how to talk to people (and not die)

Here are some questions I've thought of to start deep conversations with people if you're an introvert like me and are deathly afraid of dislike small talk.

p.s. they actually work- I've tried them myself and it really helps me when I'm in a social situation and I don't know what to say or how to start a conversation.

--

What's your favorite way to appreciate God? 

Should you ever regret caring, even if it made things worse in the end or it seemed to not matter?

How do you maximize the positive and minimize the negative without ignoring the negative or pretending it doesn't exist?

How do you tell if your way of 'helping' someone becomes enabling to them and their toxic/bad behavior? 

What does spiritual and emotional maturity mean to you?

Do you think we choose God or did He choose us?

Do you think that miracles run out for a person or situation? 

Do relationships define a person? What about a person who doesn’t have a lot of friends? 

Do you think a person's personality changes as they get older? Or do you think it just advances and evolves, while remaining still the same mainly?

What's the best way to learn about something? 

Do you think hatred exists or is it just the absence of love?

At what point do you give up trying to be friends with someone?

What do you like about (or dislike, if they're not a believer!) Christianity? 

Is sharing an opinion worth the risk of embarrassment if you’re wrong? At what point do you think you have enough information to share an opinion and stand by it?

Do you see video games as ultimately good or bad for a person/s character? 

In your opinion, what makes a good movie?

--

Photo Credit: Me

Well, that's all you guys. Let me know if you use any of these and if they help you at all/what you think of them.

~ Amaris // ☆

// Concepts //

--- 

                                

// Concept {1} // 

Owl City Ocean Eyes is playing softly in the background  // pink 'vanilla twilight' sky overhead // the sun begins to set // you're on the back porch // a warm mug of coffee next to you // a classic novel in your hand // a soft animal snuggled on your lap // a gentle, but not chilly breeze // nothing stressful going on in your life // everything peaceful


// Concept {2} //

Riding in a convertible with the love of your life // full tank of gas // sunset behind you // on a winding road on the side of a mountain // an atmosphere of adventure chills your bones with excitement // the breeze is invigorating // your hair is blown behind you // your cheeks ache from laughing // no destination, but that's ok


// Concept {3} // 

A clearing in the woods // surrounded by your dearest friends // campfire in the center // the warmth of the blaze caresses your face // fire makes popping and crackling sounds  // sticky hands from eating s'mores // all is quiet save for hooting owls and the laughter of friends // faces glow from the shine of the flames // the air is crisp // you close your eyes and feel peace // happiness radiates from your group // all is well


// Concept {4} // 

A quaint villa in the city // the pleasant bustle of city atmosphere outside your window // antiques and oddities on shelves all around // house plants and succulents on windowsills // your favorite teas are in the kitchen pantry // sunlight gleams on a full bookshelf // glowing fairy lights are draped in the hall // you wear your most comfortable fluffy sweater // coffee smells are all around // you are alive



// The End //

I hope you enjoyed these concepts! I thought of these in my spare time. :)
Which is your favorite?

-Amaris

A Favorite Word

I have been hearing this word a lot lately (for some reason. You know when you hear about something, and then you keep hearing about it out of the blue? That's what happened to me), so I wanted to share it with you peeps.

The word is 'enigma'. Or 'enigmatic'.

// Enigma //

Something hard to understand or explain.
A person not easily interpreted.
An obscure bit of writing.

// the space between the stars // a person with a lot of secrets // a closed up street shop // a German code machine // a person without friends or family // a blank expression // a story yet to be read // a hermit // the absence of understanding // a closed room // 

~*~

That is all. I just wanted to share a little word aesthetic with you (a.k.a. I'm at work and there's no customers because it's raining so I'm literally just answering the phone so I thought what the hey I'll write a post about this).

Now you know what 'enigmatic' means.
Sorry I couldn't ... explain it better. 
(sorry; had to add a pun)

-Amaris

Well Look Who Got Tagged

I haven't done a tag on the Blog in awhile, so I gotta say I was happy when Morgan tagged me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. :) Click here to read Morgan's post, and let's get started!

