Thursday, December 18, 2014

Putting Off Writing: An Update

You know when you have a schedule and you miss one day of doing your designated task? Missing that day turns into missing two days, then three days, and then before you know it you've missed four weeks. Well that's sort of what happened with this blog. I kept telling myself I needed to write a blog post and that I would do it once I got home from work, or I would get it done the next day. Basically, I just kept putting it off until I no longer felt like I could do it at all. But here I am, finally sitting down and forcing myself to write. Since it's been so long I thought I'd start with a general update of what's been happening in my life lately.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I went to Chicago to visit one of my best friends since high school. She's currently in a graduate program at Northwestern University and lives in the cutest studio apartment. I caught a ride down to Grand Rapids with my Grandma and her husband and then took the train from there. I love taking the train. If I could travel everywhere by train I totally would.



The train left GR at 7:45 our time (which I nearly missed) and arrived in Chicago around 11 their time. Train rides are so relaxing and watching the sun rise out the window made for a beautiful start to the day. Once in Chicago, we hit the ground running. I was actually surprised at how many things we managed to do without really planning ahead (although Gabby and I rarely set plans when we're together). Friday night (the day I arrived) we went to a Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. show which turned out to be way more amazing than I think either of us expected. Saturday we hit up this comedy show that was supposed to be a live satirical newspaper. It was hilarious and I would definitely recommend it to those who love that sort of thing (think SNL).


Sunday we decided to go shopping downtown. It was pouring rain that day, but we still managed to enjoy the beauty of the city. The fog near the top of the buildings looked really cool and with all the Christmas lights there was a hazy glow on the streets. I even got to meet up with an old friend that I hadn't seen in a while. Monday I spent some time exploring the city by myself while Gabby was in class. I spent some time in a used book store, a Metropolis coffee shop (great coffee by the way), and navigated the Red Line to a Reckless Records store that I didn't find too impressive. Overall it was a great trip. I'm very grateful to Gabby for being a wonderful host and a good tour guide.

For Thanksgiving my family all went out to my Grandma's for dinner. There wasn't as many people as we've had in the past. It's weird getting older and having all the families split up. I'm thankful for the ones who still find the time to come together. But most importantly, I'm thankful for food. I love Thanksgiving food. I could eat Thanksgiving type meals all year round, but then it probably wouldn't be as good and I would definitely be fat. I also got to spend some time with my friend Sam who was in town from Atlanta. It was nice having friends around who I could actually hang out with again. Friends, just another aspect of my life that I'm forever thankful for.

In the last two week or so we've also been busy putting up Christmas trees (yes, plural). And by we I mean mostly my mom. She's a tree decorating machine. She has her methods and to be honest I think the rest of us are a little afraid to interfere. Growing up my brother and I received ornaments every year from my grandparents, as well as ones from other family and friends. Since we have so many we're able to have a tree full of ornaments on every floor of the house. The basement and second floor both have fake trees and the main floor living room always holds the real tree. I feel very thankful and blessed to be able to have all three trees when some families can't afford one. It's never something I try to take for granted. This year's tree is definitely one of the prettiest trees we've ever had.



You can always tell which part of the tree is decorated by my ornaments because most of them are ballet related. The section shown below didn't even have all of them on it yet. Pink, glittery ballerinas all over the place.


My dad and I decided to make meatloaf and mashed potatoes last week. We followed this recipe from Paula Deen and it was delicious. The recipe was super simple to make and took no time at all. We did however leave the mashed potato whipping to my mom's expertise.




Even looking at these pictures is making me want more.


But I've really spent most of my time watching Buffy, reading, and defrosting my car. Yup that's my trunk covered in ice. Ma vessel's intakin' water matey. Arg! We still haven't been able to figure out exactly where all the water is coming in but hopefully we can get it resolved. The car is pretty old so it's not worth investing too much more into it at this point. I'm just hoping we can find a solution without having to take it in anywhere.


Overall this past four weeks or so have been busy and wonderful. I've loved having things to do and plans to make. My mom and I went Christmas shopping for lady's night downtown last week and I've slowly been chipping away at my gift list. I think I've come up with some really good gifts this year for family and friends (fingers crossed). Even the weather has been surprisingly nice lately with temperatures up into the 40's and no snow up until yesterday. It doesn't seem like winter in northern Michigan but that's exactly how I like it.

