How to Know if it's a Good Book

If you think about the story at the most random times (for instance: during school, while you're eating, in the middle of a conversation) and wish you were reading it instead.

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If you feel more alive with the characters in the book than with actual people (certain ones, anyways).

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If the dialogue makes you feel like you're in the conversation.

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If you stalk the author on their social media (provided they're still alive and actually on social media).

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If you read a sentence in the book more than once because you want to fully soak in the beauty and meaning of it. 

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If when a friend asks you "So what are you reading right now?" and you immediately go into a detailed explanation of why the book is amazing.

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If you begin to daydream about writing fanfic for the book before you've even finished it.

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If you start a storyboard for it on Pinterest (perhaps even before you've finished it).

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If you read the last chapter really... slowly... because.... you don't... want... it.... to end.

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If you begin an online review of the book for your blog (or for Goodreads) before you're finished with it because you know you're going to continue loving it to the end.

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If the book is in buried in your bed covers somewhere in the morning when you wake up....

...

...

...

...

It's probably a good book. 

A Few Thoughts About My Jobs

 Not that this matters to anyone, but...
September 23rd, 2017 marked the two year anniversary that I got my very first job! 

To say the least, I've learned some things. I've had quite a few experiences. 
I was inspired by a post on Cordy's blog awhile back (sorry I can't find the actual post to link you: you'll just have to settle for a link to her blog), when she talked about working at her job and some of her experiences, and it got me thinking because I've never shared too much about MY job on my blog.
So I thought I would do that.
To give you some context, I'm going to just tell you that my job is one of these three stores: Hobby Lobby, Michael's or JoAnn Fabrics. 
Basically, I work at a craft store. 
(There. Revealed.) But I'm not telling which. :)
Plus, I actually just got a new job as well! But more on that later in this post.

Here are 10 random thoughts about my experiences:
   
~I love it when I get a customer that is sweet as a marshmallow. These are the people who actually take the time to be polite to you (because what do you know! Cashiers are people too!), and when they leave your register, you kind of feel sad and empty and regretful. You miss the person. Because they were so nice, and you don't want the niceness to end! And you remember them even after your shift is over.
I love those customers.

~Speaking of nice customers, one time a customer bought me a frappuccino. She was a regular customer who always comes in to buy the same thing, and we got to talking about Starbucks one time, and she told me she has a lot of Starbucks gift cards because lots of people give them to her.
Long story short, she offered to buy me a coffee.
I told her she didn't have to, but she said was glad to do it, and she went out and brought me back a grande mocha frappuccino (with whipped cream).
Next time I saw her at the store, I gave her a thank you card that I had made for her.

 O ~At a craft store, I see a lot of women customers, but I love it when men come into the store, because usually you can tell that they are completely out of their element (because it is a craft store, after all), and it gives me a chance to be an extra big help to them, because usually they don't know what in the world they're looking for.
All they know is that their wife sent them in for something but they don't know where it is.
I don't know; I guess it just amuses me to see a guy who doesn't know what in the world he's doing.

~Speaking of men customers, I love it when couples come into the store, because usually it's the wife or the girlfriend shopping, and the man is literally just looking around and following her like a lost sheep. Even so, most of them are completely content for their wives or girlfriends even if they're bored, because he knows his girl is enjoying herself shopping. And it's just fun to see that situation.
But most of the time, anyways, they just look kind of confused, like this: 

"C'mon, honey! Time to go."

~I learn a lot about people in general from working as a cashier. It makes things interesting. I can learn about how people react to different things, what sets them off, what irritates them, what gets them going depending on what subject you bring up...
All kinds of things. It's all very interesting.
I'm very into psychology, and retail is a great place to appreciate the way people are, and why they are like that. Like I said, my job has taught me a lot about things like that.
Some of the things I've learned I use for myself in real life- all because of something I saw in a customer one day at the store.

On a more serious note:
The age-old question: Can Customers Make You Cry?
~Well, there were only two times when I was driven to tears because of something at work.
The first time, a customer bought two flower arrangements, and I asked politely what they were for (You know. To make conversation, and all that), and he told me his story (I won't share all of it, it's probably personal). Basically, his wife died of cancer and his son died of an extreme car accident - all within four weeks of one another.
He told me how he used to be bitter toward God about it, but the Lord has taught him a lot since the two deaths, and he's not angry anymore. The flower arrangements were for their graves. I know it sounds like he was putting me on, but I can tell when people are doing that, and he was not.
I told him I would pray for him, and I did.
When I got my break I cried for the guy.

