My Hands are High, My Feet are Low, and This is How I Pop-See-Ko!

Two days ago it was warm enough outside to hang around in the sun without a sweater. A couple times last week I even wanted to take off my shoes. 

Now there's snow on the rooftops and frosted trees on the street.

Snow No.

Snow YES.

Oh Well. Such are the Spring times in Tahoe. Fufu! It looks pretty anyway. This was my view as I went up to get my nieces from school so they could stay the weekend. More on that in a mo. 

I'm poor. Why am I poor? Well A.) my job isn't the best, and B.) I am a full on Anime freak and I can't get enough of it. My shopping spree last week went something like this: Me on the Computer. Me on Amazon. Me on Barnes & Noble Website. Me seeing a manga/anime that I love. Me.... I'll just take that. It's really bad. I bought Three Manga last week, two anime soundtracks, and added an anime series to my basket so I could buy it when I got my next pay check. 

Bella, No.

Bella, YES.

Bella YEEEEEEEEES.

I'm not even ashamed. I needed Manga comfort. Grimm betrayed me. N/dalind is a retarded ship that should never have been give sails let alone wind to blow it, and that's all I'll say about the matter. 

I also barely slept last night on account of my nieces being very talkative and having a weird dream about flying a Rose-Truck in London. With an alien that had huge eyes and no mouth, filling up the screen of the ship and repeatably telling me to scoot over. (Courtesy of Sammi Toink.)

It was a weird dream.

My little nieces are up for the weekend and I spent a couple minutes trying to take terrible selfies: As seen here. I want to post more pictures on my blog but I take bad pictures! 8-( Sorry, faithful followers. I did try.

Someone Photo-bombed my left hand picture. Sisters. *sigh*

It's been fun seeing Chloe and Sammi again. We spent most of today singing "Head, shoulders, knees, and toes - WHAT ARE THOSE???" and "Pop-see-Ko."

This is Pop-See-Ko

You're welcome. Now that will be stuck in your head the rest of the day. Like a child I participate in this nonsense. Tonight at teatime we even got Mahri and Gavin doing it! And Kat, and Treskie, and Amy.... it was great mayhem.

Then I sent Tiny a chat (cause she's visiting my sister Gina and her family) and I was like HEY TINY.

Tiny participated like a child too.

This is going to be a thing. Maybe I'll teach all the Day-Care kids to do it to.

HEY KIDS!

HEY WHAT??

ARE YOU READY? 

FOR WHAT??

TO POP!

POP WHAT?

POP SE KO!!!!!!!!

Fufufu! Drive everyone I work with crazy.

I'm working on a longer blog post, and since I'm about to pass out I'll leave you now. 

HAPPY PALM SUNDAY!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

It's Spring!

Stoop and feel it, stop and hear it - Spring!"

Spring has finally arrived! The giant eight-foot berms have melted down to mere inches, and grass is finally peeking out from the earth. The world feels vibrant. It makes me want to adventure. So yesterday I took my backpack, my notebooks, and my books and took a walk down to the meadow in town.

Oh my gosh! The meadow was so, so alive! It was flooded with water. All the paths were streams, and little brooks ran through the grass all bubbly and happy. I could hear birds everywhere, and wind catching itself up in the sound of running water and the smell of fresh, budding air. It was like I stepped into a fantasy world. It was so freaking beautiful guys. I navigated through the water, hopping and zigzagging through dry land like a squirrel, and found a lovely tree stump on dry land, just feet away from a gently flowing stream. I perched myself on the stump, pulled out my notebook. I scribbled down ideas, I listened to the water, smelled the wind, and watched the birds. It was such a lovely time. It helped me wind down from my crazy month and just relax. I was too busy enjoying myself to take many pictures, so I think I have like, four. And a video.

Look at how pretty the Meadow looked! It's like, half glacier, half marsh.

It was a path once.....

(See the water on the left? 8-D )

Water. Water everywhere.

The further you walk out the less snow there is. It looks like winter still, but I swear there is grass out there!

Lalala, my selfies suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

It was so fun you guys. I got to rest and have some quiet time just for me. It was good to be outside. Nature helps your mind readjust and think, If God handles all this, He can definitely handle me. It helped me feel more calm, happy, and at peace. I even got some writing/plotting done, which hasn't happened in a while since I've been so busy. I think it was wonderful of God to give us such a soothing thing as nature. Our world could have been dull, but God made it interesting and beautiful. And man, it helps to be out in that beauty - and to realize you're a part of it.

