The Four Things Tag (REVISITED)

Hello Friends,

As of late, I have been reminiscing on this old blog and looking at some old posts. 

That's when I came across this post, The Four Things Tag, which I published in October of 2018! Which was quite a long time ago. 

I thought it would be fun to revisit these questions to see how my life and my preferences have changed. 

So without further ado, here are my New Answers: 

 ❊ The Four Things Tag  ❊

~*~*~*~

❊ Four Jobs I've Had ❊

~ The Home Depot (all different positions!)

~ Bowlero (bartending was my favorite position at that job!)

~ Michael's (my very first job, cashiering)

~ A graphic design and logo embroidery small business in Creve Coeur

Me in 2021 at my Home Depot store! I have lots of good memories there :)

❊ Four Things I Don't Eat ❊

~ Junk food (except maybe twice a year... and I always regret it XD)

~ Red Dye 40 (or any artificial dyes - when I can help it!)

~ Ultra processed foods

~ Candy

(Are any of the above even "Foods"?? Lol)

❊ Four Places I've Lived ❊

~ Childhood home in Hazelwood, MO

~ Small Apartment in Creve Coeur, MO (I had to look up how to spell "Creve Coeur" I still don't even know XD)

~ My fiance's basement (for a short time - we're married now Lol) in St. Charles, MO

~ (Current): Two Bedroom Apartment in St. Charles, MO

My beloved spice shelves at our current apartment here in St. Charles, MO! I installed them myself using hobby boards from Home Depot. I am quite proud of them.

❊ Four of my Favorite Foods ❊

~ Pretty much ANY curry (but Butter Chicken is a fave - It's probably the ultimate white people favorite of Indian food LOL)

~ Grass Fed Steak (especially during menstruation or the luteal phase!)

~ Seafood of any kind (especially scallops and salmon)

~ Nourish Bowls of any kind (Pictured is this bowl here)

Recipe is from Peace Love Hormones

❊ Four Movies I've Watched More Than Once ❊

~ Julie & Julia

~ The Incredibles

~ The Founder

~ Twilight (my husband and I rewatch the movies every year for his bday!)

From Julie & Julia (2009)

❊ Four TV Shows I Watch ❊

~ Breaking Bad (rewatch every 5 years)

~ Avatar: The Last Airbender (you can't beat perfection)

~ The Office (ongoing, all the time)

~ Legend of Korra

"I believe, Aang can save the world"

❊ Four Things I'm Looking Forward To This Coming Year ❊

~ New business opportunities

~ Learning to can (I canned a few things last year with a friend, I'm going to learn how to do it myself next month so I can can whatever and whenever I want!)

~ More time having fun with my son (continual and ongoing since I quit my job)

~ Cooking new things all the time!

❊ Four Things I Can't Live Without ❊

~ My Bidet! Seriously I don't know how I existed without it! BEST $30 I ever spent!

~ My Dutch oven, I use this one weekly to make my boule shaped sourdough!

~ My Study Bible I've had since 2011

~ My family (my husband and my son)

My beloved study bible!

❊ Four Places I've Visited ❊

~ Branson, MO

~ Colorado (in 2011, for a family wedding)

~ Florida (in 2003, for another family wedding)

~ San Antonio, Texas (in 2010, related to my Dad's job)

(I need to travel more, LOL)

❊ Four Pet Peeves ❊

~ When people don't clean up after themselves

~ When my house plant is doing well until I change it to a new pot, and then, BOOM. Dead. 

~ When I accidentally get coffee grounds in my coffee while making it. 

~ When I'm JUST about to fall asleep and then my son wakes up in the night.

❊ Four Things I Wish I Could Do ❊

~ Travel more (especially to Europe)

~ Own a house (someday... it's hard for us zillenials)

~ Garden (especially herbs and tomatoes!!)

