Dear. . .

A cozy day deserves a cozy post. Join--or ignore--me as I revel in candied caramel candles, (in Julia's words, the house smells like breakfast,) the promise of a toasty evening eating pudding and watching 'Life with Father', mugfuls of fallish-concoctions (coffee related,) mustard accents (slightly obsessed with my new flats,) and well--have you figured out my family REALLY makes an occasion out of things? ;)

Autumn, welcome home.

{photo by me}

dear "Spunkin"--yes, most folks know you as Starbucks Spiced Pumpkin Latte. But you hadn't met this very-blonde gal until yesterday, and somehow your lovely name was confused in her vocabulary. Thus "Spunkin" was born. . .and I dare say you will never be Spiced Pumpkin Latte to her again.

Lets put it all this way--rabid Starbucks boycott-er as I am. . .this drink is GOOD. Pounds of sugar, pumpkin spice and whipped cream will do that to burnt coffee. It just screams fall. And made me perfectly happy.

dear John Rhys-Davies--I still haven't comprehended that you are actually. . .actually. . .actually IN Beyond the Mask. o.O  Which means I.will.meet.you.

 

Someone pick me up off the floor. (and come quickly, October!)

dear Ohio Summer Rendezvous--Thank you for cooperating--no, thank the Lord for unfrazzling my nerves, setting everything straight, smoothing out the details. . .and making this OSR the best ever. Truly. I've been coordinating this event for three years now (with help from the best crew in the world!) and for the first time ever--seriously--I felt totally in control and at peace. It was completely beautiful, completely touched by God. . .something I can hardly explain!

 

{photo by Brandon Pieplow}

I'm having withdrawals.

dear Cameron Macintosh--Gotta say, no matter my usual judgment of you. . .I think this Christmas will see a history-making, world illuminating, life changing. . .totally Yours Truly approved movie. Still skeptical of the cast. . .and if it's anything like the play (which by the looks of things it is,) the rating will be very adult. o.O HOWEVER this video gave me the same in-the-throat, distinctly Les Miz emotion I had at the play two years ago. (um. . .I'm a VERY passionate person. ;) ) Behold all:

dear yesterday's devotion--Thank you for reminding me that I CAN please God! Life is all about pleasing Him, however He also delights IN ME. It's funny how simple truths can suddenly bear new light. Praise the Lord for his Promises!--popularity and recognition may "feel good" but HE delights in those who follow and obey Him. 

dear Sherlock Holmes--You are perfect for cozy fall days (Spunkin in hand. A fire wouldn't be bad either. . .) We've already had our first long chat. . .it was quite--eventful. To say the least. And I'm fascinated. Looking forward to more meetings in 'The Complete Sherlock Holmes'. 

dear date with dad tomorrow--Fall day on the Square? Hmm. I'll rate the world a happy place. 

dear Hobbit Day--I'm a bit of a LOTR's nerd, even though I haven't seen the movies. (k, don't judge, I finally saw Narnia. . .and read the books. . .and I'll be taking The Hobbit out of the library soon.) But anywho--this song--did you know there's a musical?--is my latest obsession. Because all things hobbity are warm and yummy. And I'm acting like a silly fangirl. So I shall stop right now. :P 

{more than I'd like to admit. . . :P via}

dear person reading this post--Please, follow my blog. I mean, I sort of need to reach 300 followers by October  if I am to unleash The Huge (or at least, very grand, ;) ) giveaway. Do us both the favor. 

 

{random, yes, but I **have** to share some of the latest photos from Beyond the Mask! A little hyped? via}

dear posts that need posting--I'm getting there. See, I have a life (or at least I pretend,) and well, things get busy. But, dear posts that need posting, I have not forgotten you. The minute life slows down (that DOES happen, right?) you shall be written and grace the pages of my blog.  

dear life--No, no need to remind me again. I should get off the computer. What? My gown for Beyond the Mask? But I don't want--ok, fine. I'll pleat the skirt. Give me a minute, I'm trying to log off! Sheesh. Huh, what's that? Oh. Yeah, your right. Life never stops. . .I'm convinced. 

celebrating The Bean. {Pinteresting Wednesday #2}

this is an emergency post (or, as David Tennant would say, "a-mair-gency". :P no, i'm not a fan of Doctor Who. that doesn't minimize the man's incredible accent). so, it's an "a-mair-gency" post--because i am behind my blogging schedule, still have several emails to reply too, and had this sitting in my drafts folder. voila.

the coffee bean. 

because they are meant to be together. they are practically married. you know, a couple weeks ago i found the most delectable cappuccino candle? talk about dying and going to coffee-heaven! anyone figured out i have an obsession yet? "poor michaela. . .she needs HELP." 

