I'm in My Own Little World

This song recently came out, by Christian singer/songwriter Matthew West. I really like his music, and this is one of my favorite songs so far...it just really strikes me how true this can be of all of us! Read the words, listen to the music, and ponder, dear friends. Are we stuck in "our own little worlds?"

~My Own Little World~

by Matthew West

In my own little world it hardly ever rains

I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe

I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet

In my own little world

Population me

I try to stay awake through Sunday morning church

I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give ’til it hurts

And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see

It’s easy to do when it’s

Population me

(Chorus)What if there’s a bigger picture

what if I’m missing out

What if there’s a greater purpose

I could be living right now

Outside my own little world.

Stopped at the red light, looked out my window

I saw a cardboard sign said “Help this homeless widow”

Just above that sign was the face of a human

I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”

So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye

Oh how many times have I just passed her by

I gave her some money then I drove on through

In my own little world there’s

Population two...

(Chorus)

I don't wanna miss what matters

I wanna be reachin' out

Show me the greater purpose

So I can start livin' right now

Outside my own little world,
My own little world.

LORD, forgive us for staying in our comfort zones, and failing to truly reach out.

Blessings,

::Lucia::

Vintage + Whimsy Font = Blogger Happiness

..My *new* design {you know, the one I told you about three months ago??} is nearly here. Dear Miss Ara, the designer-genious who so graciously allowed me to win such a prize, is epic. Truly. I cannot wait to suprise you with the cuteness of my little spot's new look..but, you shall have to wait a few more days..;)

In the meantime, I have discovered:

1. Whimsical New Font

..Notice anything different about my "handwriting?" ;)

 Don't you just adore this new font? Blogger in Draft recently added TONS of new, wonderful fonts to their collection...I was tired of the same old stuff, weren't you? After much deciding, I went with this one. Expect frequent changes, though! :D 

2. Vintage Dresses



{Love, love, love...I'd want mine more modesty-focused, but...ooh, la la! Divinity!}

{This is also up my alley...I can just feel the *SWISH!*}

{Is this dreamy, or what?!}

{Again, modesty issues, but...*Sigh*}

{What girl wouldn't die for a--somewhat modified--wedding dress like THIS?!}

{Wild, but still adorably vintage..}

{Heavenly, feminine, creamy..}

{Strapless-ness: UN-LOVE. Lacey-ness: LOVE.}

{Autumn paradise? Oh yeah...a little longer, though!}

{Definitly vinatge...<3}

{Purty white..}

{Lovin' the polka dots!}

{A few modesty issues, but...L.O.V.E!}

{Original '50s swing dress? *drool*}

Much Love,

~Lucia

A Simple Woman's Daybook~

~A Simple Woman’s Daybook~

For Today… Monday, January 24th, 2011

Outside My Window…darkness has fallen 

I am thinking…it is nearly time for bed. :) 

I am thankful…for a cozy home, warm water in which to take a nice hot bath, and a sister to talk to when the lights go out. :)

I am remembering…a fun time had on Saturday at a Mission ConneXtion seminar we went to! more on that later..

 I am hearing…the sound of my little siblings as they finish up projects. 

I am going…to brush my teeth after I publish this! 

I am hoping…that it will snow on the mountains this weekend, so we can go skiing for my sister's birthday. 

On my mind…a friend of mine whom I love very much. <3 

From the learning rooms…I am loving math, actually, this year! Geomatry is the best. :) 

From the kitchen…pasta, french bread, and salad for dinner. And now in my stomach..;) 

One of my favorite things…old-fashioned dresses! My regency dress is now officially underway.  

Pondering these words…"For I will never leave you, nor forsake you.." thank you, LORD!! 

A few plans for the rest of this week…catch up on English papers, work on my regency dress, and make plans for Liv's birthday! 

From my picture journal…

~I'd love to see what awaits, down this lane!~

~*~

Blessings,

::Lucia::

~2010 Favorite "Cute" Movies!~

I totally saw more movies this year than I have for a long time. Including

 two 3D theatre movies! I mean, I had only been to a theatre *once* before that, so, this was a pretty big deal! Here are three of my favorite 2010 movies..

~2010 Favorite "Cute" Movies~

..Okay, this movie was seriously one of the cutest animated films I've seen. And in 3D??! Breathtaking. Gorgeous coloring, detail--and that's just talking about the animation. The story was adorable, and the whole film was touching and hilarious at the same time. Definitly a chick-flick, though...not a movie that I'd reccomend dragging your brothers into! ;) Also, Princess Rapunzel wears a rather lowish top most of the time, so~~yeah..a girl movie.