~ Write better

Me in August of 2021. I had just started dating my future husband :)

❊ Four Subjects I Studied In School ❊

Oh man, school was so long ago LOL. Instead I'll name "four educational topics that interest me"

~ History of Shipwrecks (I listen to a LOT of videos about shipwreck stories, LOL)

~ The size and age of the universe and the curiosities to be found in the cosmos

~ The History of Rome

~ Home economics, since that's basically my life now :)

❊ Four Things Near Me Right Now ❊

~ A Pothos Plant

~ My Son (always, he's 2 Lol)

~ Our Patio

~ My son's climbing triangle

~*~*~*~

Well, there you have it. My answers have definitely evolved a lot! For one, I'm married now, living independently with my husband, and am a mom now! My likes and dislikes have changed a lot, but they've also stayed the same in many ways! 

This was fun. In another 7 years, maybe I'll take it again. I hope I am still blogging then! :)

If you're reading this post, I TAG YOU! :)

- Amaris ☆ //

Spring // 2019

I got to hang out with my best friend:
It was really good to connect again because our busy lives kept us apart for almost 3 months... which is too long. We also decided to read 'The Circle Series' at the same time (a re-read for me) so that we could compare opinions. It's quite a series to swallow, but I am excited to go through it again.

I went to my third ever baseball game and rather enjoyed it:
Watching baseball in real life is more fun than I remember, and definitely more fun than watching it on TV. Apparently the STL Cardinals haven't been doing well this season; but I wouldn't know. All I know is they creamed the opponent on the night I went with my mom and sister and it was very enjoyable.

I spent a lot of time sick:
I endured a miserable three weeks with nausea, constipation, and jaundice, and it eventually put me in the hospital. They never did figure out what it was, and I got better naturally soon after the hospital visit. Most of the doctors thought it was Hepatitis A, but every time they tested for that it was negative. I am feeling great and I'm back to normal now, so... whatever it was it's gone now *shrug*.

We moved:
This time last year we moved into an apartment, but but as soon as our one year lease was over in May, we moved to a slightly larger (and nicer) townhouse, which I'm very happy with. I have my own room again! And I have a perfect view of the Western sky, and have been enjoying the sunsets every evening I'm home. God has truly blessed me in many ways.

I watched some movies and shows:
Five Feet Apart (2019)
It was ok- but not great. Pretty cliche and melodramatic. I feel like I would've liked it better had I seen it when I was closer to 16, but I'm 21 and it didn't do much for me.

The Office (2005-2013)
Not the cleanest show, and I'll probably not re-watch certain episodes, but it's very funny and extremely quotable. I can see why millions of people like the show. I feel like it's almost worth a one time watch-thru at least. For appropriate audiences. Idk.

Breakthrough (2019)
It was ok. It was kinda surreal watching a movie about an event that happened very close to my own hometown. It wasn't great but it wasn't a bad movie altogether.

Julie & Julia (2009)
What a sweet and heartwarming movie!! I watched it late one night with my mom, who also loved it.  I love Amy Adams soo much! I don't love Meryl Streep as well but she was good in this movie. I think there was a few cuss words but definitely worth a watch.

Smokey & The Bandit (1977)
Kinda funny, a little bit exciting, a tiny bit sweet, overall not really my thing. Sally Field helped a bit, as she is one of my favorite actresses. Overall, probably won't watch again.

The Matrix (1999)
Very intriguing. It wasn't my type of movie, and it didn't "change my life" the way some male family members told me it would, but I can see why it was revolutionary for it's time and why it was a huge hit, and it did get me thinking a little bit. Also I'm a Keanu Reeves fan now. Bless.

The Founder (2016)
SO FRUSTRATING AND UNFAIR. But also good. I loved it an hated it. Ugh.

Julie & Julia (2009)

I started reading books again:
~The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume II - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (currently reading)
~Scarlet - Marissa Meyer (finished)
~Cress - Marissa Meyer (currently reading)
~Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart - Bethany Beal & Kristen Clark (currently reading)
~Conscience - Andrew David Naselli & J. D. Crowley (currently reading)
~Where We Belong - Lynn Austin (finished!) Here's a post about it.
~The Circle Series - Ted Dekker (just started)

I am writing VBS lessons:
My VBS partner and I will be teaching the VBS lessons at our church again this year- we are teaching from the book of Acts about Paul's second missionary journey! The theme of this year's VBS is Athens - so everything is Greek themed! We're going to wear togas and leaf headpieces. It's coming up soon.. on July 15th. I can't wait!