this is truly one of the cutest pins ever pinned to pinterest. just adore in every way possible. has to do with my favorite beverage, and is terribly hilarious and awesome. also, note that eSpresso is spelled correctly. that is of much importance. eXpresso is. . .not the same. nor is it proper. one would get strange stares if they happened to walk into a coffee shop in italy and asked for a shot of eXpresso. take it from a coffee snob.

which is why it's illegal in my home. cheap meaning starbucks. yes, i just said that--bravely. the beans are BURNT, ppls! purposely. and robusto beans are the lowest quality out there. what your tasting at starbucks is not strong coffee--it's burnt. truly "strong" coffee is rich, smooth, dark. ok, so it's possible to drink starbucks in flavored form. . .a mocha, for instance. burnt beans disguised with pounds of sugar and  chocolate. if you want to torture yourself that's your problem. :P 

dreamy sigh. 'nuff said.

see? understand the lesson and take it to heart. this pin gives me hope for humanity.

coffee in London. . .would make life just about perfect. 

and i could continue with the pins. but i'll spare you--unless you're really curious and happen to check out my "frappelattechino" board. it's crammed with everything and all COFFEE related. a true addicts board. of course coming back and finishing up this draft for The Blog, i'm lamenting my coffee fast. it's just too tempting. . .all these pics of steamy, rich, beautiful coffee. but i shall live.

until the next cuppa joe,

--Mich.

string beans and fluffy socks // peek into my day

right now. i am listening to my parakeet 'cello' singing his little heart out. he is such an inspiration with his happy little blue self. right now. i am adoring fluffy purple socks, {they make life just that much better} my favorite looonnng jean skirt, and in-the-house-hoodies. something about long skirts makes one feel--if not look--taller. funny. a cashier recently complimented me on my outfit; it was nothing fancy, but she asked, "do you always dress like that?" pretty much. except for nanny days and days like today--when comfort reigns.

{note that this is NOT my sweatshirt. only in my dreams. ;)}

right now. i am still. it was a rough morning--my mood was swinging a mile a minute. no milk means i'm a day behind mom on our new protein shake "diet'. why do i let these sorts of things bother me? a christian radio show stopped me; made me think. and i am counting my blessings. even the littlest ones, like silly emails and c.s. lewis quotes. or this truthful little tidbit:

right now. i am kinda-very obsessed with 'courageous.' haven't mentioned i adore that movie, have i? it's blessed me in more ways then i can count. right now. i am experimenting with hair products. expensive ones. sorry it's come up so much lately, but my hair looks like string beans. thus i can justify spending tons of money  fluffing it and spraying it and taking fish oil capsules constantly. not because i'm vain. ok, maybe i am, just a little. but this is my hair! no one wants string beans hanging from ones head. case closed.

right now. i am thinking. about how much i want to buy almost every single dress in Shabby Apples new Mad Hatter collection. longer, of course. mmm. . .the airy whimsy is so delicious. 

  

Alice, I'm late, I'm Late!, and Teatime {Mad Hatter Collection}

right now. i am me. a puppy training, piano playing, coffee drinking, part-time nannying, average girl. lets go to a hobbit party. and listen to this every day. and eat a cupcake. {forget protein drinks} and be vain--hair is important. right now.

little black dress and a peppermint mocha: eShakti product review

I am so excited to share with you the scrumptious sample dress I received from eShakti, a company that produces modest and beautiful clothing for women. The most ingenious part? Each eShakti item can be customized according to body type, style, often even color! There are dozens of dresses, skirts, and tops to choose from--ladies, your hunt is over! For a teeny-tiny person like me, this thought is thrilling. Not only can I buy clothes that fit me perfectly, but in the exact style I want. When I first discovered eShakti I pounced on the idea. Really. . .it was a bit obsessive-compulsive. ;) I scored the site up and down, saving links to all my favorite styles. "Ooh, I can lengthen this one, or add cap sleeves--no, make that puffed sleeves--to that one."  

 

So. Long story short, I wrote eShakti and asked to do a product review. Jennifer, the Head-Marketing manager for the company, very graciously worked with me. ;) And that isn't an understatement. For awhile there were sizing issues. . .my bad. {or else this review would have been posted months ago.} Even after all that fiasco I was allowed to pick a second sample, it was shipped in decent time, and viola! A perfectly adorable little black dress, just as I'd always imagined. I have a large rib cage, so the fitted bodice is a bit snug, but over all I am VERY satisfied. The very full pleated skirt and cap sleeves add a 1950s, vintage flair. 

    

I chose the standard size, rather then customized, for this particular dress. {custom can mean anything from dress length to neck shape--I love how this ensures modesty according to one's taste/preference.} They {standard size} run a bit small, so I suggest getting one size bigger then your usual measurements.  For the customized option, measure exactly according to your size.



