Nov. 7, 2009 - My 4th Blogoversary
Yes, three cheers for me for blogging for four whole years, right? I think so. I don't really remember what I thought of blogging when I first started, so I won't go into any of that. All I know is that now I love it.
So instead of all of the usual sap that people post about for their blogoversaries, I am just going to post link to some of my favorite posts that I have written over these past four years. Does that sound like fun? I hope so!
2006
- The Books Are Always Better
- Central Oregon 101 ~ A brief introduction to my hometown.
- None Other Than My Mother ~ A poem I wrote for Mother's Day
- Humans and Habits ~ Have a habit that you need to break? Read this!
- Avoiding Foolish and Ignorant Disputes ~ with a Lord of the Rings flavor.
- Another Poem ~ I wrote a lot more poetry several years ago than I do now!
- A Thoughtful Journey ~ Yes, another poem.
- Analogies and The Great Critical Thinker
- I've Got a Plan! ~ What do you plan on doing after you graduate?
- The Better Blogging Movement #1
- The Better Blogging Movement #2
- How Important is the Pencil ~ Do you take the pencil for granted? Read this and gain a new perspective on one of the most little thought of writing instruments.
- Protecting Little Knees ~ Older siblings, we have a responsibility towards our little sisters and brothers.
- My Graduation Speech
2009
- No Fishing Allowed!
- Lament of the Stars ~ Are there no, truly good actors out there?
- Hardships of Friendships ~ Another lament, of a more serious sort.
- Only Jesus...
- Don't Waste Your Time! ~ Do you waste time of things that only have worldly value?
- Sweetness is...
- Living on Charity ~ Did you know that we are all living on charity?
Finally, these last two are from the last two months.
- The Church in the Wildwood ~ How I long to hear those old hymns sung in a church setting!
- Whose Leaves Were Fair
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Nov. 6, 2009 - NaNoWriMo: Progress and Location
It is now day 6 of NaNoWriMo, I believe. For the most part is is gong very well, and I am rather pleased with my progress. I have written almost every day, and I am well above the average word count per day, which is a good thing. It means I'm ahead of schedule.
There was one day that I wrote hardly a thing. I wanted to write, but I wasn't sure what to write next. I keep harboring suspicions that my plot isn't big enough for 50,000 words. Yet here I am, still plugging away. Well, plugging isn't exactly the right word; I am enjoying myself.
Just in case you wanted to know, there is now a meter on my sidebar that will tell you my current word count. It updates when I do, so, if you are interested, be sure to keep checking back!
I am quite in love with my bedroom/studio. I would like to think of it as my studio, at any rate. It's where I do almost everything! I wanted to show it to you, so here it is!
So, that's it! You had a peek into my charming attic bedroom and workspace. The poor thing is simply yearning for Christmas decorations, but have yet to make any. I have an idea for a garland...but that is not what this post is about.
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Nov. 4, 2009 - Whose Leaves Were Fair...
...whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation.
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Nov. 2, 2009 - Noble Rose Press Interview!
Today is a special day here at Defective Compositions, because this is my first interview. Not only that, but I had the pleasure to interview two of the nicest girls of my "acquaintance", Miss Breezy Tulip, and Miss Emily Rose.
These lovely ladies have recently started Noble Rose Press, and are currently selling some of the neatest and most beautiful paper dolls you will ever find.
What inspired you to begin making paper dolls in the first place?
We were working on paper dolls for the Girlhood Home Companion Magazine, when Mom came up with the idea that we could sell our own historical paper dolls of Christian women from history. We planned to sell them in an Etsy shop, but as things progressed plans changed. A friend suggested that we try to see if Vision Forum might be interested in them and then began the process of having to answer many questions, such as how the dolls would be packaged, printed and priced to name just a few. Through that process we were able to develop a larger entrepreneurial mindset for the project (and future projects).
Will you please share about the actual process of designing and creating the dolls?
As soon as Breezy would finish a doll or dress, Emily Rose would get to work on cleaning up the artwork, which included adjusting the coloring, removing blemishes, and smoothing rough textures and edges. After the dolls and their dresses had been enhanced, Emily Rose laid them out in a program and then we both collaborated on the design of the book layout. From there they went to the printers.
Did any problems arise? If so, how were you able to work through them?
We had a few extra long days, which at times would make us weary, but those were the days that God was especially using to teach us that He is our strength and we need to lean on Him. There were a few complications with the printing, which was a little discouraging at times. Through those complications we learned more
about how the process of printing works, which we would not of learned if everything had gone smoothly the first time.
