Les Mix. {Awkward and Awesome Thursday #5}

Awkward

• that moment every Monday when one of the two year olds you nanny asks "can we watch the acorn story?" and you realize she's talking about Richard Armitage reading 'The Lost Acorn'. ok, so it's adorable. . .but her mother is probably wondering WHO Richard is ("I want to hear Richard read Acorn!") and WHY her daughter has a sudden love for the name Stanley. 

{these videos, btw, are highly-awesome. and adorable. and i'll stop fangirling right now.}

• spending alllll day in the kitchen making homemade linguine. and washing and re-washing hundreds of dishes. and realizing that after all the work. . .all the labor of love and deliberate rolling and re-rolling of the pasta dough, making perfectly thin, perfectly delicate linguine. . .its gone, devoured, and utterly consumed within a few minutes.

{Salmone, Piselli, e Pasta, aka, Salmon, Peas, and Pasta. made by Yours Truly. photo by Anna}

• getting a phone call from a stranger. . .from my cell. and the confusion of "how" and "why" it fell out of my pocket, since i hadn't been outside that day. #storyofmylife
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• the "i-think-i'll-just-crawl-under-a-rock-now" feeling when you write a "who do you think you are?" note to a friend then realize they were joking the entire time. 

{yeah, my comment above? this is how i felt. *ahem* photo by a friend in MI  }

  

• typing on my new Kindle. and laughing at all the typos (curse you, automatic spell-check!) "Les Mix" is the all-new, Michaela-style "Les Miz". makes it that much more special. ;)

{via}

Awesome

• opened doors suddenly gaping through life's canvas; me up until Sunday. now I'm faced with this new job opportunity (outlined in jest above. it's really that bad, but it's also something i have to consider. if you think about it, please pray for wisdom!) 
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• when your mom randomly brings home a tray of sushi on snowy afternoons. 
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• fuzzy-rainbow-monkey socks. some things you just never outgrow. like newly opened-crayons and Strawberry Shortcake coloring books.

{pic by Anna}

• FINALLY getting my hair trimmed. it's been since July. . .and well, scraggly spaghetti-ends and i don't get along very well. it's back to it's usual length now--right below my shoulders, and i'm a much happier girl. 
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• getting all the details--flight, pick up, tickets, hotel, and whatnot, for the 2013 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival! Whooohooo I can hardly wait! so many of my Beyond the Mask friends will be there it's not even funny--annnddd if YOU are planning to attend, why don't you let me know in a comment? i'd love to meet you!
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• my new Kindle Fire HD. i never wanted any kind of portable computer, but now that my Kindle and i are well acquainted, i LOVE it. he needs a name though. any suggestions? 
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• evenings around the fireplace munching date-nut cookies and watching The Andy Griffith Show.
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• seeing the Lord work in my life and the lives of my friends; new friendships that inspire me in my Walk; vindication in area's of confusion; helping and praying for those around me. God Works in mysterious ways--and isn't it an adventure, watching Him Work? Praising my Jesus today for His providence and strange, merciful love for me.

{via}

thanks for letting me ramble--it's been awhile since i've written a good 'Awkward and Awesome' post. i'm currently writing a review of The Hobbit, so keep an eye out. that should be up next, if my Vlog doesn't make it first. in the meantime--what's been awkwardly-awesome in your life lately?

PS--I'd like to invite you to read my friend Audra's blog, My Sock Monkey Life. She is a beautiful young mom and very inspiring person. Please leave a comment, follow, or just pop in to say hello! :) 

Scribble.

Facebook, the last couple of weeks: 

• Oct. 18th: It's a full of joy kinda day. ♥ Good memories, happy to be home, finally settling into a regular schedule, (I mean, I got up at 2:00 PM yesterday!--I'm considering today's 11:30 AM a bit better, :P ) drank my coffee, and just loving everything and everyone. Happy Thursday!
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• Oct. 19th: Sung to the tune of "To Life" from Fiddler on the Roof: (made up while Anna and I were drinking. . .hot chocolate. Tonight.)
  
