It's starts tomorrow, peeps. 

Day One: Picture (of yourself)

It's rare that anyone is allowed to take Booth from my hands & take photos of me, but my friend Genny is one of the very few exceptions. She posed me here beside the sign...not sure why... :P

Day Two: Songs


#1. Colorful song, funky sound, all-around fun song:


#2. Love love love this cover:

It's the beginning of summer, and what is it two friends do on a free night with no place to go? 

They go out to eat fries til they're sick, that's what they do. But, oh, which fries to get? Burger King's or McDonald's? Well, dur, get both and decide!

Here we are...so which is better? McDonald's or Burger King's? First off: Burger King's bag is smaller...less paper, less wasteful! But, but, McDonald's fries are cheaper. Ooooooh!

McDonald's fries container is wide, short, and red. Burger King's fries container is white, tall, and skinny. Which will contain the most delicious fries??

Burger King's fries are thicker and saltier! McDonald's fries are goldener and crunchier!

But we have a winner! And it's Burger King's fries!! *the crowd goes wild*

The deciding factor: taste and thickness. Just the right amount of potato to em and plenty salty. Nom nom. Sorry McDonald's.

See? We like em. You should too!

Then we go crazy and dance in the parking lot!

And eat fries til we're sick to our stomachs

Oh, and we also write on our arms...Genny's arms:

My arms. 

Welcome back, Summer. :) We love you. 

Day Three: Films


#1. Saving Private Ryan. One of the best WWII films. I bawl like a girl every time.

#2. The Hunger Games. Best movie I've seen so far this year! Girl power!

#3. Chariots of Fire. One of my all-time favorites. Inspiring story...Eric Liddell is one of mah heroes.

Inspired by Pinterest:

Cranberry Apple iced tea with honey and a side of strawberry.

Just don't forget to put the honey in while the tea's still hot, like I did!

Day Four: Books

#1. Completely His by Shannon Ethridge...impacted my life. 

#2. Entwined by Heather Dixon...I love fairy tales. 

#3. Nightbirds on Nantucket by Joan Aiken...brilliant children's book, where the name of this blog was found. 

#4. The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers...just re-read it and loved it once again. 

Good girls. 


I grew up, as a teenager, with the goal of being the "good girl". It was never something I really thought, "I'm going to be a good girl." Instead it was a mindset...the choices I made, the kind of life I led. 


What is the mindset of a "good girl"? What is the life of a "good girl"? The "good girl" mindset is where we strive so hard to please everyone around us. We *HAVE* to be seen as "good" by everyone. And if we fail, if we mess up, it is the end of the world to us. Dramatic? Yes but true. It's not that we just want to please people, it's a mindset where we feel we have to please people. 

As a teen, I would change my personality to fit whatever I thought would suit my friends. If a very conservative friend disliked certain movies, I would never breathe a word about how I watched those very movies, giving off the appearance that I agreed with this friend. Stupid? Lying? Deceiving? Whatever you want to call it. It was a result of being a "good girl" and wanting to please people. Lying/deceiving, you'll say, is not the result of a truly "good" girl. My point is: good girls will change themselves to please people. We are people pleasers. And for that reason, it is HARD for us to be ourselves because somehow we cannot please people by being ourselves. 

Another name for "good girls" may be "perfectionists". Things have to be perfect or we are a failure: we mess up means we are "bad". But my messing up wasn't the issue. My mindset was the issue that ended me up in a mess. 

I see this mindset in a lot of girls around me. The way they will change what they think, what they want, their goals, their dreams, their hopes...all for someone else. A guy, parents, friends, siblings, even strangers. 

Some of you may be thinking, "That's so shallow. To be constantly changing for everyone. It's living a lie." 

Others of you may think, "That's what living a life for God is like. You give things up for others. You put others first. It's being selfless." 
I have seen both reactions from people. 


Good girls, it's not true. Your worth is not defined by you changing yourself to please people. God made us as individuals. And no matter how hard we try to please people, there is always going to be someone we displease. We are human. We fail. We mess up. Changing who God really made you to be is not going to solve anything. 

Don't change who you are, don't change your goals: the life you feel led to live, for someone else. 
It's so easy to be persuaded by the people we want to please. But the problem with good girls is that we want to please everyone. Please God with how you live. Please God with your decisions. Live the life YOU were meant to live, do NOT change because of someone else. Embrace the fact that God made you the way you are for a reason. 