The only other time I was driven to tears was actually not a customer's fault, it was because of a mistake I made. A customer had bought some things, and after she had paid, she wanted to go back into the store to look at another item before leaving. So, she left the bag of paid stuff with me to hold for her at the register, and I set the stuff right next to me while she went to go look at the thing.
Well, she eventually came back up to the register to pick up the stuff she left with me, but when I was going to hand it to her, I realized that it wasn't where I had put it. 
I looked all around my register area, when it finally dawned on me that- (Lord have mercy) I had GIVEN THE BAG OF STUFF SHE BOUGHT TO ANOTHER CUSTOMER BY MISTAKE.
The poor lady was maaadddd. Thankfully, she didn't cuss me out or yell at me or anything, but she was realllyyyy really mad. :/
And of course we didn't have any more of what she had bought.
So she couldn't get a replacement for the stuff that I gave away.
And she needed it all by the next day.
Yeah. I cried later.

​I tell you, though. That's a mistake I'll never make again.​

Let us return to happier subjects.
 ~Our store location is nearby a pet store, so a lot of times people bring their pets in the store, which means I get to pet them. I've seen lots of dogs and cats of all sizes. 
And of course, that makes my own pets at home get jealous when they smell other animals on me. 
(No, I'm serious. One time my dog didn't speak to me for a whole month.) 
 
~Since we're talking about animals, one time, it was a truck day (you know... the day when the 'big ol' truck' comes and they have to put the stuff on the shelves for people to buy, and all that), and somehow or another, through the big truck loading door, a bird flew in. So the poor thing flew around and around the store until she finally flew into the cart area by the front door, and I swished her (or him... ) out to freedom. 
That bird has now got a very interesting story to tell his/her little birdie friends.

 
~Also speaking of animals: there is a customer who comes in sometimes, and she has this very particular key chain. It's a bunch of strings of yarn, and on each string, there is a name spelled out with those black-and-white letter beads. Names like Tommy, Sally, Susan. She's a very friendly woman, and one time we were talking about the key chain, and I asked her "Are those your grandchildren's names?" (For she was that age), and she said no, they are in fact, her cat names. Not just her current cat's names, but her previous cat's names were all on there. 
Every cat she's ever had has a name on her key chain. 
So, she told me all about the cats while pointing out the different name strings. 
"That's Tommy, he was a tomcat."
"This is Pumpkin, he was one of those real orange cats."
"This is Peanut, he's still with me but he's old."
And so on and so forth.   
She was a very interesting woman.     

 And the last thing:
~Ah yes, I told you I had another job, didn't I? I suppose you want to know a little about that too, huh? Especially since some people I know have been asking about it, so they can read this and know these things.

Well, I won't tell you too much (you know... stalkers and such. Got to keep 'em guessing), but I will tell you these things:

• I went in for the interview the day before I got my driver's license (talk about timing).
• I got the job and started work on September 8th, 2017.
• It's not a super long ways from my house (which makes my mom happy).
• It's very different from the kind of work that I'm used to.
• It's an independently owned business.
• The hours are much longer than I'm used to- but I like it (and I have come to terms with the fact that I will have to get up early every single weekday for the rest of my life).
• I really, really like the job.
• Except for the radio, because we're supposed to have a certain station on while we're open.
  And I. Don't. Like. The. Station. At. All.
  #why taylor swift #why

I don't have a specific job title, exactly. I guess you could call me the Storefront Manager. Because I'm 99% in charge (well, kind of. "In charge" sounds pretty powerful, and it's not exactly like that) of all the stuff that happens at the front desk, as well as taking orders and sorting packages that come in the mail, plus lots of other stuff. That kind of sounds like a big deal, but it's all on a rather small scale. Basically I have the storefront all to myself most of the time.