  "Tonight! Tonight! Hot chocolate! 
  Hot chocolate, hot chocolate, Tonight! 
  May all your futures be pleasant ones
  Not like our present ones
  Drink, hot chocolate tonight!"
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• Oct. 19th: "For Halloween I'm gonna be Obama and take all the candy the kids trick-or-treated for and give it to the kids who didn't trick-or-treat." (found on Google+)
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• Oct. 20th: Chatting with my mom as she sits 5 feet away. And missing my Beyond the Mask friends. Coming quickly San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival!! (because I'm counting on you all being there. B) )

{though i was only with them 9 days, i really miss these people! photo via} 

• Oct. 23rd: As much as I adore ducks, I mean, REALLY adore ducks. . .there is something about duck hunting that just seems *fun*. I know, sounds dreadful, but the whole fallish, hiding behind cattails, side by side with a faithful old hound idea. . .is romantic. Maybe I should stop looking at pictures of hunting dogs.
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• Oct. 25th:  Good Thursday, FB ppls!--couple announcements:
  
  Happy (late--it was yesterday,) 25th Anniversary to the two most inspirational people in my life--my mom and dad! {Patrizia & Dave} I love you, so, so much. ♥ ♥
  
  Oh, and Lidia got a new kitten. We still don't know her name. ;) Somehow having another furry friend in the house makes me miss Nick dreadfully. . .but I'm really happy for Lidia. Her little gal is such a laid back, precious baby! (not apologizing to all the cat-haters out there. :P )
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• Oct. 27th: You know you've eaten too many sweet potato fries when the full pan is now only half full. (this is why I should be never left alone cooking.) Hey, I deserved it after FINALLY figuring out the opening of Forbidden Friendship. My piano and I are happy. Oh, and I found my missing fuzzy pink sock. . .In case you were wondering. Total necessity on brisk autumn days.

{fellow pianists: you understand this ;) }

• Oct. 29th: O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. Awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early. I will praise thee, O LORD, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. Psalm 108 1-4
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• Oct. 31st: 

          I vowed never to sew again. 

          And I'm nearly half-way finished with a new Regency gown. 
          In purple Shantung. 

          That will have lacing up the back and a pleated skirt.

          It's the first time in my sewing-history that I haven't cried through a project. 

          God is good.

          All the experience, (ie, two years of crying and seam-ripping,) has been worth it.

          Thanks, Beyond the Mask        

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• Nov. 2nd: Home alone with the cat, apple tea, cheesy bread (yes, I know, great combo,) and Adventures in Odyssey.
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• Nov. 2nd: 'You Can't Take It With You'. Now officially on my favorite movies list. ♥
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• Nov. 4th: A piece of heaven. Also known as a fresh Cannoli from the local Italian bakery. 

{photo by me}

• Nov. 5th: Spent the entire day cleaning while most of the family was out. . .keeping everyone at home in line and making sure they didn't spend too much time on the computer. Or at least, once they were OFF the computer, making sure they put the stool away and closed the cabinet. Michaela has spoken. This is MY house today. Squeaky clean, laundry done, candles lit = happy me.

On a different note, I am now a very-excited affiliate for eShakti! I'll be getting a button up soon in my sidebar (for some reason I cannot get Photobucket to cooperate,) so in the meantime:

You can see my eShakti-centered posts and reviews HERE. Enjoy, and lemme know what you pick! :) Also, as promised, I will be "unleashing" (gotta love that, ;) ) my 300 follower giveaway at the end of this month. I only need 10 more followers, ppls! That isn't asking for too much, right? Please and thank you. 

In pursuit of followers. . .and a video.

*before I become sentimental*  Hailing all web trotters and readers of blogs (or the rambling writings of those pretending to blog.)--on the right hand side of this page you will find a little box entitled: Join This Site. Click the button. Feel proud of your noble deed. Oh, and much obliged. Wanna be friends? YOU DO!? Awesome.  . .wait, NO WAY--you like coffee TOO? Whaddaya know. . .there are kindred spirits in this world. 

But in all seriousness--{Rhapsody} in PINK is trying to reach 300 followers. We're nearly there! It MUST happen. . .if you want me to unleash the HUGE celebration giveaway currently in the works. Tempted? It's all in the click of a button. 

Yes, I know I'm dreadfully behind in posting. I have a whole list of highly-interesting-and-ingenious blog idea's sitting on my dresser upstairs. . .that I can't seem to write. In short, my blog needs LIFE. Will remedy this, faithful readers--never fear! But I know it's time for a break. . .a small one, but long enough to bring back that blogging-drive. So that my posts don't sound half-hearted. . .or like I'm trying too hard. Bear with me, and thank you so much for your patience! Your comments mean more than you know. I've made many treasured friends through blogging. ♥

Anywho (latest term--I follow trends only after they've been out several thousand years at least. ;) ) The Lord is doing a ton in my life right now--in quiet ways. My contentment is back--a beautiful thing. . .and it's amazing how a changed attitude--fueled by faith-sprinkled-trust--can change everything. Oh, and as of right now I'm not going to Ireland. The door just isn't opening--at least not yet. We'll see what His plans are.