-S

Sunday, November 23, 2014

When Your Name Means Princess

I grew up in a loving family who constantly reminded me that my name meant princess and that I was a "very special young lady." So the other day at work when an older gentleman called me princess and pointed out that it's the meaning of Sarah, I replied that I already knew and tried not to be totally creeped out. When a strange man randomly calls you princess and then compares you to his first girlfriend it is in fact not a compliment. Being called princess at the age of twenty-four seems to loose the magic it held when I was ten and my grandparents did it. The incident did however serve as a nice reminder to treat myself a little kinder.

Like many little girls, I was obsessed with Disney princesses and the idea of being royalty. I mean come on, being a princess meant you could possibly rule a country one day; you also got to wear amazing ball gowns and fall in love with a charming prince. These days I hear people diss the idea of little girls admiring princesses. Some parents seem to think that wanting to be a princess means wanting to be a "dumb girly girl who is so weak she needs a man to save her."

I on the other hand, grew up with the Little Princess notion of princesses, which taught me that every girl is a princess. Being a princess meant being yourself because you are pretty, strong, smart and totally capable of being hopeful even after you believe you're orphaned and penniless. It never mattered how much money you had or whether or not your hair was always perfect, but how loving and compassionate you were towards others. All people are special in their own way. We all have something to bring to the table. Also if you pray hard enough you may be blessed with a super nice Indian neighbor with magical powers who can give you and your bestie fur lined robes and a fancy breakfast (this was my ultimate. there was nothing better than dressy robes and food in my child like mind).

Just look at how awesome the princesses are on Once Upon A Time. Snow White can shoot arrows. She's also mastered being a kind friend and loving mother, as well as being a total bad ass. Belle sacrifices her personal happiness to save her family/kingdom and then saves the day with her intelligence. She also does everything in heels, which baffles me; I mean seriously she scaled a mountain in wedges. In my mind this is slightly unrealistic, but if she actually were capable of this that would certainly cement her as totally kick ass woman. Not to mention Mulan who was a freaking warrior and fought besides men to defend her country. None of these women are helpless or shallow or need men to live their lives.

Princesses don't have to be perfect or conventionally beautiful. Being vulnerable doesn't mean you're weak. Wanting to fall in love and marry a prince doesn't mean you necessarily need a man. Being a princess means you're strong and you rock because you're a women and all women are special in their own way. Be kind to your princess self.

-S

Saturday, November 8, 2014

That Time I was Actually Proud of Myself for Buying Milk

Guys it's sad how low my expectations are for myself. I mean I should not be allowed to be 24 years old. I don't know how I haven't died yet (well I do, it's because of my parents). Basically most days I feel like the farthest thing from an adult.

I started making Kraft mac and cheese tonight (yeah I'm super adult like) and realized after I began boiling the noodles that the only milk we had was expired. My immediate thoughts were: SHIT, shit shit shit... crap. The responsible adult person obviously would have checked to make sure she had everything before starting to make dinner. Instead I blamed my mistake on being distracted by a phone call from a friend. We were too busy discussing important things like Sephora employees' lack of customer service and the hot guys in my friend's crossfit class for me to notice the date on the milk carton.

In my mind getting milk seemed like SO MUCH effort. I mean there was a reason I was making food from a box in the first place (actually I think Kraft is delicious but that's beside the point). Leaving the house meant having to put on shoes and a coat and go out into the darkness. Plus my phone was barely charged and I don't trust my car. Basically I was being a baby.

Driving in the dark has always been stressful for me and I deal with that by avoiding it when at all possible. I also have a terrible sense of direction and recently got lost in my own neighborhood on my way home from work (it was raining and a road was closed).

So when I realized that my only choices were to eat noodles without the cheese sauce or go get myself some more milk, I was initially reluctant. Macaroni noodles can be good on their own, right? I'll just sprinkle some shredded cheese over it, I told myself. I'm very good at convincing myself I don't need what I need because getting what I need would take effort. As I was working this all out in my head as well as out loud to my friend, I was forced to face how pathetic I was acting. I mean it's not like I have to drive 50 miles to the store and back. Eventually we were going to need more milk. Why not get some tonight while my noodles were still salvageable?