Spring might be my favorite time of year. Everything is blooming and coming back to life. The air smells fresh, crisp and exciting. The wind rushes about in a great hurry, bringing all the scents and feels of Spring along with it. The trees are vibrant. Even if they aren't actually blooming yet, you can see this glow in the branches. They are brimming with life. All the little animals start coming back, the birds come home from the south - everything is so new and exciting! And right in the middle of all this new life and growth, we get our reminder of the the greatest Resurrection, the most powerful renewal of the dead. Easter Sunday, The Day Jesus Rose again from the Dead, vibrant with Glorious Life. With His new life He gave the whole world it's Spiritual Spring. He brought to life all that was dead in the world of men. With His Resurrection He poured grace into the world and made our Souls anew. He saved us from our Spiritual Graves of sin and desolation and, like well-tended seeds bursting through the earth, He showed us the sun. It is no accident that God chose this time of new life to give humanity their New, Glorious lives. It is no accident that Easter falls in the season of new hope, new chances, and new growth. God wants us to remember that, like the young buds, we have only just begun. Every year we grow anew. Every year we are given a Spring to start again. I think that's beautiful.

I love Spring.


With that said, what are your plans for this Spring season? What are your plans for Easter? I'd like to hear all about it!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

I have come back ... TO LIFE!

OH HEEEEEEY!

Literally the last three weeks: Life: - You want to blog? You want to write? You want to be creative? HAHA! TOO BAD! YOU'RE TOO BUSY CHASING YOURSELF TO DO ANY OF THAT!!!!

For real though.

I wanted to be a better blogger this year but these few months have been a whirlwind of craziness and I am not holding up on that effort too well. It's like the fates are against me or something. I just can't catch an easy week! Lol. The start of this year has been rocky to say the least. To say the most....

*thrashes like a slimy squid in a hot soda pop*

Yep. This has been my 2017 thus far.

2017. 2017. 2017.

I had such hopes for you. How could you betray my tiny trust?

But hey! I'm blogging now.

Despicable Me

I was supposed to be doing a Musical Link-Up but do to lovely life craziness I totally missed the whole thing. This is a little sad for me, but I am sure I'll have other chances to vent about my musicals. For now; Life Update!


1.) I am almost done with both my Piano class and my Acting class. Piano has been fun, but it's more of a crash course than anything else because we had so many snow days we had to play catch up. Even so, the teacher is great and the class has been interesting. I'd like to take it again, when I'm not so sick.

The acting class has been much more fun than I thought it would be. I hadn't done much Improv before so it was fun to get my feet wet in something I was unfamiliar with. With Improv you get to play a lot more. I can definitely see the appeal of creating characters from scratch and having almost boundless options with your character, your scene, and your whole story. It's great fun. I like scripts a little better, but Improv has it's perks. I can see myself taking it again.

2.) My clarinet was finally found at my brother's house and brought back to me. This is super exciting for me. I am totally out of shape with mouth position and playing for any length of time, but wow! It's great to have my instrument back! I plan to start playing around with melodies again, try to give some of my musical numbers more than just acapella. That should be interesting! Actually, that's why I'm taking piano. I plan to keep practicing even after my class is over. Piano helps with musicals so much! 8-) Also, Base Cleff is trippy guys. Trippy. All those low notes and high notes look the same!

As an aside I don't like being a beginner. I want to immediately know all the things and make beautiful music without doing the months of practice. Is that too much to ask? I'm impatient, guys!

3.) I officially had the worst Fat Tuesday in Fat Tuesday history. LOL. For real. My family (and myself) were so busy running around meeting each other leaving that we didn't have much time to celebrate. But we did get nice ice-cream so that was great.

4.) I got headbands from Treskie and I look freaking adorable in headbands. Just sayin'.

5.) I finished the series Pandora Hearts last month. It was absolutely brilliant. The best story I've read in a long, long time. The character development was excellent, the story was superb, the plot was layered and complex (if that's a strong enough word...) and the whole emotional pay off was excellent. I loved it. I loved it so freaking much.

Xerxes Break

YAAAAAAAAAAAAS!!!

I might do a blog post about Fantasy Manga/Anime in the future. Why? Because there are lots of suffering bookworms out there who can't find anything original when it comes to the fantasy genre, (and books in general) but I've found a number of good manga/anime that have captured my attention. Manga can be really beautiful. It's true. The ones I've read have been so good* that I might even see if some Japanese fantasy books are good too.

*I know there are bad ones too. Of course there are. There are good and bad manga, good and bad anime, good and bad books. That how the world goes.

