The #AwesomeBloggerAward + My Blogiversary!

I've had this blog for three years.  THREE.  Three whole years!  Where did that time go?

I started this blog all the way back in 2016, when I was just a little baby 17-year-old who didn't know what she was doing.  Tbh, I still don't know what I'm doing, but I know for a fact that I've found more of myself and my God than baby 17-year-old me ever dreamed she would.

And this is the first year I haven't completely forgotten when my blog started and missed this anniversary entirely.  I have my lovely friend Faith to thank for making my brain go "wait, when is my blogiversary?" in enough time to post about it!  And she tagged me to do a fun tag, so... double friendship points to her.



So let's get started with the #AwesomeBloggerAward!

1. What is one thing that makes you sparkle? (Something you get excited about)

Awww, I'm totally calling getting excited "sparkling" from now on.  Things I sparkle about... hmm... Jesus, books, Disney, my friends, showtunes, giraffes, and... uh... yeah, I think that's pretty much it.

2. What is your favorite color to wear?

Well, my favorite color in general is purple, so I do love wearing that (and I have a loooot of purple clothes, haha), but I also love the way royal blue looks on me. Those are the main two.

3. What is your favorite song right now?

The main songs that I'm loving right now are the three newest songs by Hannah Kerr: "in the meantime", "glimpse", and "Split the Sea". They're just beautiful and have been stuck in my head for about a week now. So. Yeah.

4. What is a favorite Bible verse of yours at the moment, and why does it resonate with you?

A favorite Bible verse that He's really been speaking to me through recently is Daniel 3:18, "And if not, He is still good."

5. What is a book (besides the Bible) that you would always recommend to someone?

This is hard, because I feel like different books hit different people different ways.  So just because I love something, that doesn't mean everyone will.  But I think pretty much anyone would enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia. It's just so cozy. <3

6. What is a movie and/or book that you've wanted to watch/read for a long time, but you haven't gotten around to it yet?

Oof.  Calling me out there.  I've been meaning to get around to The Book Thief for //years// but am I emotionally ready?  I don't know. Thus, I keep putting it off.

7. What is one thing that a lot of people don't know about you?

Hmmm... I feel like I'm a pretty open book, tbh.  I will say, a lot of people in my real life don't realize how sarcastic I am until I say something sassy under my breath and they catch me. xD I love jokes and laughing but I've also got social anxiety and am just a generally reserved person, so I guess it surprises some people? I dunno.

8. How did you come up with your blog title?

I came up with the title for this blog back when I was 13 or so.  I just thought it sounded cool, and it stuck in my brain until I was 16 and officially started blogging!

9. Which of the four seasons best describes your personality?

Ooh, interesting.  I feel like I might say winter?  Not because I'm cold and distant, but because I'm kind of a snuggly, cozy person? Is that weird to say?  But seriously, I love all things winter, I love being cold (it's muuuch better than being hot, trust me), I love peppermint and crisp air and snuggling up with a good book.  So yeah.  Winter, I think.

10. What is one thing that God has taught you recently?

God has been showing me a LOT of stuff recently, but one of my favorite things is how He delights in me.  He delights in us, and He wants us to delight in Him, and it's a beautiful thing.


Thank you again to Faith for tagging me!! That was so fun!

And now, because I can, I'm going to tag some people! Yay!

Allison Tebo @ Allison's Well
Mary Kate @ Sarcastic Scribblings
Faith @ Stories by Firefly

Here you are, ladies! I can't wait to hear your answers! (no pressure, though, obviously, if you don't want to do it. ;) )

1. What is one thing that makes you sparkle? (Something that you get excited about)
2. What is your favorite color to wear?
3. What is your favorite song right now?
4. What is a favorite Bible verse of yours at the moment, and why does it resonate with you right now? 
5. What is a book (besides the Bible) that you would always recommend to someone?
6. What is a movie and/or book that you've wanted to watch/read for a long time, but haven't gotten around to it yet?
7. What is one thing that not a lot of people know about you?
8. How did you come up with your blog name? 
9. Which of the four seasons best describes your personality?
10. What is one thing that God has taught you recently?


And that's about all I've got for this post today!  Let me know in a comment, what is your favorite song right now?

~ Abby

Thoughts from a Sleepless Night

Of course my mind races on a Saturday night. A Saturday night when I have to be at church at 8 in the morning. When every minute I spend thinking is one less I spend sleeping.

Of course.

Of course I can't stop thinking about the future on a night when I can't do anything about it. A night where the future isn't until tomorrow and even then it's still somewhere off in the distance. Where every minute I spend thinking is one less I spend sleeping.

Of course.

Of course there are a million things running through one half of my head that I could be doing, while the other half is screaming "You need to sleep!" "If you don't sleep you won't be any good to anyone!" Every minute my head is at war is one less I spend doing either thing it wants to do.

Of course.

Of course my brain doesn't think about God in the moments when He's all that could soothe my racing heart. When I can hardly breathe with anxiety and so far He's been the only remedy to work. When every minute I spend thinking is one less I spend praying.

Of course.

Of course, I'm only human. What more could I expect from myself?

{Hey, guys.  I wrote this last night when I couldn't sleep. I know it isn't Christmas-y, but I wanted to jot it down none the less.  Look for some Christmas posts this week! ~ Abby}

The Bibliophile Sweater Tag

Fall and winter are the perfect time for cozy clothes.  Even here in Florida where it never gets under 60 degrees Fahrenheit.  I still love the feel of being in a cozy sweater, snuggling up on my bed, and reading a good book. 

