Well, Before I start about the book review, guess what I got to do this week!!!!!! I went and saw Celtic Woman's "Isle of Hope" tour!!!!! It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!
The stage was beautiful. They had impressive lighting that changed with the songs. During loud drums, the light would flash very brightly, but it just added to the effect. Lol
They sang all of my favorite "CW" songs, including:
-Orinoco Flow (LOVE this song!)
-The Ceili (Again... LOVE this song!)
-Spanish Lady (Ok, maybe I love all of their songs...)
-Oh, America (A real tear jerker, lol)
-Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears
-The Call
and some solos...
-True Colors (I, personally, wasn't expecting any Cindy Lauper, but I love that song anyway. :o)
-When You Believe (Not really a traditional Celtic Song, But it was beautiful!!)
-You'll Be in My Heart (From Tarzan) (What was with the non-celtic songs? But again, it was beautiful!)
Here's A picture of the tour. (not taken by by me, I followed the "No Photography" rule :o) If you have never seen Celtic Woman, go to their website and find when they are coming to a town near you. You WILL NOT be disappointed! The tickets might seem expensive, but they are WORTH IT!!!!
Alright, Now for a Book Review.
I just finished the book, "The Princess Academy" By Shannon Hale.
Here is a short summary of the story:
"Miri is a fourteen-year-old from Mt. Eskel who has never been allowed to work with the rest of the villagers (young and old, men and women) in the quarry that keeps the community alive. Because of this, she feels like an outcast in the community and feels cut off from the culture that is largely formed by their working life in the quarry. Despite this, she is very close to her father and her sister.
One day, a messenger from the king arrives along with the traders from the lowlands. The messenger announces that the nation's priests have informed the nation that the next princess will come from Mt. Eskell, despite the lack of education provided the villagers and despite the prejudice that exists between the mountain villagers and the lowlanders. To this end, a princess academy is going to be set up near the village to train the young girls the ways of the lowland noblemen and noblewomen. At the end of the year, the prince will visit the academy and choose the girl to be the next princess."
- Summary From Here.
There is more to the summary, but I wouldn't advise reading it... it gives to much away. ;o)
The Good: I felt that this book was very well written. For me, most books have at least a couple chapters that drag on...and on... and on.... but I didn't feel like this book did. I moved along well.
Also, the story line was interesting.
The Bad: There wasn't really anything bad in the book, but there were 2 things that might be a bit offensive to some people. (It wasn't to me, I'm just fore-warning you)
1. There is a bit of slight romance in the book. It is not super prominent (i.e. the entire story is not based around it)
2. There are a few mentions of the *false* gods the Mtn. People believe in. Again, this did not offend me. *Gasp!* No, seriously. I realize there are (and were) people who believe in gods other than the True God. I learn about them all the time in History! Lol
Not to mention, this is not a true story, and they do not talk about it that much. Actually, only at the beginning for a moment.
Final Judgement: Thumbs up. I only give it 4 because I am sure there are other, better books out there, but this is still an interesting (and fun) read.
This is just going to be a quick post, but I really wanted to post something!
Yesterday (Wednesday), Some people from Christmas Carol, (including my family) all dressed up to go to the local news station. We were filmed singing songs from the show to help promote it. (I will write a longer post about this later)
So on Tuesday, my mom and I were sewing up a storm, ironing, and getting our costumes ready. There were capes to be sewn, skirts to be made, and hats to be decorated. I am going to expound upon the latter. And, that, my friends, was a really smart-sounding way of saying, "I'm going to talk about decorating hats".
So on Tuesday morning, my mom and sisters went to the fabric store, while I stayed back to make Felt Wee Folk (♥). When they returned, my mom took out some red ribbon, green ribbon, and a little spray of fake white berries. "I want you to make me a flower for my hat" she said. And so I did.
You can see what happened next by looking at the following photos.
I was very pleased with the result!
My mom also made her beautiful plaid skirt in the above picture. She already owned the jacket. The shirt is just a white collared shirt with the collar tucked in so you couldn't see it, and a piece of lacy fabric was tucked in to look like some sort of frilly collar.
The Picture was taken on the sidewalk in front of our house. Aren't the leaves beautiful?