6.) My Mom and some of my sisters have gone off on a nice long vacation at my brother-in-law's house. Mom is going to help with Laura's new baby, and since she only lives a couple hours from my other sister Gina, they're all just going to hang out their for some weeks. I'm happy they get to have a vacation - they haven't had a proper one in ages - but it was sad for me to stay behind. This is why I hates jobs. 8-(

7.) In the past three to six months anime/manga have hit me with so many emotions I'm slightly ashamed. Though not ashamed enough to stop. ANIME! MANGA! GOOD STORIES! AAAAAAAAAH! I will say that when Hunter x Hunter makes you want to cry you know things are getting crazy. What was that season five arc? WHAT WAS IT?

My relationship with Anime.

8.) I want to go hiking in the snow. Then I don't. Then I do. Someone should force me to go with them. *Squints at Jim* Why am I hesitant? 'Cause I know myself, that's why. A hike in the snow sounds like an adventure, but knowing me.....

Maybe I'll try out reality when I'm well. I'll have to get proper snow boots and a coat. I should also bring hot cocoas.

See??? NOW I WANNA GO AGAIN.

8.) I want to hang the Catholic Flag outside my house. Just cause.

Look how pretty it is! How cool would it be to have that flying outside your window? It would make you feel like you had your King's banner hanging above your Knightly headquarters. And let's face it. That's basically what it is!

9.) I'm going to make something DELICIOUS for desert this Sunday, because why the heck not? It's Sunday. I freaking can.

10.) I want to buy a nice dress for Easter this year. Wish me luck with that!

I am all out of things to say. I'm going to try and go back to posting regularly! I want my blog to be centered around light and happiness so I'm trying to figure out exactly how to do that. Maybe I should just do more "happy thoughts" posts. Maybe I'll even make a Happy Thoughts Day. (Every Saturday???)

I don't know. If you have feedback I'd be glad to hear it.

Peace out y'all!

Bai Bai!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

I simply remember my favourite things, and then I don't feel so bad.



fmab

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you're just kind of sad? Like, you're not depressed or anything, and maybe you don't even know why you're sad, but you are and you feel all melancholy and blue, and you want to curl up and look at the wall forever?

Yeah, I've had those weeks too.

A sad week is no fun. A sad day is no fun. It's never fun to have any sort of sad time. And I know sometimes it's easier to be blue and gloomy than to be happy. It's okay to have alone days where you hide, watch Netflix (or read) and eat chocolate. It's completely acceptable to have hermit days. It's healthy even. However, I thought I'd give a list of the top ten things that make me feel better when I've had a bad day, a bad week, or a rotten few months. For anyone going through a rough patch, or just having a tough time of it. 8-D

1.) Color

Adults Coloring books are an excellent form of therapy and relaxation. Even if you can't get the actually coloring books, getting a piece of paper and drawing huge flowers/and or shapes and coloring them in is very soothing. I color a lot. Usually I'll listen to a special playlist while I do, with a bunch of my favorite songs in it, and some relaxing, pretty instrumentals to help me calm down.

2.) Listen to Music

Music works for me every time. No matter what is happening, it always cheers me up. Whether you're cleaning, studying, or taking a break and resting at home, music is a great way to lighten to mood and ease stress. For sad days I usually listen to pretty music, like Mumford and Sons, Josh Groban, Il Volo, my favorite musicals, or I just look up, "Pretty, calming music" and play instrument for a while. I'll also listen to more up beat songs, like How you get the girl by Taylor Swift, or Have Mercy on Me, by Shawn Mendes. Or It's Always a Good Time by Owl City. Whatever it is, listen to something you love. It helps your mind to relax when it listens to something it doesn't really have to focus on.

3.) Watch your favourite movie or an episode of your favourite TV Show. Preferable a movie or episode you know really well. 

My go-to shows for sad days are Doctor who (preferably and episode from the first five seasons) Psych, Hunter X Hunter, My Little Pony and sometimes Leverage.  Watch a show that provides you with comfort and will ultimately make you feel better; even if it makes you cry. Sometimes crying over fictional stuff can help you deal with real problems.

4.) Take a walk.

The world is a beautiful place. Take a walk in the forest, wade through streams, smell dirt and grass. If you live in a City with tons of buildings and hardly any trees or rivers, I would recommend going to a public park and just hanging on in the grass and walking around, listening to the wind. It helps to be outdoors. When you see the trees and how much they've survived, or feel grass in your toes, or see the light making patterns in the leaves, or see the giant sky above you and how infinite it is, it helps you clear your mind. A wonderful God made all these things and somehow they are doing okay. Maybe your problems really aren't so overwhelming after-all.

5.) Step outside at night. Stare at the moon, the stars.