I personally don't believe in dating, so the above title doesn't apply [to me]. However this video is too good NOT to post--very simple, inspiring, and encouraging to hear, coming from a young, married man. {I encourage even my male readers to watch it.} I'd love to hear your feedback!

ttyl,

Mich

Once upon a returned wanderer. . .

And here we have probably the quickest post I've EVER written. To say hello--and thank all my beautiful, lovely, sweet, incredibly-life-saving guest posters. Three cheers for Mikailah, Tory, and Bree. You gals are the best! Loved all your insight and tidbits, as I know the rest of blogdom did. ♥

So much to say, so much to catch up with! Life is one big, whirling mass of things to do. . .blog posts to write (very important, naturally,) facebook to catch up with--have I mentioned that I reactivated my account? Long story there. And you know what, right now its a GOOD thing. People to say hello to--because they think I've neglected them. (have a little mercy! ;) ) Coffee to drain out of my system, (I'm in a seriously typey-mode. Have to do something with all this energy! Drank it {the coffee} from my new Mayberry mug. Sigh and total bliss.) Pictures to edit. . .a massive homeschool event in the planning stages. . .sewing to conquer. . .oh yeah--and you were wondering about my elusive love for a certain Narnian. Which *some* people have already figured out. . .not like there wasn't a huge hint plastered all over the place. Post coming ASAP.

The beach. The mountains. Experienced with the worst head cold of my life--but I survived. Only with God's grace. Really, I just wanted to crawl into bed. Oh yes, and square dancing. Vid's and pictures and more pictures your way soon. ANNNNNNDDD to end all this chatter with something to top all the best vacations and whirlwinds--I saw my dear friends, beloved, amazing, incredibly talented, best-ever High Kings on Sunday. Here's proof: 

{this would be L-R, my dad, sister Anna, King Brian Dunphy, and me--in a candid moment.  Dad's good with it all, Anna's like, "eeeep it's Brian!", Brian's professional and all that good stuff, and I'm like, "this is exciting and all, but let's get it over with so I can catch up with everything at home?!?"}

Whew. I need to sit down. (Oh right, I am sitting. Ttyl, y'all!) 

days come alive//a guest post by bree

I'm sure you've come to this blog, expecting a lovely post from Michaela, and instead are seeing that some stranger named "Bree Holloway" is writing instead. I'm sure I won't do her random-ness justice, but I'll try at any rate. :)

(click to enlarge)

We all have those days when we don't know what to do. Those days when, even the most exciting thing just isn't exciting enough, unless, of course, it's a trip to Paris. :) Which, let's face it, never seems to happen. Outside your window, tiny drops or water are sprinkling the ground, like teardrops from heaven.

So what do you do? If you're like me, you wait around for something to happen, and waste too much time on ye olde internet. (a.k.a. pinterest.)

But instead of wasting valuable time, I'm going to write up some inspiration & ideas for you, next time you one of those days come up. :)

1. Make something.
Whether it's a sewing project, writing, photographing, blog designing, painting, sketching, make it new. Sew something you've never sewn before. Write from a different angle than usual. Photograph something you usually wouldn't. Design a blog with colors you usually don't use. Paint something strange, or from your imagination.

2. Do a photoshoot.
I'm serious. Use your siblings. Or, if you don't have a subject, use a pet, or a particularly interesting object. :) Even if you can't go outside, find the best-lit room in the house, and snap away. Try to pose your subject in different ways. Not only is this a fun way to spend time productively, it's also great practice. :)

via pinterest

3.  DIY
You know all those DIY's you pin on pinterest, but never get around to doing? Yeah, now would be a great time to try them. :)

4. Cook
A new recipe. A tried and true recipe that you haven't made in forever. Doesn't matter what it is - cooking is proven (by me. yep.) to be therapeudic. So there, is that reason enough? ;D

via pinterest

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If you don't already know me, my name is Bree Rosalie Holloway, which is a bit of a mouthful. I much prefer being called Bree, or, if you are a particularly ami, (yes, I do put random French words in my sentances. That's what French class does to you. ;D) you might call me bree-hee-hinny-brinny-hooey-hah. (get the The Horse and His Boy referance?) But only on special occasions. *wink*

And to sum me up in a couple of words, I am...I chocolate-a-holic. A dancer. A wanna-be photographer. A girly-girl if there ever was one. An over-grown dwarf. (I'm 5'2'') A girl who screeches Les Miserables around the house, singing her favorite tunes at least three times a day, sometimes more, despite her lack of singing abilities. But most importantly, I'm a sinner, saved by the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. And that's the best part of all. :) you can find me here: blog//pinterest//blog design

making a ho-hum day brighter || guest post by Mikailah

Hey there, friends! I was super excited when Michaela asked me to do a guest post for her while she was 'away'. So here I am! :) And my name (get ready) is Mikailah. ;) I blog over at Maid For Him where I share my life in words and photographs.