1. Do you like to read an entire series at once or spread out the books over time?

It depends on the availability of books, but I always like to read the books in a series as close together as possible. I find if I stray away to other books, it will dampen my experience with the characters and story of the series.
 o

2. Would you rather be stuck in the past or the future?

Future. Way, way, way in the future. I think that would be fun. Of course, going to the past would be fun too. I would like to go back to the early 20th century and say "Hi" to Albert Einstein (he's my fave), and I would get the autographs of all of my favorite classic actors and actresses who are no longer around.
 o

3. Have you ever had dream re-runs? (In other words, the same dream twice. XD)

I have never had a recurring dream in my life, actually, but I have friends who have. I have had very interesting experiences regarding sleep and dreams though. Including: exploding head syndrome, hypnagogic hallucinations, hypnic jerks, tinnitus, Parahypnogogia, and sleep pralysis. I am rather fascinated by these sorts of things.
(Yes, I'm a weirdo)

4. What is your favorite vacation you've ever taken?

 I haven't had the money to go on vacation very much in my life. But one that I do remember we went to Colorado a couple of years ago, and it was my first trip on a plane,  and the first time I saw mountains. It was pretty fun. We went to the Garden of the Gods and saw some pretty cool rocks, and we stayed in a really nice hotel. Also I really had a good time when we went to San Antonio, TX, almost 10 years ago.

5. Do you like to chew gum? If so, what is your favorite flavor?

I actually don't chew gum that much. When I was a kid, I loved it (my favorite was the classic bubblegum flavor), and I would always get in trouble because I would take it out of my mouth and start playing with it and it would get stuck in my hair. XD I was a silly little kid. 

6. If you found the entrance to Narnia, would you tell anybody? Who would you take with you if you did?

 If I found the entrance to Narnia, I wouldn't tell a soul, until I meet someone special that I know is supposed to go with me. You can't just invite any old person into Narnia! They might start a war! They might wreak havoc! They might sell their family for a piece of candy! No, no. When you take someone into Narnia, they have to be WORTHY. *slams fist on table*

7. Waffles, pancakes, or neither?

 I usually eat pancakes, but waffles are nice too. But if I could have a choice between pancakes and eggs and bacon, I would choose the latter. I prefer something more substantial for breakfast than.... 'cake'. If you know what I mean.

8. Do you use the Shift key or the Caps Lock key every time you capitalize something? (Odd question, but it's something I always wonder, haha.)

I was taught to use the Shift key when I capitalize a word, but WHEN I TYPE AN ENTIRE SENTENCE IN CAPS I USUALLY USE THE CAPS LOCK.
What's that? Oh, I'm sorry for yelling at you. Do pardon me.

9. What is one smell that never fails to make you happy?

 ~
 Rain.
 ~
 Buttercream frosting.
 ~
Vanilla out of the bottle.
 ~
Marshmallows.
 ~
Fresh strawberries.
 ~
 Starbucks Coffee.

~

What do you all think of the Unicorn Frappe?

10. Have you ever been roller-skating?

 I use to go all the time when I was a kid (as if I'm not one now...), but lately I've been doing more ice-skating (temperature permitting, of course). It's been awhile since I've gone roller skating.

11. You've gone into hiding and have to conceal your identity. What new alias would you adopt?

Well, if I ever had to do that, I would probably be someone the very opposite from what I am. Like, say, a stoic businesswoman. Or a cowgirl. Or a punk-rock person, thingy. *shrug* I don't know. To be honest, I'd probably just go to an abandoned island or some remote village in Europe if I ever had to hide from something/one.

And that's the tag!
Thanks for the fun tag, whoever came up with this! Here are my 11 questions. :)

~*~
1. What are you wearing right now?
2. If you could spend one day in someone else's shoes, who would it be?
3. Is there a celebrity that gets on your nerves for some reason? Why/how do they bug you?
4. Do you have any strange phobias?
5. Is there a movie or a TV show that you could watch over and over again and never tire of it?
6. Are you looking forward to anything exciting right now?
7.  Would you rather go to a book store or a craft store if you only had time for one?
8. Which historical figure do you admire the most?
9. Do you prefer early Spring or late Spring?
10.  Did you pull any practical jokes or pranks this April Fool's Day?
11. Does your family decorate the house for seasons and holidays? If so, who does the decorating?
~*~

The only person I can think of who hasn't done this tag yet is Abbie C. from Chronicles in Bloom, so I'll just tag her, and also anyone else who hasn't done it yet, if you're reading this, please feel free to do it! Also, those of you who don't have blogs yet (*glares at best friend*) can answer my questions in the comments because I'd love to hear all of your answers!
-Amaris

A Collection of Words From Me to You {#1}

After a couple of weeks of thinking, reading, listening, and collecting, I have put together this illustrious collection of some of my favorite words. The meaning of each is provided (thanks to Merriam Webster.com), but what I like most about these words is the sound of them as they roll out of my lips.