This goes hand in hand with taking a walk. Stepping outside to witness the beauty of our world can really help stabilize your mood. There's few things as lovely as looking up and seeing thousands of tiny lights shining down on you. You go inside feeling better and more at peace.

6.) Wrap up in a warm blanket, have tea or coffee, or your favorite drink. Maybe read a book. Relax.

Warm blankets and a good drink make everything a little easier. If it happens to be the middle of summer and it's too warm for a blanket, find a patch of sunlight to curl up in, or a stuffed animal to cuddle. Trust me. It helps.

7.) Pray hard.

God is awesome. He knows your struggling and He will always be there for you, no matter the time, the place, or the circumstances. Go to Him. He won't let you down.

8.) Spend time with your best friend or family member.

Time spent in good company usually means good memories, and a good day. A best friend, or close family member can also help you relax and feel better about life. They are also there for you if you need to talk. Don't be afraid to visit.

9.) Write a list of everything you're grateful for. Only positive thoughts. 8-)

This is something that can be hard to do, especially if you are emotionally drained, but make a list of things you are happy or grateful for, and things you enjoy. That way you can go back and read the list whenever you are feeling down, and add to it as needed.

10.) Go out and do something nice for yourself.

Buy an ice-cream cone and walk by the lake. Go to the library for hours. Find a bakery and buy yourself breakfast. Sit at the booth and drink coffee and take in the moment. Lay out in your back yard, close your eyes, and rest. Suck a lollipop on your deck. Buy a new outfit. Climb a tree and feel the wind rock you. Do something nice for yourself. There is no crime or sin in seeking the simple pleasures of life. In Christ experienced simple pleasures. He was, after all, human. And God built our world so we could enjoy it. It would be rude of us not to take advantage of this.

I hope this was helpful to all y'all! I'm sorry it took me so long to get it up. I got really sick last week. A terrible fever, which resulted in a flu. 8-( It sucked.

 

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*



 

Bella

Blow Out the Candles: Make a Wish!

Yesterday was my birthday! Hey ho. Another Year older, another year newer.

God is so good. I said a prayer that I wouldn't have to work on my birthday, and you know what? I didn't have to work! The counts at the Daycare were down and they didn't need me. WOOT WOOT! You know what that means? It means I spent my morning listening to music, writing and generally enjoying myself. I also watched the Concert Edition of A Tale of Two Cities, because why the heck not? It's my freaking Birthday!

I don't know what anime this is from, but it was funny.

I had a lovely chicken meal for dinner, and my whole family came up over afterward with presents and a cake. I got lots of lovely tea, a sweater, a necklace, and a handy-dandy box to keep my things in so they aren't always scattered everywhere. I even got The Magnificent Seven! I almost watched that as my birthday movie but since there were people over that wouldn't have liked it so much, I watched The Giver instead. My three little sisters stayed the night, and I was up late just having fun.

All in all it was a good birthday, the best one I've had in a while.

Here is hoping that Nineteen will be a  new, fabulous year, better than the last have been. Here's hoping for lots of good memories, good days, good friends, and exciting new challenges and dreams. Here's hoping I'm a better blogger too! Here's Hoping!!!

TO MY NEW YEAR!

*Swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

So. 2017. *crazed laughter*

As all of you know, I am not a good blogger. I have good intentions but I really don't blog half so much as I ought to. Back in the Summer, I gave my blog a face lift and talked a little bit about being a dreamer and how I was going to make this blog a "safe place" for people like that. Then I promptly crashed, losing any sort of inspiration. Now that the New Year is hear, I am going to try and remember this mission. Part of the problem was that I really didn't know how to approach my new blog idea. However, I think I have an idea now, of what I'd like to do here.

I want to start posting once a week for starters. *More Crazed Laughter* I want to try and post something positive, optimistic, or fanciful about my week. I'd like to start talking a little more seriously about stories, writing, poetry, and the overall stunning glory of God's world, which is so easy to miss out on now-days. I want to post about beautiful things. With this mission in mind, my blog should be much more themed this year. Here's hoping!!!!!!!

As a Kick-Off for the New Year I am going to do the New Year's Tag.

1.) What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?

Erm. I went to Frontsight, I got a job. I started writing a musical. Oh! And I visited the ocean with my friend Jack and my younger sisters! 8-D

2.) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make one this year?

I don't properly remember my New Year's resolutions. I don't think I had any for 2016. But I do have tentative resolutions for 2017. Mainly to focus on my writing and take some freaking music theory. (MAYBE ACT???)

3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?

Oh yes! My sister did! His name is Dominic. He's adorable.

4.) Did anyone close to you die?