And thus, I love the feel of this tag.

I don't think anyone actually tagged me for this, but I really wanted to do it.  So. Yeah.

It was created by the lovely Mary over at Sunshine and Scribblings, and the minute I saw it, I knew that I would have to do it.  So here we are!

Let's get into this tag, shall we?


Fuzzy sweater {a book that is the epitome of comfort}

Let's be honest, y'all already know my answer for this one:


Awww yeahhh.  This book is such a comfort to me.  Every time I read it, it just makes me ridiculously happy.  And it's been that way for such a long time.  So yes.  "Winnie-the-Pooh".


Striped sweater {a book which you devoured every line of}



This book is so beautifully written, it's hard not to want to contemplate every word.  But at the same time, you devour it because you want to know what's going to happen.  It's beautiful.


Ugly Christmas sweater {a book with a weird cover}



I... am not a fan of this cover.  It actually looks better in this picture than it does in real life.  It's weird and grainy and yeah. I don't like it.  But the book itself sounds awesome, so... we'll see how it is.


Cashmere sweater {most expensive book you've bought}



I don't buy books full price... ever.  With the exception of when I buy one just to support the author, like this one.  So while it wasn't really all that expensive, it was expensive for me.  Yeah.


Hoodie {favorite classic book}



Is this book not perfect for this tag?  Look at all that snow!  (also, I would like to formally request that Tumnus [sweet, innocent Tumnus] be given a snuggly sweater.  Please and thank you.)


Cardigan {book that you bought on impulse}



This is a recent purchase for me, and I am so happy with it.  You can't see it in this picture, but the red lettering is SPARKLY! And I am obsessed.  I've never read "A Christmas Carol", and I was in a Christmas-y mood, so I thought "why not" and bought it.


Turtleneck sweater {book from your childhood}



I was absolutely obsessed with the "Dear America" books as a kid, and this was by far my favorite.  Not only did the main character share my name, it took place during the Revolutionary War, which was my favorite historical time period.  I really need to reread this book, come to think of it.  (also, I adore this new cover. So much.)


Homemade knitted sweater {book that is Indie-published}



Because I just finished this book not too long ago (and reviewed it) and it's currently on my mind non-stop, I thought I'd mention this one.  It was wonderful.


V-neck sweater {book that did not meet your expectations}



OKAY DON'T KILL ME LET ME EXPLAIN.  I absolutely adored The Goblet of Fire.  And then this one was just... angst. Angst everywhere.  Which I am never a fan of.  And Umbridge.  Who I absolutely hate.  So yeah... this one kind of disappointed me.


Argyle sweater {book with a unique format}



It took me a minute to figure out what to answer for this question.  And there was my Goodreads "read" shelf, practically screaming at me, "ABBY!  HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON!"  And sure enough.  I love the way these books are put together.  The illustrations have such a cute, nostalgic feel to them, and the font and the font sizes just add so much to the story.  I love them.  (and I chose this one because it was one of my favorites and most of it takes place in a library, so obviously, I had to include it.)


Polka dot sweater {a book with well-rounded characters}



I absolutely adore the characters in this book.  They get more developed in the sequel, but they're fairly deep in this first one.  I eagerly anticipate breaking open the third book just to get more of these characters.  Because they're so great.  Agh.

Well there you have it!  This was such a fun tag!

I'm going to tag Jennifer, Chloe, and Faith for this tag!  Have fun, ladies! :D (and obviously, don't feel like you have to do it if you don't want to)

And for YOU, reading this right now, let me know down below: what book is the epitome of comfort for you? 


Blessings on you and yours in this time of thankfulness,
~ Abby

The Mercy in the Madness

My life has been absolutely insane recently.  I'm partially writing this as an excuse for where I've gone.  Sorry.

Last week, we had to put our dog down.  It was very dramatic, and could not have come at a worse time.  This past weekend, we went to Fort Myers and performed for our first paid dancing job.  And now, we've been in Georgia for 3 days, helping my Grandma move.

All this to reiterate - I've been living in complete madness.

Last night, I was asking God, "Why would you let all of this happen to us, right now?"  I've been going through health issues, my grandparents are deteriorating, I don't have a job and I don't know what I want to go to college for.  All of which people are asking me about constantly and I don't have answers.

I was focusing on everything that was wrong.

But then I heard Him whisper, "Abby, if you focus on what's wrong, you're going to drown in all the reasons you aren't okay.  So stop looking at that.  Look at me."

And then He gave me this title:

Here's the thing: It's so easy to ask why.  Why is this happening?  Why to me?  Why now? 

Why so much?

Maybe it's simply because, as Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." {Mark 2:17}

Unless you admit you need help, it's impossible to get it.

The same goes for God.

So maybe that's why it all seems to happen at once.  Because I will tell you this: I have been closer to God in this storm than I was in the calm.  I can tell.  It just feels different.

My situation has come to the point where I have to say "I trust that He's got it" and keep going.  I can't sit and dwell, or I won't move.  There's no way I can handle everything by myself.

And it's only when I let go that I can be held.

No one can hold your hand if your hand is full.  You can't put new books on your bookshelf until you've removed some of the old ones.  It's scary to change, but you have to change to move forward.

You have to release your hold on the cliff's edge before God can catch you.

So this is the mercy in the madness: that even though I'm floundering and trying to do it myself, I can't.  And that realization forces my eyes away from the problem and onto the One who can fix it.