So here they are for you to enjoy, because why not.

Specter: 

a visible disembodied spirit :  something that haunts or perturbs the mind
o

Inertia:
indisposition to motion, exertion, or change
o

Couture:
the business of designing, making, and selling fashionable custom-made women's clothing
o

Palatial:
 suitable to a palace
o

Zephyr:
a gentle breeze from the west
o

Wondrous:
 what is to be marveled at

o

Radiance:
he quality or state of being radiant

o

Spade:
 a digging implement adapted for being pushed into the ground with the foot

o

Covet:
 to wish for earnestly

o

Tundra: 
a level or rolling treeless plain that is characteristic of arctic and subarctic regions, consists of black mucky soil with a permanently frozen subsoil, and has a dominant vegetation of mosses, lichens, herbs, and dwarf shrubs

o

Rogue:
 a mischievous person

o

Venus:
 the planet second in order from the sun

o

Goddess:
  a woman whose great charm or beauty arouses adoration : a female god

o
Sacred:
entitled to reverence and respect
o
Crescent:
the moon at any stage between new moon and first quarter and between last quarter and the succeeding new moon when less than half of the illuminated hemisphere is visible
o
Vice:
moral depravity or corruption
o
Enigma:
something hard to understand or explain
o
Regent:
 a person who rules or reigns
o
Cress: 
a watercress
o
Paragon:
a model of excellence or perfection

Well, there you have it. 

These aren't my ONLY favorite words. No, I have many more. But, I trimmed it down to these.
Have a good day!
-Amaris

//: Read This Post ://

Oh good, you clicked on this post.
That's exactly what I wanted you to do. That's why I called this post "Read This Post".
Aren't I so convincing?

I should be a writer... oh wait, I am a writer.
But wait again, I haven't written in a long time because of reasons, so, maybe I'm not a writer.
I don't know.
I like to pretend that I am in my head, anyways.

But I didn't write this post to talk about writing.
I didn't really have ANYTHING in mind when I wrote this.
I was in a letter-writing mood, so I just wanted to write a letter to you.

This is the way I am in most of my letters to my friends... a bit random, a bit unusual, just... me.
 Of course, SOMETIMES my letters make sense. The parts where I cordially inquire about how the recipient's Christmas went. Or how their New Year's went. Or how they're doing, or how their puppies are doing...
And such.

Do you ever writer letters?  
They are rather old-fashioned, I know. But I like them, 95% purely because they are old-fashioned, and 5% because... well, I don't know. Because of other reasons.
(Like because I get to sit in my room and write my appropriate responses in my own time without the pressure of conversing face-to-face with a random person who expects me to give a reasonable response to their inquiries within a short second or two after they finish their sentence).

Have you gone outside and seen the stars lately? Or the moon?
I know it's dreadfully cold in most parts of the world, but perhaps brave the bitter chill tonight (or tomorrow night, if it's clear) to look up and see the magic. For, it is magic.
What looks like pinpointed diamonds at the tip of your outstretched fingers, are really tumultuous balls of fire billions of miles away. And the same God who created those dots-that-are-fireballs created you and me.
So look at them, if you can. Because you can't feel them or fly with them or hang in the air with them.
If you're lucky, you can spot Venus (my favorite planet). Just look for the brightest 'dot'.
Aaand I forgot where I was going with this.

Do any of you have a birthday in January? I do! *raises hand* Winter birthdays are interesting in themselves because pretty much always (unless there's unusually warm weather... and even then it's hard to plan ahead for that kind of thing) you have to do indoor type of stuff to celebrate. A fancy restaurant, a trip to the bookstore, a night at home with love and laughter, surrounded by people with glittering smiles who say, "How does it feel to finally be 19?!!" When I have absolutely no idea how to answer that question. Hm. Maybe I should Google it...

I'm working on a post of some of the stuff I did and presents I got (from people and from myself) for my birthday. Would you be interested in reading something like that?

I did get a book that I am REALLY enjoying so far (I'm like two chapters from the end...): Hidden Places, by Lynn Austin. I'm in love with practically all the characters (except for the mean ones...).
Have you read a good book lately?

Well anyways, I'm going to sign off now.
Tell someone you love them today.
Smile at a stranger. Be sure to look at their eyes. (They tend to be more touched when you do).