~Heehee!~

Some of My Favorite Details About the Movie {watch for these, if you see it!}:

1. Her hair when the little girls braid it up with flowers...GORGEOUS! I know, I know..it's animated..still! :D

2. The horse~~the cutest little {ahem, BIG} guy ever! I loved him from the beginning..

3. The "frying pan" thing..haha! If you see this, you'll know what I'm talking about. :D

4. The lanterns..again, in 3D, the "lantern part" is AMAZING! Look for it. :)

5. The..little lizard thing. Super cute, haha! :)

~Love that hair!~

And....can you guess what next? ;)

I really, really liked this movie. Wayy better than Prince Caspian..and, okay, JUST to warn you f you haven't seen it yet--they do add a lot. But. I like how they change it, actually! I won't be a spoiler, so, you'll just have to wait and see what they did. :D

Things I Loved {And Hated}:

1. LOVE: Lucy's hair. It's super pretty! And I can't believe she wants to change her looks...:(

2. HATE: Eustace's voice. It is seriously piggish! Eww..and his nose. And his whole self. Hehe...

3. LOVE: How Edmund has changed since the first time he came to Narnia... :) He was pretty awesome in this movie!

4. LOVE: How Caspian suddenly has a British accent, instead of a Spanish one...hmm. Who else noticed?

~And I actually really love Lucy's outfit...I think it's pretty!~

This was adorable. :) All I can say! It's about a little boy who moves in next door to a little girl. The little girl looks at him and automatically knows that he is going to be hers someday. :) Heehee...pretty funny! So, they grow up, and....you have to wait and see! ;) The only problem I had with it was that the girl and guy actually don't completely grow up before things start to happen...they are in, like, 7th grade the whole time. Which I don't exactly approve of...but, it was still good. :)

~They look wayyy older than 7th grade, in my opinion...~

Have you seen any of these movies?? If so, what was your opinion of them? Or, what were some of your favorite 2010 "cutest movies?"

~*~

Blessings,

::Lucia::

~If you haven't gotten a chance to enter my giveaway, there's still time! Enter HERE for a look at 30 prizes...~

"Beauty is As Beauty Does!"



"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the LORD shall be praised.."

                                                               {Prov. 31:30}

~*~

~Outward appearance is valued least to God!~

~Shoes Define You~



..Have you ever heard that

"The type of shoes you wear

define the type of person you are"

...?

It seems strange to me. But then I looked around {*ahem..* more like, looked down}, and realized that it's true! Your shoes really do define you.

 Romeos = country gal/guy.

Golf shoes = refined man.

Tennis shoes = active gal/guy.

Heels = business woman/fancy woman

..etc!

~*~

...Do you know what type of shoes I would like
 to define me?

You may have a hint from a certain delectable post a few days back...

~ *hehehehe* ~

::Chocolate shoes!::

~*~

...Aren't they utterly silly,

wonderfully pretty,

and

 deliciously divine?!

~*~

{I almost want to eat them!}

~*~

~*~

~*~

~*~

~*~

Visit this miraculous site:

{The Choco Chic}

..for more pretty chocolate shoes to feast your eyes upon.. <3

~*~

Blessings,

~Lucia Marie~

~An Important Post for Those Who Love..

::Giveaways!::

..You won't want to miss any of these lovely blogs, nor will you want to miss the fabulous prizes they're giving away (the links will bring you straight to the giveaway posts):

The Erratic Muse's "AMAZING GIVEAWAY:" A beautiful Christian cross necklace with the words "hold fast" hand-stamped upon it.

Forever Feminine's huge "SHABBY CHIC GIVEAWAY:" 12 items of equal loveliness! You'll just have to head over there to see...I'm not giving any hints! ;)


Spinning Barefoot's "WINTER WONDERLAND GIVEAWAY:" an *adorable* and simply gorgeous handmade Turquoise Rhinestone Flowered headband! Divine...donated by TutaBellaBoutique. :)

Confessions of a Flibbertigibbit's giveaway: a sweet crocheted purse...absolutley LOVELY! A must for feminine fashion freaks...;) Like me!

Y/A Cuz We Write's awesome giveaway..books, a gift card, and more!