On June 19th, my favorite job I've ever held had to let me go:
A small post is coming soon about that.

I tried being positive:
A post is coming soon about that as well.

A Few Other Things:
~It rained a lot, and some tornadoes almost tore apart my city. But we survived.
~God is faithful when I am faithless. He's also unchanging.Thank God.
~I have the best friend I could ask for.
~I discovered arguably the greatest most practical YouTube channel for introverts and people with social anxiety (like me...): Charisma on Command. Check it out. The psychology is super intriguing. And there's a recent episode on Keanu Reeves and introversion... i am cri.
~God used 2 Samuel 11-12 and Psalm 32 to change my life.

Music:
~Bee Gees "Too Much Heaven". I love those chill vibes. ☀
~Studio Ghibli Piano Music. Perfect for taking a walk with a twilight sunset.
~BTS "Make It Right". Pretty much any BTS song is guaranteed good vibes.
~Queen "Spread Your Wings". A newly 'discovered' Queen song for me.

Spring Words:
Sunsets
Crescents
Chills
Chopin
Ablaze
Golden
Quiet
Change
Wait

☆ // Amaris // ☆

How was your Spring? Did you do anything you've never done before? What has God done in your life lately?

A Period Drama Tag

I was tagged by Rachel over at A Girl's Place, and by Miss Woodhouse at Notes From a Hartfield Girl (both lovely blogs, btw) for this lovely Period Drama tag!

Thank you, ladies!

Rules: 
1. Answer the questions.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you. (I shall point you up there ^^ for that)
3. Tag at least one other blogger to do the tag. (See the end of the post, please!) 

Just a side note before I begin: I have not watched a legit "period drama" movie or series for almost a year, except Poldark (which I just discovered but I love it). So bear with me as I TRY to remember my favorite this and thats of period dramas.
In any case, I love these questions!
Let us commence.   

1. What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.
As I said, I just discovered the show Poldark a couple of weeks ago. While I am only just starting Season 3 (out of...4 I think?), I am really loving it. There are a couple of things in the *ehem* content department, but other than that I wholeheartedly recommend!
(Note: After this was written, I did watch another period drama. The Young Victoria (2009). My opinion? Beautiful.)

2. Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series? Why? 
Most good period dramas are good no matter what form they are, but I think I would choose TV/mini series. There are generally more good cliffhangers that way, not to mention the story is longer.  
 

3. What is your favorite musical period drama?
I...actually... severely... dislike musicals.
So.
I guess none.

(unless u count the greatest showman. then that's my favorite.)

4. Read the book first or watch the movie first?
I have enjoyed it both ways, actually.
Pride & Prejudice I read first, but North & South (2004) I watched first.

5. What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama? 
Uuhh... "Reject all the proposals"?!

Just kidding. I wouldn't say I've learned a 'valuable life lesson' from a period drama, but I would say that watching/reading period dramas has improved my writing in some ways.

6. Which period drama hero would you likely to fall in love with in real life?
That's not hard at all. Definitely this guy: Dr. Enys from Poldark. He's noble, loyal, faithful, brave, and selfless. 
And I love him.
(He's the guy on the right)

7. Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?
 I think I binge-watched North & South BBC the second time around, but I usually prefer one or two episodes at a time (yep imma boring fangirl).

8. What things go best with watching a period drama?
Being wrapped up in a fluffy Sherpa blanket.
Whilst drinking tea.
Scooted way up close to the TV.
Whatever says 'comfort'.

9. Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?
Probably a setting from one of Jane Austen's novels. They are usually so bright and airy. Perfect for me, I say. Also, Prince Edward Island sounds lovely in Anne Shirley's time. Oh, and don't let me forget Barney and Valancy's home from The Blue Castle! It sounds great.

 
10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be? And why?
1. I would not change my current 'real-life' best friend for anything, but
2. If I had to, I would probably choose Margaret Hale from North & South BBC. That girl needs a female friend.
3. I would also probably choose to be George Warleggan from Poldark to be my other best friend, because even though I hate him and he's disgusting and terrible, being my best friend means that I have an advantage because he's not my enemy, plus he's super rich so he can throw me an epic birthday party, which is way more than he would do for his enemy.

