Welcome to my spot! I am Anna, a 16 yr old Christian young lady. Here you'll find the fun filled, sun filled ramblings of a girl who loves the Lord and the life He gives, flooded constantly with heavenly sunshine. Through my blog I hope you are encouraged, and that all honor goes to Him. Enjoy your stay, and don't forget to leave a comment! http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/ en-us Homeschool Blogger Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:06:00 -0500 Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:06:00 -0500 After 5 years of dreaming of having my own guitar, last week I finally was able to purchase one!!!! *does a happy little dance* My dad used to play guitar, so with the help of a lesson book and some of his tips, I think it's a wish come true! :) Now if you all with help me by suggesting names for my new instrument, I'd so appreciate it! It can be a girl or boy name, preferably girl, though, and preferably of Celtic/Irish orgin. note: I'd also appreciate your suggestions if I should switch over to WP.com, or stay here at HSB.  If I do switch to WP you will still be able to access Heavenly Sunshine and leave your fun and very-much-enjoyed comments just as easily as you can now! :) Eh..the only discouraging thing about me switching over...my current blog posts will be comment-less as I have to copy/paste my entries to WP as HSB has no exporting option. But - then again - I can always come back to HSB, right? ;) miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/699771/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:06:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/699771/ This Sunday we traveled the short two hour distance to precious Hannah's home to visit with them and other believers, as well as enjoy a fun, backyard concert by the wonderful Jost family of Alberta, Canada! Besides their ministry of singing and music, they have also made a homemade movie. :) I had an absolutely fabulous time yesterday in PA, and meeting the Josts was thrilling! Following the concert we played Capture the Flag and similar games, DANCED!!!!!!, 'n all that good stuff. Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful, encouraging time! The end was a hightlight -- as darkness came, and our family was ready to head back home to Ohio, some of us gathered around the radio used for our dancing music, to hear The High King's The Parting Glass. It was a true full moment of fun and wishes for a "goodnight and joy" to everyone as Michaela, Hannah, and I wrapped our arms around eachother and sang along. ~ Here's a short video of my sister Julia and I (in the pink shirt and white skirt) "reeling the set" in the Viriginia Reel! ~    ~ The Josts in the middle of their performance. Emily sang beautifully! They are all SO good, and sweet enough to drop by for a day just to give us our own concert. :) ~ ~ Praciticing The Duke of Kent's Waltz. ~ As a side note, I'd like you all to know that soon I'll be moving over to WordPress.com, but you will still be able to access my blog there as easily as mine at HSB! :) miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/697395/ Tue, 9 Jun 2009 13:55:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/697395/ Wonderful Words. What are they? They remind me of many things. A captivating song. Why is the song captivating? More than just it's tune and melody. It's the songs words, or lyrics. They also remind me of the irresistibly fun yet ridiculously difficult task of thinking up the perfectly catchy title for a poem or a novel. Quite simply -- Words describe. They can fill you with a tingling sense of dread and horror. A heartfelt whelm of beauty and romance. A delicious thrill of glory and exhilaration. Words form the essence of life. In my opinion. If no one spoke, if no one know words, the world would be dull, empty. Words can change the world. They can speak to the soul, convict our hearts. Words were undoubtedly given to us for a reason - though we can choose to use them for evil or for good. I prefer good, don't you? When in Eden God uttered "Let there be light...let there be living things upon the earth..." words were first used for good. Obviously this is what they are intended for. So you can tell ~ that I love words. ;) Here's a silly little list of words I conjured, that all pretty much mean the same thing. :) Ah. I just thought I'd post them here for fun... :P Enthralling Entrancing Mesmerizing Intriguing Captivating Fascinating Charming Enchanting Spellbinding Enrapturing Though the real challenge is naming that story. Uncovering that right word. Pulling out from its deep and elusive hiding place that perfect catchy phrase. miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/695109/ Tue, 2 Jun 2009 11:13:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/695109/ Saturday our family took an amazingly fun adventure up to our beautiful homestate's shores and islands. Ohio has several islands off the northwest mainland, beckoning its natives and tourists alike to come explore the island spirit right here in the midwest! This was our families first time visiting there, and with all the things to see and do, we had a wonderful family day discovering South Bass Island/Put-In-Bay and Marblehead on the mainland!  