just a little bucket list.

Every good girl crazy, impossible dreamer has a bucket list.

-via-

..Just because bucket lists make life goals seem reality--whether it be skydiving or picnicking on a private island. I mean, lists make everything official, right? I'm hoping so, because there are so many things I want to do, to experiance, to see...and I thought I would share some of them ("some"meaning 40, to be exact...) with you.

Friends, I present my ultimate bucket list. 1/4 of it, actually. If you ever want to see the real deal, just e-mail me so I can send all 10 million pages to you. XD

>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

1. Wear a true, silken ball gown

2. Go to a Civil War reenactment

3. Live on a ranch

4. Have an amazing flower garden

5. Visit England

6. Experience Fall in Maine

7. Get a part in a “real” movie

8. Dig for fossils

9. Visit Prince Edward Island

10. Spend a year abroad

11. Make a gourmet dish

12. Have something published

13. Own a quad or motorcycle

14. Sing the National Anthem for something

15. Learn another instrument

16. Learn calligraphy

17. Ski a black diamond hill

[I’ve done it, but with much fear and quaking...]

18. Learn German fluently

19. Buy a cute Ford truck

 20. Buy a DSLR camera  

[My Nikon D3100 is on its way!]

21. Wade waist-deep in a field of wheat

[Accomplished this summer at our dear friends' amazing home.]

 22. Learn to horseback ride well

23. Own a horse

24. Own a Border Collie

25. Go to Disneyland

26. Go hunting

27. Be a bridesmaid

28. Eat macaroons at a French café beneath the Eiffel Tower

29. Have a hardcore mud fight

[Also accomplished this summer. It was epic.]

 30. Have a food fight

31. Sleep in a Tempur-Pedic bed (those things feel amazing!)

32. Become a wedding photographer

33. Own a Grandfather clock

34. Go on a mission trip to Africa or India

35. Meet a president

36. Run a marathon

37. See the Pyramids

38. Go on a cruise

39. Visit Sweden and Norway

40. Reach 1000 blog followers :]

...and that is what life holds for me--in my dreams. Plus another more sentimental list, but let's save that for another day, shall we? 

So. Do we have anything in common, you and I? I know, let's all meet up in Main during the Fall and make that gourmet dish. Voila, three birds in one stone, aye?

Seriously, though...I like my thinking. ;)

>>>------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------>

handmade by anna faith giveaway + new/old winners

The lovely Miss Anna Faith contacted me last week and asked if I would host a giveaway for my readers featuring her shop, Handmade {By Anna Faith}. Of course you know what my answer was: yes! I love giveaways, and I hope you do, too, because I have some lovely ones coming up this month. ;)

Now, shall I introduce our sponsor?

{shop}

Handmade {By Anna Faith} is a little blog shop featuring all sorts of lovely {handmade} things, including sugar scrubs, jewelery, cards, and even Christmas stockings! 

lavender all-natural sugar scrub

butterfly chain necklace

 

"thanks" cards  

..What is Anna offering my readers today?

the

"Pink and Creme" Pearl Bracelet

..Simply gorgee-oous! <3

--

Now. To enter, please read the directions carefully and be sure to leave your e-mail or valid, active blog address in *each* comment. Also, you MUST complete the mandatory entry FIRST to qualify for the extra entries. :)

// mandatory: //

Be a public follower of Umbrella Girl

// extra //

Follow Handmade {by Anna Faith}.

{2 entries}

-

Post/tweet/facebook about this giveaway.

{3 entries for each action}

-

Subscribe to Umbrella Girl's updates via e-mail

-

Add any of Umbrella Girl's blog buttons OR the link to your sidebar.

{4 entries}

-

Follow my design blog.

{2 entries}

-
Fan Umbrella Girl on facebook.
-

Tell me what your favorite time period is!

{1 entry}

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, and ends on December 5th, 2011, at 12:00p.m. NWPT. Winner will be announced and notified within two days of the giveaway's closure; they will have 48 hrs. to respond to notification or another winner will be selected.

--

:: also ::

The winners of the Marie Madeline Studio patterns are:

Summer Shade Jumper: Rosi!

The Street Fair Skirt: Liesel Spafford!

:: plus ::

..the winner of these earrings never contacted me, so the re-drawn winner is:

..Ireland!

..congrats, ladies! Please visit my contact page and send me your info. :)

one of these babies = soon to be mine ♥

Gahh. I'm still full from the enormous feast last night--who stuffed themselves? Okay, I can safely say I wasn't a glutton, but I definitely felt my meal afterwards: turkey, potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, homemade rolls, yogurt pie, peppermint icecream...