Despite the general desire to avoid all things that will make me anxious, I managed to successful drive my car to the store (less than a mile away), pick up both the 1/2% milk as well as my almond milk, and make it back to my house without any problems. I got out of my car after the 10 minutes it took me to run my milk errand and felt a sense of pride building inside my chest. Heck yes, I successfully bought milk! How adult am I now? Hot damn I'm so good.

It really is sad what little I have to do to trick myself into thinking I am close to being a successful adult. My standards for adulthood should probably be raised a bit.

-S

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Questions In The Bathtub

As I was laying in the bathtub this afternoon feeling the steam envelope me in a warm hug and the firm pages of a library book in my hands, I was struck with a few thoughts. Firstly, is it appropriate to read a library book in the bathtub? After I started thinking about how many other people had held, touched, and read this same book and the countless people who will do the same thing after I have now dragged it into the tub with me, it all started to feel a bit weird and unsanitary.

Nevertheless I continued to read my library book in that oddly uncomfortable position that one assumes while trying to read in the bath (neck scrunched, body slowly slipping down while you try desperately to adjust yourself without using your hands or getting the book wet) when another thought popped into my head.

This would be a good time to note that I was reading the book Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh. The book is a collection of drawings accompanied by stories from Brosh's life. It's pretty much an extension of what you get on her blog just presented in a different format. At this point I was smack dab in the middle of reading her chapters on depression. I had gone from laughing uncontrollably in the first few chapters to hitting this wall of deep understanding with a complete stranger. I felt like what Brosh was describing was exactly what I have gone through and struggled against in the past.

So my second thought was: how can I find a way to express myself through creative means such as this and be successful at it? But then my brain immediately began coming up with every sort of negative reason why I could never fulfill that idea. I thought, you can't do anything too similar because that wouldn't be original and no one would appreciate it. Plus what makes you think you have a better way of saying what would basically be the same things Brosh is saying? If you connect so much with her chapter on depression how could you contribute in any sort of original way? Your life is not interesting enough. You're not a good enough artist. You have no original ideas. You have nothing new to contribute and not enough talent to do it well.

And that's when I grabbed the emergency brake on my thoughts and said HOLD UP, there's something wrong here. When you think about it, everything we do is unoriginal. We all eat, sleep, breathe, and communicate. Some people communicate through talking, some signing, some singing, some by writing, some by dancing, and others by painting, drawing, or sculpting. There's a million and one ways to communicate our thoughts and needs but none of them are original. All art has been made before; just because one person has painted a flower doesn't mean you can't paint a flower.

The best thing about art is it's ability to show us just how differently we view the world from the people around us. I could draw the same flower as the person next to me, but I can guarantee it won't be drawn the same way. What I loved most about taking art classes is walking around the room and realizing how many different ways the same object can be represented.

Believing that you don't deserve to create something to put out there for others to see or that you aren't good enough to be an "artist" is just a way of preventing you from getting better. When I tell myself that I'm not good enough or that I have no original ideas it just takes away from the time I could be spending creating art. So who cares if you're the least original artist out there, at least you're an artist.

You can't let the fear of being unoriginal hold you back. You will never be creative if you don't start by creating.

-S

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Family Day on Mackinac Island

Earlier this summer my mom purchased a few tickets on UpNorthLive for the ferry ride to Mackinac Island. Because trying to find a weekend where five adults are all simultaneously free from any other plans is quite a challenge we couldn't find a weekend all summer that would work for everyone to go. Finally, last Sunday morning arrived and we all piled in my dad's truck and hit the road. Fortunately it's only about a two hour drive to Mackinaw City, so we didn't have to get up too early.

Mackinac Island has never been my favorite place to visit, but I promised my parents (and myself) that I would try my hardest not to complain or act unhappy to be there. I'm sure that sounds silly that I have to tell myself those things, but I can be annoyingly cranky for myself and definitely for others. I love my family and have always been grateful that spending time with them has never been a chore or something I dread. I always want to be able to appreciate the time we spend together and wouldn't want to ruin a good day with a negative attitude. And guess what? It was such a good day.



None of us had ever been to the island this late in the year so we were all pretty excited to see what it had to offer in October. Last weekend was actually the very last one of tourist season on Mackinac. If you've experienced the island before this is definitely the best weekend to go for a visit. In the middle of summer it can be super hot and smelly and packed with people (which is basically what has fueled my dislike for the place).