Smell candles that remind you of Spring, pet your dog (if you have one), wear your favorite comfortable clothes.
If you have a camera, take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Remember little things for no reason.
Read your Bible and relish the words in it.
Take a deep breath.
Goodbye, dears.

~Amaris

p.s. God loves you.

~*~ Happiness ~*~

Happiness is:

Popcorn strings and paper snowflakes... all over the house

~*~
  d

Kermit the Frog

~*~
  d

Cold, starry nights in January
~*~
 d

Purple eye shadow
~*~
 d

My bare feet on the cold floor
~*~
 d

The term "always forever"

~*~
o

Writing my name and the date in a crisp new book

~*~
  d

Being called "good looking enough to be a goddess" by a stranger 

~*~
  d

FINALLY finding a note in a used book

~*~
  d

Adam Young: "Brave"
~*~

Han Solo: God's gift to television
 ~*~
  d

My new Instax Mini 8 Camera! #thanksmomanddad
 ~*~
d
Homemade tacos on a cold January afternoon
~*~
d
The sound of a typewriter 'ding'. 
 ~*~
d
Marlo Thomas (a.k.a. 'That Girl')
 d~*~

My birthday. :) 
 

Photo credit: ME.

I hope your January is going lovely, my friends. 

The Q&A Tag And The Blogger Recognition Award

 I have received two very nice reasons to post from Abby P and Cordy. :) Thank you, dears! 

Cordy tagged me with the Q and A Tag, and I'm going to answer her questions first. :)

1.When you're worried and you can't sleep, what do you do?

*steps onto soapbox* LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT SLEEPING, OK. I'm the kind of person who lives inside their head, and that means that I'm always thinking, always dreaming, always wondering about things. It's especially bad at night. So unless I'm super tired from the day, It's hard for me to get to sleep. Worrying doesn't usually keep me awake. About a year ago I asked God to help me not to worry about things, and since then I've just decided to not let things bother me. (And how did this turn into a testimony...?) Anyways, when I can't sleep, I read whatever book I'm working on, or I imagine made-up scenarios in my head for stories (or just for fun). 

 2.What is your favorite spice associated with Autumn?

I'm actually not an "Autumn spice" sort of person. Everyone's going crazy with pumpkin spice this and pumpkin spice that, but I really don't like spices, to eat or smell. I don't even like cinnamon. *guilty face* Sorry! XD

 3. Do you know any great Thanksgiving songs?

Just at the moment I can't think of any. People really need to write more Thanksgiving songs. Sometimes I feel like Thanksgiving is a grossly overlooked holiday. 

  

4. What was the last book you read and liked?

 The last book I read was The Blue Castle, by L.M. Montgomery. I did like it, although it struck me as unusual. You can read my (very short) Goodreads review here.

 5. Have you ever given yourself a theme song/s? Share one.

 What a very unique and interesting question! I was never into 'Theme songs' growing up, but if I would have to pick a song that I appreciate for the truth in the words being apart of my life, I would pick the old hymn (I absolutely love old hymns. I get ridiculously excited whenever my church sings one amid all the modern day worship songs) Because He Lives. 

The chorus goes: 

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

*sniff*

All these people running around trying to find a purpose in life and all the YOLO stuff and I'm over here like, "Yeaaahhhh Jesus!" XD  

6. If you could be costumed appropriately as anyone you wanted, who would you be?

Probably a random person from historical times. I think it would be really neat to dress in a Civil War gown, but I also love the 1950s era for clothes too. 

If you mean a character from a movie, I would dress up as Galadriel from the Lord of the Rings. Everyone says I look like her (well not everyone, but several people, including strangers) and I think it would be cool to actually dress up as her and get a wig for the blond hair.

7. What's a hobby you excel at? (Yup, give yourself a compliment, my friends.)

I don't know about excelling, but I do have a lot of hobbies that I enjoy. 

I've been told that I'm good at jewelry, writing, nail art, and just making random crafts. :) 

That's a picture from a craft I made that never got published. :) Notice the Downton Abbey embellishments.

8. What is your favorite holiday decoration that is a staple in your house?

I'm not a huge fan of decorating. I leave that stuff to my mom, who enjoys it. I tell her, "Have fun, but leave me out of it! I don't want any part in all of this." And she's just fine with that. I really enjoy the Christmas tree every year. We get ours fresh, so it's nice and smelly and REAL. We like to use colorful lights. 

