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Mind FoodIt can be dangerous around our house when someone sinks their teeth into a new book. People suddenly disappear, holed away while devouring their tasty new mind meal. Take me, today, for example. My dad has helped me develop a taste for trial lawyer/mystery books, like those by Randy Singer (his less intense books) and Robert Whitlow. After a day of studying and struggling to pound out an essay as bland as unsalted Saltines, thoughtful, gripping fiction re-whets my appetite for writing and reading in general. It even makes me want to cook up something of my own. However, you probably won't be able to sample any of my concoctions soon, because I prefer to write at the speed a crockpot cooks. We both let things marinate for a while. And that's unfortunate since I'm planning on taking the CLEP English Composition with an essay -- which must be planned, written and edited in 45 minutes. Microwaved essay, anyone? I don't find it very appitizing. Most of my practice essays so far have been...hmm...undercooked. Or maybe overseasoned. Whatever it is, the receipe needs some work.But that's enough food for thought right now. I don't want anyone to feel overfed; isn't it better to leave readers hungry for more? Busyness...What a busy week! There was a Bible conference at our church, I was studying for the Humanities CLEP test, we babysat three days this week,and now...I'm tired. Oh, yeah, and I'm getting ready to co-teach a Sunday School class with a friend, and we both have colds and croaky voices. Oh, dear.Plus, school starts on Monday! Of course, that doesn't really affect me, since I've graduated and have been doing CLEP tests all summer. I rather miss that sense of "beginning" -- the clean smell of new school books, the careful scheduling of every subject I'm working on. My school books are used and my year is pretty well planned out already; I feel like I'm in the middle of a school year instead of at the beginning. Accelerated distance learning is a different experience. I've already gotten 18 college credits, and that's just since June. I love the "work at your own pace" style, and it's nice to be able to chose what classes I want to take. Of course, it takes work. Lots of it. And it's interesting to see the reactions I get from people. They're similar to the reactions we get as homeschoolers -- you know, "Does that count? How does that work?" What's very funny to me is hearing homeschoolers ask those questions. Sure it works -- isn't that how you're getting your regular education? I'm doing the same thing, just at the college level. Okay, returning from my tangent, I am thankful for busyness. But I'm also thankful for quietness and being still. And after this hectic week, and a mind that is bouncing all over the place (can't you tell?) I think I need to go imitate Mary....leave the unimportant, sit before the Most Important, and listen. :) Great American LiteratureWhat a week! Most of my time has been spent exploring the world of American Literature -- a place populated largely by people with mixed-up minds and questionable morals. True, there are a few bright spots, like Louisa May Alcott and some of the Puritan writers (believe it or not). But on the whole, I've been disappointed that most of the Great American Literature really isn't.After reading about affairs, suicides, people going insane, and murders, I have an urge to read something Nice. Jane Austen, anyone? My mind needs reminding that good literature does exist, even if it's not required reading to pass a CLEP test. :) It's a pity that we Americans didn't produce any Dickenses or C.S. Lewises. I'm suddenly feeling sadly unpatriotic. :( And as a dabbler in writing, I feel the urge to write something that could be called "literature"....but I am missing a few important elements: time, a subject, and just plain ol' inspiration. So, is anyone in the blogosphere sensing the call to be the next great author? Are you concoting a fabulous story in your spare time? Don't give it up! We need you! :) But seriously, we, as Christians, shouldn't shrink away from literature as being Bad and unreformable. We just need some truly good writers who will write great literature with equally great moral backbone. And, when you finish your masterpiece, let me read it, please. I'd love to read some great American Literature that is. Blogging PhilisophyWell, imagine that -- two posts in one month! I'm on a roll.I think I've finally solved the mystery of why I don't blog very often. It's found in Pride and Prejudice -- Elizabeth Bennett accuses Mr. Darcy of not speaking unless he expects to "say something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb." Guilty as charged. So, recognizing that excuse for what it is, I've decided to make an effort to blog once a week, even if all I post is an encouraging verse. Because, in addition to blogging consistently, I don't want to blog about just anything. We're too busy for that. Good blogs must leave a little tidbit with you...a little something useful or encouraging or challenging. And, my "little something" for today.... Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Or maybe, blog about these things? :) So much to say, so little time!Wow. Time flies, doesn't it? I've been so busy (and forgetful!) that my blog has been untended! To bring you up to speed, here are a few major things that have been going on:~I graduated. :D ~I started CollegePlus! on the same day that I finished my last subject in school. It's going well. ~ My senior piano recital is coming up in June. It's my first-ever solo recital, and I'm experiencing a few butterflies-in- the- stomach about it, but I found a quote by J.S. Bach that has been encouraging and inspiring -- "The sole aim of music is the glory of God and the refreshment of the spirit." Keeping my focus on God and others rather than me really makes a big difference in my nerves! Well...I think that's all for now. My brain is working slowly -- hopefully, I'll be able to write something more later! A Little More Light ... One More StepThis morning, it was quite foggy outside. I've always loved the fog for some reason. Hanging