Last Sunday was slower and felt more secluded. Half the restaurants were already closed and the other half closed later that day. All the shops had sales going on, so it made for the opportune time to check out the cute stores and get some great deals. I even bought some books because, you know, I need more books. They were 30% off and I can't resist a sale, especially when it comes to books (God help me).

I felt like we were in on some sort of secret being able to witness all these people packing up and saying goodbye to their friends. There I was waiting in line for coffee and people are shouting their farewells and sharing hugs. Friendships truly do change with the season. I like being a witness to other people's lives.



It was a gorgeous day. The past month has been on/off rain and cloudy skies with increasingly colder temperatures, but last Sunday was actually pleasant on the weather front. It was windy and chilly but not in a miserable way; plus the sun brightened the skies and warmed you right up. 



Another plus about making the trip in October is the colors. Everything in nature takes on a whole new dynamic in the fall. When you looked over a hill all you could see were rows of trees in reds and greens and yellows and orange. The island was so peaceful and we were able to walk around relatively undisturbed. Usually navigating the paths between the carriage tours, the horse poop, and the crowds of people on bicycles trumps being able to stay next to the people you're there with and often hinders conversation flow. Now that I've discovered the joy of the end of season emptiness I never want to visit at any other time. So much beauty all for us. I can't wait to visit the island again during future fall excursions. 



We left the island at five (right when the last shops were closing and it was all starting to get a bit depressing). I didn't even realized how tired, or hungry, I was until we got back in the car and started to head home. After much deliberating we decided to stop in Charlevoix for dinner at the Bridge Street Tap Room. My dad and brother had seen the restaurant mentioned in a local magazine and it looked like a cool place to try while we were passing through. I ordered a pumpkin chai beer (which was excellent and subtle) as well as a grilled mac and cheese (which was literally mouthwatering). If you're in the area I would definitely recommend checking it out.

So there ends another great, fun-filled family adventure. I hope you all have days like that with people you love!

-S

Monday, October 20, 2014

Boot-iful Desires

Fall officially welcomes boot season. To celebrate I thought I'd share a few of my favorite boots that I've seen on the internet lately. Shoes can really make or break an outfit and finding the right shoes can make all the difference. The best shoes are versatile, unique, and well made so they'll hold up through multiple seasons (also comfortable because if they hurt you're less likely to wear them).

Frye Patty Leather Riding Bootie

Royal Rush Wrap Boots from Free People

Leather Bootie with Sole Detail from Zara

I love trends as much as the next fashion obsessed woman, but I view shoes as an investment. I value a shoe based on what I've liked over multiple years rather than what's on point for that season. If you prefer a chunky heal commit to it and let everyone know that's part of your personal style. Do however, let shoes surprise you. I've tried on shoes I thought I would hate and absolutely loved them and vice versa. You might think a certain shape or design will or won't look good, but you won't be certain until you try them on. Another point to remember is that you can find quality, stylish shoes on any budget. A shoe doesn't have to cost over $100 in order for it to be worth purchasing. Pay more attention to fabrics and stitching.


WELLYPRINT Women's Print Rain Boots Wellies from Joules

NAYA Harlin Hidden Wedge Boot from Free People

Early Bird Ankle Boots from ASOS

I'm not saying you have to follow the same rules as I do or that you can't buy anything that might go out of style, I'm just sharing my philosophy for buying shoes on a budget. If you have more money to spend or prefer to buy several new pairs of shoes every season then you do your thing and don't listen to a word I'm saying. Besides I haven't tried any of these shoes on or seen them in person, so I'm in no way endorsing these as the best boots on the market. All of these boots were chosen based on esthetics, but if anyone owns or has tried on any of the boots listed above, please let me know what you think of them! Are they worth purchasing?

-S

Sunday, October 12, 2014

It Feels Like The First Time

You know when you hear a record and it's like the first time you're hearing those songs? Maybe you've heard the same song ten times before, but you never really felt anything until that moment? That happened to me recently.

When I was in Kalamazoo for my great grandma's birthday party my dad, brother, and I went to the local record store, Green Light Records. I wasn't there for anything in particular and was just browsing the shelves when I happened upon The Gaslight Anthem section. Gaslight was a band that I became interested in around Freshman year of college (right around The '59 Sound). I was discovering all this new music at the time and really expanding my tastes, so it wasn't long before they got lost in the pile.