Okay, I'd better stop. I'm making myself rather sick just thinking about it...:P

..On a better subject: I have some super exciting news. If you have read my About Lucia page, or even been reading my blog for a few months, you will know that I am an aspiring photographer. I love, love, love taking pictures--only problem? Currently, I find myself lacking a camera, which is not a good state for an 'aspiring photographer' to be in, aye?

That unfortunate circumstance, my friends, is about to change.

Yes, I am purchasing, after waiting and saving and waiting and searching and waiting some more, my first DSLR camera. ♥ Right now, I am still deciding between a:

Nikon D3100

..and a:

Canon Rebel T3

..usually the Nikon D3100 is slightly more expensive than the Canon Rebel T3, but I have looked for some good deals on-line, and found both currently at $400. I can't really go above this budget, so this is perfect (especially since they are usually $500-$650!). I was considering a Nikon D3000, but found that these two cameras are newer, have more features, and are cheaper at the places I found them. 

Now, I just have to decide which one. ;) I am leaning towards the Nikon, because through some researching I discovered that customers prefer the Nikon D3100 over the Canon Rebel T3--but all around, I believe they are both pretty decent cameras.

I. Am. So. Excited!!

..Of course, I am not certain I'll be able to get this deal, but one way or another I will be getting a DSLR camera sometime in the near future. :)

#20 on my bucket list (which I have yet to share on here) is about to be completed:
-purchase a DSLR camera!

Oh yeah. ♥

p.s. (guest posted over at Elizabeth's today!)

thankful in the little things.

You may have heard the popular quote,

“What if you woke up tomorrow

with only the things you

thanked God for today?"

...It's a cliche quote with an all-too-powerful message. And when I read it on a friend's facebook this morning, it made me think: what have I thanked God for today?

Today, my friends, I have thanked God for exactly zero things. Which means tomorrow, if the quote be true, I would wake up with absolutely nothing.

..Rather chilling, isn't it? I try to imagine myself without my home, without my family, without my good food, warm bed, and yes--my health, too--and it just doesn't register.

Am I really that ungrateful? Am I that selfish? Yes, I am. However, it is rather unintentional--I didn't thank God for things today simply because of the usual excuse: I forgot. But it really is true! And I forget everyday. You do, too. Why? Because we get so used to the easy way of life, with its home comforts, fleece blankets, and hot chocolate, that we slip easily into "taken for granted." Or, even if we do remember to thank our Maker for His blessings, we often times just tack on a few 'thank you's' for the "big" things at the end of our "please help me" prayers.

It is good to be thankful for everything, but what about the little things? How many of those are forgotten now, but would be sorely missed if they were gone tomorrow?

With Thanksgiving in the air (and by the way: what is everyone doing tomorrow?), I thought I would go the  "what I'm thankful for" lists which seem to be trending this week--but instead of focusing on major things like my house and friends and freedom of worship (don't get me wrong, I'm extremely thankful for them!), I would make a list of the tiniest, eensiest things I can think of that I am super thankful for...even though I sometimes forget I am.  :]

itty-bitties, but oh so important:

~Apple cider, fresh from the press

~Fresh mown grass

~Sunsets

~Baby Ladybugs

~Sugar cookie tea

~White flour

~Laughter

~Love stories

~Chick Fliks

~Surprises

~Cameras

~Journals

~Innocence

~Good ideas

~Online friends

~Colors

~Swirls and patterns

~Wheat fields

~The ocean

~Snow

~Mountains

~Bird song

~Whistles

~Fall leaves

~Aprons

~Vocabulary

~Uniqueness

~Talent

~Music

~Names

~Books

~Pens and pencils

~Paper

~Games and sports

~Encouraging words

~Cheerful smiles

~Hugs and kisses

~Inspirations

 ..Wow, I'm really on a roll, aren't I? The list is sort of lapsing into more of a "things I love" list...but afterall, aren't the things I love the very ones I am supposed to be most thankful for? ;]

Have a blessed Thanksgiving. <3

-Lucia

of rain.

For causes unexplained,
i
 love
 the
 rain

..The reason being thus:

i
love
 the
rain.

I crave the way it sleeks upon my cheeks,
Transforming salty tears
To polished smiles.

I breathe in deep, pure ecstasy! I sniff
The diamond pearls which sail a million ships.

Forever and a day I’d stand without
A shelter for my head, though water pours

And, but to see the Promise in the Skies,
Farewell, I'd say, to where 'the Golden' lies!

For causes unexplained,
i 
love
 the
rain

The reason being thus:
i
 love
 the
rain.

 

//poem copyright 2011 lucia, "of rain." // all photos via //

thanks to you..

You may remember that back in October I told y'all that I had been nominated for the "Best Teen Blog 2011" award (and others) at the 7th annual HSBA Post blog awards. I was pretty excited to have been nominated, because even that is something! I never, ever expected to "win" anything..I mean, c'mon. There were so many other amazing blogs in the running!