like a gauzy white veil over the trees, it lent a mysterious aura to things that would otherwise seem very mundane. Of course, fog is fine unless you need to go somewhere. Then, it becomes more of a nuisance, raising question marks about what is in front of you.Sometimes, the future seems that way as well. I strain my eyes, trying to see what might be ahead for me, and failing miserably. It's been my experience, though, that I'm never exactly stuck in the fog or completely unsure of what to do next. A ray of light always bursts through and illumines the path ahead of me, giving just enough light to take the next step. The future is always a mystery, but I always know what I should do next. Not too long ago, I had one of those "next step" experiences. I've already blogged about staying home for my last year of school -- last year, that was my "next step." Of course, I couldn't just just let that rest! In the back of my mind, I was curious. "What about college? What's next after this?" Well, I know now! After prayer, and worry, and more prayer, and trying not to worry . . .and on, the Lord has given me the light for the next step. So, what is it? I'm not going to college in the traditional sense. Instead, I'm doing a program called CollegePlus! that allows me to get my degree in a shorter amount of time, for less money than it would usually cost. This isn't meant to be an infomercial, but here's what it involves: I will basically get my degree by taking tests for the core classes, and then, since I'm getting a music degree, taking music classes at a local college. After I finish those, my credits will transfer to a distance learning college, which will grant my degree. I'm excited! For so many reasons, this is what the Lord has led me to do . . .and it fits. Like a glove to my hand, it matches completely the desires the Lord has given me. I think I'm ready to run to this next step.  "And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed."Deut. 31:8 Laptop funnies and snow days(Ahem!) I have an important announcement to make: this is my first entry on my very own laptop. Well, I guess that's really only exciting to me, but I thought I'd share that anyways! And, having been in possession of this laptop for a whopping five days, I thought I'd pass on a helpful hint to anyone else who deals with laptops. This is quite important, so pay attention. Do not place or store your laptop in a microwave oven. I know it's a huge disappointment. It was to me as well. "I can't keep my laptop in the microwave?? (sniff, sniff)." Seriously though, that is an actual instruction in my laptop manual. At this point, I will resist a tirade about idiotic lawsuits, and move on to happier territory.My other important announcement is that it is snowing! For some of you northern dwellers, this might not seem like a big deal. Where we live, however, a few snowflakes are cause for rejoicing, and we are getting many more than a few. I can see a winter wonderland right outside my window -- big, fluffy flakes are steadily coating our yard. It's beautiful to eyes that have been starved on wintery gray. Hopefully, I'll be able to post some pictures later. And, speaking of later, I should have the next Proverbs 31 challenge up soon. I've really been enjoying preparing this one, so make sure to watch for it! A Tag!I was tagged by Anna93 . (Yay!) In this tag, use each letter of your first and middle names to describe yourself. This is actually more challenging than it might look!K - keen (as in, sensitive or insightful, not as in "cool") O - organized R - redeemed -- how I love to proclaim it! I - introspective E - enthusiastic L - ladylike (most of the time) A - affectionate I - indecisive -- about this tag, anyways! E - early bird I tag my dear sister, pinkprecious and anyone else who cares to do this tag! A Quick AnnouncementIt's been so pathetically long since I've blogged, and I'm afraid that it will be a little longer until I start again. This blog has not been completely abandoned, but because of busyness, I'm going to take a break and start back in full force after Christmas! So, for anyone who still reads this, I am promising to return! God bless! "Fall"-ingAutumn has finally fallen, and it seems to have landed right in my lap! (It takes a while for fall to reach us Southern Belles.) Is it possible to overdose on fall colors? They were absolutely beautiful this afternoon as I strolled outside. Not all the leaves have turned yet, but the yellow poplars were radiant in gold, and the sweetgum trees were elegant in rich, dark red. Gorgeous. Like chocolate for the eyes.
And, in keeping will the fall theme, I was tagged with the "fall favorites" tag by inkblotter 1. Favorite Smell? Apple cinnamon candles. 2. Favorite Food? Around Thanksgiving, it's macaroni and cheese. 3. Favorite Color? My favorite fall colors are gold and red. (Overall is purple or blue. Can't decide.) 4. Favorite Drink? At this point, hot chocolate 5. Favorite Treat? Hmmm. Chocolate. Enough said. 6. Favorite Place to go? The hill. (It deserves a post of it's own) 7. Favorite Candy? Too hard! 8. Favorite Movie to watch? Well, it's not like I would just listen to it. 9. Favorite Clothing to wear? It's a toss up between jeans, t-shirt and fuzzy socks, or a long, swishy skirt with a cute blouse. 10. Favorite Outdoor Activity? Running. 11. Favorite Football Team? UGA! Go dawgs, and all that stuff. 12. Favorite Fall Holiday? Thanksgiving. 13. Favorite Haunted place? No thank you. 14. Favorite Food at Thanksgiving Dinner? Either macaroni and cheese or broccoli casserole. 15. Favorite Pie? Chocolate, with mounds of whipped cream. 16. Favorite Fall Hobby? Gospel face painting at fairs and fall festivals! 17. Favorite Fall Memory? That's difficult. Probably all of the Thanksgivings spent with family. 18. Favorite Fall Sight? The leaves! 19. Overall Favorite thing about Fall? Cooler weather. . .the overall tingle in the air. 20. Overall Favorite Season? Spring and fall both. I tag anyone else who loves fall. { Last Page } { Page 1 of 3 } { Next Page } |
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Sarcasm aside, my current favorite is Amazing Grace. It's a wonderful movie.