11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life
I'm not into costumes as much as I used to be (pun intended), but here are a few that I like.

-I love pretty much all of Elizabeth's gowns in Poldark.

-Then we have the airy, breathtaking beauty of Belle's dancing gown from Beauty and the Beast.

-I love Trixie's style in Call the Midwife (that's a period drama... right? I think?). 

-As a child especially, I loved this dress of Maria's from The Sound of Music.
0

-I also love the color of blue with this dress from Amazing Grace. It would have to be less low-cut to suit me, however. :) (Also, I don't think I could dye my hair red enough to look as good as Garai in it).
(Tbh I've always kinda liked the hairstyle here too).

I've shown a lot here, but there are many other outfits besides this. :)

12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?
I like to watch Bleak House BBC and North & South BBC during the winter, and the more light-hearted, airy dramas like Pride & Prejudice during Spring and Summer. I also like watching Call the Midwife Christmas specials during Christmastime. :)

13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?
Definitely Poldark has my favorite opening theme. Pretty much all of that show's music is my favorite. I love all of Demelza's songs. I have been enjoying Pride & Prejudice (2005) music as well lately.

14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.
I'm going to be boring with this question; I never really thought about switching any actors in my favorite period dramas, because I like the actors who play the parts already. As far as books go... I have no ideas. :)

15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?
Actually, no. (I know; boring again)

16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?

• Wives & Daughters
• Sense & Sensibility 
• The Crown

17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.
It's hard to pick a favorite, but I've always liked Elizabeth's hairstyle from the ball scene in P&P 2005. 

18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?
Actually, none of them really stood out at me. P&P '95 was ok, except for the weirdness caused by it being a double wedding. I kind of liked the wedding in The Young Victoria too, now that I think of it. :)

19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?
If either The Imitation Game or The Greatest Showman count as period dramas, then I choose one of those. If not, I do not have one. :)

20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?
I loved reading North & South, by Elizabeth Gaskell and Bleak House by Charles Dickens (for a more hefty read). They were both so good. 
For beginners to period dramas, I would recommend Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austin. :)

Thanks for tagging me, Rachel and Miss Woodhouse! I loved answering these. It's been awhile since I've done any sort of Period Drama tag. So it was fun.

I tag:
Natalie
Hayden
Lissa
Cordy

If any of you guys have done this before, I'm sorry I didn't notice! Feel free to pass me by...or do the tag again if you wish. :)

Here is the list of questions!
1.What was the most recent period drama you watched? Share what you thought of it.
2.  Do you generally prefer period dramas in the form of a movie or a TV series/mini-series?  Why?
3.  What is your favorite musical period drama?
4.  Read the book first or watch the movie first?
5.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned from a period drama?
6.  Which period drama hero would you be likely to fall in love with in real life?
7.  Do you ever like to binge-watch a period drama series?
8.  What things go best with watching a period drama?
9.  Which period drama do you think you would fit into best?
10. If you could have any period drama character for a best friend, who would it be?  And why?
11. Show us a picture of a period drama costume you wish you could wear in real life.
12. Are there any period dramas you like to watch during a particular season or holiday?
13. Which period drama has your favorite soundtrack?
14. Dream cast your favorite actor and actress in a period drama of your choosing; tell which parts they would play and why.
15. Are there any period dramas you like more than one version of?
16. What are the top three period dramas that you haven't seen on your to-watch list?
17. Show a picture of your favorite period drama hairstyle.
18. What was your favorite wedding in a period drama?
19. What is your favorite biographical period drama?
20. Which historical novel will you forever recommend to anyone and everyone?

 ~*~
 -Amaris

// 2017: A Summary //

First of all, you must allow me to wish you:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

YAY 2018!!! 

Ok, on to the post. :)
~*~
Well, will you look at that.
Another year has gone by.
(I feel like I should quote a poem about time passing by right now, but alas; I do not know any poems).

It seems only yesterday I was writing last year's New Year Post.
Overall I have to say that 2017 went pretty well. There were some big changes that happened in my family, but most of them for the better, and I know that God knows what He's doing (thank goodness because I don't).