No, Thank God.

5.) What countries/states did you visit?

I only went to Nevada. That was it and it's not that big of an achievement, seeing as I live fairly close to that state. Probably the biggest thing I did travelling-wise was going to the Ocean. That crap was beautiful, and it was tons of fun. Behold God's untempered magnificence!

6.) What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Moooooooooney! Lol. I guess I'd like an actual house to live in, not a flat. A cute little two-room cabin would be nice.

7.) What day in 2016 will remain forever etched in your memory?

November 7th. The last and best day I had at Frontsight. I hope I will never forget it.

8.) Did you move anywhere?

Well, I was briefly in Nevada but then I came back home and am now living with two of my sisters. Otherwise, no.

9.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I'd love to say 'I got my license!' but alas, that isn't true. So.... I placed into the third round in the contest at Frontsight. And I can actually shoot now, even though I need to practice on speed.

10.) What was your biggest failure?

Failing my driving test. Twice. Curse you parallel parking! I knew I could do it but my nerves were less sure. *blows smoke from ears.*

I was not this kid.

11.) Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nah. I'm all good.

12.) What was the best thing you bought?

I bought my very own copy of the Fullmetal Alchemist; Brotherhood series. Complete with OVA episodes.

13.) Whose behaviour Merited celebration?

My Mom is the ultimate superwoman. Honourable mentions would be Gavin from the library, my sister Mahri, and my brother.


14.) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

A person whom I will not say the name of. Such a person made me very appalled and depressed. And angry too. *scowls at said person.*

15.) Where did most of your money go?

Toward books, Anime and Manga, and Reeses.. And I bought gifts for everyone at Christmas, which was very fun, by the way.

16.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

FRONTSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! And of course, my visit to the ocean. I am so grateful that Jack let me come with her to that. Oh! And my brother's wedding, way back at the start of the year!

17.) What was the best concert you've been to this year?

I saw no concert. I did however, see a bootleg of Les Miserables and it was magnificent.

18.) What song/album will always remind you of 2016?

My 2016 song is probably Battle Scars by Paradise Fears. The album would be.... hmmm. Bring Me Giants, by James Barbour.

19.) Compared to this time last year are you:

Determined. Determined to live my life as best and as hopefully as I can, and to make the most of what is given to me. God's got this. I'm determined to be a good, if anxious soldier under His banner.

20.) What do you wish you'd done more of? 

I didn't do any acting at all last year. I'm homesick for the Theatre. I wish I'd done more writing too.

21.) What do you wish you'd done less of? 

I wish I had done less of nothing. I was stuck without a car or anywhere to go within walking distance for most of this year, which meant I did almost none of the things I wanted to do. Like act and Dance

22.) What's your greatest Musical discovery?

Bring Me Giants (James Barbour) Ghost the musical, and as much as I hate the plot and premise, I liked a lot of the songs and music from Bridges of Madison County*. Kelli O'hara has an amazing voice, and that whole album inspires me to write music of my own. It showed me how much music can inflict mood on a scene; from contemplating and hopeful, to excited and bedazzled.

*I don't recommend this musical for a number of reasons, number one being that its about an affair. I only listen to a few select songs from it.

23.) How did you spend your Christmas?

Rather like the others, I spent Christmas at Homebase with my family, good food, and some very great friends. My brother and sister-in-law also came up with their kids, which was wonderful.

24.) How did you/are you spending New Years?

This was a nice New Year. Usually I slog through until midnight, say a small "Happy New Year," and vanish to my room. This year, my family (+friends) completed a Three-Day Lord of the Rings Marathon on New Year's Eve. We were invited to Sammi B's house for the last movie and finished the RoTK just a few minutes before midnight. After an epic count down to midnight, we toasted in the New Year with poppers and horns, and the sound of bagpipes flooding from outside, as they always do.  We kicked 2016 into the past with much ghusto, called out HAPPY NEW YEAR! And went home. We're such party animals it's ridiculous. Our New Year's are pretty freaking lay-back.

I honestly thing there are few better ways to start the New Year than with an LOTR marathon. It stirs up your soul in a big way. Let this be the hour when we draw swords together! Fell deeds awake; Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn! ..... RIDE NOW!

25.) Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerm. My sister Tiny and... Jack?

26.) What was the best book you read?

My favourite book of this year was probably The Penderwicks in Spring by Jean Birdsall. Yes, it was a painful book and yes, I cried a lot in it, but it helped me with some of my own struggles. I found a kindred spirit in Batty. She is dear. It also got me back into my clarinet and made me feel like maybe I could write music, so there is that.