A girl is NOT made to please people. I've seen girls taught to please their parents. To please their dad. To please their husband. Girls who are made to give up the life God meant for them to live, because they are taught that their purpose in life is to serve their family/father/husband. Girls, we aren't made just to please those around us. We are WORTH so much MORE. Yes, some of us will be mothers/wives/keepers of the home. Some of us are called to that life. But we are not all called to the same life. Some of us are called to other lifestyles. But as "good girls", we can be easily led astray by those around us into the wrong life. 


"Good girls", it's okay if you displease someone. Bottom line: are you right with God? If yes, then do not listen to those around you, who want to turn you into someone else. As a "good girl" it is so dangerous to be around those people. As a "good girl" it is so easy to be taken advantage of. 
Failing to please someone does not make us "bad girls". Not pleasing everyone around us is not "bad". It is life. 

We will mess up, but it's not the end of the world. 


Yes, it is seen as "noble and good" to live a selfless life, where you give your dreams for others, etc. But sometimes it is not noble. "Good girls" are pushovers. And it's a mindset that controls our lives. A mindset should not be controlling my life. And I made the decision to reject the "good girl" lifestyle...I still struggle with it though. I used to feel like I wasn't worth much when I displeased people. That's how the "good girl" mindset works. When we displease, we feel like crap. Like we're horrible people. It's a bad mindset...one I had to work on to overcome, and still have to overcome sometimes. But ya know what? It's worth the struggle...cuz really, the biggest discovery I made was that the TRUE "good" girl, is the one who lives the life God wants her to live without being a pushover, whatever it may be.




*Reading suggestion for "good girls": "Grace for the Good Girl" by Emily Freeman...it helped me. 

Day Five: Foods


#1. Chocolate. I. love. chocolate.

#2. Peas. I. HATE. peas. (Yes, stronger emotion over this one...)

#3. Lemon. I loooove lemon cake, lemon cupcakes, lemon meringue pie, lemon curd...lemon is goooood.

#4. Oranges. Orange juice especially, but it's not a food...

#5. Hummus. Nom nom nom.

Sometimes we fail to realize that we can actually decide to not allow fear to control our lives.

If we live a life of fear, it is because we chose to live that life.  And any life without God is going to feel hopeless. If God's not there to diminish any fear, what hope is there?

I remember watching a war film once, where an army stood waiting for the enemy army that was hundreds larger than their own. The camera scaled across the small army, the men in rows, waiting, fear on their faces but they did not waver.

What would life be like to face the enemy, our greatest fears, without hope?


As my best friend so eloquently put it: "Fear is full of nothing but pain, death, loss, hurt, loneliness, rejection and separation from God. Fearless is all of God's wonderful promises blooming in our hearts..."*


My goal this summer is to live my life fearlessly. I don't want to face my fears without hope.


*Read her entire post here: http://likeanasiagobagel.blogspot.com/ It's good!

Day Six: Places


#1. Italy. I dream of going there someday.

#2. Ireland. Accents, duh.

#3. The beach this summer...I need a tan.

#4. England.

#5. Back to bed. I need sleep desperately.

#6. The future...can I skip to the part where I'm done school? :P

"The simple things in life are oftenest the most magical."

I love my music...my ipod, Hoodie, never leaves my messenger bag and if he does, it's because he's traveling in my pocket instead.

So, what have I been listening to lately?

Sarah Reeves...not exactly my most favorite Christian singer, but she has a couple good songs. "Come Save" and "Sweet Sweet Sound" are my two favorites by her. Her voice isn't extraordinary and her songs maybe a little cheesy/cliche but they are good for a listen now and then. Comforting in some way.

Two Steps From Hell: my greatest epic-music find since E.S. Posthumus. Their music is simply that: epic. The kind that gets your heart pumping and you energized. It's the kind of soundtrack people want for their life.

Sara Bareilles...again, not the hugest fan...her voice tends to grate my nerves after a while...however, I have been in a kick-butt mood lately. Meaning, I'm not gonna take any crap from anyone. Don't ask why...maybe it's the weather...the lack of homework to keep me meek and mild :P either way, her "King of Anything" song has been fun to listen to lately.

Saints & Soldiers soundtrack...I am a big big big fan of WWII movies and their soundtracks. But it is Saints & Soldiers, both the movie AND the soundtrack that can make me cry. My go-to soundtrack when I'm feeling blue and just need a good cry. It is heart-breaking music.

And to share one song with you: A cover I found recently, in which I rather liked the girl's voice. Enjoy.

Day Seven: Wants


#1. Canon 5D. I can dream, can't I?

#2. My own car.

#3. A new laptop.

#4. More unicorns.

#5. A cup of tea.