I will probably edit this post later to talk more about this and that, but I have to go do school now, so, until later....
Quite, a bit, actually. It's been a rather busy and at times trying past two weeks. Here's a bit about what I've been doing lately.
Well, Christmas Carol practice started on the 11th, so it's been Christmas Carol 6:00-8:00 (sometimes 8:30) every night, Monday through Thursday. Right now we are doing Vocal Rehearsals, but next week it will be blocking. *is super excited*
Blocking is super duper fun! Basically, the director tells us where she would like everyone to be on stage, when we should move, when we should freeze, when we should sing, when we should wave... ect. All the good stuff. I blocked my Charwoman/Laundress/Keeper scene (In case you didn't know, I'm the Laundress) a few days ago
My mom and I decided to base our characters on various characters from books and movies, but one in particular stuck out to me. So my character is a mix between Bellatrix Lestrange from 'Harry Potter', and Nancy from 'Oliver Twist'
Interesting Combination, is it not? :o) I'm supposed to be completely crazy, which is sooooo not like the real me, right? (Don't answer that)
Anyway, so today was costume fitting. It was a lot of fun! I tried to get good pictures, but the lighting was really, really bad there, so they turned out... O...K... but anyway. I shall commentate as I go along.
The place where the theatre stores all of their costumes is a gigantic old warehouse. It is a really lovely place, full of character! Many of the costumes are in boxes. Sadly, last year many of the christmas carol costumes were not returned to the theatre, so they don't have as many as last year.
The Room. It has gigantic windows!
At First, I had a hard time finding a good costume. You would think that it would be really easy since it..
1. Doesn't have to match (I'm one of the poorest characters in the show)
2. Can be ratty and ripped to shreds...
Regardless, I was being a picky customer. But finally, I found something I sorta-kinda actually liked. Behold my costume! (remember, it's SUPPOSED to be dreadful!)
My costume consists of....
A tan-ish shirt
A gray and white striped skirt (You can't really see it in the picture. Just know, It's ugly)
A black shawl
My brown boots
And a hat... not yet sewn
I look kind of dreadful in this picture, but I wasn't feeling a hundred percent..... well, we'll get to that in a minute.
After I finally got my costume together, it was time to have a little fun.
First, I tried on Mr. Scrooge's top hat. (I hope you don't mind, Mr. Scrooge!)
Again, sorry about the dreadful picture.
My little sister Heidi got in on the fun as well, and tried on a very brightly colored hat. This one is not for CC... the theatre stores all of their costumes at this warehouse.
So yes, that was our costuming experience.
So now, as to why I'm feeling crummy... well actually, I'm not the only one around this homestead who's been sick. My little brother has been sick with the swine flu for the past couple of days. He's finally getting over it. I hope I'm not next! My cousins Rayanne, and Ryan and Jimmy have the swine flu as well. I hope we all get better soon!
Well, you all saw this coming, did you not? The moment I
announced I would be getting a camera, you knew that my
blog would suddenly become tutorial central. So now, don't
be surprised when I say.. "This is a Hairstyling Tutorial",
because that's what I'm about to say.
"This is a Hairstyling Tutorial"
So there. I hope you enjoy my tutorial attempt!
{Allison's Fancy-Shmancy Curly Updo}
By Yours Truly
This hairstyle was kindly modeled by my dear sister Hannah. Thanks Hannah!
{Step 1} Brush The Hair Well.
{Step 2} Curl your hair in ringlets. If you have naturally curly hair,
you won't really have to worry about this step.
{Step 3} Brush through the ringlets GENTLY with your FINGERS to make loose curls.
Do not use a brush, or you will end up with hair that is not curly enough.
{Step 4} Part the hair to the side
{Step 5} Twist the hair on either side. Secure with bobby pins.
{Step 6} Grab your remaining hair, pull it up and into a french twist,
secure with bobby pins.
This is Hannah when she saw what it looked like so far...
Don't worry Hannah! It'll turn out great!
{Step 7} Final Step! Fluff up your curly bun and mess with it until you like it.
You may need to add some bobby pins to make it look the way you want.
Hairspray well. And Voila'! Here is the completed hairstyle!
Just a quick update....