9. Do you sing out-loud, or hum? (You know, when you're housecleaning and the like.)

I do like to sing out loud, when I know I'm not bothering anybody. :) 

I find myself doing it a lot when I sweep and dust. I really like to sing old hymns to God when I clean. Cleaning helps me think, and it's just a great time to reflect on the beauty of old songs written for God. I often find myself humming Adam Young Scores, too. :)

10. Do you have a favorite word? What is it?

 There are many words that I enjoy as a writer. Some of them include:

Charisma

 Zenith

Ecstasy 

Charm

Cosmo-

Bliss

Psychologically

Celestial
Void

Endure

Redeem

Opia

Surreal

Venus

Absinthe (don't ask)

Talisman

 As you can see, my choice of 'Favorite Words' are quite random.

And I believe that was the last one!

Thank you, Cordy! I'm going to go ahead and keep her questions because I like them so well, and I want to see what your guy's answers are! For this one I'm not tagging anybody, but do please answer the questions if you like to!

Questions:

1.When you're worried and you can't sleep, what do you do?

2.What is your favorite spice associated with Autumn?

3. Do you know any great Thanksgiving songs?

4. What was the last book you read and liked?

5. Have you ever given yourself a theme song/s? Share one.
6. If you could be costumed appropriately as anyone you wanted, who would you be?
7. What's a hobby you excel at? (Yup, give yourself a compliment, my friends.)
8. What is your favorite holiday decoration that is a staple in your house?
9. Do you sing out-loud, or hum? (You know, when you're housecleaning and the like.)
10. Do you have a favorite word? What is it?

 Blogger Recognition Award

Abby P from Lavender Spring tagged me for the Blogger Recognition Reward. Thank you so much!

Here are the Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you.

Tell a little bit about how you started blogging.

Give two pieces of advice for new bloggers.

Nominate 15 other bloggers.

Thank you, Abby! (Her blog is linked at the top of this post if you wanna go read it.) :)

Why/How I started blogging:

I started blogging for much the same reason as everyone else. I wanted to be apart of the lovely blogging world. I don't talk much, but that does not mean that I don't have a lot to say. I don't tend to share my opinion until I am absolutely sure of myself and my thoughts. When blogging, I can take as much time as I want to write WHAT I want, or I can choose not to do so. 

It gives me, as an introvert, the opportunity to let my ideas GO somewhere to affect people, instead of just bouncing around the inside of my head. And you, as the reader, can choose to read my opinions or not. 

That's the beauty of blogging. If you don't like something, you can unfollow.

My Pieces of Advice:

Number One: Don't talk about stuff you PLAN on posting before you post it. Because then you might decide you don't want to post that, and if you go around promising posts to people, you'll feel bad for not posting it after you said you were going to, and the readers will get confused and disappointed.

 There's no need to put pressure on yourself to post. If you don't want to post for five weeks, then don't! Just don't tell your readers how often you plan on posting.It makes things mixed up.

Number Two: Lol what do you think I am, a blogging expert?! 

Well, maybe I could say this: don't be shy to post. I mean, when I first started blogging, I was so self conscious about what I wrote that it was ridiculous.

Just don't worry about what people think. Who are you writing this for, anyways? Have fun! Post about anything and everything you want. There's no need to be shy and go around apologizing in every post and every comment you make because "I'm new to blogging". Being a new blogger is a really fun thing, and if you have a good time, your readers will have a good time too.

For this Award I am only tagging ONE BLOGGER (15? Really?) and that would be Abbie C.

Anyways.

I suppose I am done heaping my majestic opinions on you for today. I hope you're having a nice Fall!

-Amaris

My Observations of a Very Interesting Word

For a long time, I was confused about 'irony'.
No one seemed to be able to explain to me what it meant, and when I finally consulted a dictionary, hoping to understand 'irony' once and for all, the definition was absolutely ZERO help. I mean, look at this:

Irony: n. a situation that is strange or funny because

things happen in a way that seems to be

opposite of what you expect.

Uhm... Come again?

If you understand that, congratulations. You are a lot smarter than I was when I first read that definition. It was such a frustration for me when I realized that some words cannot best be explained in a dictionary. They just have to HAPPEN and then you sort of see what it means (eventually!).