There were many enjoyable things that I did this year. From going to an old cabin to spend the weekend (and using an outhouse which was #fuuunnn), to SEEING THE MOON PASS OVER THE SUN (sorry I'm still pretty excited that I SAW AN ECLIPSE YA'LL), to getting a brand new job that I just love... with lots and lots of movies and books piled on top.

So here they are, friends. My 2017 'notables'.

// Books //

According to Goodreads, I read 12 whole books in 2017! I know it's not a lot, but it's at least one for each month, eh? And I did make my goal! At the beginning of the year I set my goal to read 11 books (why I picked such a random number I don't know) by the end of the year, and I read 12. Well, well. Good for me.
My favorite out of all of them... well, I have to pick three, actually. It's so hard to pick just ONE favorite (any book lover understands).
~Hidden Places by Lynn Austin
~The Help by Kathryn Stockett
~The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

All three very good books, all very clean (MOSTLY *glares at The Help*), and all recommended by Yours Truly.

In 2018 I hope to read 13 books. I think that every year I'm going to try to read one more than the last, and we'll see how many years I can keep up with myself. :)

// Movies //

There were some good movies I saw this year! I cannot choose favorites (as you well know), so here is a small list of the best ones I have seen.
~ The Case for Christ : Such a heartfelt, lovable movie. And thankfully not cheesy, as some Christian movies can be. :P
~ Hidden Figures : You guys, this movie was so good. If you like inspiring historical drama films, you will love this movie.
~ The Imitation Game : This movie didn't come out this year, but I saw it for the first time a couple weeks ago, and was very impressed.
~ The Walk : This is just one of those sweet, adorable, sit-down-on-the-couch-with-a-blanket-and-a-dog kinda movies. It's really quite enjoyable.
~ Forrest Gump : Oh, I loved this movie so much. It was so sweet and heart-warming, as well as funny and sad. Unfortunately, it did have quite a significant bit of 'content' in it, including language. I wouldn't watch it again without a filter, but man I enjoyed this one.
~ Beauty and the Beast : A very pretty sort of movie. Controversial? Yes. But, enjoyable? Also yes.
~ All the Star Wars movies : This is a disclaimer; I didn't enjoy the movies so much as I enjoyed the times I had while watching them with friends, which is why they are going on 'movie favorites' for 2017. :)

// TV Shows //

This year didn't involve a lot of 'discovery' shows for me, most were just re-watches. I'd like to try more shows in 2018, to see what other good ones I can find. But here are the ones I most enjoyed this year.
~Sherlock BBC, Series 4 : I know you guys have probably heard enough about this show from me. But still. I absolutely love this show. We watched Series 4 for the first time in January, and then we watched it all through again about a month ago. And it was so good. As usual.
~Call the Midwife, Season 6 : This show makes me so happy. Because there are happy things, sad things, and funny things in it. Heartwarming things, beautiful things, terrible things. All of those together make a good show in my opinion. I really enjoyed Season 6.

Aaaaaaand, that's actually it for shows. Like I said, I'm going to try to find more in 2018! I have a couple of shows in mind, but we'll see if I actually get around to watching them. :)

// Music //

Oh, I missed the Adam Young Scores! But I mustn't be like that, I'm supposed to write about what music I did enjoy in 2017, not what music I missed. You must excuse me.
~Owl City, Cinematic : Which technically isn't 100% released yet, but there are several songs already released as well as previews of the rest which I have been enjoying immensely.
~Owl City, Waving Through a Window : I love this song; it is so sweet, so like Adam.
(and now onto other things besides Owl City...)
~TobyMac, Lights Shine Bright : This is one of those great driving-in-the-car-to-work songs. It's quite fun.
~Hillsong United, What a Beautiful Name : I always like worship songs that are strictly about how great God is.
~Danny Gokey, Comback : This year, I saw this guy in concert. He is pretty good, ya'll!
~MercyMe, Even If : There are a few songs in my life that, whenever I listen to them, make time seem to stop. This is one of them. Every time I hear it, I just have to listen. And somehow, it doesn't get old.