Why did you decide to do the dolls that you did? (Katherine von Bora and Idelette Calvin, Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards, Pocahontas, and Priscilla Mullins.)
We wrote out a list of women we had read about in history, women we admired and that had particularly left an impression on us. The list grew as we looked through books, talked with friends and were reminded of more and discovered others. We started with Katharina von Bora and Idelette Calvin because they were the wives of two Reformers in the 1500's, their hospitality and strength encouraged and blessed their husbands. Abigail Adams and Sarah Edwards are two of our heroines from the 1700's, both of whom showed fortitude while their husbands were under a great deal of stress. In collection three is Pocahontas and Priscilla Mullins, hailing from Jamestown and Plymouth, respectively, who were just two of the women who God raised up in the very earliest day's of our country's beginning to bless their communities.
Are there plans for more collections in the future?
You'll just have to wait and find out! :)
I'm sure that I would have become tired of the project at times. Did you have any struggles, and if you did, what helped you through them?
It was truly by the grace of God that we were able to complete the paper dolls. Our days were long and sometimes wearisome, but we knew that our work would not be in vain. It was (and still is) our prayer that the Lord would use our paper dolls and the stories of these ladies to inspire young ladies. The thought of what the Lord might accomplish with them and the strength He granted us made us persevere.
Finally, do you have any encouraging thoughts for the readers, or helpful tips for aspiring artists or entrepreneurs?
Seek God. Follow God. Obey God. Developing the talent(s) that the Lord has given you is very important so that that gift does not fall to the wayside, but is instead nurtured. You never know to what extent the Lord may use your gift for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Our mother was a great help to us as she did most of the business-side of the research as we worked on the paper dolls. Two of the most helpful tools that we were blessed by as we began our new business was The Best of the 2006 Entrepreneurial Bootcamp produced by Vision Forum and the information and articles on the New Venture Lab website.
We also encourage you to seek out wise counsel from your parents. The wisdom of Proverbs 11:14 proved to be invaluable as we were so blessed to have
wise godly counsel.
I know that Breezy and Emily have inspired me numerous times, and have inspired me yet again with their dedication to their work, not to mention their talent and good taste!
You can find these girls blogging on their personal blogs, A Bowl of Moss and Pebbles, and Simply Vintagegirl. You can also go check out and buy their paper dolls at Noble Rose Press, and I highly recommend doing so!
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Oct. 26, 2009 - The Church in the Wildwood
As the people entered the church yard, beautiful song wafted out through the open windows. It was a hymn, as the people of this church always sang. Hymns that even the smallest child could sing, albeit with a lisping accent. Hymns that had been sung by their ancestors for hundreds of years, and yet still held truth.
Many churches in the town had begun to integrate newer, more contemporary songs into their worship services. Gone were the sweet, beautiful tones of a church raising it's voice together. Now, churches had drums, and guitars, and all manner of noise makers, that served only to drown out the voice of it's brethren. Why bother singing if your voice cannot be heard?
The people heading to this church, however, had joy in their hearts. Even now, the organ was gently humming a song about that very thing; Joy to the World, the Lord has come. These people did not have their ears blasted by too-loud music. These people did not have a "worship" team, and yet their souls were soothed every Sunday.
Even the young people would remember all of their lives, with lovely fondness, the sweet songs that they had heard as children. Someday, those tuneful words would be more to them than just nostalgic memories.
There is a need for beautiful music to be played in church. My heart aches to hear a body of people raise their voices to sing Amazing Grace, Blessed Assurance, The Church's One Foundation, and other dear songs. I desperately want to hold a volume of hymns that has a well worn, but loved binding; to turn through it's pages simply taking in the titles.
Perhaps I am the one being nostalgic. Perhaps I don't really know what I'm talking about. However, there is one thing that I do know. I miss singing old hymns in church. I don't believe I have heard one, real, old hymn sung in church since last December.
I leave you with--a hymn. The Church in the Wildwood is the first song that came to mind when I thought about writing this post. Someday it would be nice to visit The Little Brown Church in the Vale, but for now, the song will do. You can listen to its loveliness HERE.
by Dr. William S. Pitts
There's a church in the valley by the wildwood,
No lovelier spot in the dale;
No place is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Chorus
Oh, come, come, come, come,
Come to the church in the wildwood,
Oh, come to the church in the vale;
No spot is so dear to my childhood
As the little brown church in the vale.
Second Stanza
Oh, come to the church in the vale,
To the trees where the wild flowers bloom;
Where the parting hymn will be chanted,
We will weep by the side of the tomb.