~*~

~ ...I may discover more later, so check back to this post! ~

~*~

The Hills We Run



 

{Image Source}

The hill was starting to get to me by the time we reached the last incline. My legs were burning, my footsteps were heavy, and my breath was coming shortly. I peered ahead through the misty fog at the turn in the road just ahead. Ah, the mailbox at last--our agreed stretching point. My sister Olivia and I were on our daily run, and ascending our daily mountain. Well, it wasn't exactly a mountain--more like one of those hills that is just short of being a cliff and leaves you gasping for breath before you have taken three steps. We slowed to a stop beside the mailbox, and gazed down the hill at the distance we had covered with a sense of satisfaction. I always had this feeling--a mix of relief that we were done, healthy exhaustion from the exercise, and the pride of what we had accomplished (not to mention the small fact that hundreds of calories were now mine to consume ;).

We sat, resting in the damp stillness, our hearts still beating wildly and our breath still just out of reach. 

"This," I found myself thinking, "Is like life."

...Had I said it outloud Olivia and I would have had a good laugh about how philosophical and solemn it sounded. As it was, I kept to myself, and gazed down again at the slope we had conquered.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

You may be wondering what I am talking about. On the other hand, you might be pointing your finger at me, shouting, "Cliché! Cliché!"

..You are right. It is a cliché. How many times have I heard the expression,

"You have to get over the next hill! Life is one long hill; you have to get to the top before you can appreciate everything fully."

..or something like that. Who knows. But the thing is, it really 'clicked' for me that day atop the mountain, and I have been reminded of it every day since:

Life is one big hill. Some parts of the hill are steeper than others.
 I, Lucia Marie, haven't even made it up halfway yet--
but I've had my fair share of gasping for breath.
I have yet to feel the burn of tired legs and lungs.
Nevertheless, I know this is true:
When I reach the top, I will look down and see all that I've accomplished--
yes, the many times I've fallen,
yes, the triumphs and the just--barely-making-it parts.
When I reach the top, I will feel the satisfaction of finishing my duty,
and the anticipation of what is waiting for me on the other side.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

{...Just a thought for the day that I thought I'd share. Keep running this race strong, sisters and brothers in Christ! The top of the hill is in sight.}

*smiles*

~*~

Blessings,
-::Lucia::-   

A Post Decadently Dedicated to...

~Chocolate~

~*~

...Because the very word can produce fainting females.

~*~

~*~

"There is dessert, and then

 there is chocolate." 

                                               

~*~

~*~

"There is nothing better than a good friend, except a

good friend with chocolate!"

                                         ~Linda Grayson

~*~

~*~

"Man cannot live on chocolate alone, but

women sure can!"

~*~

~*~

::Chocolate::

Luscious, lumpy. Load of love...

~*~

~*~

"Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces..

and then eat just one of the pieces."

~*~

~*~

::Chocolate::

Here today, gone...today!

~*~

~*~

"Forget love! I'd rather

fall in chocolate!"

~*~

~*~

"I've never met a chocolate I didn't like."

~*~

~*~

I hope I didn't make your mouth water too much...;)

~*~

~To Chocolate!~

Blessings,

::~::Lucia::~::

::Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso: "Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick."::

{Spanish proverb}

Willkommen Januar!

{Image Source}

Meine Freunde,

..Which, in case you are in puzzlement, means "My Friends" in German. :) I thought I would take a "unique twist" on the greeting this time around. Wunderbar, nein? ;)

..I am quite ready for Spring to come again, aren't you? It seems as though I haven't seen a flower in bloom for hundreds of years. It is this point in the season that makes me wonder how the Narnians ever stood their hundred years of winter..*shivers* ;)

I am excited to see so many new faces popping up at the top of this blog! :D My hope and prayer is that you are blessed even a smidgen by something here in the days or {yes?} years to come! Because so many of you are new to my little blog, I want to tell you all a few random facts about myself. Sound good? Let me know if we have anything in common! *wink*

~ I don't use all of my fingers when I type, but nevertheless I type very quickly if not in the proper fashion. ;)

~ I always wanted to be a ballerina, and in fact my older sister took lessons. Unfortunatley, the studio moved too far away for her to continue; thus my deprived state. :)

~ I used to have white-blonde hair, but it has now darkened to a rather light brown, with severl blonde "highlights" framing my face. I have been asked dozens of times, "Where do you get your hair streaked?" Haha!

~ I have never seen an episode of "I Love Lucy." :)

~ My name, Lucia, means "Giver of Light."

~ I have a strong dislike for mushrooms, anchovies, and artichokes. :P Bleh!

~ I love writing poetry. I wrote over fifty poems when I was seven years old! I have slowed down a bit...hehe.