I did eventually figure out what the word meant, just by living and seeing ironic things. Since irony can be a pretty neat tool in writing, I'm just going to do a little explaining about what it is, so hopefully you can grasp the meaning way sooner than I did. XD

I find Irony to be kind of like sarcasm, which is basically when you pretend to say something you don't mean in a cocky way. 

You get the idea. 

Irony is a lot like sarcasm, except it's usually more about things that HAPPEN, rather than what is said by people. Irony is like when LIFE says something it doesn't really mean, and people notice. 

In the movie "Escape From Alcatraz," when a prisoner is first brought to the Island, they are brought across the cold waters of the San Francisco Bay in chains, then they are forced to remove all their clothes, being humiliated in front of the other prisoners, and then they are locked behind a clanging cell door and cordially told, "Welcome to Alcatraz". 

THAT is irony. It is a way of being almost funny, when there really isn't anything funny at all. 

It's when Mrs. Lovejoy is the grumpiest person you've ever met. It's when you go to the drugstore to buy yourself heaps and heaps of candy, along with one solitary toothbrush. 

In The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Liesel is taken to Himmel Street. If you've read the book, you know that "Himmel", means "Heaven". But if you know anything about Nazi Germany, you know that Himmel Street was no "Heaven Street". It's definitely 'ironic'.

Basically, the dictionary is very right in its description of irony. But I feel it takes more than just that to understand this complex term. 

You can use irony in your writing, just like Zusak did. Irony adds a certain depth and interest to stories and characters. 

In your story, maybe 'Honeysuckle Village' is actually one of the dumpiest towns around. Maybe Pamella Q. Hammerbotham is actually a very intellectual and dangerous spy. 

You choose.

You don't have to be THAT extreme, but you get what I'm sayin'.

So, that is my observation, and I'm hoping this post doesn't sound like a collage paper. XD

Hopefully I have interested you, if only in the remotest way. :)

-Phoebe

We R Memory Keepers Typewriter // Review

So, I had like five posts lined up, but then I realized that they aren't FUN posts, they are just my opinions on things. I really don't want to sound like some 'collage person' who throws heaps and heaps of majestic opinions on you guys, so I thought this typewriter review would shake things up a bit. :)

* * * * *

I've been looking for a good typewriter for about five years now. My friend gave me an electric one a couple years ago, but it ran out of ribbon really quickly, and {alas} I couldn't find the right kind of ribbon on Amazon. :( So I wrapped it up and put it in my basement.

It was just about two months ago (I believe) that I heard that Michael's stores was carrying a new product: Typewriters from We R Memory Keepers, in pink and black!

Lately I've been especially frugal with my little bit of money so that I can buy a few CERTAIN NECESSARY ITEMS (*cough* a car), but I told my mom: "There is one last 'big' purchase I wish to make."
This typewriter was 200 bucks. And they wouldn't let you use a coupon.

Anyways. When I first brought it home and unboxed it, I was scared to death that I was going to break it on the same day. XD I mean, I expected it to be super fragile, and all it would take to break it to pieces and waste my two hundred dollars would be for me to put my little mitts on it.

Thankfully, this thing is really good quality. Heavy duty, and NOT cheap. Not cheap in price, nor in quality. In fact it's quite strong. I DID buy this thing brand new after all, not used at a thrift store.

I started typing right away.
It has all the standard symbols, letters and numbers, and the letter keys are in all the same places as a regular computer keyboard. The only exception would be a few of the symbols being in different spots. But it's not really hard to get used to.

There are no markers (or 'feelers') of any sort on the 'J' key or the 'F' key, as you would find on a standard keyboard, but I don't really have a problem without those. I suppose if a person REALLY needed the little markers to tell where the 'F' and 'J' are, then they could probably stick a tiny little sticker or something there to help them.
I kept mine the way it is.

Another noted difference that some might have to get used to is the pressure needed to type on these keys. If you can see those metal bars towards the top part of the typewriter, those are the letters that come up and hit the paper whenever you press a key. If you don't use a good amount of pressure (not TOO much, mind you), then you're letters will end up looking really light on the paper, or otherwise they just won't show up at all.

So that does take some getting used to, but honestly it's not super annoying. Your fingers just kind of get stronger as you type, and before you know it, you don't even notice the that you're doing it.
This is what it looks like with the right amount of pressure. 

When you first buy the typewriter, it comes with a few little plastic thingies that you need to remove before you start typing. Included in the box will be a piece of paper that tells you what you need to remove. The plastic things have been placed so that certain parts of the typewriter will stay in place while the box is being shipped to the store, to your house, or wherever.
Also, you get a typewriter manual that explains all of the keys and functions of the typewriter, as well as how to change the ribbon.