Third Stanza
How sweet on a clear Sabbath morning,
To list to the clear ringing bell;
Its tones so sweetly are calling,
Oh come to the church in the vale.
Fourth Stanza
From the church in the valley by the wildwood,
When day fades away into night,
I would fain from this spot of my childhood
Wing my way to the mansions of light.
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Oct. 21, 2009 - Agreeable Friends
they pass no criticisms.
~ George Eliot
Happiness is a warm puppy. ~Charles M. Schulz
~Irish proverb
What greater gift than the love of a cat?
~Charles Dickens
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Oct. 19, 2009 - Rusty Baking Pans? No Problem!
Recently I ruined one of our baking pans by leaving it to soak too long. After it was cleaned out, there were rust spots all over the place. Mommy was somewhat upset, so I did a little research to try and rectify my mistake, and this is what I found.
Removing Rust From Baking Pans -- powered by eHow.com
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Oct. 16, 2009 - The Savvy Photographer Giveaway!
I've been reading a The Savvy Photographer blog for a little while, and I am always in awe of the beautiful photography, or studio's, or photographers that are featured there. I'm always getting inspiration, and (when I take the time to actually read the interviews, instead of just look at the pictures) I learn a lot!
So, imagine my joy when I found out that they are hosting a giveaway! You can enter to win a Workshop Workbook written by an extremely talented, professional photographer. I am very excited by this giveaway, and I really hope I win!
If you are interested in entering to win the Workshop Workbook, then head right over to The Savvy Photographer's giveaway!
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Oct. 13, 2009 - Thoughts of the Seasons
Elizabeth tagged me with this absolutely delightful tag!
In Spring, my favorite things are seeing all of the baby animals learning to walk, running, and frisking about. I love to see new growing things, because they are such a unique color of green. There is an air of new life about that fills me with joy.
In Summer, I love lazy days on the porch swing, whether we be reading, writing, napping, talking, or simply enjoying. I love playing croquet in my Grandparent's yard, the cool touch of beautiful green grass, and the shrieks when the sprinklers suddenly come on. I love hiking in the woods, and admiring the flowers and ferns.
In Autumn, with me being a sweater lover, I love having the brisk days when a sweater isn't optional, but a must. I love the brilliant colors. I love the cozy feeling that I get just because it is Fall. The crunching noise that leaves make when you step on them, the rains, the puddles that come after the rains, is all some of my favorite things about Autumn.
In Winter, I love curling up in a wad of blankets, socks, pillows, and sweaters, to read a book. I love the fresh, untouched look of newly fallen snow. Sledding all day and coming home soaked is one of my favorite winter memories, along with sledding on an old car hood pulled by a 4 wheeler, sitting around the fireplace in a lovely, huge fort that my Uncle helped my cousins to build, and going out on Christmas morning to pick and pull a sagebrush for a Christmas Tree.
Now that I’ve told you my favorite thoughts of the seasons I challenge you to a tag. I’m going to tag four people to follow my thoughts of the seasons and have them tell me theirs.
I tag….
3. Pen 2 Paper
Even if you’re not one of the four bloggers chosen above, feel free to post your feelings with a link back to my blog.
Rules of the tag
1. Tag at least three people after your post.
2. Post back to the blog that tagged you.
3. Post the rules of the tag and please don’t post the things you least like about the seasons, but what you like best 
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Oct. 8, 2009 - The Answer to the Riddle
You are all so patient, and here, finally, is the answer to those befuddling pictures in my Can You Guess? post.
Those mysterious marks that looked so much like lions and dogs is actually a knitting pattern/chart. Alizona guessed the closest. Thanks for all of your guesses, though!
What sort of pattern, I hear you asking? This one!
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Oct. 7, 2009 - Pom-Pom or no Pom-Pom, That is the Question
Recently, my little tootsies have been getting quite frozen in the mornings. Apparently I have mittens, a scarf, a hat, a coat, everything a person needs to bundle up, except thick, warm socks. Finally, a few days ago, I decided that something needed to be done, so I searched around on Ravelry to find Knitted Moccasin Slippers.
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Oct. 5, 2009 - Book Review ~ Christy
Christy by Catherine Marshall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I picked up this book again, after having not read it for quite some time, it was like wrapping myself in a favorite, but little used, blanket. As I read through the prologue, where Christy revisits the small community that affected her life so much, I almost began to cry. It was so comforting to be reading this lovely story once again.