Having a heart for the ocean to which I've never been to, our rare visits to Lake Erie though we live nearby are always special for me. Someday I dream of visiting the real ocean, on a coast desolate of people where there is only me, God, and a beautiful shore. ~ A taste of the ocean :) ~ ~ Looking out over the Lake... ~ ~ Michaela ~ ~ Us sisters posing in front of Marblehead Lighthouse..it amazing there! There were tons of big, flat rocks, perfect for a photo shoot! ~ ~ Downtown Put-In-Bay on South Bass Island! Cars are kept to a minimum on the islands, so most people travel about in golf carts or by bicyle. They made for a very quaint, whimsical setting. ~ ~ Sisters! The five of us girls: Michaela 18, Lidia 7, me 16 (right in the middle), Maria 10, Julia almost 12. ~ ~ The beautiful bay ~ ~ Me in front of the Oliver Hazard Perry Monument. The island is famous for the Battle of Lake Erie that took place there during the War of 1812. ~ ~ Inside the museum! ~ ~ The ferry ride we took from the mainland to the island was fabulous. The wind in my face, the sky and water all around me for miles..was amazing. A highlight of the day. ~ ~ Ohio offers some gorgeous sunsets! Here's a shot of the one we were treated to that evening on the ferry while headed back to the mainland. Farewell! ~ miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/692169/ Sun, 24 May 2009 15:12:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/692169/ This is a poem I started a couple days ago and just finished it today. Right now it is nameless - Michaela and I have trying to conjur a good descriptive, catchy title that doesn't make the poem sound cheesy. :P What does this poem cause your mind to picture? What, to you, does it portray as you read through it? And most importantly, does it make sense? A mystic sky cradles in its reachless arms The rolling waves, thrashing, anxious Unraveling in an endless dome Changelessly, haughtily, sweetly Of wind and sky Hemmed by the faded horizon line Away from the ancient craggy cliffs Beyond the deathless emerald shores From the heartless grip of the Irish Sea. The cold sharp wind wildly waltzing Taunting the waves, embracing the sky Tossing the withered umber grasses Whispers across the unbroken stretch Of rocky sandy shore washed with rugged color Drifts a wordless song of sorrow and passion Flying, falling around The fragrant heath of rain kissed heather. Against the lifeless sky stands chiseled The womanly form of a dreamer Born by the untamed wind Born by the glorious sea. The salt laced breezes rustle the tresses Faded auburn with raven sheen The enchanted eyes look forth From the pure wind blown ivory face Encircled by dancing ringlets That sweep round its delicate frame. Dark clouds hover Above the mournful waters Billowing, ominous Flooding the earth with chasing shadows A low mutter of thunder and then The rain comes. Pounding the restless surf Bending the peaceful tendrils of grass Sweeping the fair and beautiful face Blinding the sparkling maiden eyes. But the storm, this sudden onslaught Is powerless to drive her away. For this is her home, Her soul The wild seascape and relentless rains That anchor her spirit only faster in the trodden soil. A quick step is heard. . . Hushed is the rain. Soft footfalls coming over The rough and muddy shore. And then a voice calls out. It reaches her ear with a strange unseen beauty And the Lass, in surprise, Turns about by the wings of the wind. This time, no longer only she sees The timeless barren shore And natures arms offering only Her bittersweet alms of heaven                 . . .but the figure of a man. He slows his steps, drawing near And stops. Her eyes meet his. His - clear and near and true, roving brown Hers bright and curious, a ceaseless sheen of jade. She holds his gaze unwaveringly His eyes that caress with unsaid love With their steadfast luster That reach her deep within - And he speaks. What is it that he says to her As the wind brushes his lips Lifting his words to the blanket of sky Who is he This handsome young stranger That beckons her back to that dusty high road That runs down the bluff to the sea Words sweet and edged with yearning As the calm September rain That cause her to follow him And leave her sea behind? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/688880/ Thu, 14 May 2009 07:36:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/688880/ The Fields of Athenry is our latest favorite song, and Michaela and I love to sing it together. Researching the song's background was also very interesting as we both love history. We have heard several different ways of singing it, but enjoyed this version by The High Kings best -- watch the video of them singing it below. By a lonely prison wall I heard a young girl calling; "Michael they are taking you away For you stole Trevelyn's corn, So the young might see the morn. Now a prison ship lies waiting in the bay." Lilt: Low lie the Fields of Athenry Where once we watched the small free birds fly. Our love was on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing. It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry. By a lonely prison wall I heard a young man calling Nothing matters, Mary, when you're free. Against the Famine and the Crown I rebelled, they brought me down. Now you must raise our child with dignity. By a lonely harbor wall She watched the last star falling, As the prison ship sailed out against the sky. Sure she'll live and hope and pray For her love in Botany Bay. It's so lonely 'round the Fields of Athenry. miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/685540/ Mon, 4 May 2009 11:57:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/685540/                    Raindrops on roses, star gazing, dancing,           Dew on sweet summer grass, wild horses prancing,           Deep evening sunlight, love on the wing,           These are a few of my favorite things.           