Ok! Now onto some stuff about the blog!

// The Storybook Journal //

~My blog celebrated it's 3rd anniversary (excuse me; I mean blogiversary...) this year! September 3rd, 2015 was the day I got up the nerve to post my very first post. (Here's the link if you're really interested in embarrassing me.) Since then I have had a swell time posting on the 'ol Blog.
~This year I posted 37 posts, the most so far! In comparison, I posted 28 posts in 2016, and 11 posts in 2015 (after I started it in September, of course).
~Also in the blogging world, I won a giveaway for the first time: 2nd Blogiversary & Giveaway!, and won a blog game for the first time: Other Way, Mr. Collins!
~I posted a picture of myself on my blog. After years of not doing so.

// Other Highlights //

~I got a new job, at a place I love to work at (thank heavens for that...)
~I witnessed a Solar Eclipse, which was an amazing experience (truly, truly, truly amazing.) August 21st, 2017 will be forever etched in my memory.
~I bought my first car. Which thankfully didn't cost me a literal arm and leg.
~I got my liscense, so that I can actually drive said car.
~I went to a cabin in May with some friends and had the most amazing time playing cards and walking along riverbeds and drinking soda.
~I got to house sit a house for some friends of mine, and it really opened up some great opportunities for me to be responsible about things that I wasn't able to before, as well as having some great 'alone time', which is quite important for oh-so-introverted me.

There you have it, future-Amaris-who-is-looking-back-at-this-post-because-you-were-feeling-nostalgic!!!
And there you have it too, my blogging friends, who were curious enough to see what kind of things Amaris over at The Storybook Journal did for 2017.
I thank you for reading!  
I hope you dear followers of mine had a lovely year, and even those of you who are not my followers, but who are just stopping in, I hope you had a good year too.

Here is a verse for you; a verse that I thought was appropriate for such a post, in regards to the New Year.

Hebrews 12:1 
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Did you see that word? That 'P' word? Perseverance. It means (in my own words, of course) "to keep going".
So if 2018 is going hard, keep going. There is another year around the corner. As long as you're alive, there is always another year. Make sure you're there to see it.

Ah, what could 2018 possibly hold for me?
All I can say is: "God, surprise me!"

~Amaris

Do you have any plans for the New Year? What is the best thing that happened to you in 2017?

10 Things I've Learned From Old Cowboy Shows

If you read my last post about 'What I'm Doing', you might remember that I said that the Old Western TV show genre is not among my favorites.  To be honest, I don't really like Western shows and movies that much.
However.
I have been watching them more lately, just because they happen to be there while I eat my lunch. Mostly Bonanza, The Rifleman, and Gunsmoke. While they still aren't my favorite old shows by any means, I have learned a few interesting things from watching them.
Be prepared for misspellings. 

1. Watch out for bad guys. They're not all stupid, and they can be pretty manipulative.

2. Be respeckful o' women. Taking advantage of a woman is a bad idea, and chances are there is a good sorta guy right around the corner who is willing to shoot ya for yer disrespeck.

3. Be fast on the draw. If ya see someone reaching fer their gun, don't wait. Don't take a chance. Draw as fast as ya can!

4. Always have a backup plan. Prepare to be outsmarted, especially by bad sorta guys.

5. Don't let yer pride get in the way by tryin' to settle somethin' with a fight that could easily be settled with talkin' it out. In other words, don't be too quick to throw a punch.

6. Don't try to get out of things yourself (if you can help it). If yer in some kinda trouble, its a good idea to accept the help of people you respeck. Unless, of course, the trouble yer in is because ya broke the law. In which case, you'd be smart to turn yerself in rather than gettin' killed.

7. If somebody be shootin' at ya in the wilderness, and there ain't no buildings around, get behind the nearest rock for shelter. The bullets will jest bounce right off!!

8. If ya see two or more people about to have a fight, TRY TO STOP 'EM. Especially if yer the law!

9. Don't fergit that bullets ricochet! Ain't no use of tryin' to shoot someone if it'll just come back to ya.

10. Lastly, there ain't nothin' much that be more important than yer family. So keep thems first. 

The End.
  