{Have you ever seen the mercy in the madness?  Where have you seen God in your life this week?}

~ Abby



When You're 18 Going On 19...

(You're welcome, by the way.  That song will be stuck in your head for the next several hours.  My work here is done.)

As of last week, I am nineteen years old.  This is quite honestly ridiculous, and I don't know where the time has gone.  I'm still in denial that adulthood, which was once simply approaching, has smashed into my lovely little existence full force and used the sharp-edged pieces to scrape away whatever sense of normalcy I had left.

Okay, so that was a bit dramatic.

My life has changed a lot in the past year.  Being 18, I was suddenly, in the eyes of the world at large, an adult.  Even though I really wasn't.

As of this past year, I've come to realize one of the main problems with our society.  We expect 17-year-olds, in a matter of days, to do a complete 180 and face the world on their own.  I understand that probably, a hundred years ago, by this age I would have 3 kids.  But why is that a thing that happens?  Why am I expected to be an adult?

Sometimes I think Peter Pan had it right.  Let's never grow up and stay kids forever.  Let's be innocent and be friends and scrape our knees without worrying about permanent damage.

Doesn't that sound wonderful?

Maybe that's because it's comfortable.

Because growing up is scary.

Growing up means leaving behind everything we've known for as long as we've been alive.  It means exploring new territory, forging our own path, choosing our own fate.  Our parents can no longer make decisions for us (neither can they technically sign any official papers for us... which is completely throwing me off... because I actually have to remember to sign them for myself.)

But growing up is necessary.

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young,
but instead, set an example for the believers,
in speech, in life, in love
in faith and in purity."

~ 2 Timothy 4:12

Remember when you were little and said "It's going to be so cool to be a grown-up!".  Yeah, I remember that clearly.  I was in a rush to grow up, to be older, to be one of the big kids.

It hit me the other day while at dance that I was one of the "big girls" that little girls are looking up to and wishing to be.  To which I want to say, "Don't, kid, enjoy it while you have it."  But being at this age is kind of amazing when I think about it. 

I'm an example now.  I mean, I kind of always was, having two younger siblings, but now it's kids other than my siblings.  That's a lot of responsibility, but it's also really cool.  I officially graduated AWANA in April, but I haven't left it.  I came back, and now I'm working in a classroom rather than being a student.  It feels strange to be one of the grown-ups that I used to look up to and learn from.

I'm an adult now, even if I don't feel like it.  That's how the world views me.  I have trouble believing it sometimes, but it's true.  I have a witness that I've never had before.  I may be younger than most, but I'm also older than some, and that gives me a wonderful opportunity.

So I'm going to seize this year, and make it the best that it can be, setting an example for my fellow believers, just as Paul urged Timothy to do.  That's my mission... will you join me?

~ Abby

The Bookish Tag

Tags are my favorite have I mentioned that enough lately?

 The ever-wonderful Faith tagged me for this Bookish Tag and I'm very excited so here we go.

The Rules:
~ You must be honest.
~ You must answer every question.
~ You must tag at least 4 other people.

Okay, now that that's out of the way, let's jump in!

1) What book has been on your shelf the longest?  Ooh... this is hard.  I think it'd probably be some of my American Girl books.

2) What is your current read, your last read, and the book you'll read next?  Hehe...he... See, I'm currently in the middle of like... ten books... but right now I'm actively reading At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon (and really enjoying it).  My last read was The Goldfish Boy.  And the book I'm planning to pick up once I'm done with at least four out of these ten I'm in is probably going to be Uncommon Criminals.

3) What book did everyone else like, but you hated?  Okay, to be frank, I never hate books.  I may dislike them, but hate is too strong a word.  ... Actually, I take that back.  Romeo and Juliet.

4) What book do you keep telling yourself to read, but you probably won't?  Probably any Shakespeare play.  I've read Julius Caesar and Romeo and Juliet, and I like to think that I'll read more someday... but it probably won't be anytime soon.

5) What book are you saving for retirement?  ...Do people actually do this?  Like, man, I'm only 18, retirement is a long way off. 

6) Last page: read it first, or wait 'til the end?  Wait 'til the end!

7) Acknowledgment: waste of ink, or interesting aside?  I like reading acknowledgements, because often I just want more of the author's writing.  And sometimes they're funny. 

8) Which book character would you switch places with?  Um... mayyybe one of the Pevensies?  But most of the time, I wouldn't switch with any.  Their lives are too hard.

9) Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life?  So many of my books hold certain memories.  But I have a copy of the collected works of Carson McCullers that was given to me by my mom's step-mother who passed away early last year.  And it was given to her by my granddad, who I never got to know, but apparently I have very similar reading tastes to him.  Which is cool.

10) Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way.  Maybe my copy of Tuesdays at the Castle.  Because it didn't start out as mine.  Technically, my sister earned it by doing a summer reading program, but she didn't want any of the books that were offered.  So I got to pick two.  Which was awesome.

11) Have you ever given away a special book to a special person?  Not that I can remember.

12) Which book has been with you the most places? Other than my Bible (obviously), I'm really not sure.  But while I was reading The Blood of Olympus, I did carry it with me to quite a few places, so I guess that counts (including a grease stain on the back cover under the dust jacket because I didn't think about my greasy fingers until it was too late).

13) Any "required reading" you hated in high school that wasn't so bad later?  I didn't really enjoy reading Ender's Game but the whole of the story has stuck with me so strongly and I've gotten deeper into the messages and I actually really liked the movie.  Yeah.

14) Used or brand new?  I can't argue with the lovely feeling that the smell and feel of a new book has, but I also can't argue with the price of used books.  So... both?

15) Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?  No, can't say that I have.

16) Have you ever seen a movie that you liked better than the book?  *cough* Jane Eyre *cough*

17) Have you ever read a book that made you hungry?  Hands down, this has to be Unlocking the Truth.  Look at this cover and tell me that cinnamon roll doesn't make you hungry.


18) Who is the person whose book advice you'll always take?  My mom.  Or my OYAN friends.  I trust them 100%.

19) Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g. outside your usual reading genre) that you ended up loving?  I think I have to go with The Seer of Shadows for this question.  As I mentioned the last time I talked about it, it's quite creepy and eerie and not normally my cup of tea.  But I loved it.


So there you have it!  The Bookish Tag! 

Um... at least four of you consider yourself tagged and we'll say that counts because this is my blog and I do what I want *cough*

How would you have answered any of these questions?  Let me know in the comments below!

~ Abby

The Sunshine Blogger Tag

So today as I was thinking to myself "Abby, you need to write a blog post" (like I do... often) I came across this post by Andrea.  And since it looked fun and I needed something to post I figured "why not?" right?  And here we are!

Because who doesn't love sunshine and bloggers?  (Well, actually, that would be me.  Not loving the sunshine, I mean.  I love the bloggers with all my heart, but the sun hates me.  Thanks, Irish heritage.)

Anyway, let's get into the tag!

 

1. What book would you want to read for the first time all over again?
Ooh, this is hard.  I don't know that I have an answer for this, honestly.  There are a few that I'd love to go back in time to when I read them the first time, but I cherish those memories, so I wouldn't want to lose them.  And I'm probably overthinking this, so I'll stop rambling now. 

2. What primary intelligence do you have?
I wasn't sure how to answer this but when one of Andrea's examples was Musical, I knew I had to say that.  I learn and work better when music is involved.  Which, as my sister and I were discussing last night, is why I think I'm doing okay at Irish dance so far.  It's all rhythmic.  Anything with a rhythm, and I can probably retain it.  So yeah.  Musical.

3. What is one of your major unpopular bookish opinions?
*whispers* I actually really liked the Heroes of Olympus books *hides*

4. How many movies have you watched this year?
You know what I think we should have?  Something like Goodreads, but for movies and tv.  Where you can keep track of what you watch.  (I mean, I could just write it down, but...) 
All that to say, I don't really know.  But it hasn't been as much as past years, actually.  I've spent more time reading and watching tv than I have watching movies.  But probably over 50?  Idk.

5. What book genre is your guilty pleasure?
Recently, it's been romance.  Not like trashy romance or anything.  But Christian historical romance?  Yes please.

6. If one movie would become a book, what would it be?
Ooh, this is an interesting question.  Particularly because so many movies do have novel adaptations at some point.  But I think the idea for Tangled would have made a really interesting novel.  (but I love the movie.)

7. What is one random talent you want to have or already have?
I'd love to be able to actually play an instrument.  But alas, I cannot.  Well... I take that back, I can play handbells.  So there's something interesting you may not have known about me.

8. Mayonnaise or ketchup?
I actually hate ketchup so mayo all the way!

9. What is your favorite reality TV show?
Anything on Food Network.  It's pretty much always on at our house (that or HGTV), but my fave on there has to be "Worst Cooks in America".  It's hilarious.  Oh, and I love Jeopardy too.

10. Who are your favorite Booktubers?
Ah! I love Booktubers!  Some favorites are polandbananasBOOKS, jessethereader, PeruseProject, readbyzoe, and Ariel Bissett.

11. Rainy or sunny days?
As we've already established, I hate the sun and the sun hates me.  But if I have to be in the rain, I hate it too.  So if I can snuggle in bed and read a favorite book or take a nap, I love rain.  Which is good, because it rains a lot here.  A lot.


And now here are my questions for you!

1. Recommend a Booktube channel!  Which one is your favorite?
2. What is your favorite hyped book?
3. Any books you DNF'd (did not finish)?
4. What musical album are you currently listening to on repeat?
5. Do you have a favorite classic?
6. Have you rewatched a favorite television series?  If so, what was it?
7. Hot dogs or hamburgers?
8. Give your favorite blogs a shout-out!
9. Which movie could you watch a thousand times and not get bored?
10. Do you compete in any sports?
11. Favorite Bible verse?

I'm not sure who to tag (because a lot of people have already been tagged) but I will tag
Jonathan @ Fishing for Ideas
Abigayle @ The Left-Handed Typist
Chloe @ Rustling Thoughts
and YOU!
If you don't have a blog, answer the questions down in the comments! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

~ Abby

The #VoicesofYA Tag!

Hey, look who isn't dead!

Me for the past two weeks: Abby, you really need to write a blog post today.
Also me:


{We spent two weeks traveling, and I didn't feel like writing posts any of those nights at any of those hotels and I'm going to stop making excuses now, but just know that I am sorry.}

So I have been tagged by Jonathan to do this tag and it looks super fun so HERE WE ARE FOR A TAG!


Question 1: What draws you to YA?
Mostly... I am a young adult.  So it makes sense.

Question 2: Describe your writing process.  Do you like outlines and structures, or seeing where your story takes you?
I'd love to be a plotter.  I really would.  Unfortunately, I have too many pantser tendencies.  Although I do love when my characters develop themselves into more than I expect.  They do that quite a bit.