YAY!!!! I got my camera today! it's even awesome-er than I expected!! I am sooooo happy! All I need now is a memory card, and my mom is going out to get one in a few minutes. After that? Well, hold on to your hats because my blog is about to become really photo-intensive!!! lol
Later....
Here are some pictures my mom and I took today, just for fun. Enjoy!
My Camera and I
Again, as before
A berry on our Dogwood Tree in the front yard
A Picture of my sweet cat, Charlemagne, taken by my mom.
My other cat, Cupcake, also taken by my mom.
My Piano's Keys...
This is the same berry picture as above, I just adjusted the coloring a bit.
Look what we bought today!!!
A Nikon D40 Digital SLR camera!!! *squeals in delight*
I have been waiting a long time for one of these babies, and today, my dream came true! We bought it on Amazon for $400-some dollars.
Now I'm just anxiously awaiting its arrival in the mail!!!!
What an ADORABLE fall decoration! Here is a tutorial I found HERE.
Note to all you who read... I did NOT make this tutorial.
~Allison
First off, gather your supplies:
- book for dismembering, paperbacks are great
- template (I made half an apple out of a thick piece of chipboard)
- exacto knife with a very sharp blade
- clips
- glue stick
- snot dots
- ink or paint for coloring and something to apply it with
- decoration or embellishments
Step 1
My paperback book was too thick so I split it in half using my blade. Try and make a clean break or you will end up sacrificing some pages. Remove the cover.
Step 2
Lay the template down on the book and cut the pages around the template. Be careful not to cut in to the template and try to cut only a few pages down at a time to start. Try and make one smooth cut if you want to avoid rough edges. I personally like the distressed look.
Step 3
Remove the cut paper leaving the template in place. Cut and repeat. Cut and repeat. I found that I was cutting about four pages at first and then ended up cutting a lot more at a time once I got the hang of it.
Step 4
Once the book is cut, trim any rough edges you don’t want. Especially those that are hanging off. This will help for the next step: inking.
Step 5
For color, I used ink refill and diluted it a bit because I wanted it to soak in to the paper. I applied it with a cotton ball to the edge of the book. (I have not tried paint so I’m not sure what technique you will need to keep the pages from sticking together.)
Step 6
Once the edges were done, I applied the ink/water mixture to the inside of the pages by using a “flip and wipe” method. I turned the book over and then did the same thing on the other side. I did not try and get every page but rather a sampling of pages for a worn effect. Let it dry or cheat and use a heat gun to lightly dry the edges. Which method do you think I used?
Step 7
Once the book is dry you will need to stretch the spine so it opens. The book I used was not terribly worn so it did not fan well on it’s own. I stretched it at random to loosen it up.
Step 8
I chose to use a stick with a little leaf for my decoration. On the pumpkin I used wired ribbon, wire, and lace. I covered the stick with glue dots and laid it in the top of the apple. It’s starting to look like an apple now, isn’t it?
Step 9
Apply a good craft glue stick to one side of the book making sure you go all the way to the edges. Carefully close book and clamp it tight on the glued pages. I think that paperclips would work for this, too. Let it dry.
Step 10
Add any additional decorations at this point. Fan the book a couple of times to get an even shape. You are done.
Here is a little visual of what I wore today, just for fun. :o]
These are not the exact articles of clothing, but they sort of look like them.
Shirt: I'm wearing a black turtleneck with sorta-puffy sleeves. It looks very much like the one in the picture.
Skirt: I could not find a picture of a skirt just like mine because I made mine! But it is full, and about the color of the one in the picture. It has a polka-dot design on it, black polka dots with blue dots inside, like the pattern on the top. The background is white, and there are white flowers in each spot. it's so cute!
A few days ago, I auditioned for the play "A Christmas Carol". We had to go to a local public school for the arts for the auditions.
My Mom, my sister Hannah, my best friend Erin and I all auditioned. We were taken into a room for the auditions with about 15 other people. At the front of the room the costume director, the music director and the play director all sat.
The director was very nice. She called each person up by their number. (I was number 32, so I was second to last).
Hannah (who was #31) and Erin (who was #30) sang before me, and they did very well!