So, my subject is "how to make a ho-hum day brighter". And if you are anything like me that can be hard to do. We all have those days when all we want to do is sit around, be mad at the world, and talk to yourself, muttering under your breath. *cough* But we can't right? Life must go on. So here are a few tips on how to make a bad day a little brighter. :)

1. Breathe--and laugh.
Now that sounds rather funny. But it seriously works. When you feel like exploding with frustration, STOP. See an imaginary STOP sign before you. {that shouldn't be too hard.} Calm down. Relax. Take a few deep breaths. Find something to laugh at. Your cat chasing a butterfly. A little brother or sister 'acting' out a familiar scene in a movie. Or just laugh for the fun of it. It will make you feel so much better, believe me. (my sisters and I make a habit of it.)

2. Find new scenery.
It is the 'thing' you are doing that is making you frustrated (and believe me folks, sometimes it is. We just like to blame the day. "It's a bad day...") just step away for a minute! Go do a different task; something that doesn't require much though. Cleaning is a great distraction. Sometimes something like mopping... where you can take your frustration out on a dirty floor. *grin*

3. Take time for nature.
When my day isn't going well, something that always helps me is getting outside. Take a walk. Smell the flowers. Rake the yard. Mow grass. Water the herbs. Play tug-of-war with the dog. Being cooped up inside for too long makes me jumpy. So, that is easily remedied, thankfully! Step out the door...

4. Relax--enjoy it! 
Some people are work-a-holics. No kidding. They don't feel profitable unless they are working hard--just doing SOMETHING! But that definitely isn't good. Just relax a bit, people! Sit on the porch! Read a book. Play some music. Take some pictures. Work on your technique. Draw a picture. Sit and think. You only have one life; so enjoy it. Be cheerful in the little things, and honor God in everything. :)

                                

5. Count your blessings!
There was a quote I heard a while ago; it was "What is you woke up today with the things you thanked God for yesterday?" Ouch. You think your day is going bad? Look around. Think of how many people would be happy to have the house you're grouching about cleaning. It is sobering, isn't it?

6. Say a prayer. 
Now this is the most important. Ask the Lord to help you be cheerful in all circumstances... and to please Him in everything you do. :) It isn't easy (and definitely not possible--we would have to be perfect!) but it is always worth it to struggle towards the goal. I heard a young lady say once that she didn't think God cared about the little things. He does! He wants us to go to Him in everything--every time we are having a "oh man, I have to clean the house" kind of day. He will help us. If we ask. 

Anyway! That pretty much wraps it up! :) I hope you enjoyed this post, and y'all have a cheery day. ;) And thank you again, Michaela for asking me to guest post for you! It has been an honor. <3

{All images via Pinterest}

xo,
Mikailah

{A B O U T   T H E    W R I T E R}

Mikailah blogs over at Maid For Him where she writes about life, photography, simple pleasures, girls's struggles, and strives to be a light for Christ. She plays music, writes stories/poems/songs, loves horses and tea, reads too many books and laughs often. 

an extravagant discourse.

Quickly hopping by to say--if you haven't already noticed--The Blog has a new name. A name that will hopefully last awhile (as I endure merciless teasing from a certain Flop I know). ;) Welcome one and all to:  

Thanks to my lovely mum for the idea--you know, naming a blog is just "one of those things"--it has to be unique, it has to reflect The Blogger, it must be different and easy to remember and 100% ME. Sorry to all who voted Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust. Peter and Neverland are dear to my heart. . .but it sounded kidish, and well, Rhapsody in PINK is so. . .perfect. I've never had a blog title totally represent moi--I mean, The Last Rose of Summer and Like Pearls Slipping off a String were nice, but they didn't tell. Anything. Rhapsody in PINK says--" World, I am all girl. This is a girls domain." And hopefully from my posts phrases/words like "down-to-earth", "real", etc will follow. ;) Hey, anything's possible. {trust me, I come from an all-girl home, but we are anything but fluffy. (fine, half and half) The lawn-mower and I are good friends}. 