Christy Huddleston, is a young and impressionable nineteen-year-old, makes the decision to become a teacher in a rural mountain area. Little does she know what trials, triumphs, sorrows and joys await her. She comes feeling like she has so much she can do for these people, who still live in squalid cabins with no plumbing; are illiterate, participate in ancient feuds and are held in the bondage of superstition. Yet through the events that take place, Christy realizes how much it is that she needs to learn.
It has been a completely different experience to read this book, now that I live in Kentucky. I'm not entirely sure why, but I think a lot of it has to do with living in an area that is somewhat like Cutter Gap. Even thought there aren't mountains nearby, I have learned a little bit about the culture, about the history, and about the landscape, that I feel like I am almost in the setting of the book, somehow.
Christy is full of laughter, funny children, appreciation for beauty and good things, the desire to better the world, and learning in unexpected ways. There is even a lovely surprise at the end. I highly recommend this book.
View all my reviews >>
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Oct. 5, 2009 - October Apron Giveaway!
Yes, giveaways are back over at the Apronista! This time they are giving away an apron of the winners choice from Heavenly Hostess. I'm wanting the Holiday Skaters apron. The little children on it are too cute!
So, if you are interested in winning a darling apron, check out Apronista's October Giveaway!
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Oct. 1, 2009 - Can You Guess?
Just for fun, can anyone guess what this is?
Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions
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Sep. 29, 2009 - Ten Things About Me
Miss Breezy posted this tag, and I thought I would take it and pass it on!
- I used to name the trees that resided in our yard. Jack and Beautiful were their names, and I cried and sobbed when we had to move and leave them.
- I don't like coconut, and never have.
- I prefer to read about European or Egyptian history, rather than American.
- When I was small, I had a strange sense of fashion. I would yank my socks as high as I possibly could, and then carefully roll them down to my ankles. When it was cold, I would don my bathing suit, and when the sun was blistering hot, I would be dressed for a snow day. I am glad to say that I have acquired better taste.
- Our family has almost considered moving to Chile.
- I like singing hymns in church. Not popular, contemporary songs, no matter how "Christian" they might be.
- One of my favorite actresses is Julie Andrews.
- I get excited about knitting to the point where I begin to loose sleep. Ridiculous? Probably.
- When I was small I wanted my hair to grow to my ankles. Now I am older, I realize how much work that would be. Still, way down in my romantic side, I think it would be kind of cool.
- Mrs. Polifax is one of my favorite mystery heroines.
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Sep. 28, 2009 - To "Look Upon Verdure"
~Author Unknown
~~~
To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.
~Jane Austen
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars.
~Martin Luther
~~~
The tulip and the butterfly
Appear in gayer coats than I:
Let me be dressed fine as I will,
Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still.
~Isaac Watts
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Sep. 24, 2009 - The Isle of Dragons Contest!
There is a new contest going on over on The Company Porch, and you should go check it out. If you have read and enjoyed the Terrestria Chronicles, then you will be excited about Ed Dunlop's latest book The Isle of Dragons!
Click the book cover to enter
to win Ed Dunlop's latest book
The Isle of Dragons!
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Sep. 24, 2009 - Book Review ~ Eats, Shoots & Leaves
Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Punctuation is rapidly being lost in the storm of today's texting, e-mails, World Wide Web, and even the traditional book. This bothers Lynn Truss, the author of this delightful little book.
In Eats, Shoots & Leaves she shows the importance of a well placed comma. There is a rhyme and reason for the rules of grammar and punctuation, and she shows us the why and wherefore thereof. Not only does she share various rules of punctuation, she also tells the history of said punctuation, and how applicable it is to today's society. Lynn Truss presents her opposition to sloppy writing in a funny, yet informative way that keeps you reading.
As for my own opinion of this book, I thought it was pretty good. I did learn quite a bit, but it may or may not be obvious from the punctuation in this review. This book does contain a sprinkling of adult language, so be warned. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to others.
View all my reviews >>
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Sep. 24, 2009 - Vintage Cookbook Giveaway
I'm just finding giveaways galore today! That's a neat thing, I think! This giveaway is for a vintage cookbook called The Art of Fine Baking.
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Sep. 21, 2009 - More Than Conquerors Magazine
If you are looking for a neat magazine to read, that will interest and benefit the whole family, I think you should check out More Than Conquerors.
They have lots of neat articles to read and ponder on, an awesome giveaway, and links to helpful resources on the internet. I definitely plan on going back to read more!
Just so you know, the giveaway is a Vision Forum DVD, Christianity and Science Fiction: Reclaiming the Genre for Christ. I have been thinking about writing a Science Fiction story lately, so this would be doubly cool to have!
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