..Well.

Yesterday, I found out that..

*drum roll*

..Thanks to you, my lovely friends, followers, and encouragers, Umbrella Girl has indeed won the "Best Teen Blog" 2011 award.

o.O

Woah. I totally could not believe my eyes when I headed over to the announcement post and saw my name there!

Especially since...every single blog nominated  deserved to be the winner. I'm serious. Because you know, in blogging, even if an award says "winner!" ..that doesn't make me "the absolute best teen blog" out there, or any of the other blogs who won awards "the best at ___". I really don't think there is such thing as a "best" blog--everyone is unique and lovely in their own special way, and thus their blog will be unique and lovely in its own special way.

..Nevertheless, I'm pretty dang excited. ^^ ;) :D :D The prizes look pretty cool. ;) So, once again, thank you so very much for your votes--it means a ton to me. :) I am certain it was close between myself and the other blogs.

Have a blessed Tuesday, friends! I have a giveaway for you tomorrow, so stay tuned. :) 

button up!

-via-

It’s buttoning-up weather—only nine days until the first of December, and already Winter is beginning to shove Fall rudely out the door. “It’s my turn!” he says, screaming through the wind and nipping her poor shoulders with icy frost.

And it seems like only yesterday I was donning sunglasses and complaining about the heat.


..Ah, so the seasons pass. And so my life speeds by ever-quickly.


Oh. Speaking of "buttoning up:" would you like to? :)


..In other words, after a few months of sore lacking, I have made Umbrella Girl a blog button. Actually, three.  If you enjoy this blog, feel free to take one of your liking. :]

 

   <center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Umbrella Girl" src="http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/1799/buttonsaf.png"/></a></center>

<center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Umbrella Girl" src="http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/1972/button2e.png"/></a></center>

<center><a href="http://one-beloved.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Umbrella Girl" src="http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/7254/button3fq.png"/></a></center>

..I thought they turned out pretty cute! Which is your favorite? Let me know if you take one so I can be sure to come visit your blog in return!

the simple things

..are what make you smile.  

Norman Rockwell is one of my favorite artists of all time--because besides the superb talent and detail in each of his paintings, the subjects he chooses are deliciously small, simple, and real.

He captures a thought in every portrayal--a perfect atmosphere of everything going exactly as it should.

 

I love the priceless, true expressions he captures--the intense moment of a vital shot in a marbles game, the longing look of a younger sister as her older sister gets ready for a dance, a family gathered around a meal table.

It's the simple things, friends. The simple things are what make life beautiful.

--

all paintings by norman rockwell // via this source

authentic. yup, that's me.

I haven't done a blog party for...oh, ages. Actually, thinking about it, I have only done one blog party in my entire blogging experience--and it was also hosted by Miss Abigail Kraft of Rear Window.

Looks like I love her parties. :]

..I thought it was time to break the habit and join in on the fun that is the "Authentic People" blog party. I suggest you do to, because you know what it's all about? Being authentic. Being you. Not being a conformist to the patterns of any world, including the blogosphere. I'm all for that, so I'm in.

Basically, I just have to "introduce myself" all over again, and tell you some random facts about me through a slew of questions Abby has selected. It seems like I've been "introducing myself all over again" a lot this year..ah, well; you can never learn too much about me, aye? ;)

---

1.) What's the nerdiest/weirdest/geekiest thing about you?

  

I talk to myself, pretending I'm an actress in a movie reciting her lines. I read books aloud and pretend I'm the characters. I sing "The Star Spangled Banner" as I'm walking the dog, at least twice a day. Okay, that was three things..you decide which is the weirdest. ;) People tell me I should be an actress because I have so much expression when I talk..maybe someday?? :)

2.) If you could live in a fictional universe from any book, television series, or movie, where would it be?

I think Anne Shirley's world on Prince Edward Island. I just love that place, and the whole story..<3

3.) Do you like animated movies? If so, which is your favorite?

First of all, YES. Absolutely. Especially Pixar! I have seen tons of amazing animated films this year, but my absolute favorite? Tangled, hands down. And then "Up," coming in close second. ;)

4.) What is your favorite household chore?

 This sounds weird, but..sweeping. It gives me satisfaction. :)

5.) Have you ever dyed your hair?

Nope. But I do have these really light blond natural highlights in my hair, so people assume I have. ;) "Where did you get your hair done??" 

6.) Do you make your bed every morning?

Yup. I couldn't get away with not doing it. ;)

7.) What was the last thing that made you laugh?

...Looking at this ^ picture (photo credit Greg H.), which my dear friends sent me "to put a smile on my face." Just because. And it did made me smile--and laugh, because I remember how silly we were and what good times we had with them. ;)  

So now you've learned a little more about me. Why don't you join in so I can learn some more about you?