Question 3: How long have you been writing?  Where are you in your journey?
I've been writing since I was ten years old, so eight years now.  Which is nuts.  But I'm still learning so much about the craft.  Honestly I feel like I know more about writing than I've actually experienced.  Which isn't great.  But I'm working on it. 

Question 4: What do you need to write?  Coffee?  Music?
MUSIC.  I have to have music.  Like, to write anything.  For example, right now, I have my Disney on Broadway playlist on shuffle.  For writing my stories, I like to have something like this, where it's kind of mindless.  I know the songs so well that I can listen to them without having to listen, if you know what I mean.  Which you probably don't.  But it's hard to explain, lol.

Question 5: If you could offer one piece of advice to another writer, (OTHER THAN "don't give up"), what would it be?
Oof, that's tough.  I think I would have to say... "Write what you love."  Find your favorite genre.  Write that.  Find something you enjoy researching.  Write about it.  Even if it isn't a fiction story, even if it's a short story, even if it's a poem, just write what you're interested in.  If you don't enjoy history, don't try to write a historical fiction.  Does that make sense?

Question 6: What book still has you reeling from its plot twist?
So many, to be honest.  But the one that's coming to mind is "A Time to Die".  Because oh my word, guys.  I'm still a little breathless from that ending.

Question 7: What books are you most anticipating for this year?
Oh dear. *glances at Goodreads* Umm... "The Noble Servant" by Melanie Dickerson (this one is already out, but I haven't read it yet... but I'm so looking forward to it) and "The Ship of the Dead" by Rick Riordan (I'm so ready for this one) are the two that I think I'm most excited for.

Question 8: In your opinion, which YA book/series has the most unique premise?
See, I was going to say the "Out of Time" trilogy for this... but everyone else has said that so now I have to think of something else.  I think I'm going to say the "Gallagher Girls" series by Ally Carter.  I've just started the first book, so I can't say much about it yet, but the premise is so unique.  I mean, it's about a school for spies.  How cool is that?

Question 9: What is your all-time favorite quote from YA?
OH GOODNESS NO DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.  But are we talking funny quotes?  Because if so, any of Rick Riordan's books are full of them.  But for serious, moving quotes, I really love this quote from Lois Lowry's "Gathering Blue" - "We're the ones who will fill in the blank places.  Maybe we can make it different."  What a life goal, right?

Question 10: What book do you most hope will have a movie adaptation?
Well I would say the "Books of Beginning" trilogy (some of my favorite books of all time), but as they are MG and this is a YA tag, I'll say "Heist Society" by Ally Carter.  Because I really want to see this story on a screen, big or small.  It plays out like a teenaged Leverage, so obviously I need to see it.  Please.

Tagging People:
I don't really know who to tag for this, so if you have a blog and want to do this tag, go ahead and feel free to say that I tagged you.  And then leave me a link to your post so that I can see your answers ;)

~ Abby

In a Place of Miracles

If you don't know (and you probably don't), my life is currently in a constant state of turmoil. 

Ever since November 18th of 2015, things have been different from anything I've experienced before.

On November 18th, my uncle was found dead in his apartment.


(a terrible-quality pic of him holding me on the day I was born)

He was my mother's only sibling, and while he hadn't been in the best of health, his death came as a shock.  It was the week before Thanksgiving, when he was supposed to join us.  The funeral was the first where my siblings and I had been in the front row, as we normally helped in the sound booth with audio-visual things.  It was one of the hardest things I've had to go through.

The following January, we headed to Tennessee, partially for vacation, partially to scatter my uncle's ashes, and partially to visit Mom's step-mother.  Grandma Brittie had gotten the diagnoses of terminal cancer a few weeks before my uncle passed away.  We really got to know her heart in those few days, and she was one of the most beautiful souls I have ever known. 

Our uncle was placed along a memorial wall, overlooking a breathtaking mountain view, on the campus of the college where he devoted most of his life.  A small inscription was on the wall:

As a wizard with a wand, he lit up even the beyond.

Never needing use his guile, he did it simply with a smile.

(although it was written about a woman on the original)

In February, we heard the news that Grandma Brittie had lost the fight.

That funeral, we were unable to attend.  But our hearts were there, with her friends.  We were her only family.

The next few months passed quietly, but with coming anticipation.  We were scheduled to take a vacation in April to visit Colonial Williamsburg and then go on to Washington D.C.  Dad had wanted to take us to D.C. for as long as I could remember, and Williamsburg was to be an early birthday present for me, as it was one of my favorite places. 

On the 5th of April, we set out.  On the 7th, we went to Busch Gardens.  On the 8th, my life changed forever.

On the 8th, my daddy went to be with Jesus.



We were headed down to the historic district when he collapsed in front of my brother from a severe heart attack, was taken to multiple hospitals, and after several hours he went to be with his Savior. 

Was it the worst day of my life?  Yes.  It absolutely was.

Was his funeral the second worst day of my life?  Of course.

But here's the thing: my faith has become stronger than ever. 

Daddy was the associate pastor at our church; had been for almost 20 years.  He'd been attending since he was a teenager, gone to seminary, and found that God had called him back to the church he'd left.  Turned out that he would play a very important role when the church went through a split a few years later, and he really held everything together.  We came to jokingly refer to him as the "minister of everything else", as his responsibilities eventually included everything from drama/media (his initial calling) to senior adults to education to music leader when our music minister passed away in 2014. 

And Daddy was worried.