When it was my turn, I was very nervous, and a little shaky. I sang "Oh Holy Night". Afterwards I joked that when I was singing the lyrics "...fall on your knees" I was so nervous and shaky, I almost did fall on my knees!!!
After the singing portion, we did acting. My mom auditioned first. She was auditioning for the part of the Charwoman. She had had that part two years ago, and I had practiced the lines with her, so the director had me read the part of the Laundress.
The scene we were auditioning with has only three characters, The Charwoman, The Laundress, and The Keeper. The scene takes place with the Ghost of Christmas Future. In the scene, we are gathered around Scrooge's bed where a dead Scrooge lays. The Alive Scrooge, and the Ghost look on as we steal things from the dead Scrooge, and say how awful he was.
I wasn't nervous at all because I wasn't actually auditioning for that part, I was just reading with mom. I really wanted to be Belle (Scrooge's Fiance' who breaks off their engagement because Scrooge is to consumed with money) or one of the Cratchitt children.
After we left the auditions, I felt really good! I tried my best, and although I was nervous, I wasn't as nervous as years past. The director told us she would try and call to let everyone know if they were in and what parts they had gotten within a week. It was hard waiting for the phone to ring! I really wanted to know if I had gotten a part!
Fast foward to Thursday. Finally, my mom got a call. The director told her that she had been cast as the Charwoman, and I had been cast as..... THE LAUNDRESS!
At first, I was really upset. I didn't really want that part at all! But after I thought about it, it grew on me, and now I am excited!!!
I think I will bring some youth to a part played predominantly by hunched-over old women!
I am really excited! I think this will be a great Christmas Carol Year!
If you would like to hear some other sides to the story, here are some links.
An interesting quote was mentioned this morning in my Sunday School class.
"If Christianity were a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
This quote brings to my mind the importance of "being not conformed to this world". Do the people we walk alongside everyday know we are Christians by the way that we act? Or do we just blend into the crowd? Are we different? Would they have the evidence to "convict" us of being a Christian?
It is always a beautiful thing when I see a person who is blatently and unashamedly Christian. Is is good to be around that person! Today it is my desire to be a person who is openly and unashamedly a follower of Christ. I want so much evidence stacked up against me, that they would have no choice but to convict me. ♥
And now, really fast, a book I just started reading that I am really enjoying, and reccomend: The Truth War: Fighting For Certainty in an Age of Deception by John McArthur. It is really good thus far!
Here is the description: Right now, Truth is under attack, and much is at stake. Christians are caught in the crossfire of alternative Christian histories, emerging faulty texts, and a cultural push to eliminate absolute Truth altogether. As a result, many churches and Christians have been deceived. Worse still, they propagate the deception that poses itself as Truth! In The Truth War John MacArthur reclaims the unwavering certainty of God's Truth and anchors Christians in the eternal, immovable promises that are found in His Word.
Farmgirls are having one of the best giveaways ever over at their blog!
It is the Edwardian Apron from Sense and Sensibility patterns!!!
So to enter, you have to post a picture of your favorite apron...
I tend to like the 1930's/40's/50's type... I found this picture on flickr, and it pretty well captures it...
I also like "Mennonite/Amish/pioneer - type" aprons.. such as these...
And now, I also have to post my favorite breakfast recipe.
Here are the bestest ever waffles!!!! We make a lot of batter ahead of time, refrigerate, and then when we want waffles, we just heat up the waffle iron. It's pretty simple!
2 eggs
2 c. all-purpose or whole wheat flour
1 3/4 c. buttermilk
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1 tbsp. brown sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1. Spray waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray, if necessary. Heat waffle iron.
2. Beat eggs in large bowl with hand beater until fluffy. Beat in remaining ingredients just until smooth.
3. Pour about 1/2 c. batter onto center of waffle iron.
4. Bake about 5 minutes, or until steaming stops. Enjoy!
Can you believe it is almost fall again? I know I can't! Where has the summer gone?
I am so excited for Autumn this year. I can't wait for the colorful leaves, and our trip to beautiful Holmes County, Ohio.
I love Autumn very much! I can't wait for the chilly weather, the beautiful colors, the trips to the apple orchard, and finally the very first snow. What a perfect gift God has gives us when He gives us fall!