#6. This whole humidity thing to go away.

#7. A puppy.

So maybe I'm a little slow on the bandwagon in discovering great bloggers, but I did not discover Kelle Hampton through her blog. In fact, I stumbled across her, her beautiful story, and her equally beautiful blog at work.

Yes, that's right, at work. Her book "Bloom" was on the "New Books" display across from the circulation desk. And as I stood there, on desk duty, not much to do, I noticed the cover of her book staring me in the face. The beautiful, simplistic cover with blue sky and the word "Bloom" written in red. It looked interesting. I went over, picked it up, and gasped when I saw the beautiful pictures inside. No doubt about it, if a book has pretty pictures, I'm taking it home with me. The not-so surprising part was looking in the back and seeing that Kelle Hampton was a photographer. That definitely sealed it...a book with pretty pictures from a real photographer, who also apparently has a blog? Pff yes, I'm going to read it.

I didn't know quite what I was expecting, but as soon as I started reading, I was hooked and could not put it down.

 Kelle Hampton's life was suddenly changed by the birth of her daughter, Nella, who was born with down syndrome. This book is about that journey and the changes it brought: the sadness, love, happiness, and joy that it all included.

And the story was beautiful.

I grinned, sighed, and laughed over the beautiful photographs; teared up over the sweet story; and I immediately went to check out Kelle's blog. And again, I was hooked. Her blog is just as beautiful as her book.

Kelle has a beautiful writing style. It paints pictures, is emotional, real, and captivating in every way. Her bright and colorful photographs (the very style of photography that I love best!) just adds flavor to her book, as well as to her blog.

It's definitely one book I would not mind adding to my personal library. And her blog is one I now follow faithfully. Check it out! You won't regret it! kellehampton.com

Day Eight: Fears


#1. Falling. I love heights, but I hate falling.

#2. Failing. Tests, homework, classes, work, projects, anything. It's the fear of a perfectionist.

#3. Spiders. This actually *should* be listed under dislikes...cuz really I just hate them more than I fear them.
Seriously. >_> I don't go running, screaming when I see a spider. And yes, I have held them before.

#4. Work and school being combined. Worst dream I've ever had.

#5. Leaving my comfort zone. Meh.

#6. Booth breaking. I will die if he ever does.

#7. Peas. Scary scary things are peas.

#8. Myself on coffee.

Day #2 - Nine Loves
I'm going to skip the obvious (God, family, friends, etc.)

#1. Piano instrumental music...it's the most beautiful music there is, and I loves it.

#2. Mail. There is nothing more exciting than getting something in the mail! (So long as it's not just a bank statement or a bill or notice from school :P)

#3. Photography. Should've been #1 but oh well. :P I love capturing people at their best...and I love capturing them laughing.

#4. Writing. No matter what I do, I can never stop writing. Doesn't matter what it is: journaling, letter-writing, blogging, stories, emails...I'm always writing.

#5. Reading. I do love a good book. And it is wonderful to finally have the time to sit and read!

#6. Chocolate. Cliche girl one right here. But I'm not afraid to admit it! I loves my chocolate. And I loves cupcakes. And oreos. I loves my sugar.

#7. Colors. I crave them. Give me more!

#8. Pretty pictures...I could sit and look at them all day long. They make me grin. :D

#9. Laughter.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2006/11/gift-list-thousand-things/


231. Butter - makes life taste better


232. Girls' nights


233. Finals over


234. Spring weather


235. My friends


236. Sunshine


237. Cookies


238. Feeling inspired


239. Following new blogs


240. Discovering beautiful photographs


241. Shooting photos


242. Orange Juice


243. Wild Cherry Capri Sun juice pouches


244. Hummus


245. Pigeon pictures from Juji


246. A clean room


247. Coffee for the first time in 3 weeks! mmm!


248. Beautiful books


249. Time to read


250. Letters and cards in the mail from someone I care about

Since it's been going around, I figured, "Why not?" :)

Ten secrets about Sam:

#1. I like two Taylor Swift songs. There, I admitted it. I like "Enchanted" and "Ours". The only two of her songs I really ever listen to.

#2. I have a blankie. His name is Mr. Snuggles. And whenever I need a good cry or am sick, I cuddle with him...if it's not too hot...he is made out of fleece after all.

#3. I own three pink shirts and two pink dresses, even though I am not fond of the color. Don't ask me why...

#4. I cannot crack my knuckles, even if I wanted to. Which I don't. Just sayin!

#5.  I have considered getting a tattoo. The pain factor stopped me. :P I'm such a wimp.