The church, he felt, was growing stagnant.  Not much growth was going on, and everyone seemed to be going through the motions.  Little things were driving wedges between people, and the church was divided about the hunt for a new music minister.  Daddy told me a few times that he thought he might be the problem.  Mom told me later that they had been praying, "Lord, if we're supposed to go, just tell us."  She also said, "We didn't think that this was what He had in mind."

I personally, and we as a family, know without a doubt that Daddy's death was in God's plan, because if it did anything, it united the church to common goals.  Helping us.  Finding a music minister.  Pulling off VBS.  Making sure we could function.

Yes, there's a gaping hole.  One that probably will never go away.  Yes, Social Security is a beast that I don't recommend ever having to deal with if you can help it.  But the miracles we've seen and experienced let me know God's still in this.  His power is stronger than ever.

On the other side, I can look back and see the way He was laying the groundwork to keep us afloat.  My uncle's passing got us financially stable.  We're out of debt, and some money has been put aside for college (which is quickly approaching... but that's another post).  Grandma Brittie's passing made me look deeper into my faith, hoping for the flame I saw in her.  It got me closer to Him before we ever left for Virginia, which made it easier to fall into His arms.  Both of those events brought our family together, and inspired us to spend every second we could as a unit, seconds we now cherish. 

It's been a year.  The world spins on.  Sometimes I wish it would slow down, but it doesn't.  I still have high school to deal with.  I've stepped into the praise team, trying to fill the gap Daddy left behind, and our new music minister has us running full steam ahead.  Every day I get one day closer to seeing my uncle and Grandma Brittie and Daddy again.  Only God knows when that will be, but I'm ready.

As Jennifer Donnelly so beautifully put it in Lost in a Book, "Life ends.  But love?  Love lives forever."

I leave you with one of Daddy's favorite songs, from the movie Joseph: King of Dreams.  It's helped me get through these past few months.

I pray you meditate on the words, and that they come to mean as much to you as they do to me. 

God's still in this, y'all.  Never doubt that.

~ Abby

The Liebster Award 2.0

((Abby's posting two days in a row, whaaaat???))

Okay, so yes, I've already done this tag.

But the lovely Faith tagged me, and I had to do it.  Tags are my weakness, what can I say?



1) What made you want to start a blog?  Not going to lie, it was this post of Jonathan's.  Good job, Jonny.

2) What does your first name mean?  I love this question because I love the answer.  Abigail is a Hebrew name that means "My father's joy".  And with my middle name, Ruth, which means "friend", I've always thought that my name meant "My father's joy and friend", and I adore that.

3) Did you know when you were younger what you wanted to be/do when you grew up? Do you know or have any idea what you want to do now?  When I was younger, I wanted desperately to be an author.  I still write, and I still love it, but I think my true passion lies with stories in general, and I'm thinking about pursuing a career as a librarian... or as a genealogist... because I also love history... and again, that has to do with stories.

4) If you could see yourself from another person's perspective, whose perspective would you choose and why?  Ooh... good question.  I'm not sure.  Maybe my friends? 

5) What was the last book you read?  What was your opinion of it?  Did you like it, or not so much?  The last book I read was "Ring of Fire" by P.D. Baccalario, and I thought it was okay.  It definitely got better as it went along, and I'm intrigued enough to possibly pick up the sequel, so there's that.

6) What was the last movie you watched? What was your opinion of it?  I honestly don't remember.  I feel like it might have been "Beauty and the Beast"... I mean, I watched like twenty minutes of "The Princess Bride" yesterday... and I loved/love both of them.

7) What is your favorite movie adaptation of a book? I have so many.  "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" and "The Giver" are favorites.

8) What quote do you find yourself saying often?  "I believe in Christ as I believe the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because I see everything by it." ~ C.S. Lewis  And I also love "There are no coincidences.  Just miracles by the boatload." ~ from "Navigating Early" by Clare Vanderpool [but every quote from this book is beautiful].  (although, in an ironic, funny way, my family and I will say "c'mon, son" [from Psych] to each other a lot... and my brother and I quote Phineas and Ferb a lot... so...)

9) If you could live in one other time period, what would it be?  I honestly don't think I would go all that far back.  I love air conditioning and indoor plumbing too much.

10) What would you consider to be your favorite thing to do in your free time?  What do you ACTUALLY end up doing in your free time?  I consider reading to be my favorite thing... but I usually just end up watching YouTube or Netflix.

11) What is the one thing that you want people to remember about you when you're gone?  How much I loved Jesus.  How much I loved people.  How much I loved myself.


So yeah, that's the Liebster award!  Again!

(thanks Riley)

So if you want to answer these questions, feel free!

Officially, I'm tagging Allison Tebo (and Ali, if you want to do the questions I wrote the first time I did this tag, go ahead! My brain isn't working well enough to write new ones, pfft.)

That's all for now folks!

Love God, love others, love yourself. <3

~ Abby

The Truth of the Matter

So... here's the thing.

You may want to sit down.

This may come as a surprise to some of you, and to others, it will be no shock at all.

Are you ready for the news?

Are you sure?

Okay, here goes...

My real name is not Grace Karlson.



Nor is it Mia.



I know. I'm shamed forever.

... Okay, not really shamed ...

Grace Karlson is a name belonging to one of my original characters (whom I love very much) (and thus why I said that some would not be shocked... if you knew Grace, you would know that I am indeed not her...)

Mia is a nickname given to me by a very dear friend (nicknamed after the main character in "The Princess Diaries").

Why, you may ask, would I claim that my name is either of those things when it is not?  Well, dear readers (whom I also love very much), my mother trained me well since childhood to never put my real name on the internet.  And I don't plan to.