~ I have a pet peeve for poor writing. When I read something that doesn't flow/uses incorrect grammar/spelling, etc., it drives me crazy!

~I tend to over-compliment people on things. Especially on things {like stories, poems, pictures, etc.} that aren't exactly..good. I tell them that it's "wonderful!" when it's not...:) Hmm. I always feel bad.

~ Every time I post, I just *have* to click the "view post" button to see my changes...

~ I never truly got Algebra. Just enough to get me through life...:P

..There. I hope you enjoyed some of those very random facts! Do me a favor: let me know *one* random fact about yourself in a comment to this post. I'd love to know anything about you!

"My Umbrella's Full:" Lucia's HUGE Giveaway!!

**NOW CLOSED**
Well, the big day is here, my dear friends! It is time to officially kick off the New Year, *and,* not to mention, celebrate the fact that within just one year of blogging, I have made exactly one hundred and fourteen new friends. ;) You are amazing, followers--I can't even begin to express how honored I feel that you find my blog worthy enough to follow..but, I want to pay you back somehow. Thus, it is with great excitement and thanksgiving that I announce...





<br /><center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-umbrellas-full-lucias-huge-giveaway.html"><img src="http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/arieltheauthoress/vintage20woman20with20umbrella.jpg" /></a></center><br /><br /> Before I get started on showing you all of the fabulous prizes generously donated by some wonderfully kind (and talented) Etsy shoppe owners, I want to mention that the…

{MANDATORY ENTRY FOR ALL PRIZES IS:}
~Please post a seperate comment for this, as well!~

..You must be a follower of my blog, since this is a giveaway in appreciation of my followers. Make sure that you truly *want* to become a follower, though. I only want to be friends with those who truly want to be friends in return! ;)

{EXTRA ENTRIES FOR ALL PRIZES ARE:}
~You MUST Make sure to post a comment separately for each extra entry, OTHERWISE it only counts as one!~ 

1. Post about this giveaway
{1 Entry}

2. Post the giveaway button on your sidebar *(make sure to check the "shrink image" box when you're uploading it...otherwise, it's too big!)*{1 Entry}

3. E-mail at least three friends about this giveaway
{1 Entry} 

4. Heart these Etsy shoppes
{1 Entry for each shoppe you heart}

5. "Like" the Sponsors who have a FaceBook page link after their name
~I will give you the links below~
{1 Entry for each page you 'like'}

6. Visit and find your favorite thing from these shoppes, and comment
{1 Entry for each item you tell me about}

7. Tweet or FaceBook about this giveaway
{1 Entry} 8. Follow those who have the "follow on twitter" option after their prize{1 Entry} 9. Visit the Sponsors' websites, if that appears after their prize{1 Entry} 10. Add the Sponsors to your 'circle' on Etsy{1 Entry} 11. Add *my* blog button or link to your sidebar{1 Entry} 12. If you buy something from any of these shops, :) you get{3 Entries!!}   {OPTIONAL: This won't get you entries, but I'd like to know: which thing(s) would you like *best* to win? Tell me in one of your "entry" comments!}

****************************************************************************

Now. Shall we get started? We have thirty (yes, that's right!) lovely prizes, kindly donated by Etsy shop owners. Let me start off by saying a big THANK YOU to each and every one of them, for making this possible. You guys are the *best!*








From Starlit Nest, we have a wonderfully pretty fabric scrap grab bag. There are tons of delightful fabrics in there to suit your sewing needs! Thank you, Starlit Nest.  

From Barberry and Lace,

there is a gorgeouse Bronze Rose necklace. Thank you, Leigh!

From TforEdgar,

{Twitter Page}

we have a pair of unbelievably beautiful Freshwater Pearl Dangle earrings. Thanks so much, TFE!

Sterling silver.

From JenSanCandles,

{Facebook Page}

{Follow on Twitter}

...we have two large 4 oz. bars of organic Pink Grapefruit soap, for two lucky winners. :D Thanks so much, Jennifer!

From EmarieCreations,

we have the cutest set of polymer charms you will ever see! I almost want to eat them...;) Thank you, Samantha!

From DaisyEzyCraft,

you get to choose the pattern (you make yourself) of your choice from her lovely shop! You will be sure to find something to your taste..I promise. :) Thank you, DEC!

From Anthology27,

we have to-die-for earrings of aquamarine and fresh water pearls. *wistful sigh* Thank you, A27!