Faraway Europe - Ireland, Italy,           Treasure, adventure, beauty and mystery,           Sunsets, moonbeams, voices that sing,           These are a few of my favorite things.           Gentle rain falling, vast endless heavens,           American history, the warmth of His presence,           Four wheelers, aprons, "Mairi's Wedding",           These are a few of my favorite things.           Twirly skirts, lilacs, milk chocolate, blue eyes           Book covers, bird calls, snow flakes, and clear skies           Crispy red apples, church bells gaily ring,           These are a few of my favorite things.           Heroism, glory, political rally's,           America, soccer, mighty oak alleys,           Dear friends and family, bright autumn leaves,           These are a few of my favorite things.           Longs walks, and laughter, Italian opera,           Secrets, true stories, teacups, and pasta,           The Andy Griffith show, Christmas Eve!           These are a few of my favorite things.           Red, white, and blue, Psalms, and hymn singing,           Listening to quiet, people, and traveling           Poetry, sunshine, Road to Avonlea,           These are a few of my favorite things.           New things, new places, blogging, and Facebook,           Hats, cheesecake, ice skating, wide open spaces,           Fun socks, old fashion ways, misty dawnings,           These are a few of my favorite things.            Letter writing, laptops, mountains, and park swings           Shoes, scarf's, old photos, ocean coast, intrigue,            Daydreaming, Photoshop, brand new CD's,           These are a few of my favorite things.                     Wide breezy porches, photograph taking,           Courage, good music, red barns, and baking,           Enchantment, broad farm fields, flowering Spring trees,           These are a few of my favorite things.                                                                         When the dog bites, when the bee stings..                                                    When I'm feeling sad..                                             I simply remember my favorite things                                                   And then I don't feel so bad! miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/682324/ Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:11:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/682324/ Springtime is here, and so is a great chance for lovely photoshoots! These were shot in our state's beautiful Amish Country, the largest Amish community in the world. This pics turned out a tad fuzzy once I pasted them into my entry. But really, they turned out nicely..though it's hard to tell that here. ;) Sorry. :) Me enjoying the beautiful sunshine and countryside! :) Michaela, peeking around the Willow Tree...  Maria, Lidia, and Julia..awww!  Michaela at the pond...    Sun and wind Below left: - Being silly at our favorite vintage '50's shop and antique soda founatian down the shopping strip in Berlin; Right: - Sisters! :D   miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/681141/ Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:51:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/681141/ miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/678213/ Sat, 18 Apr 2009 20:00:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/678213/ This is brave, this is very, very, very brave! :gulp: Anyway, here are Michaela and I dancing the Polka, (the basic polka step) to The Little Beggarman - by The High Kings, our favorite Celtic music group. We have come to really enjoy Irish music. This particular song is kind of amusing, but oh well...that's the fun part! ;)  No, we don't claim to be professional dancers...Lol Oh, and in case anyone was wondering, that isn't a ghost in the background - we covered some of the bird cages with a sheet so that Nacho wouldn't scream through the entire song. We move all the furniture around the room so that we can dance almost on a daily basis...;) (Michaela is in the pink, I in purple.) ...alright, I'm finished...you can watch the video now. :P              .::. instructions for the basic polka step .::. These instructions are a tad different than how we were taught, but it's seems to be at least remotely close. ;) Polka dancers perform in pairs or couples, either in the face-to-face waltz position or while standing side by side, with the man’s arm around the woman’s waist and her hand on his shoulder. One characteristic of dancing the polka is the half-step, or hop, that precedes the first step. Some dancers omit the hop entirely, while other simply reduce it to a quick rise and fall of the weighted foot before beginning the first step. The basic polka step is done in four counts. Begin with standing with your weight on your right foot. Give the preliminary hop on the right foot, then step forward on your left foot. Close the right foot to the left, taking weight on the right foot, and step again on the left foot. Then hold for a beat, keeping weight on the left foot. Repeat this series of steps again, except using the opposite foot—using the left foot for the hop and the right foot as the one that steps forward, for instance. miss anna http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/675621/ Mon, 6 Apr 2009 12:50:00 -0500 http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/heavenlysunshine/675621/