Well... not entirely.

You see, the thing is, I've recently felt that I'm being a bit dishonest and a bit unfair.  Dishonest to you, the readers, and unfair to Grace, who was just unlucky enough to be the first name I thought of when I needed a character name with which to make a Google account.

And so, with this post, I intend to endeavour to try and be more honest with all of you... and more fair to Grace.

So from this post forward, I shall go by a pen name I have selected, using my own first name and a surname that my father came up with when he began writing his own novel.

I shall henceforth be known around the interwebs as Abigail McKenna.  You dear ones may call me Abby (or, if you are like my pastor, feel free to call me Abigail... I really don't mind either way.)  (Like... people ask me which I prefer, and I always say I don't care.  Because I really don't.  Most of my teachers [and Pastor] call me Abigail, but pretty much everyone else in my life calls me Abby.  But y'all do whatever you want.)

Abigail is my real given name.  Now you know.



Whew, if feels good to get that off my chest.  ... Now to go change my name on all my social media.

~ Abby

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY, Y'ALL.

IT'S OFFICIAL.

I AM EIGHTEEN YEARS OLD.




okay, okay, I know what you're thinking.

"Where have you been, Grace?"
"Did you forget you had a blog, Grace?"
"Grace... are you dead?"

And... to answer those... um...



I don't even know.


My life has been absolute insanity as of late, and because everything is starting back, I still haven't quite gotten into the rhythm of everything yet.  Hopefully a schedule will settle into itself in the not-too-distant future.

But for now, here I sit, in a room at a Walt Disney World resort, locked out of the living room while my family does who-knows-what out there.  I think I heard balloons being inflated.  Idk.

Friday, we're having a party.  My first birthday party since I turned 13.  I'm a bit excited.  (guys, they bought a 100-piece box of York patties for me.  It's sitting on the counter, mocking me.  MOCKING me because I can't open it until the party.  HOW DO I LAST THAT LONG)


So I guess that's all for this post.  Sorry for how short it is, but I decided I needed to actually post something, and it might as well be on this most important of days.

And now, if you don't mind, I'm off to stuff my face with cake.



*passes out pieces among you*

Thanks for sticking around this long, guys.  You're the best.

The Wisteria Writer Tag!

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!



Aiden was kind enough to tag me for the Wysteria Writer Tag!

Le rules:
1. Thank the writer who nominated you.
2. Answer the ten questions asked.
3. Add ten (writing or book related) questions of your own.
4. Nominate people.



1: What is your least favorite book, and why?

AH DON'T MAKE ME CHOOSE.  no but really I don't actually have one.  Even the ones I would probably say meant a lot to me as a child so I can't say they aren't still special. *shrug*

2: Favorite Author?

*glances at my 'favorite authors' list* Um... Right now, I feel like I have to say Rick Riordan? Because I've been reading so many of his books lately and they've helped me get out of reading slumps and yeah.  But overall it's probably Lois Lowry, because her books have had such an influence on me.

3: If you could only write one more novel, what would it be?

Probably "Bear", which is my WIP.  Because I feel like it's everything I've ever dreamed of writing.

4: What is your favorite genre to write in?

I think I have to say fantasy because I love being able to just make up my own world and not have to worry about research.  It's the best thing.

5: Do you model your characters after people you know, or do you try to avoid it?

I don't typically base my characters off of my friends (anymore, at least *glares at past self*), but I don't necessarily avoid it.  If one of my friends has a trait I think my character would have, I'll use it, or if it's a little quirk my friend does, like a nervous habit or whatever, sometimes I use it, but I don't go out of my way to put it in a character.

6: How long does it take for you to finish a novel?

... *studio audience laughter* Since I was 11, I have not completed a novel.  And that wasn't really a novel, in my opinion.  So... we'll just let that hang there for awhile.

7: Do you often listen to music while you write? What kind?

All kinds.  Every kind.  Music all the time, every day, writing or doing school or whatever, I have headphones on.  Mom says I have a constant soundtrack to my life.  I tend to agree.  But really, while I'm writing I have a tendency to use movie soundtracks because they don't have lyrics and don't distract me.

8: How often and for how long do you write?

I try to write every day, but typically it's in short spurts.  Maybe 30 minutes at a time.  Probably not the best system, but life has picked up speed lately, and so writing has to be put wherever I can fit it.

9: Current project you're working on?

I currently have 2, Bear and Deliverance.  Bear is a retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Snow White and Rose Red", when a girl named Whitney takes her sister's place in a curse and determines to free the duke from his curse.  Deliverance is a dystopian retelling of the Biblical story of Moses, where Ezra discovers he's not who he thought he was and must save his people from slavery.

10: Which of your characters is your least favorite and why?

Ugh, that has to be Malevolent, the villain from Twelve.  She's just... awful and I hate her so much *scream*.



My questions:
1. If you could rewrite a book, what would it be?
2. If your book could be made into a movie, who would you cast?
3. You get to spend the day with one fictional character. Who is it?
4. What was the first book that influenced you?
5. (stealing this one from Aiden) Do you listen to music while you write (or read)?
6. Which of your own characters do you relate to most?
7. If you were to write a spin on any historical time period, what would it be?
8. Least favorite genre to write in?
9. Do you write poetry?
10. Favorite book-to-movie (or television) adaptation?

And there we go!



As for tagging people... Aiden tagged all the other people I know xD
Alexandra
Katharine
And as always, YOU!

Let me know how you would answer either Aiden's questions or mine, down below!