It's very different from what I'm used to, but I really like it.
~~~ 
Well anyways, that about sums it up, folks! 
I think I shall leave you now, because it is quite late and I have to get up early (you can imagine for what).
So I hope you enjoyed this post (you did, didn't you?), and I shall see you later.
Bye!
-Amaris   

Fall is Here ~

~:Fall:~

leaves // crispy apples // flannel everything // chilly evenings // warm tea mugs // pomegranate pie scented candles // pumpkins decorated with crafty stuff // cold rain // huge sweaters // candy corn // crisp breezes // vintage coats // thanksgiving // combat boots // roasted pumpkin seeds // caramel // pumpkin pie Pusheen Cat // fuzzy socks // Orion in the sky // reading books by the hearth // brown leather jackets // sunshine on leaves // watching Sherlock // fluffy pajamas // dark red lipstick // the smell of coffee // the first snow // studying // Owl City's "The Real World" // leaves fluttering to the ground // black cats // forest green // corduroy // sleeping with a dog // red cardigans // the warmth of hugs that isn't there at other times of year // plushy sweaters //

 *   What does Fall mean for you?   *

<< The Bookish Tag >>

Well, look who's finally doing a tag after like a million years! (#spoiler: it's me)
Faith over at Chosen Vessels was kind enough to tag me for this book-related tag.
And if something's book-related....... you better know I'll be there.

1 ~ What book has been on your shelf the longest? 

Probably a certain book from my childhood: a very worn and scuffed-up edition of "Homer Price". My older siblings used to read it to me before bed. Me and my sister would use our Webkinz stuffed animals to act out the story as it was being read to us.

2 ~ What is your current read, your last read, and the book you'll read next? 

Last book read: (I have to go to Goodreads to see because it's been so long since I've read a book)... ah yes. Candle in the Darkness, by Lynn Austin. The first in a trilogy, the rest of which I have not read.

Current read: For Such a Time, by Kate Breslin. Which I've been working on for at least 2 months. Now you know why I've never been given the 'Fastest Book Reader' Award. Heh. Hehe. *cries*

Next read: I have no idea. Probably whatever I feel motivated to read, which could be anything.

3 ~ What book did everyone like, but you hated? 

That would be Ivanhoe. I tried it for school a couple of years ago, but I. hated. it.
And I mean hate.
(like actually like hate. like. seriously... literally...actually hate)
I'm honestly not sure what I'm missing, because I read some blogs about people who are huge fans of the book. Either I have bad taste, or I'm the only one with good taste. *shrug*

4 ~ What book do you keep telling yourself you'll read, but you probably won't? 

 Les Misrables. I own it. It is on my shelf. But honestly I don't see myself committing to a book like that. At least not for a looooong time.

5 ~ What book are you saving for retirement?  

Refer to Question #4, please. If not Les Mis, then probably all the classics that I didn't get around to in my high school years. 
Such as Oliver Twist, the rest of Jane Austin's books (other than "Emma" and P&P), and others. Like a few autobiographies. 
To be honest, most of my retirement will be spent reading Lucille Ball biographies.

6 ~ Last page: read it first, or wait 'til the end? 

 It depends on the book. Some books I look ahead, others I like to be surprised. Although I get mad at myself every time I purposefully spoil something, so I don't know why I keep doing it. 

7 ~ Acknowledgement: waste of paper and ink, or interesting aside? 

 It TOTALLY depends on who writes them. If they're like a self-published book (by one of you lovely blogger-people), I like to read them because I love hearing about who/what inspired their journey as a writer.
If it's like a regular published author's book, I don't even care.

8 ~ Which book character would you switch places with? 

Probably an extremely rich character that doesn't have a lot of problems, lives in peace and happiness, and doesn't die a slow and painful death. Someone content and happy with their situation. Like a princess. *shrug* I don't know. Elves live pretty cool lives. Ok, I'll be an elf. From The Lord of the Rings. 
And I'll make sure I never run out of arrows, because that's lame.

9 ~ Do you have a book that reminds you of something specific in your life? (Place, time, person?) 

It was the Summer of 2012 specifically that I took a lot of time to relax and focus on books. 

It was the best summer I ever spent because I just read books in my room- day in and day out- and I savored every drop of sunshine and I read about hobbits and elves and adventures and other lovely things, and I always look back fondly on that summer.

So when I read "The Blue Castle", by L.M. Montgomery, it reminded me of those lovely, relaxed times with myself. It made me very chill and relaxed... just like that Summer.

10 ~ Name a book that you acquired in an interesting way. 
Well, two times now I've tried to leave this question and come back to it, hoping I'll think of something, but honestly I just can't. All of my books were bought from normal places, or given to me by normal people. I just don't have any interesting book stories. #i know #so boring  