And here I must break to show you THIS: A peppermint mocha, translated into heaven-in-a-cup. I thought coffee was perfection itself. . .then I tried a mocha. Now--I think I'm dying. Add this to my obsessed list.

Nooowww. . .after savoring every homey, holiday-ish sip of pepperminty mocha, head over to eShakti.com to order your very own creation. Annnddd use this special promotional code to receive $20 off of your purchase: LASTROSE0811 The offer is valid through 12/31/2011.

When dreams come true {mid a few lessons learnt}

These past two months have been full of twisting, turning roads; some leading through darkness, others marching onward toward contented peace. It has been a beautiful autumn of cold-nipped cheeks, photo shoots with friends, long frilly costumes, hours spent sipping mocha's, the cozy hub of a favorite coffee shop, two adorable twins to nanny, Little House on the Prairie, and Spiritual growth. Maybe now you'll understand why I haven't blogged; which reminds me. I had no idea 'Like Pearls Slipping off a String' was nominated for the home school blog awards! o.O Thank you to all who've voted and are now following.

Very exciting .  . .and we're pushing closer to the 200 mark. Did someone say giveaway?

 

sneak peak of the my gorgeous sisters senior photo shoot, taken by moi. isn't she stunning? 

I am at a point in life when Jesus feels especially close; I'm embarking on my 21st year, and there is a new confidence in the way I see the world that is truly thrilling. My head is held a little higher, and recent trials have only strengthened my Walk. It's been a roller-coaster of lessons that compared to the past were easier to handle; I will never back down. People may mock, they may criticize and misunderstand  - but I am who I am in Christ. My way isn't the only way - it probably isn't even the right way, but it's the way in which HE is guiding me. The turmoil of my soul is cleansed, for He is my Victory, my Life, my Joy, my All. I will not fear what man will do unto me!! It's all very inspiring. . . good things are coming. *Amazing* things are here. ♥

‎"Ill take character over reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."

On to more lighthearted things. My mind is swarming with all the business, all the simple beauty of LIFE. And I've officially decided that fall is my favorite season. I mean, when else can I wear my favorite poncho? Sitting with Anna in Coolbeans is rejuvenating - ( the most heart-stopping little coffee shop on the planet. It's so whimsical and perfect. . .a girls haunt that is haunted by two certain sisters at least once a week or more.) I don't know if I've mentioned lately, but! we were hired as part-time nannies again. It seriously is a dream-job. . .who could resist two scrumptious little 15 month olds, boy and girl, with names like Aaron and Kendall? I mean, seriously love the name Kendall. It's so Celtic and bookish. Plus she is adorable, chubby, and FUN. Aaron is a little snuggle bug. . .I think I need to bring a camera next work day.

speaking of happiness. . .i found this incredible little cap at a consignment shop. ok, so i love caps--hats of all kinds. . .bu t this one is from SCOTLAND. Its actually *British* really and truly. how could i pass it up?

I'm sitting here trying to place the fullness of my heart. It is bounded in every direction - singing, crying, dancing, planning, scheming, DREAMING. Because Neverland is real. Bcause like my sister wrote today on facebook: "but we go to to Neverland all the time--anywhere we travel in dreams and imaginations IS Neverland. That's the awesome part. Neverland IS every kid's (or in our case, grown up kid's ;) ) imagination. And basically, people who don't believe in it are simply not kindred spirits. . ."

Think happy thoughts. 

bring me java, bring me joy

"Michaela, you HAVE to stop drinking coffee!" - yeah, I'm on my second cup, and well, I'm zinging - and singing, about the house. As and Irish lass might say, "slap-happy.com!" [they have this cute way of adding .com, .org, Avenue, etc to expressions. "Coffee AVENUE!" ] The other day I walked into a coffee shop with my sister and dad, Java Joe's; cute, boutique-ish, homey little place. . .modern coffee shop to the max. Walked up to the counter to order - now mind you, I come from an ESPRESSO (with and "S", not an "x",) drinking family. We're Italian. . .real Italian, not the American-no-clue-about-anything-European type. My mom was born there; my uncle owns a coffee business. It's literally my blood type, though my mom attributes my nuttiness to all the chocolate she ate while pregnant. Whatever. It's all caffeine. So anyway. . .I ordered what is considered a "strong" American coffee. . .a little espresso and all hot water: "Now, you know this is STRONG coffee" [yes, Anna and I look 12]  "not the kind you'd get at McDonalds or a gas station." 

Actually I don't prefer drinking coffee-flavored hot water, thank you. The stronger the better. Oh, and I can't help that I happen to be wearing a child's size 16 sweat jacket. . .

Happy National Coffee Day. 