Rhapsody: 

an epic poem.

a highly emotional utterance 

rapture

ecstasy

effusively rapturous 

extravagant discourse

You get the idea. PINK needs no explanation. 

Oh, and while I'm rambling--CHEO was incredible. Perhaps if your lucky I'll do a more in-depth post. ;) Eric and Leslie Ludy are such an inspiration to me--it was thrilling to meet Leslie, if only for a couple of seconds. She and Eric have the.most.beautiful relationship ever! Eric's love and dedication is obvious just in the way he looks at her--truly squiriferous. :sigh: Lets just say, our Ludy-collection has gone up several books. B)
Voddie, as expected, was EXCELLENT. He says it as it is--I really respect his candid, hard-line, "take it or leave it" approach to the Bible. Lets hear it for TRUE followers of  a loving AND just God! 

And because I'm feeling extra-generous, I'll leave you with an "awww" moment for day:

Note that I do not recommend all her vids (I've actually only seen one other), but come on, got to love it for her accent ALONE. B) "I dare you. . .no, I'm going to do better than that, I DOUBLE DARE YOU, just to try and slip these into every day conversation." Thanks to Ally for sending me this. It's starrify-ing. 

quickie post to update. and chat a bit.

This is stuck in my head:

{via}

"I'm malicious, mean and scary

My sneer could curdle dairy

And violence-wise, my hands are not the cleanest

But despite my evil look

And my temper, and my hook

I've always yearned to be a concert pianist

Can'tcha see me on the stage performin' Mozart?

Tickling the ivories 'til they gleam?

Yep, I'd rather be called deadly

For my killer show-tune medley

Thank you!

'Cause way down deep inside

I've got a dream"

Lovely. :P The sun is shining, the trip is over, I'm absolutely positive I want a Goldendoodle, and even more, absolutely-positive-sure I must move down South. Tennessee, to be exact. Ate a juicy peach, got my nanny-kiddos down for a nap, feel like I have zillions of emails to answer, and excited that with my lack of Facebook, I actually think about my blog. All the time. I even have a blogging schedule. . .written out and waiting on my desk at home. Which means I don't have to scramble for post ideas. Score. 

The funeral was bittersweet--a tribute to a 16 month old little boy who touched the lives of thousands. I left feeling convicted, refreshed, and challenged by the message of hope--looking toward the future, and remembering that every moment is precious. Please pray for Avery's parents, friends and family.  

ATT readers in TN--this is one very jealous blogger. ;) It seems the older I get, the more shopping and observing I do, there is but one conclusion: Yankee's are RUDE. And I'm opposed to the sharing-your-backyard-with-the-entire-neighborhood idea. Don't remind me that this is how I've *always* lived. Country-Southern-girl wannabe? All the way.

{via}

Down south you can breath. Folks are kind--genuinely kind, caring, quick with a smile or a wave. Ok, so maybe the effect is more dramatic to this very-much Northern gal. Then again, I'm not very-much Northern in lifestyle/principle/personality. Could be the Italian. ;) Whatever the case--I feel at home in the South. Like I belong there. . .have always belonged there, and by fate wound up in Ohio. :P Fine, fine, it's not all bad. I love my little small town with the cupcake shops and old-fashioned barber. But there aren't ACCENTS and men who like to shoot things and Smokey-mountains and. . .well, I guess we do have bluegrass music.

So the big question is: where should my family vacation?--TN or Virginia? Too hard to choose. TN I love with all my heart, but I was just there. Simple, laid-back, Dollywood/outdoorsy. VA is much more commercial. . .Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and the ocean. Yeah, we can't decide either. o.O

.Ordinary pick-me-ups for an ordinary day.

• something hot, drink-wise. Preferably coffee, or peppermint tea {the curse of TMJ and caffeine fasts.} 
• Grooveshark Playlist. To enjoy a very cultured blend of Crossover, Broadway, Celtic, and soundtrack. {don't judge. :P } 

• late night talks with ones 3 youngest sisters. About. . .we shan't say. Locked in the tower of sisterly secrets. 

• The Andy Griffith Show. Or Little House on the Prairie. Or the Waltons. Or Road to Avonlea.

• a garden to hoe in. {please tell me thrilling over watering and weeding is normal?}

• shopping trips involving ones mom, new fabric, a possible free-phone, amusing bouillon conversations, {don't ask} and hummus samples. 

• a 100 year old  piano that still plays. . .and sounds decent, considering it hasn't been tuned in ages.   