I remember trying to keep up with the band, listening to their newest records as they were released and playing some of my old favorites every now and then. American Slang passed me by quickly and I just wasn't interested in that kind of music at the time. Then came Handwritten in 2012. I remember the release mostly because a couple of tumblr blogs I followed were run by really cool chicks from the UK who loved the band. They made me want to love the band again too, and I really tried to become captivated with Gaslight's sound again. Anyway, after listening to 45 and Handwritten a few times I once again gave up. I liked the songs, but just couldn't seem to connect to the album.

That's why I found it so strange that once I put my hands on Handwritten in the record store, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I knew that I liked a few songs on their newest album Get Hurt and it would have made much more sense for me to buy that record. Even the guy at the counter commented about not getting the newest album. It's hard to explain, but something about it just felt right. It's like the album came back into my life to help me. To create this perfect moment. To remind me that there are other people out there who love music the same way I do.


The Handwritten vinyl has this great packaging; the liner folds out and the lyrics are on the inside. Plus the record itself is blue vinyl. It's the type of quality that sets the record apart and something I was disappointed in when I purchased the Get Hurt record. Yes what I really care about is the music, but quality packaging should be a priority as well. While I sat listening, I discovered this note by Nick Hornby printed on the inside cover. His words are a reminder that although The Gaslight Anthem's sound might be clearly influenced by bands of the past, they are a talented composition of all those influences.

"And the second is this: you think, write, play and sing as though you have a right to stand at the head of a long line of cool people - you recognize that The Clash and Little Richard got here first, but they're not around any more, so you're going to carry on the tradition, and you're going to do it in your own voice, and with as much conviction and authenticity and truth as you can muster. And if you can pull that off, you'll be amazed at how fresh you can sound."

The picture is kind of small but you can read the whole thing here.
"And the Gaslight Anthem sound fresh. Anyone who has ever been frustrated by anything - a girl, a boy, a job, a self (especially that) - can listen to this music and feel understood and energized."

As the record begins to spin there's this moment of anticipation before 45 starts playing that just sucks me in every time. The Gaslight Anthem has this raw vintage rock sound that begs to be played on vinyl, or blasting from a car radio on a dark night drive. There's something magical and transformative about their music. Sometimes I imagine myself going back in time. Other times I just picture a different life in the here and now. I picture myself lying under the stars on a warm summer night next to this guy that loves me, someone who understands how music can make you feel so many things at once. I'm sure that sounds crazy, but it gives me hope that maybe there is someone out there waiting to share those moments with me.

I love this acoustic version of Mae.

I know that The Gaslight Anthem isn't for everyone and that's okay. You don't always have to like everything all the time. Like I said, when the album was first released I didn't even like it all that much. You never know what might make you feel differently in a week, a month, or a few years. When I listen to Handwritten now I feel this part of me connect, like something latching into place. It's like the music is there to keep me going. Part of me wants to scream along, sing those words with every bit that I have, but part of me just needs to lie there listening. It's like needing a good cry, or going for a run, or just listening to the songs on repeat until something inside of you is finally healed. Often you don't even know what it is inside of you that needs fixing, but there's a realization that this music is what you needed all along.

Part of me feels like the record is meant for some angsty teenager, but I'm just a hopelessly lost human being. One who is floating around in her mid-twenties desperately trying to find the door that will let her out of this mess and onto something better. God knows I've never been good with directions. Too often I get stuck running in circles, getting no where fast, just going over the same thoughts again and again.


Maybe all of this sounds silly to you. Maybe I'm weird for thinking music can hold this much power. But for me music is like a religion. It's the one thing I have total faith in. It gives me hope, it keeps me going, it's there when life is good and when it's bad. Sometimes it's the only thing that makes me feel alive. It makes me feel like I have a future and a purpose. It's records like Handwritten that reinforce my faith in something bigger.

And I'm not saying all music has to have meaning. Like all forms of art, sometimes it's just there for you to appreciate. There doesn't have to be a story behind it. There's no need to analyze every detail until you can figure out what the song is about. A song can have however much meaning you want it to have.

Just take a moment to listen, feel your heart beating, and remind yourself that you are alive.

-S

Sunday, October 5, 2014

What I'm Excited For In October

Hey guys!