The typewriter also comes with a black and red ribbon already installed, so that you can start typing pretty soon after you unbox it.
Michael's and Michaels.com sells replacement ribbon in black as well as other colors. The typewriter has a switch that allows you to type with black or colored ribbon, as each ribbon comes with black as well as another color.
The replacement ribbons are $9.99, but you can use a coupon on them, thankfully!

The ribbon itself lasts {almost} forever. I've had this typewriter for about three weeks (and believe me, I've typed a LOT in that time), and I'm still using the ribbon it came with, even though I have already bought two replacement ribbons for whenever it runs out.
This is the kind of ribbon they used to use in all the retro typewriters. It's reusable fabric ribbon, so all you have to do when you get to the end of your ribbon is just put it on again, and it's good as new. You can see the words I have typed here. It's the same ribbon used 3 or 4 times, and it still types fine.
It's really quite economical. You get to save money on ribbon by reusing the same one over and over again.
I have yet to change the original ribbon even once.

The typewriter is a retro design, and I'm quite happy with mine. It types comfortably, it's SUPER CUTE, the ribbon lasts a really long time, it is NOT fragile. It's very well made, it's heavy, and it fits up to 12X12 inch paper (which is great news for scrapbookers).
Also, before I forget, I must tell you that when you come to the end of the line on your paper and it's time to return, there is an adorable little 'ding' that will go off wherever you have set the paper margin. :)
It was a punch right in the wallet to get it, but it is completely 100% worth the two weeks pay. :) I love it, I can't stay away from it, I can hardly pull my little fingers off the keys long enough to get anything productive done. My mom has had to come into my room at night before bed and tell me to 'stop typing because other family members are sleeping'. XD Sorry bout that, Mom.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. :)
See you in the next post!

Quote {#3}

Here is the last day of the quote tag! Sorry I forgot to post this yesterday. XD

I really appreciate this quote. Sometimes I feel like people don't build each other up enough. Who knows, a person at your church, or your drama class, or your book club might look fine and dandy on the outside. After all, it's EASY to put on a face and pretend to be fine. 

But maybe on the inside, they really wish someone would care. Or take a moment to say, "How are you doing?!" 

Maybe it's a stranger at a store who just needs a smile.

We have this tremendous love on the inside of us, guys. We ought to share it. Even if we don't sit down with them and tell them all about God, we can at least show them we care, because God cares. So, as I wrap up my quotes, I'll challenge you (for some, it won't be a challenge) to say something nice for someone today. It doesn't matter who. You don't even have to SAY anything. Just smile at them. You never know how it might help them through their day. 

That is all for my quotes! Thanks for tagging me, Abbie! I'm not a huge quote person, but *holds head up high* I think I did JUST FINE. :) 

And today (the last day of the quotes!) I tag: Morgan LuAnn from The Day the Lord Has Made!!!
Thanks Abbie C. for tagging me! I had splendid fun sharing my favorite quotes. :)

The Liebster Tag

Abbie C. at Chronicles in Bloom tagged me for this cute tag! How very nice! I do love tags.

So here we go.
Rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you (which I did... up there).
2. Answer the eleven questions.
3. Tag eleven bloggers, let them know you've done so.
4. Ask your tagged bloggers eleven questions.

Here are Abbie's questions.

1. Is there any story as to why you were given your name?
Why yes! You see, before I was born, my mom lost a baby. It was very hard. However, soon afterwards, she was reading in her Bible and she knew that God was telling her that she was going to have another baby, to replace the lost one.
Not long after that she got pregnant. She was reading in a baby name book, and the very first name she read meant "Promised of God". So she thought, "Well. If it's a girl, that's what I'll name her".
And it turned out to be me.

2. Are you a night owl or an early bird?
Actually, I'm mostly a night-owl. I could stay up all night to finish a project if I didn't have better sense. That isn't to say that I don't like mornings, because I do. I just don't get up early as often as I stay up late.

3. What is your favorite breakfast?
SECOND BREAKFAST.
No, just kidding.
I'm glad you asked this question. I am the type of person who does NOT like donuts, pancakes, waffles, or cereal for breakfast. It doesn't make any sense to start off my day with that much sugar. I would much rather prefer protein. Bacon, eggs, sausage, ham, and a biscuit, thank you!