 -Amaris

Thoughts on the New School Year (+ What I'm Doing)

For all of my readers who are going back to school, or are starting up homeschooling again, or are going to college, I wish you all the best of luck.
Work hard, study hard, eat well.
Get your sleep.
If you're finished with school, and going to college for the first time, good for you.
If you're finished with school, but you've decided not to go to collage, still, good for you.
And don't let anyone tell you that you're nuts for not going to college. People don't know everything.

People like to give me trouble when I tell them I'm not going to college.
They ask me 'why the heck are you doing that'. They don't even ask me, 'have you prayed about it?'
They just like to tell me their way instead.
Maybe you have some people in your life who treat you like that.
But don't let it bother you.

~When every single person in your graduating had plans for college except you.
~When people doubt your loyalty to Jesus because they don't think your plans are smart.
~When people don't take 'no' for an answer when you tell them you're not going to college, and they take it upon themselves to suggest colleges for you.
~When people are convinced that you are not going to succeed in life because you don't plan on getting a degree.
~When you see all of your friends your age going to college and life seems to be going blissful for them (even though heaven knows they got debt).
~When you let it all go to your head and question God and yourself all over again about it.

Don't let it bother you.

College isn't everything.
You doubt me?
Here. And here. Let Blimey Cow tell you.

Oh, and I mentioned 'what I'm doing' in the title, didn't I?
I was thinking about this the other day, and I realized that I don't have enough material to do a whole 'August 2017 Favorites' post, as it was a pretty busy month filled with boring things that I don't want to bore you with on my boring blog. (wait, what)

Anyways. Here are just a few things that I enjoyed or did in August:

*I read a book
(Well hooray for me! What an accomplishment! That's not done everyday, after all!)
Actually, that's not quite right. I started a book, and I'm still working on it. But it's an accomplishment still, because it's the first book I've been able to pick up and actually concentrate on all Summer. What's the book, you ask? 'For Such a Time', by Kate Breslin. I got it at a book fair in April. It's pretty good so far. It isn't THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ IN THE WORLD AND AMEN, but it's a refreshing change from, well, nothing.

* I watched a movie
(Another really hard thing that only talented people can do.)
Out of all August, I only saw one movie: Spider-Man: Homecoming. And I'm not going to bother telling you all about it because I already wrote a post on that. I will only say it's good. For being the only movie of August, it was sure an enjoyable one, considering how much I was looking forward to it.

* I watched (and am still watching) a TV show
(Wooooowww, Amaris. You are just... wow. No words.)
To be honest, however, the TV show in question might surprise you. Bonanza. A change in my family's schedule has allowed my and my siblings to watch one episode of Bonanza a day on TV. We normally don't watch TV at all, but this gives us something to enjoy on weekdays. It's not my favorite, favorite, favorite show, (in fact, some episodes are downright boring, in my opinion) but watching it and seeing all of the different plots in the episodes has given me a new appreciation for Westerns, which is something I thought I would never have. *Shrug* Just goes to show you how a person's tastes can evolve.

* I got a driver license
Ok, I gotta give myself credit for this one. This is not something people can do everyday, at least not without a lot of hard practice, which is what I went through.
But do you know what this means?! I can now drive my car. By. Myself.
#so independence #much scary #very wow

* I listened to a song



* I watched a video on YouTube
(Yes, clickbait title. I see you. Are you happy? I clicked on you.)
This vid though. I love it. so. much.



*I went to a play
Which was The Hunchback of Notre Dame. It was quite interesting because I hadn't ever seen the movie or read the book before, so I didn't know what to expect at all. It was pretty good. Some of the musical numbers were so pretty I got chills (#coming from a person who low-key hates musicals). I probably can't post a picture or a song either because I'd get in trouble... probably.
Anyways.

~*~*~*~*~
That is all.
To be honest, I didn't do much else of interest. I was busy with various things, but all of them being too boring and mundane to mention.

With that, I wish you all the very best of Septembers.
Hooray for cool weather.
Hooray for Fall clothes.
Hooray for school (if you're still in it... which I'm not. Yay for me. #i guess).

-Amaris

p.s. My prayers are with the people in Texas who have met Harvey.