Fall is my favorite time of year. The weather is the perfect compromise between hot and cold; it's not too cloudy, but not overly sunny either. Nature looks beautiful this time of year and my walks outside are filled with a whole array of colors. Don't get me wrong, I love the lush green colors of summer, but they can't beat the deep reds, rich oranges, and brilliant golds you find in autumn.


Fall is also my favorite time in fashion. Boots, sweaters, skirts with cute tights, beanies, scarves and it's the best time of year to wear jeans.

Apples/Farmer's Market/Apple Cider


New Books. I already got my hands on a copy of Not That Kind Of Girl by Lena Dunham, but I can't wait for Amy Poehler's book, Yes Please, to come out on October 28th.


Fall TV shows. I've been loving Forever and How To Get Away With Murder so far.

Harvest Chai and hot coffee. The change in season means the end of my iced coffee consumption. Back to the hot drinks with rising steam and instant warmth.


Pumpkin Donuts. I'm not really a donut girl, but I do love pumpkin flavored ones.

HOCKEY! The season starts this week and I can't wait to root for my boys again. Go Wings!



What are your favorite parts of fall? What are you looking forward to in October?

-S

Friday, October 3, 2014

New Fall Outfit Preview

After not buying any new clothing for a long time, I decided to finally purchase a few pieces to update my old wardrobe. Now that my weight has been in a better place for over a year, I feel much more comfortable putting money towards clothes. Of course it also helps that I now have a source of income too.

I was going to do a collective haul/outfit post, but unfortunately my new skirt has a pull. Major sad face!



I bought this really cute outfit from LOFT when I was in Illinois visiting family a few weekends back and I was planning on wearing it for my great grandma's birthday party last Saturday. Unfortunately when I took the skirt out to put it on Saturday morning I noticed this big thread pulled out in the front. I swear it wasn't there when I bought the skirt (I would have definitely noticed when I tried it on), so I don't know if it just got snagged on another piece in the bag or something got caught on it while I was still in the store. Either way I'm majorly bummed and now I have to figure out how to return/exchange the skirt without having a LOFT store near by.


I also picked up this sweater from LOFT, while the shirt and pants are from American Eagle.


It feels like a long time has passed since I felt proud of my wardrobe and personal style. I can't wait to keep building and developing a collection of clothes that better reflect who I am and what I love. Hopefully I have more to show you later after I get stuff with the skirt figured out.

-S

Monday, September 29, 2014

Celebrating 100

I spent this weekend in Kalamazoo with my family celebrating my great grandmother's 100th birthday. Her birthday was on Wednesday, but we had a party for her on Saturday. It's not every day someone you know turns 100. It's kind of amazing to think about all she's been through and experienced within her life. I feel so blessed to still have her around. My great grandma is one of the strongest, most generous, inspiring women I know. I only hope to be half the woman she is.


She's been in a rehab facility for most of the summer (after having a fall), but she made it home on Thursday. My mom said she even noticed major improvements just over the couple of days that she's been back home. It's amazing how much our recovery depends on our comfort levels and surroundings.

An older(ish) photo of my mom and grandma. This was either Easter or someone's birthday.

My mom took the week off and drove down with my grandpa on Wednesday, then my dad, brother, and I drove down Saturday morning. Getting up at 5:30am wasn't exactly my idea of a good time, but there was no way I'd miss celebrating with my grandma. After being able to spend more time with her while I was in college, I miss having her near by. I used to love going over to my aunt's house and sitting down next to my grandma to drink coffee and chat about life. After 100 years she has plenty of stories to tell and opinions to share (and she was never afraid to share them).


Many people mentioned what a great cook my grandma has always been. She always took the time to make home made meals for people passing through and she never let you go without something to eat. Even when I'd come over to take care of her while my aunt was away, she'd never let me go too long without eating something. She always puts other people before herself.



A few Christmases ago I started helping my grandma make all the cookies for the holiday. For most of my life she's been a making lemon star cookies, date cookies, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, toffee bars, peanut brittle every Christmas. Of course she never goes by an actual recipe, so helping her bake was a bit of a challenge, but we managed. My cookies never turned out quite like hers, but I hope someday I'll get the hang of it.


Looking at pictures over the years brought up so many fond memories of going to visit my grandma's old house on the lake. My grandma moved in with my aunt (who had been living with her at the lake for some time) to a new house closer to town back in 2003. I was so sad when they sold that house because it used to be one of my favorite places to visit. The house was right next to this little corner store and my grandma would always give my brother and I money to go over and get candy whenever we came to visit.