• Adventures in Odyssey. . .for several hours each day {thanks to an addict-sister!}

• long walks around the neighborhood. Especially when there are cats to pet.

• double scoop ice cream cones {cookie dough and chocolate} for $1.25. Bliss.   

And that's about it, ya'll. Any little tid-bits you'd like to share? 

Doodling.

It's been one of those "lazy" days. Aside from Friday cleaning--when I either decide to hurry and get everything done within an hour or so. . .or I take my time stopping to chat with mom. . .maybe check The Blog or answer an email. . .clean a little bit. . .chat a little more. . .clean again. . .and end up finishing somewhere late into the afternoon. Or worse. I chose the latter today.  :P It as all about peppermint tea (since I'm on a coffee fast--and seriously, I think the world is ending,) eating light, chatting, writing emails, and preparing for a very last minute trip to TN for a funeral. To me, Tennessee means vacation--so this is. . .different. I'm praying I can be used in some way. Even if it means only keeping my mom and her friend awake as they drive.

Sooo. . .with my loss of Nick and not-very-"lucky" experience with dogs (somehow every dog we've owned has been ill or had other issues,) I'm afraid to buy another puppy. Remember, Nick had more than an "aggression problem." He was dangerous. Aggression can be trained away--mental illness cannot.

Nick is a beautiful part of my memory. . .that I try to wash away. Because when I think of Nick, I cry. Still. Sorry for blubbering, but it's nice to drop everything on my blog--and knowing you understand. And even if you don't--this is my online journal. It's as much for me as it is for YOU.

Yeah, I'm scared. But I'm still looking into/heavily researching breeds, breeders. Because I need a furry, devoted, canine friend in my life. After losing one so important to me--I realize that, even more. Friends have been telling me to get another dog. . .and the other night I knew they were right. Just like that. I NEED another dog. Golden Retriever? Maybe--I've always wanted one, and my family has raised Labs for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Golden's are very similar in temperament.  . .friendly, dopey, energetic, family pets. I contacted a couple local Golden rescues.  . .but as I continued researching (because I will NOT ever find myself in a puppy-mill situation again,) I discovered. . .the Goldendoodle.

{via}

It seems absolutely wicked to be posting pictures of dogs. Only the peace of Jesus lets me do this--gives me excitement over possibly getting another puppy. I'm sure now--really sure--that putting Nick down was right. There was a reason for all of this. I may not understand why. . .only that I was supposed to be my Nickle's mommy. God has a plan for everything.  

Sitting here. . .listening to Alan Meknen. (hey, that sounds better then The Little Mermaid. :P ) Needing to go pack. . .really, it's late. I should probably find something to wear. Ya know, if this whole new-puppy idea works, it'll take months of research. I'm trying several  breeders, until I find exactly what I'm looking for. It probably won't be until spring before I raise enough $$. Who knows, by then I might change my mind. . .

What do you think of YOUR Goldendoodle? Seriously--I need opinions. Nice temperament? Trainable? What do I look for in a reliable breeder? (I'm an experienced dog owner, but you can't get too many viewpoints.) Lemme know in a comment or contact me via my email (see "tabs"). 

Awkward and Awesome Thursday {#1}

hello ladies and gents! welcome to the first-ever addition of Awkward and Awesome Thursday! (linking up here.) if you read my Titanic 100 post (yes, I know. . .terribly written. it's called 'writers block' in case you were wondering,) you may have noticed my little "schedule change." i've decided to add some formality--er, consistency to the rambles that is michaela's blog. so you can come back each week and say--"oh yeah, now this is supposed to happen," or "today is when. . ." that sort of deal. so. . .Pinteresting Wednesday's, Awkward and Awesome Thursdays' (alternated each week. decided not to do them EVERY week,) 'My Day' probably Saturdays. . .and regular posts in between, whenever i feel like it. are you with me? 

moi. . .and my mom. this is very normal, usual, brilliant. . .perfect when boredom strikes at the bluegrass jam. 