One time I haggled for a book, and the lady gave it to me for $4 dollars cheaper than she had it priced, and I felt real grown-up and like a real bargainer afterwards (I was like 14). But that's about it.

11 ~ Have you ever given a book away for a special reason to a special person?

Well, if you've read The Book Thief, you know that it has some language in it. So, for my best friend's birthday (or was it for Christmas... I don't remember), I marked out all the icky stuff in a brand new copy and gave it to her. As far as I know, she loved it.

12 ~ Which book has been with you most places? 

The Bible, of course. But to make it interesting, I have to mention that "The Book Thief" went many, many places with me, as well as "The Hobbit", back when I was 14 years old and obsessed with it.  

13 ~ Any "required reading" you hated in high school that wasn't so bad later?

For the most part, I enjoyed the reading that I did in school. Even at a young age/grade, I had a good time with books for school and recreation... Because they're books, man. 
Basically I've always enjoyed reading.

14 ~ Used or brand new? 

Both are good in their own ways. 

I really like used because they are 1. cheaper, 2. more nostalgic, and 3. worn-out things have a special place in my heart.
But.
At the same time...

Who doesn't like a fresh, new, crisp, pristine book as well?

Basically just give me books. New or used, I won't complain.

15 ~ Have you ever read a Dan Brown book?  

No, and NO. 

My mom read half of one once, but SHE. NO. LIKE.

16 ~ Have you ever seen a movie you liked more than the book? 

 No, actually. I usually like movie and book for different reason, but usually the book is better. For instance, when I watched North & South, I thought for SURE the book couldn't possibly be as good as the show... but it was, somehow.
#rule of thumb: the book is better.

17 ~ Have you ever read a book that's made you hungry, cookbooks included? 

My mom subscribes to Food Network magazine (that counts as a book just this once, right?) in the mail, and I enjoy reading through the monthly issues. It makes me hungry, for sure! Plus, every recipe we've ever tried from the magazine has been great. This recipe is probably my favorite of all time.  

 
18 ~ Who is the person whose book advice you'll always take? 

Strangely, I have not yet found a lot of people out there who have the same book tastes as me. I usually like the books that Naomi talks about on her blog, but not EVERY SINGLE one of them, and I also usually like the books that my best friend suggests to me, but not ALL time. 
I guess the answer to this question would be: me.

19 ~ Is there a book out of your comfort zone (e.g., outside your usual reading genre) that you ended up loving? 

(why is there only 19 questions to this...) I don't really read futuristic/thriller/action books, but I ended up loving "The Circle" Series by Ted Dekker.
Ok, I didn't LOOOVE it. But I liked it WAY more than I thought I would, for sure.

Well, that is all, my friends. I hope you enjoyed yet another book-related post on this Blog. :)

Unfortunately, I do not have time today to tag specific people, nor do I have time to post all of the questions here for you to copy, (and I apologize for that...), but let me make it interesting.
If you have a blog, and you have not done this tag yet, and you have a dog, I tag you.
Enjoy!

-Amaris

A Very Cheesy Blog Look Update

Blog: Hey. Amaris.

Me: ...

Blog: Amaris...

Me: ...

Blog: YOOHOO. AMARIS.

Me: What?!

Blog: It's time to change me.

Me: Um ... what?

Blog: Change me, I'm bored.

Me: What are you talking about?

Blog: *groans* Meee. People are tired of looking at the same old me. You have to change me up. You know. Switch around the colors, get different pictures for the sidebar, write a post about the 'new blog look' that no one cares about.

Me: Um. Ok. What do you have in mind?

Blog: I don't know. Why don't you think of something?

Me: Ok, how bout something on the grey side?

Blog: Oh, for Pete's sake, why do you like grey so much???

Me: I don't know, I just do.

Blog: *sigh* Brother. Well, show me a picture.

Me: Ok. How does this look? 
--

--
Blog: I don't like it.

Me: Oh, come on! It's perfect for Winter!

Blog: Nah. You dress me up like that, no one will ever read your blog again.

Me: Uh, that's ok for me. I don't really write my blog for people, I write it because I enjoy it.

Blog: Well, you better make a Fall blog look for next year.

Me: Don't worry, I will.

Blog: Fine. Now can we go get some pumpkin spice lattes?

Me: I TOLD YOU TO NEVER SAY THOSE THREE WORDS TO ME.

Blog: Sor-ry! Gosh! Well, just put your new blog up and I'll go drink my p------ s---- l----, and DON'T FORGET TO PUT A PICTURE OF THE OLD BLOG LOOK! You know, people get very sentimental about those kinds of things. Old blog looks, and such.

Me: Don't worry, I will. I'm typing this all up right now.

Blog: Wait, are you writing all this down? TO SHARE WITH THE WORLD?!?!?!?!

Me: Bye.

Blog: Hey!

*RIP* Teal Blog Look // Summer 2017

-Amaris (+ guest appearance on the blog: The Blog)