4. How would you describe your style?
As in clothing style? Romantic, vintage, neutral colors, creams and pinks. Also, smoky-blue. No dark colors whatsoever. Type 2, if you're into the Dressing Your Truth stuff. If your talking personality-wise, I would be INFJ-A. Mysterious, tenderhearted, caring about people. Also introverted. "What's your style" is a very broad question, but it's fun to answer.

5. What is your dream occupation?
A labor and delivery nurse. Or just a nurse. Wherever God leads me. I would also like to write.

6. 3 Favorite boy names?
(of course these have changed and will continue to change through the years)
Thomas
Jerome
Philip

7. 3 Favorite girl names?

Celeste
Ellie
Monica

8. Where would you like to travel?
Hawaii. Switzerland. Perhaps Paris. Definitely the different States in America.

9. Favorite part of your daily routine?
Uhm... breakfast?

10. What song gives you the most feels and why?
Hmm. *ponders as I suddenly forget every song I've ever heard* Probably one of Owl City's songs. One of his that has touched me most recently has been Come Thou Fount. It's one of my favorite hymns, it just lifts me up every time. Though if I could give this one more thought, I would probably name several songs.

11. If you could learn to do one (creative) thing perfectly, what would it be?
I would love to learn to paint watercolors. I just think watercolor is completely beautiful, and someday I'm going to teach myself how to do it.

There you go! Those are my answers!

Here are the bloggers I am tagging. If any of you have already done this tag, you don't have to do it again unless you want to. :) I have not been reading up on blogs lately, so I don't really know which bloggers have done this tag, and which one's haven't. :P Also, I'm only posting  six bloggers, instead of eleven.

Morgan:
The Day the Lord has Made

Hayden:
A Singular and Whimsical Problem

Emily:
Forget-Me-Nots

Maribeth:
Formidable Courage

Ashley:
Inklings Press

Naomi:
Wonderland Creek

 Here are my questions! Anyone is welcome to answer in the comments or on your own blog. :) I'd love to know your answers.

1. Do you usually cry over the deaths or misfortunes of fictional characters in books and movies? Or are you "not a crier"?
2. Is there a popular TV show or a movie that you just CAN'T bring yourself to like, in spite of everyone's good opinions of it?
3. Do you have a garden? If so, what sort of things do you grow in it? Is it a vegetable or flower garden?
4. With the approach of oncoming Winter, do you find yourself excited for the change of season, or is your mindset closer to: " *sigh* Oh boy. Here it comes. Winter. AGAIN."?
5. What is the last book you read? How would you rate it out of five stars?
6. Do you collect anything? How many/much do you own?
7. If you could invite one (and ONLY ONE) fictional character to dinner, who would it be?
8. What book is nearest to you at this very moment?
9. Since Halloween is coming up soon, do you usually participate in the celebrations? If so, what did you dress up as last year?
10. How would you describe your fashion style?
11. Have you ever met a famous person? Who was it?

Thanks for stopping by!
-{Phoebe}

A Few Favorite Things in a Day

You know something? When was going through recovery after my tonsillectomy, I thought that having two whole weeks to have nothing to do would be a great time to catch up on some of the books that I have been neglecting to finish. Surprisingly, however, I didn't feel like reading. I felt like doing... nothing. So that's what I did.

So, I'm quite behind on my books. :P I am only now beginning to read books for the first time in maybe 4 weeks.
Trust me, friends. IT HURTS NOT HAVING TIME TO READ.
But anyways, I have been enjoying quite a few random things lately, being happy, staying positive, and all that. So here it is, just a small list of things that have been making me happy lately.

~A Few of My Favorite Things~

(as of late)

Call the Midwife

~*~ 

Novelty make-up items

~*~

Happy Planners

~*~

Returning to my job after being sick

~*~

Typewriters

~*~

Seven unread (soon to be read) books on my shelf

~*~

My (adult) coloring books

~*~

Vintage jewelry

~*~

Hebrews 11:6

~*~

Clear, golden, late afternoon skies

~*~

Benedict Cumberbatch

~*~

Monthly Adam Young Scores

~*~

French pastries (don't ask... :D)

~*~

Reading all of your lovely blogs!

~*~

 

There you go! What sort of things would you put on YOUR happy list? I hope you have a good day, and I got a couple tags to catch up within this next week, so until then, BYEE!!

-Phoebe