Honourable mentions include; Castle in the Air: Diana Wynne Jones, Screaming Staircase; Bartimeus:  Jonathan Stroud. Heist Society: Ally Carter. Pandora Hearts (10): Jun Mochizuki.* Noragami (11-14): Adachitoka**

*Yes, it's a manga.

** Yes, another manga. Don't judge me.

27.) Did you fall in love in 2016?

What? No way! *thrashing anime noises*

No love life for this girl, yet. This is probably good. I don't think I'm ready for that.

28.) What was your favourite TV show?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Honourable mentions include: Hunter x Hunter, Hawaii 5-0, Pandora Hearts, and Lethal Weapon.

29.) Do you have anyone you hate now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not really. There are some people are strongly dislike. Some that have annoyed me or caused me distress.

For example, I strongly dislike a certain party of people more than normal. #NewAgePharisees

30.) What did you want and get?

I wanted Musical Notation notebooks and by golly, I got them!

31.) What did you want and not get?

Ghost; the musical.

32.) What were your favourite films of this year?

Doctor Strange and The Magnificent Seven.

Mister... - It's Doctor. - Mister Doctor? - It's Strange.

33.) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Here is the thing. My birthday is in January, so sweet 18-year-old me has been around all year. That's a long time folks. What I'll do is briefly recall my last birthday and tell you the plan for my next one.

Well, I was sick with Broncitas for my 18th birthday. *

I work this birthday, but I plan to have a few of my siblings and Jack over for dinner. I think I'll watch either The Giver or .... Something epic. I am on a Lord of the Rings high, so I'll need to watch something emotional and grand. Maybe one of the Marvel movies, or Gladiator.  Or The Eagle.

34.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

I was basically Vanellope from Wreck it, Ralph!

I'm adorable!


35.) What kept you sane? 

Prayer. Anime. The library. My sister Tiny.

36.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I actually didn't have a celebrity figure that I especially fancied this year. I like Chris Pratt and Il Volo, but that's old news. So, no public figure has made much of an impression on me since 2015.

37.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Passing my driving test would have made my year much better. *headdesk*

38.) What political issue stirred you the most?

The freaking Elections man. Oh my gosh. I was in Pahrump learning about guns all day; then I went home that night and worried (and prayed) about our next presidential candidate.

39.) Who did you miss?

Sammi Bender </3. Also, my adorable little nieces.

40.) Who was the best new person you met?

I don't really meet people. I guess Gavin has only been around a year, so I'll count him. He's dear.

41.) Tell  us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

-Noragami

Life is full of suffering and pain, but it is also full of joy and happiness. Everyone has their own crosses, their own burdens and trials that they must undergo, whether for the betterment of themselves, or the betterment of many, or both. I've known this for a while but it really hit me this year. Life is a walk in shadow, but that doesn't mean there isn't any light. And despite all the hardships life is actually worth living. To see a sunset, to feel wild wind, to witness the glory of a waterfall, to have good company and good meals, to enjoy stories and laughter, to experience love and friendship; all of these are good reasons to endure the bad days. The bad weeks. Even the bad years. And no matter how bad things get, one day all the suffering will end. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. Then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. 

42.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Rain came pouring down when I was drowning, that's when I could finally breathe... And by morning gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean. - (Clean, Taylor Swift.)

Also, this incredibly relateable verse: On and on, like we're living on a broken record, hope is strong, but misery's a little quicker. Sit, and we wait, and we drown there, thinking, 'Why bother playing when it's unfair?' They say life's a waste, I say they lack belief. They tell me luck will travel, I tell 'em that's why I've got feet. Left, right, left, right,  moving along to the pulse of a heartbeat [....] Don't stop. March on. (Battle Scars, Paradise Fears.)

43.) Fiver personally significant events of 2016.

1.) My brother's wedding. We welcomed our new sister into the family with much merry making  and friendly company. Especially my sister Gina, her husband, and her kids. It was a good week.

2.) Visiting the Ocean in July with my best friend and some of my siblings.

3.) FRONTSIIIIIIIIIGHT. NOVEMBER 4-8th!!!

4.) February 16th, when my amazing brother treated the whole family to Disneyland.

5.) November 31st because, reasons.

44.) Five things I want to do in 2017.

1.) Take a music classes.

2.) Audition for a play or musical.

3.) Write at least the rough draft of a musical, and finish at least the first draft of my Cyril book.

4.) Spend more time with my sisters

5.) Pray hard, fight well, and live the life God gave me with fewer fears and more happiness.

45.) Five people I'd like to know better in 2017.

How was your 2016? Are you optimistic about 2017? Can you believe it's 2017??

