a celebration of life

beautiful sunsets//quiet evenings//windstill

owl love//slippers//adorable, aren't they?

messy bun//side bangs 

morning view//aren't you jealous?//winter wonderland

I don't think I've ever seen the frost so thick//it felt like I nearly froze my fingers off trying to take these pictures//wear gloves next time//

beautiful isn't it?// completely still// it's a wonderful life//

writing//trying to finish a short story//pink pen

scrap-booking//documenting// drawing//favorite things

my novel//almost finished//final touches

valentines day//nail art//

California//I am missing that place//

San Francisco//it really is a beautiful city//I could never drive on those streets, though!

Here's my celebration of life recently: 

//Writing//

I feel like I am learning all the time... especially recently. I have almost finished my very first complete/longer novel. I am so thrilled, and yet at the same time I can't help but feel a portion of fear. I have spent so many months pondering which words would best describe what I was trying to say, and I have begged God to give me the words to write. this book has become the most time consuming challenge that I have ever taken on, but.... I am not complaining.  As a matter of fact, I still love writing. I think it is such a beautiful thing to be able to put down on paper that which lies in the corners of your heart. After all... haven't you ever wanted to describe a stunning sunset that lifted you off your feet and made you feel like everything was going to be all right?

I am constantly coming up with new ideas for brand new books, but the trick is to combine them into one story plot. yes, it's difficult. 

So currently I am working on finishing my novel and a short story... I hope to have them both finished here soon.

//Listening//

Audio Adrenaline: Kings and Queens

Owl City: Silhouette, Captains of the Sky, Real Life, and so many others! 

JJ Heller: What love really means

Sidewalk Prophets: Live like that

Mark Shultz: He will carry me

and Dawn's Prelude. an audio book.

//Reading//

I have a confession to make. Besides the Bible, I haven't read much of anything recently. ;( 

I did pick up Jane Austin's Emma, but never got past the first couple pages. I picked up Beautiful Girlhood last night and never even opened it. I even got two books from the library, but hardly read them. 

I guess you could say that I have been busy. I have been trying to prioritize my life and I guess reading didn't really fall at the top of my list. (sad... I know.) 

Ever since I set my eye on that Music Conservatory in Boston, and trying to get better at writing; it seems that I haven't had much time for things like reading, or... posting.  (perhaps that is just because I haven't been inspired, but it is all coming back now. *you have been warned.) 

//Watching//

the Waltons,

Sherlock,

Heartland,

The Adventures of Swiss Family Robinson (the TV series)

The Island (it's a Russian movie with English subtitles. I understand enough Russian that I can figure out, for the most part, what they are saying but for someone that doesn't know the language it might be difficult. This is an amazing, incredible movie. The story of a man whose dedication to Christ brought forth many miracles... it is a picture of how God can use someone that is completely surrendered to Him. really, it is amazing. you should check it out!)

//waking up to find a winter wonderland awaiting...//

//getting to talk to Laura on the phone. seriously, it made my day. (we should do that more often)//

//going shopping with Mom//

//Driving (after many months I am finally getting to the point where I am relaxed. ((when I say relaxed I 

mean not totally stressed and tense... not like uninterested or dangerous. :) ) //

//finding out that I get to see Marcia this Sunday. oh, joy!!!!//

//my amazing family. seriously, they are the best.//

//Jesus' love. Can I even describe it?  It  makes you feel like the only thing you want to do is spend the rest of your life as His servant, and soldier. Fighting for a kingdom that cannot lose... what greater honor is there?//

//stripes and navy//

//owls//

//laughter shared with good friends//

//lots and lots of writing//

"But the struggles make you stronger, the changes make you wiser, and happiness has its own way of taking its sweet time. Life isn't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride." 

((you were not expecting two posts in one day... were you? surprise!!)

   have a wonderful night! and don't forget to celebrate life. because truly; it is a wonderful thing.   

            

  -Amy Jane