certain people from certain people annoy me. I hate seeing anyone (or feeling) left out!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Photo Entries for Contest!
Everyone loves color. Babies adore it, fashion freaks are all for it--and I, for one, am an absolute *fan* of it! Without those delicious brights we see everyday, life would be...colorless! =)
So, to celebrate life's little bursts of color, there is a *fun* contest I am entering today, manned by Hannah Paige! The theme is COLOR, and I got alot of joy from that. =) Here are my entries! Tell me what you think, then click HERE to go and enter your own photos!
So, to celebrate life's little bursts of color, there is a *fun* contest I am entering today, manned by Hannah Paige! The theme is COLOR, and I got alot of joy from that. =) Here are my entries! Tell me what you think, then click HERE to go and enter your own photos!
"Beading Frenzy"
"Color Me Rainbow"
...So there you have it! Two "color" photos. =) I took several of each subject, and had SUCH a hard time deciding which to use!! =I But finally, I did these. Thanks, Hannah Paige, for hosting this contest!
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