#6. I love Disney movies. "Robin Hood", "Beauty and the Beast", "Cinderella", "Lady and the Tramp"...yup, love em. Just not "Bambi". Never "Bambi".

#7. Everyone has colors. My color changes constantly. It's gray, purple, brown, and sometimes navy blue.

#8. I am a bit OCD. I like things to be in order. My bureau drawers are organized, I have to have ONLY plastic hangers in my closet, and my books have to be arranged by size.

#9. I am addicted to pinterest, tea, chocolate, music, colors, photography, and talking.

#10. My favorite blogger is Jamie Delaine. jamiedelaineblog.com She is an inspiration.

Spring means: 

- uplifting music

- brand new books to read

- coffee to drink

- new recipes to try out

- rooms to be deep-cleaned

- window fans bringing in the scent of mowed grass

- shorts and tanktops

- plans to exercise (and hopefully the actual act of exercising!)

- girls' night

- and painting your toe nails

Embrace spring, peoples! Summer's nearly here. :) 

A day at work...

my street

Before you get to work, you've actually got to get there...walking to work, the grass was green, the sky was blue, and the temps were gorgeous. Why hello there, spring, I've missed you!

I stole my co-worker's desk to work on pulling the morning's inter-library loan requests from other libraries.

Here is my list. My job is to track down these books and prepare them for their journey, whether they like it or not...

See? I found them! Except that one second from the bottom is for me...heh. :P

See? I checked it out to myself. What? Yeeeeeeah, that's a Tangled picture for my profile picture, and my grade level is listed as SUPERHERO... ... sooo?

Hey, look! I's got a locker! I never did get one throughout my entire school life. :P At work I get one though! And yes, CoffeeGirl...that'd be me.
























I even decorate the inside with notes from someone named Skittles!

And I leave notes for Skittles... O_o

I get to empty these carts of books, which I then shelve...

And I got to stamp books "Discard" :P

That's not all I did, of course, but that's all I had time to photograph...a partial life of a part-time librarian!

What have I been watching lately? "Downton Abbey"...the "elegant DRAMA!" as one of my friends put it. (and no, I'm not behind the times...this is a re-watch :P)

Yes, it's full of drama...Matthew goes to war, comes back paralyzed, magically walks again? His fiance dies, allowing him to be free to marry Mary? *swoon* 

Okay, okay, I never said it was realistic, but it is elegant!  The colors are amazing! It's like synesthesia movie heaven...the costumes, the scenery of Downton...very rich, beautiful, and lovely to the eyes. In comparison, the war aspects show muted, brown colors...makes Downton seem very much like a haven.

pretty pretty pretty

The characters are full of flaws...I don't believe I've ever wanted to smack so many characters in one series ever before! But, in spite, of their flaws, you can't help but love them!

Even Mary...I will admit to disliking, even hating, her in the first season. However, I warmed to her in the second season. I believe more of her good side was shown...and she is terribly elegant...gotta admire that!









Edith...I have never liked her. I sympathize with her, feel sorry for her, but I've never liked her. As a middle child, you can understand where she's coming from...a bullying older sister, to whom every man flocks to, while passing you up...and a sweet younger sister who's just plain lovable. Poor Edith...not a fan.

It's Sybil who is my favorite character of all. Adorable, sweet, spunky, a mind of her own, loves her family...plus she's so dang cute. What more do you want in a heroine? (And yes, I had a fan-girl-ish squeal when she and Branson ended up getting married!)








So yes, a very enjoyable series. :)

happiness is:

two kinds of ice cream

writing a book

a perfect cup of tea

letter writing

colors

swan song

different color nail polishes

daisies

knitting

birthday gifts

lists

i notice i often think, "i wish i had my new laptop now." "i wish i had a canon 5d". 

today, i am going to be grateful for what i have and not waste it wishing for what i do not have. and i notice that it really is the simplest things that make me happy, and cause me to realize how blessed i am. if only i realized this more often!

on rainy days when every is wet, cold, gloomy-grey and adding to a foul mood,

sometimes all you can do is smile. 

today, in spite of:

 a persistent cough that puts my throat in agony

missing my boyfriend

lack of sleep

not being able to drink coffee

honey not sugar in tea

i still smile because:

may showers will bring june flowers (it's new england here, what can I say?)

there is greenness underneath all the wet, cold, and grey

i am blessed with a special best friend/boyfriend

i can sleep in tomorrow morning

working extra hours means extra money

God provides. always. 

tea to soothe the throat

music to soothe the lonely feelings

smile.