~ Mia

The Liebster Award!

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED



well... sort of.

The lovely Josie at Paperclips and Pencils did this and was looking for more people to tag and I got excited.  For as we all know, I have not been doing this very long.  And I love talking about myself on the internet to strangers (who doesn't? xD).  So I'm going to do this.  Yes, I am.  (And thank you, Josie, for not being completely weirded out by my excitement xD)

RULES

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Share the award on your blog.

3. Answer the ten questions you were asked.

4. Nominate at least ten other bloggers.

5. Ask ten new questions.

Can I find ten people to tag that haven't already been tagged?  We shall see.

1. What are your top three favorite songs at this moment? 
AH THIS IS HARD. *glances at songs I've been listening to obsessively* 

"In a Place of Miracles" ~ Andrew Samonsky, Ciara Renee, Michael Arden, and Ensemble (The Hunchback of Notre Dame studio cast recording).  The whole soundtrack is magical, but this one is just gorgeous, and manages to be heart-warming and heart-wrenching at the same time. This one lands in the Court of Miracles (also a fantastic song), when Phoebus and Esmeralda realize they're in love.  Ugh I just love it so much.

"If Only [Quartet]" ~ Sierra Boggess, Sean Palmer, Titus Burgess, and Norm Lewis (The Little Mermaid Original Broadway Cast Recording).  This song comes toward the end of the show, on the last day that Ariel is human.  It's sung between Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, and King Triton.  It really gives off the longing each character is feeling.  And it's fabulous.

"You'll Be Back" ~ Jonathan Groff (Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording).  (Are you noticing a theme here? What can I say, I love Broadway). Jonathan Groff is quickly becoming one of my favorite performers ever.  He was guest narrator at EPCOT's Candlelight Processional in 2014, and while I didn't get to be there in person, I've seen the video and he did amazing.  This is also the first song I ever heard from Hamilton, and remains one of my favorites, partially because my whole life, I've loved laughing at King George III. xD

(I don't think that question was supposed to be so deeply explored but who cares?)

2. What was your favorite food as a child? Bonus points if you have a funny story to go along with this one.
Ummm... hmm... This is tough, but I think I have to say macaroni and cheese with ground beef.  I had a ridiculous obsession with it, seriously.  And I still love it.

3. Do you like reading stand-alone novels or series? Why?
I think I enjoy series more, honestly.  I love really getting to know the characters over time, and exploring the story world.  But I do enjoy a good standalone every once in awhile.

4. Current fictional character crush...?
Okay this is tough.  Because I have three, but they're all part of ships I have, so it's like 'MARRY ME' 'NO WAIT MARRY THEM' 'NO MARRY ME' 'AAAAAHHHHH'.  But the three are Rafe from the Books of Beginning trilogy by John Stephens (which is hard because of something that happens in book 2 but honey, I still love you.), Bardon from the DragonKeeper Chronicles by Donita K. Paul, and Jonas from the Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry. 

5. Favorite fairytale, and why?
*squeaks* I love this question.  So here's the thing, I have three top favorites, and they're always top three, but the order between them is always changing.  Those three, though, are "Beauty and the Beast", "The Snow Queen", and "The Twelve Dancing Princesses".  BatB because it's just magical, TSQ because it's what inspired me to start writing retellings, and TTDP because I have a sister, I've always imagined having 10 more, I've danced since I was 2, and who doesn't want to be a princess?

6. What's your favorite memory?
Probably standing on the porch of a cabin in North Carolina with Daddy, staring up at the stars.  Watching the wind blow fallen leaves in a cool swirly pattern.  Being at peace.

7. It's my opinion that everyone has a hipster complex about something, and that they just don't want to admit it. Is there something that you liked "before it was cool?" What was it?
Hmm... let's see... I guess I could say I was in the first generation to love The 39 Clues.  I had the cool 'Agent Field Guide' book and everything.  I was so cool.

8. What prompted you to start blogging?
Well, I'd been wanting one for a while and then Jonny posted this, and I found out that it isn't hard to start a blog, and here we are.

9. Three best movies to cheer up to?
The 2011 Winnie-the-Pooh movie (literally I will laugh at every joke every time).  Raiders of the Lost Ark (there is a long story to go with this one that I likely will go into at some other time).  The LEGO Movie (you watch this and tell me you don't feel cheered up.)

10. If you had a band, what would you call it? I'm sorry everybody has thought about having a band at one point or another regardless of whether they sing or play music or whatever. Fess up.
Okay here's the confession, I've often dreamed of singing in an a-cappella group and we (the imaginary group in my head pfft) call ourselves 'Voices of the Kingdom' (VotK for short). Don't judge me.



Okay let's see, do I even know 10 people...
Jonny
Katharine
Sophie
Aiden
Livvie
Xena
Alexandra
I would tag Catsi but Josie beat me to it xD
(Of course, y'all are welcome to say no... but I encourage you to say yes.)
And because I'm missing two people, I tag YOU! Yes, YOU! Person reading this right now!

10 New Questions:
1. What are you currently reading?
2. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
3. What's your favorite animal?
4. What is one quote you live by?
5. What fictional world would you live in and why?
6. If you're given the choice between a sword or a knife, which do you pick?
7. What was the first book series you were obsessed with?
8. What are your top three musical artists/bands currently?
9. What's your favorite Disney movie?
10. Favorite childhood memory?

Alrighty!



Well, that was fun.  I quite enjoyed that.  Feel free to let me know down below how you would answer these any or all of these questions!

~ Mia