-picture two via-

-picture three via-

i'm letting you in on my future kids' names.

...So feel special. :]

Yes, I already have my kids' names picked out, if the Lord sees fit for me to marry and have children. And if He doesn't? Then these are my future horses' and cats' and dogs' and chickens' names. Okay, scratch the chickens. Scrap the entire animal names idea, actually--if these names aren't destined for my babies, they are destined for no one. :) And that is a fact.

So what's in a name? A lot.

..Especially since this particular girl is extremely picky with names. I can tolerate all names (okay, besides Philomena and Wilma and Artemus, etc.), but I can't like all names. There are very few names I seriously like, as in, "I am so naming my kid that." This doesn't mean I don't like your name, my dear reader, on you. I simply am picky about what my children will be named.

As I was saying--what's in a name? And as I also was saying: a lot. Because besides me being choosy about them, names are really, really special. For instance, have you ever really truly thought about the fact that God gives parents a wonderful gift when he allows them to name their children? He writes our names--not code names, not numbers, not Latin mumbo-gumbo, but the names out parents gave us, in His book of life. And someday, be it His will, I will have that privilege...to name a child permanently. To give him or her the title which God will identify them with, which everyone they meet will know them as, which they will have for eternity.

How awesome--how truly awesome is that?!

Thus, I thought it would be fun to show you a little list of names I love (or even adore. The asterisks are by the names which I adore).

Girls:

Laylee*

Lora

Emilee

Emilia

Autumn*

Olivia

Jourdann*

Violette

Rebekah

Julia

Analise*

Michele

Lucy 

(yes, I know this is close to my own name--but even if I weren't named "Lucia," I love this cute little name. :)

Boys:

Joseph

Joel

Nathaniel (I really like the nickname 'Nate')

..looks like I'll only be having three sons! Haha. :) No...I know I have more than this--I just can't remember anymore! I think about the girls' names more often than the boys. ;) And don't worry. I have wayyy more favorite names than this--these are just some of my tops. :) So don't take it to heart if your name isn't on here. ;)  

What are some of your favorite names?

// image via //



me oh my..our giveaway winners!

Me oh my! The giveaway is at an end, and the giveaway was a success. Not only did we get a total of 1,885 entries (the largest turn-out I have ever experianced), but I think everyone (including me!) had a ton of fun. :]

Thank you all so, so much: first to my amazing sponsors for providing these uberly lovely prizes:

ohzie

Ploctopia

tyrahhandmadejewelery

JulieRebeccaDesigns

ForevermoreCreations

ThatOldBlueHouse2

TheNestSLT

BrittanyChavers

Wicked Soaps

Persylla

flOwerbUcketbOUtique

Tiny Tokens Designs

Fairy Bubbles

Blossom & Twig

SilverLotusDesigns

RingsofDesire

Toocutecustomcrafts

mtkENGINEER

SweetArtSweets

dozi

*round of applause from everyone*

...and secondly to YOU, my dear friends and readers, who make my blogging days so worth while. I am ecstatic about the wealth of new faces on here since this giveaway! I am sincerely glad you are joining me on this blogging journey, and I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I do!

..And now. On to some WINNERS!! I used www.random.org to generate the winners, and I have a headache from counting out comments..;) so, winners, feel *extra* special, okay? :D

The prizes' winners' names are listed right below each prize's picture. If you are named here, congratulations! Make sure to click on the name's link so you're sure it's you--there may be name duplicates.

^  Modern Buttercup!

^  Julia M.!

 ($10 gift card)

^  AmyB!

 ^  Jenna!

 ^ Marcia!

^  Bekah!

 

  ^ mary ann!

^ Lèrowen!

^ Miss Grace!

^ Emily!

^ Shiloh from Ebenezer Forest Farm!


^ Camille!

^ Talia!

^ PolkaDot!

^ Madeline!

^ Julia Holmes!

^ Autumn!

^ Stephanie!

^ AnneKatherine!
(1/2 dozen cookies)

^ Raquel!

 ^ Mary Myers!

(any color/style)



You can refresh yourself on the exact prizes here. Also, you will be receiving an e-mail or comment on your blog within the next two days or so, so be looking. :] Please do not e-mail me first unless it has been more than three days! 

Again, thank you all for participating and making this event worthwhile! Presently, we are only 8 followers from 700..(wow. You guys are amazing, and I am so blessed. <3) let's make the next giveaway date 750, okay? ;)

And to keep you occupied until then, here are some other giveaways I promised I would mention!

"Because You Deserve It" Giveaway @ Raquel's
-
Huge giveaway @ Kellie's!

..go check 'em out, and stay tuned for more goodies and events around here. ;)