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Bring me thunder, bring me lightning, bring me all things that are frightening! Bring me monsters, I'll enjoy them, bring me phantoms I'll destroy them! BRING ME GIANTS!

You know how sometimes you hear music and it's nice and exciting and it makes you feel better? And then sometimes you hear music and it gets into your soul, and makes you feel stronger, and braver, and all freaking inspired? I love music like that.

James Barbour has a CD called "Bring Me Giants," which is one of the most epic, awe-inspiring masterpieces I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. It makes me feel like I can take on the world. RAWR! BRING ME GIANTS!! I AM DAVID!!! YAAAAAAAAAS!!!

This CD is incredible. It inspires me to write music. It really inspires my musicals, which is both exciting and stressful. 'Cause here is the thing. I really love writing lyrics and I really love writing musicals. But okay, I'm relying on my Middle-School-Music memory and that is hard. Also, how do you write music when you don't play multiple instruments or have immense understanding of music theory?? Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like having inspiration for music and lyrics and epic orchestras, and sitting there like, I DON'T KNOW MUSIC LIKE THAT! It's sad!

Oh, on top of that I'm trying to compose music using a Piano App on my phone.

You don't know the struggle unless you've tried this yourself.

Why are phones screens so small? For real. I sit there like, Plink- no - Plunk, Piiiing?... - that's not right - Pling, Plaaaiiiing - AHA! *furious scribbles cords A4 and D4 on sheet of paper* Right. PLOOOOooong. Pleeeeng. PLOOOOOooooooNK.... no - Pleeeeeeeeeeeenk.

The struggle is real. For once my fingers are too big! I can only play one note at a time.

What I really need is one of those big electrical piano keyboards. The ones that are all portable and stuff. And you can Plug In other instruments.

Like dis.

#ChristmasWishList

It's hard wanting to write music and hitting walls because you're not a musical genius. It's hard wanting to act and not being able to because you can't drive yet. It's hard to be artistic and have to work. 8-P I want to write, I want to act, I want to take music theory, I want to use my talents to spread some good, even if it's small. I really want to start practicing my clarinet again because I think that would help with making music. I would have done this already, but my sadly it's in storage and I haven't been able to dig it out of the garage yet. 8-(

With all of these dreams stretched out before me, I come to a big decision. If you could all pray for me it would be very helpful, because I'm really nervous about it.

I've decided to step out of my nanny job.

This was a hard decision for me, one that I've been considering it for some time. You know how sometimes you do something and it's just not quite a fit? Well, that's what happened. I love both my nieces tons and will miss them a lot, but I can feel that this isn't where I'm supposed to be. Joe and Jess have been very good to me and I've had a good sort of year... but I do think it's time for a change. There is so much I'm not able to do here. Joe's house is in this cul-de-sac thing, and all connections to town are off the freeway, which I hate. There is nowhere I can go within walking or riding distance. I still don't have my license. *growls* I've also been missing Mass a lot due to conflicting schedules and work hours and such, and that has been hard. There is also a lot of stuff I need to figure out and I think this is for the best. I've been praying a lot about this decision, and if some of you could pray for me as well I would be very grateful. 8-D I hope to come back here soon, since it has more opportunities for actors, but before I can do that I need to give myself a little room to breathe, take a step back, and say, What do you want, Bella?

I mean, I know I want to act - and I even found a good Community Theatre group down here, which I'd like to join as soon as possible. I want to audition for their Spring Show which is The Secret Garden. If I like it, I can think about moving back into this town, but doing so on my terms, and in the places I want to be.

Anyway, please pray about my dreams, please pray that I can pursue my acting, even if it's in a small way, and please pray that these changes are right. 8-)


I'm working on another blog post, so you should be hearing from me soon. I hope you all have a good weekend!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Having a wonderful time, wish you were here.

Sam Winchester

As I sit in my room, wearing my brown hoodie and sipping hot tea, I think back on my last week and wonder what about it was so awesomely EPIC that I could share it with the rest of the world.

The truth is, I have nothing.

Zero.
Ziltch
Notta.

I've just been sick and sad and sniffly. Except today. Today was nice because I got up and actually felt human again, and I was able to get dressed and eat breakfast like a normal person and not a zombie. I felt so lovely I flipped on Imagine Dragons and sang along while washin' up breakfast dishes - WHOA-O-O-O, WHOA-O-O-O-O, I'M RADIOACTIVE - RADIOACTIVE!!! I was seriously the only semi-healthy person left in my house, except for one sister. And she left me alone because she had work.