James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
It's that time of year again! Time to start thinking about the "Christmas Carol" auditions that are fast encroaching upon us.
This year, I want to be Martha Cratchitt really really really bad! The past two years I have just been in the adult chorus. Of course, there is nothing wrong with the chorus. I feel very blessed to have been able to be in the chorus these past two years! But, well, I'm ready for something new and exciting *cue Martha Cratchitt*. Ok, ok, so I may not get the part. But I'm going to try my best!!!!
For the auditions, I will be singing "Oh Holy Night", a song the entire Cratchitt Family sings in the show.
To practice, I use the following Karaoke.
I am incredibly excited! I can't wait to see what happens!!!
*Edit* I just got back from auditioning, and it went really really well!
Yay!!!! It's my 15th Birthday in 2 days! August 21!!!!
I'm having a historical tea party this year. It should be a lot of fun!
Do you like my new blog design?? I made it, and I am now offering custom graphics like it at my Blog Business. I think the puppy is so sweet!!!
Check it out!
My sisters, my friend Erin and I started a blog show called "BlogTV" awhile back, and today I finally got our very first video up and running on the blog!
I would be most honored if you went over watched it, and commented. (What can I say? I grovel shamelessly for comments :0)
Update Meme Here are some things I have been up to lately in meme form!
What I'm Reading: "The Ever-Loving Truth" By Voddie Baucham, Jr.
I checked this out from the church library two weeks ago, and I'm halfway through it! It is a really interesting book because it exposes many of today's false ideas such as "tolerance" and "there is no absolute truth", and truly shows that we are living in a culture that is hostile to Christians and the name of Jesus!
What I'm Listening to:
"What's a Girl To Do?" By Doug Philips
Actually, I'm kind of cheating because I listened to this a few weeks ago, but I thought I'd put it onto here just because it is really a great message. The description on the website says...
"A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The same is true of double-minded parents. Across America we have met evangelical parents who desperately want their daughters to grow to be virtuous women with a love for home. Notwithstanding these good intentions, many of these same parents continue to build their daughters’ future on a feminist model. Frankly, most Christians are unaware that the Bible offers clear guidelines for how wise parents can invest their daughters’ time for the glory of God. This tape offers hope and direction for the woman of God who desires to cultivate virtue while fully exercising her gifts."
And I've been listening to ( and inevitability dancing to) Rockin Robin by Bobby Day.
Rockin' Robin *tweet* *tweet* *tweet* Rockin' Robin....
The BESTEST Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER that's what!!!!!!! (especially when mom grinds the wheat herself, yum yum!)
We found this recipe awhile ago on allrecipes.com. It is the best chocolate chip cookie recipe because... 1. It's pretty simple for those spur-of-the-moment cookie cravings
2. They don't fall flat and crispy like many cookie recipes (yuck) They are just poufy perfection.
3. Did I mention they're amazingly good????
Ok, So here's the recipe...
Beth's Chocolate Chip Cookies
Rated:
Submitted By: Beth Sigworth
Photo By: TOSTON
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes
Ready In: 30 Minutes
Servings: 72
Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter flavored shortening
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
1.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2.
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Stir in the pecans and chocolate chips. Use a measuring tablespoon to round dough into balls. Don't roll the balls, just make them rounded. Place onto ungreased baking sheets.
3.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until centers are set and very lightly browned. Don't overbake. Cool 2 to 3 minutes before removing from baking sheets. Make sure you have lots of ice cold milk!!!
What Color I ♥ Lately:
Turquoise and Brown, and Green!!!!!
Where I've Been:
Greenfield Village!!!!!! And I saw (and recorded) these old-fashioned singers!
I am a 15-year-old girl, who loves Jesus, Blogging, Costumes, anything historical, drawing, writing, acting, singing, and piano. I accept all friend requests, and I love to get comments! Enjoy my blog!
blog business
I have gotten so many lovely comments from people about my blog's design, that I decided to start my own blog design business! I would love if you would take a moment to check it out! Click on the picture below, and it will take you on over!
Celtic Woman and The Princess Academy
![[IMG_8393.jpg]](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7bARhIxiXqk/SlULWR6_0II/AAAAAAAAArY/gsVIObvQoJ0/s1600/IMG_8393.jpg)