From CrochetmyLove,

{FaceBook Page}

look at these adorable fingerless gloves! So feminine and fun..perfect for Winter! Thanks so much, CML!

From GrandmasFridge,

here's a lovely set of print-from-home stationary. Adorable, thank you!

From Diymold,

we have a cute bunny-molded soap! Love it...thanks, June!

From aDiveand3DudesDesigns,

we have an adorable camera strap, for you photographers! ;) Now, this isn't the print you'll be getting..it was the closest one I could find, though. Your's will be cherry graphics on the black instead of ladybugs. Thank you, aDiveand3Dudes!

From VisualSentiments,

we have a gorgeous pair of Champagne, Celsian and Dark Green Leaf Earrings, with Antique Brass! Wow..thank you, Melissa. :)

From LinenLuluCottenZuZu,

someone lucky gets a "Mellow Yellow Daisy" pin! Thank you, sponsor! :)

From f2images,

we have a wonderfully vintage-looking 2011 calendar. And here's the fun part--YOU get to choose, from f2images' stock, what lovely photograph you want on your calendar! Thank you, Emiko. This will be fun! :)

From kangaroodyer,

{Website}

we have a luxurious Poet Seat Glitter Yarn of Superwash Merino, Nylon and Stellina. This was a very generouse gift, and is probably one of the best qualities of yarn you could ask for. Thank you, Gail, for your kindness!

From Godsgirl14,

we have a pretty homemade hair scrunchie. So lovely, and soft for fine hair! Thank you, Zoe. Her shop is just getting started, so be sure to stop by and visit. :)

From whimsypics...

Aren't these the prettiest gift tags you have ever seen? PERFECT for Valentine's Day, or anything! Thanks so much, Melissa. <3

From JPATPURSES,

there's a pretty handmade coin purse in this lovely design! I would love to carry that around...:) Thank you, JPAT!

**By request of this donor, please visit JPAT Purses and find your favorite item in order to enter to win it.**

From Jewel Me Pretty,

{Facebook Page}

{Twitter}

we have a $20 gift certificate for her *amazing* store! You won't believe the feminine and gorgeous things she has to offer. Above are only two of the selections! Thank you, Rin! <3

From Te Teles Tai,

We have a GORGEOUS 'Scarlett' necklace--gold heart, chain, and red glass bead fringed necklace. It is 18" long and adjustable to 20. Thank you so much, Te Teles Tai! :) Be sure to visit her shop...

From Brisil... 

Enter to win a wonderful offer from Miss Silvana's lovely shoppe: a free luscious bath sugar scrub (as seen on HGTV!) for *free* with purchase of $20 or more of other items. That shouldn't be too hard to do! ;) Thank you for this generosity, Silvana.

{Note: if you win this, you are not obliged to accept it.}

From JadeExpressions,

we have a lovely crocheted flower. Note: you are not getting the hat. :) Thank you, Jade!

From BananaShowcase,

We will have a pretty handmade pillowcase just for you! Note: the one pictured above is not the prize. Thank you so much, BS!

From Ruby Shoes, Co.,

We have a lovely set of cards! Thank you so much! And be sure to visit their website (link provided) to view their ministry and lovely shoppe. :)

**JUST ADDED!**

From BucktoothedBunny,

{Facebook Page}

we have this ADORABLE "love" themed tote bag..perfect for books, schoolwork, sewing, other purses, swimmin..anything! THANK YOU, Toni!

**JUST ADDED!**

From PeculiarParchment,

a $10 gift certificate for their lovely papercraft shoppe! If you are the crafty type, or simply need cards for a special occasion, this is the place to go. :)

**JUST ADDED!**

From HandyMaiden,

this adorable (I know, now that word is over-used...NO, it isn't! :), pretty, and sweet polymer molded heart necklace! And you just HAVE to check out her shop....it is the cutest place you will ever see. Go! Now! ;)

And, from myself,

~A set of five handmade valentine notecards

~A blog makeover with a custom 

*header

*color theme

*signature

{OTHER NOTES ON THIS GIVEAWAY:}

1. This giveaway is only open to U.S. Residents. I'm sorry! :(

2. You are only eligible to win one of the prizes.

3. Your entries don't go for one specific prize; you could win any of them.

4. The giveaway ends at 12:00 a.m., EST, January 31st. Hurry! :)

5. MORE items *may* be added in the coming days. :) Check back!

*************************************************************************************

...Well, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start typing..this giveaway's too BIG to miss! Thank you once again to all of my sponsors--your shoppes are all exquisite. :)