Too bad. We could have had so much fun. The only down-side to being sort-of-well again was that I had to do all the chores. But that was okay, I'd trade chores for sickness any day. Its the best day I've had since forever, it seems. I even went to the Library and checked out The Thief because I was never able to finish it when it first took its tour around the house. I'm loving it, and nothing devastating has happened just yet which is a good change. And now I've probably jinxed myself. Gen is gonna die. Or get mortally wounded. Or die. Or disappear. Or have something terrible happen to him. Or die. Or worse.

Gwen

Please don't let him die!!! **Headdesk**

I haven't written anything in my story all week. This makes me very sad and downcast - I'm still stuck at 6,000+ words or something like that. Maybe 6080. I'm feeling a bit stuck, but that happens a lot. I can do this, I'm a writer!! *crazed laughter* Seriously though. I am a bit stuck. All of you repeat after me.

I will not kill the character I am fond of even if he wishes to die heroically.

That's good. good for the soul. I'll do my best, though he's making it hard. He's too amazing when it comes to this type of thing. Why do characters become so amazing? I don't know. All I know is I wish they wouldn't. This is why its so hard for me to write. I create a world in my head, I create people and a story and a life and then I have to start scribbling on paper (Or a keypad) and I have to fill out, and touch up blanks, and sometimes the lives I create run off on their own and I don't have much control and I find myself doing terrible things to this world I created.

Then I cry, because how could I be so evil and terrible? Its the reason I prefer acting. See, I love telling stories. My problem is creating the story and making it work. To step into someone else's world, to become one of their characters and tell a story through your actions and your words, that is so much better than trying to spill your ideas out on paper. Because in acting you have a stage. You have a world you are in where you know every cranny, every ark. You know yourself, because you are a person created into this world, you have a role to play and you carry it out. Its safe. You aren't telling a story, you are the story. It isn't the same as being the overlord who tells the characters what to do and then they run away. Its hard, wanting something one way and getting it another. Its hard to write, and this story is going to be difficult to finish. I have too much I want to express and not enough words to use. Acting helps me express myself more, because I know all the words. and I can apply the emotion and make people understand the Created World and the people in it. I love being able to do that. For some reason with writing, its .... I dunno. Its a lot harder. I guess that's why its hard for me to consider myself a writer.

source                                                      source

 

Speaking of acting, the community college is going to put on a musical this Spring that actually sounds clean and fun and something I could act in. Its called Man of La Mancha. It sounds really fun and, as a bonus, my singing teacher is playing the lead role. And I love my singing teacher. and getting a chance to work with him would be amazing, he could teach me so much. People, I need you all to pray that, if I do audition, I get in. I'll probably try it out. please pray for me, it would really help. This is a .... a pretty big deal for me. I've been looking for something like this for a while, it would be lovely to be able to act and feel a part of something. Plus, I could actually act and not have a some sister come barging in and stare at me all like....

Donna Noble

 

Besides those things, my week has been pretty lay back. I did have a lovely Epiphany though. For those of you who don't know, Epiphany is the day the Wiseman found Our Lord and presented Him with gifts, twelve days after Christmas. (See, the 12 days of Christmas are AFTER Christmas not before. Do take note.) We have a very special tradition where we set aside a present or two on Christmas and don't open them until the Epiphany, so we kind of get a little Christmas after. It keeps the anticipation in the house and it makes the Days of Christmas very special for my family. The wiseman even come and leave a few extra things under the tree. Its all very awesome.

We have a luscious breakfast

 

We put in the Wiseman

 

And then we have our own, special little Christmas.

 

My gifties!!

 

The bowtie isn't actually an Epiphany gift but I wanted to show it off to all of you. Aren't they all so lovely?  Especially the Jamies Dodgers. I'm going to save them to have on hand when I watch Eleven regenerate; You know, something to console myself. I actually do want to watch that Christmas Special. Yes, its going to be heart-wrenching and sad and I'm going to sob and flail, but it also looks really good and as much as I hate to see Matt go, I am a bit excited for the Twelfth. I just wish we didn't have to say goodbye to the Eleventh to see him. Its going to be very hard goodbye.

source

We finished off the evening with Despicable Me 2, and you guys, it was adorable! I really enjoyed it and it more than met my expectations. I really loved Lucy too, she is so cute and crazy - the type of best friend I would have. You should watch it. Really. Go watch it.

Despicable Me 2

 

minions

 

Lucy Wilde

 

Well, that's all for now! I'll probably be back soon with some sort of fun exciting thing that isn't so sad and sappy. Maybe by that time I'll be well again too. Until then!!--------

*KEVINLIVES!*

 

God Bless!

~Bella