Awkward--

• when an elderly gentleman asks you to dance with him. i'd love to, only the hillbilly-hoedown-stomp isn't my style. "oh, but the longer you wait, the more bashful you'll get about trying." yeah. can you just see me in the middle of the room, shuffling along to bluegrass music, in a church-building ?? o.O 
• when you find yourself talking in the third person while nannying. "just wait until Mimi (aka yours truly,) puts on HER shoes. then SHE'LL take you outside." hey, this is the way 2 year old minds work and comprehend. only i'm not the 2 year old. at least not usually. 
• when Mr. Bingley (aka the young mysterious single guy two doors down,) pulls into his driveway, and mom pulls into the neighbors. . .to "spy". and you look back to see said neighbors sitting in the road, unable to get into their own garage. oh, and Mr. Bingley saw us.
• when you lose your shoes right before leaving work (nannying.) "Well. . .(frantically searching,) you can just let me know if you find them . . .then give them to me next week." we found them on a kitchen chair. 
• when you go to put a jar of pickles in the fridge, and the lid comes off = pickle juice everywhere. sticky, yellow-green, in the drawers and trickling over the floor. this is when a serious amount of patience ("ugh, i can't believe this happened!! it's going to take FOREVER to clean!") and white vinegar come in handy.
• when your puppies fur is full of mats. . .because he needs professional grooming. and he won't sit still to get them picked out. . .i mean, who would actually *like* that? :nervous laugh: maybe i should try brushing him more often. 

see, this is the  culturally "accepted" normal. . .but truly normal people do NOT look like this. ^^

Awesome--

• taking self-portraits with my mom. . .on her iphone. . .in the middle of a bluegrass jam seassion.
• the santa claus man in his straw hat and long white beard screeching out "let the circle, be unbroken!'
• singing (and acting. . .shh, no one's supposed to know,) les miserables loudly upstairs. . .while cleaning . or fixing my hair. or just because. "24601!"
• discovering that as much as i'll never "get" Dr. Who (not that i've watched an episode, but the general idea is there,) David Tennant has the most awesome scottish accent EVER. {it's all your fault, Flop!}
• an incredibly good, new recipe for cookies. from pinterest. best recipe-source in the world. these chocolaty little guys are actually flipped during baking. . .so they turn out slightly browned and crispy and chewy and scrumptious. 
• being off facebook. you know, i don't even think about it?--funny, i can actually "think" now--really think. about important things, like learning more about my Savior. and spending less time on the computer. goodbye politics and drama! i'm a free woman now. B)
• when the twins i nanny are excited about the honey i bring for coffee. . .because Pooh eats honey. and so does Mimi. which makes me special.

and now, ladies and gents, that concludes the first addition of Awkward and Awesome Thursday. Keep, or no keep?--loving that this series "allows" rambling. absolute perfection. oh, and while we're talking, don't forget about the giveaway LPSoaS is hosting, May 14th-24th. really excited about it--this is the first "big" giveaway i've done. keep a lookout! 

Old Navy--color trends--80's flashback // lovin' 2012 spring style!

I usually don't follow trends. Accessories are always overdone (in my humble opinion,) and for years nothing but dark, masculine colors were found in stores. Very unappetizing to a girly-girl's taste. It's interesting to see all the Japanese-inspired clothing making it's way to the US--the Lolita--"cupcake" style, which, low and behold, celebrates PINK and all sorts of feminine color. (!!)

Shopping with my mom is a blast. Especially clothes shopping. Love the stares when folks see two women in skirts--I used to take offense, but now I realize it's not WHAT I'm wearing {because :shock: people do wear skirts!} It's that "dressing up" has gone out of style. Wearing ones pj's out has become the accepted standard--no standard. And we all have to deal with it. Hey, I wasn't bred that way. . .it's insulting. Can't afford nice clothes? Funny, I can't either--but even thrift stores offer decent tops, slacks, skirts. . .and as a recent talk-show host wondered, "what happened to pretty?" If it's not rag-bag, women are ultra "stylish"--AKA all skin, little clothing. "Hot" is the new attractive. . .but ever notice the saggy-panted hoodlum standing aside to let the well dressed lady pass? Well dressed meaning "put together"--a nice blouse, even casual wear that is neat and classy. Oh, and feminine colors aren't a bad idea. I'm tired of seeing women in hard, lifeless shades. Give me a flowery, girly-girl top any day. And ask any guy--feminine, modest ladies are most attractive. 

old navy--peach, mustard, and taupe by michaelacira featuring gauze tops

*end of rant* Even though I don't care for most trends (I like to keep things very simple, something my Italian mother has always stressed,) the clothes/colors this spring are AMAZING. And feminine. Especially--just about everything--at Old Navy. The 80's are back with bright, cheery, florescent pops of turquoise, lilac, mud, misty gray. . .and my favorite combination--cream and/or taupe, mustard, and peach. Mm. {I also love mustard/royal purple.} All 1980's, reminiscent of the Lolita and Mori styles {toned down, of course. We aren't seeing baby-doll dresses or pink wigs. Yet.} I actually bought the stripe-y skirt above, AND the peasant top in both peach and mustard. There are so many pieces that would look fantastic with that skirt. Peasant tops are my new favorite. Trendy, yes, yet timeless enough to give that fun, different, classy feel. 