This was probably taken right before they left the lake house.

The house had this amazing bathroom with a slanted ceiling and this crazy green long shag carpet. I used to love going in there to sit after people would take their showers and it would be all warm and cozy. There was also a three (four?) seasons room where we'd always sit and play Trouble or cards. In the summer we'd go swimming or take the paddle boat out. Plenty of fun was had all around.


Just two out of the many, many dance concert pictures taken together over the years.

My great grandma has this whole history all her own and I feel so lucky to be a part of it. She's been to all my dance concerts, showing her love and support over the years. We've celebrated birthdays and Christmases and graduations together. I've been lucky enough to create memories with her in multiple states around the country. There's no one else in the world quite like my great grandma. I have always looked up to her and appreciated her words of wisdom. I hope that we have many more days to spend together.


It was also really great to see extended family that I haven't seen in a long time. Including my long lost cousin who I haven't properly spent time with in over 3 year (if not more). We need to figure out some time to get together.



-S

Monday, September 22, 2014

Summer TBR Wrap Up

Fall officially starts tomorrow so I figured now would be a good time to do a wrap up of all the books I've read over the summer. At the beginning of the season I made a list of books I wanted to read over the coming months. Although I didn't get to every single book on my designated list I did manage to read a majority of the books.


The first book I read was The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón, which I absolutely loved. The story is the perfect combination between a mystery and a love story. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down.

The second book was the Seeking Her novella by Cora Carmack. As much as I liked reading from Hunt's perspective, there wasn't much in terms of new information. I'd rather it have been a continuation of the story, like Keeping Her. Reading the novella did however inspire me to reread Finding It. I don't know if I liked the book as much as I did the first time, but it still made me all emotional inside.

The fourth, and probably the most frustrating, book I read over the summer was The Circle by Dave Eggers. The novel was a satirical view of the value we place on digital communication and technological advancements over personal connections. I liked the book because of the questions it prompted and it's analysis of human behavior, but I thought the novel could have made it's point using less words. I also still can't figure out how I feel about the ending.

Book five was We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. Although the writing in this book was simple, the characters themselves became quite complex. There's not much to say without ruining the story. Just go read it!

The sixth book was The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. This was not a required read in my junior high english class so I missed out on the book years ago. Although I was expecting Anne's diary to be sad, I was quite surprised at how funny her writing was as well. Anne lived a very different life than my own, but I often felt like her thoughts and opinions were similar to mine at that age.

The seventh book I finished was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This was another story I absolutely adored. Reading the story was like entering into a dreamland that was so visible in my mind I never wanted to leave. They need to make this into a movie.


Book eight was the Fracture Me novella by Tahereh Mafi. I'm getting sad just thinking about the fact that all I have is one book left in the series. I feel so attached to these characters and I still have no idea who I want Juliette to end up with. Although reading from Kent's perspective actually turned me off from his character more.

Books nine and ten were If I Stay and Where She Went by Gayle Forman. After purchasing a few of the songs from Adam's band off of the movie soundtrack, my interest in seeing the movie grew exponentially. So the minute I finished reading the book, I immediately begged my mom to go see it with me. The thing I loved about these books were how big of a part music played in all the characters lives. Since music is a really big passion of mine, I felt connected with everyone in the book. I also used the book as inspiration for some exploration into the punk rock world. Although I already own/listen to a wide range of music, there's always room for growth. Side note: I might have liked Where She Went better than If I Stay.

I also began reading The Brothers Karamazov last month, which seemed like a big task, but has been surprisingly fun. I'm only about 1/5th of the way through the book, but I'm actually reading faster than I expected now that I can kind of keep all the characters straight. I think mastering the names is probably the hardest part about the novel.

Lastly, I've still been plugging away at Les Miserables over the last few months. I'm nearing at the half way point and trying to dedicate more time to the book in order to finish the novel by the end of the year.

At the end of the season I've finished a total of ten books since making my summer TBR. Seven of the ten were directly listed in my TBR post, leaving two of the original nine listed (The Angel's Game and Goodnight June) left. Hopefully I'll get around to reading those last couple books soon.

Did you make a summer TBR? How did you do?

-S