It proclaims all things hyper, delicious, the-jittery-feeling I'm starting to have from TOO much of the creamy, aromatic, beautiful stuff. For some reason Irish folk songs - the super-corny, lovable ones, are stuck in my head. What a better combo for a perfect type of day? It feels like fall, I'm happy, (praise the Lord, after a bad week!) relishing my perfectly brewed coffee and singing Taylor the Latte Boy [thanks to my friend Kate. Gotta love Broadway-style songs!] and The Lord of the Dance. . .and The Irish Rover. Random "chats" of over 300 comments under a facebook status [my mom and I are quite the pair] complete the morning. There is cleaning to be done, emails to write. . .a puppy to be cared for. I've gotten requests for more Nick posts - does anyone agree? He's getting so big and bushy - I think it's about time for his first "puppy trim."

Taylor, the latte boy

Bring me java, bring me joy

Oh Taylor the latte boy

I love him, I love him, I love him.

sincerely, me

Dear Goldfish, I really shouldn't be eating you, especially after drinking a Mocha Frappe earlier today - but thanks for bringing back the childhood thrill of your cheesy, cracker-goodness. I approve of you. Especially right now, after a very stressful evening. . .you and The Dutchman [stuck in my head] are a yummy combo.

Dear Civil War Ballgown, you were the source of much of my stress, and you fell apart at the OSR Ball, but I'll try and forgive you. . .since you DID look nice, so long as no one got too close. You were marvelous under that [painful] swishy hoop, even though I kept stepping on the skirt hem. I will admit there is nothing so awkwardly-amazing as dancing in a huge, hallow bell. . .really, that's what it felt like. o.O

{Yours Truly in rosy-pink gown, Anna in buttercup-yellow}

[not so] Dear Creepy Man at the coffee shop, it makes me so sad that Anna and I couldn't enjoy our mocha frappe's without you creeping us out. Not only did you frighten us, you ruined our deliciously rainy, care-free afternoon. And our trip to the library. [library computers are so much more fun then PC's. ;) ) Thank God for mothers who rescue unnerved daughters [who don't drive.] :shiver:

Dear Nick, thank you for being such a good boy, even though part of the skin is missing from my finger. You are really a wonderful, obedient puppy. Working with you every day - training, training, training. . .is finally paying off. I see a therapy dog in the making, I really do. Bravo little guy! keep making mama proud.

Dear Seth and Alyssa, welcome to the official "novel-family." You are lucky. . .the Confederate solider [mentioned in a previous post] and countless others have died distant, forgotten deaths. But you, dear, beautiful, [SETH!] incredible, awesome-Nano twins [YES, I am doing Nanowrimo again this year] shall live to change the world. At least I hope. Remember, as your co-creator, I can ditch you at any time. . .

{photo via Pinterest}

Dear Ohio Summer Rendezvous, thank you for giving me the opportunity to help bring so many people together from around the country. As a friend said once, "homeschoolers are. . .AWESOME!"  But of course. And to think that some of these awesome people meet each year at a wonderfully-woodsy camp to play, sing, talk, laugh, dance, play, sing, talk, laugh, and dance some more. The memories are priceless; hastily thrown together [and hilarious] skits, waving at random "boat guys" from a "giant" lifeguard chair. . .

{Yes, that is moi making that horrid face. . .and yes, they waved back ;) }

Dear Horrendously-Frightening Vintage/Costume shop, I love you. Even though your employees are Goth and the aisle-ways are so smooshed together I feel claustrophobic. Your racks and racks of costumes are breathtaking, [literally] and that white, lacy 50's dress was superior. Just sayin'.

Dear readers, I hope this didn't bore you too much. What has been happening in YOUR life? How are you enjoying the colder weather so far? Leave me a comment. :) AND, keep in mind, a giveaway is coming soon.

~ Mich

snow storms. mom+me time. iced coffee...and Adventures in Odyssey.

what more could a girl ask for? i love weekend shopping trips with my mom. . .we have a blast browsing consignment shops, sampling yummy all-natural humma's and cheese at our local organic market, grabbing a bite for lunch, (normally some sort of  mediterranean wrap,) hanging out, laughing, having long girly-chats, hunting for treasures at our favorite used book stores...then finally getting to the boring grocery part of shopping day. . .at the very end of the day, that is. ;) 

today was one of those extra-perfect mom+me shopping trips. we drove all day through a winter storm advisory. . .so beautiful and typically ohio. better still?  i had me a cappuccino muffin, (which was eaten before i could snap a picture, ;) ) a frosty cup of iced dunkin' donuts coffee, and 'the complete guide to adventures in odyssey.' gotta love used book stores! and nope, ya never get too old for odyssey. then again, some people, *ahem* - are never too old for crayons or children's picture books either...hah. 

{don't forget to enter my giveaway!}