       

Old Navy is my best friend right now. I don't necessarily adore every item in the above pics, but! just giving color examples. I don't feel like searching for turquoise right now. . .but could you imagine the possibilities? Which reminds me--adoring the weather right now. Sunny skies. Raspberry-jam-chocolate bars. Walks by the lake. Pooh sticks. Does anyone still play Pooh-sticks? It's one of those cozy sorts of things one never grows too old for. What are you loving right now?--tell me about your warm weather adventures, the colors that make you squeal this spring. Girly things like that. Menfolk beware. ;) Note that this blog is undergoing many changes. . .a new name {again}--new design. And there is much more to tell regarding the SAICFF.  B-)

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.

Pinteresting, no?

Yes. I am blogging two days in a row. Crazy, isn't it? Coming from the girl who used to blog every few months or so? ;) Crazy. Anyhow, I'm so glad that the below article encouraged a few of you. I'll probably be writing up following thoughts/ comments within the next couple of days. There is an interesting conversation about the piece between a friend and I, and it's brought on some thought-provoking thoughts. We'll see what becomes of it all. Also, what do you think of my sidebar? To me it's nice and plain, not at all distracting, but it really needs something. Pictures? I don't like templates overloaded with pictures, but I don't want mine to be boring either.

So. All you "random rambling" voters are getting something you want at last!--I've decided to link up to Pinteresting Wednesdays, thanks to Nela. (her Pinterest boards are some of my favorites, btw. You should check them out. And while you're at it, take a look at mine!)

Right now I am listening to ^^ this man. Yep, that would be my very own Andrea Bocelli. (no, take that back. . .I love sharing his voice.) Mmm. . .Tuscany is just stunning. But of course, how else could it be home to the one and only tenor of my heart? 

I'm thinking of retiring there and skipping the seaside village. You may remember me mentioning it in a long ago post. The place of toothless old men, sharp cheese, markets, and handsome fishermen. I would exchange all that (even the toothless old men! o.O ) for these^^ breathless, rolling hills. Imagine waking each morning to that view!

Because Disneyland is my favorite place. EVER. I think about it every day. . .and I want to work in the ice cream parlor. Seriously. What a job--I mean, an old-fashioned, turn of the century style shop right in the middle of quaint, bustling, colorful MainStreet Disney. I'd get to wear one of those fun pointed hats and an apron. . .and talk to people all day. (I announced to the jolly grandfatherly man at the counter that I wanted his job. Of course he thought I was 10 so it was all cute. The things I deal with! :P ) Then on breaks I'd ride Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. . .maybe chat with Petter Pan or Caspian. . .dance with Flynn in a parade. [yes, I need to get a life. no, these things to not consume my usual thought life. Right? Convince me.] 

Haven't mentioned I'm a bit of a Tebow fan, have I? Lets just say I was utterly crushed this past Saturday. Goes to prove that all the nonsense about his 316 pass, the halo in the sky. . .is well, nonsense. Oh, and the Bronco's losing has nothing to do with Timmy's lack of faith, or that he didn't pray hard enough before the game. He is only a man--the Lord can say no. Just some quick thoughts. I still think he is an incredible witness for Christ, even if I don't agree with everything he does. The guy was HOMESCHOOLED. That is amazing--I very much look up to him. :) I'm also becoming more and more fan-ish of football. And I'm pretty sure I'm getting Tim's book for my birthday. Just some hinting around there on my part. ;) 

Red hair. Or nice hair in general. I'm on a quest to have hair that looks like THAT ^^. Don't ever get a perm. . .it damages otherwise healthy hair and turns it into string beans. Also, never try any type of "natural" care on permed hair. Lesson learned on my end. String beans are not very attractive. But anyway. There is something so wild and Celtic about red haired, fair skinned woman. I think I need to create a heroine like that. Something medieval.

This laptop. It is perfection itself. That's all I have to say on the subject.

There you have it! I'm running out of time (the kiddo's I nanny are napping,) or I'd pin--er, post more pictures. To quickly sum up my day--I'm working [love my job,] there is snow on the ground, a house to be cleaned, this video to laugh over, family and a puppy waiting for me at home. (Nick, btw, is at a terrible, uncontrollable stage. . .somehow I love him. ;) Even when he chew's random paint tubes and nearly kills himself by eating half of it.) 

I can't complain. :)