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. 

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? 

"Real"ly happy.

It's time for a happy post--I'm going to type as fast as I can and write as much as possible. . .my nanny-kiddos are just about to get up from their nap. o.O Les Miserables--happy? Yeah, that's what you'll be thinking as you continue reading. But to me, Les Miz IS happiness. Even if it translates "the miserables." Whatever. It's epic in every sense of the word. . .and the movie trailer came out today. MUCH PO (aka Personal Opinion.)

Right now I have a million little things in my head--because I talked this entire post to myself as I swept--silently, for a change of course.  But it was pre-planned. I do that sometimes when I write. . .that way everything flows--I don't really have to "work" on what I'm writing. Or even edit it. Such is me. You know, I've been reading several different blogs lately (and please, don't' think this is at all geared toward YOU.) The big topic is "realness" online. What does that mean to you? For me, what you see is what you get--I try to be exactly who I am IRL online. You see phrases such as "I'm so unique", or "I'm just an unusual person." Really? Aren't we ALL a bit unique and unusual and even quirky in our own ways? That's just part of being a "fearfully and wonderfully" made individual. For example, short quirk-wise list. . .

--I'm 21 years old, and I don't care if Mr. Bingley (the single-young-man-two-doors-down,) sees me jumping and screaming out Irish songs on the trampoline.
 --I dislike most Biblical names (dirty, rotten sinner I am! :P )
--terribly-wounded, dastardly-injured, "I'm so awesome I'm dying-in-my-lovers-arms" heroes are the.most.romantic.things.on.earth. Do not call me morbid .
--I go into "acting mode" when singing Broadway tunes--because "theeerrre, out in the darkness. . .a fugitive runnnnning, fallen from God!" isn't right without proper hand gestures and distinguished expressions.
--I can talk about unimportant topics for hours.
--Thunder storms are exciting.
 --Little things stir the deepest passion of my soul--and I've stayed up entire nights lamenting the death of book characters.
--Huh, so some people can cross their eyes? Can't figure it out for the life of me.
--I can trill my whistles.
--When my family hears the piano banging away. . .it usually means I'm upset.
--My day isn't truly started until coffee is involved. But that isn't a quirk--very normal, most important part of the usual life. Right?

For (another) example, Regular, every-day-human-with-faults--wise. . .

--I wear my heart on my sleeve.
--I'm a bit sensitive, compulsive, and WILL give my opinion. Go ahead, blame the Italian. ;)
 --I usually stay away from the mainstream crowd. "Huh, so everyone else loves that movie. . .better write that one off right now." Which explains my vendetta against Mr. Darcy. :P

--I love deeply. Feel deeply. And I'm passionate about cultivating my Spiritual life. I think this is something many Christians lack--sure, we all sin, but what about *trying* to live for Christ?

// This is who I am. // Which brings me to another very-important-point. The brand-new Les Miserables Trailer. Be warned. Be prepared. Put on your armor. . .and watch for the next post.

Your emails and comments have meant so much to me these past several days. I still miss Nick {my puppy} terribly--sometimes I forget he's not there, suddenly remember, then break down. But your support has been such a blessing--you've encouraged me in more ways then I can say! With each day I'm stronger. . .now to conquer this weird TMJ issue. I'm supposed to stop chewing gum. . .and eating bagels. o.O

Looking up--the Lord is ALWAYS good!

Happy things:

--"Kiss the Girl" from The Little Mermaid.
--Mint-green purses.
--Headscarves. Very much wanting to buy one (Target accessories FTW!) Headbands make me look so young. . .maybe headscarves are the answer! They are flowy and ladylike and pretty. Any clues on how to wear one?
--An upcoming trip to VA. Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, here I come!
--Laughing with my sisters over a "Broadway" version of The Rocky Road to Dublin. Totally amusing.
--Short shopping sprees alone with my parents. . .to choose flowers and herbs for the yard.
--Friends.

Tell me about some of your fun little quirks. What makes you stand out?

Don't forget that there is still time to enter LPSoaS's eShakti giveaway!

thinking in pink*~the random life of yours truly

its time to move on

As much as I enjoyed the discussion on my dancing post , I won't be publishing anymore comments. Nothing personal against anyone, but I'm worried that if I continue replying, I will keep contradicting myself and just make a bigger mess out of things. ;) Sooo . . .thank you all for your input. The subject is now closed, and TLRoS is no longer a depressing blog . . . at least currently. hehe 

andré rieu is my newest favorite musician

Right now my ear buds are in, and as I type I'm listening to the gorgeous strains of violin. As much as I love the piano, the violin has to be the worlds most beautiful instrument. And coming from a such a master! - the Godfather theme, Romeo and Juliet, My Heart Will Go On . . . <---click! (no, I do not in any way endorse the movies these songs come from!) but ohhh. Such beautiful music. It just reaches down into the depths of my (rather dramatic) soul and makes me want to cry. My Groovshark playlist has grown, to say the least. ;)

  

Any of you recognize the gal between Anna (L) and me (R)? we had the honor of meeting the gorgeous Kami while in OR. She is such a blessing and sweetheart.  ♥ you, Kami! 

i'm in love with my piano - go figure

This week has pretty much been allll about music. New, exciting music (for me.) Can I mention enough that my most precious treasure, my deepest passion, is my piano? Though I need a new, *working* one VERY badly. (Which you also know. :P ) Anna has been complaining a lot . . .she says I play too much. Too much? Is there such thing? Of course after I get a song down pact she likes me again. j/k Right now I am desperately in love with THIS song, though my arrangement is a bit different, and The Secret Life of Daydreams, from the 2005 P&P soundtrack.  You can say I was just a *little* excited to find the sheet music at the library. . .I think I need to pay another visit to the music store.

 

mr. bingley moved in the house two doors down

Yep. Five girls. A new neighbor. And who might it be? A SINGLE young man. . .its hilarious. And of course we are all having so much fun . . .teasing each other, being goofy-sisterly-sisters that we are. Right now we're trying to figure out a way to get dad to take him some of our homemade chocolate ice cream.  :P :P

i left part of my heart at the oregon coast

So wild, rugged, awe inspiring. All and everything I imagined my beloved ocean to be. I've always had a fascination with endless, open sea. . .but have never seen anything beyond Lake Erie and Ontario. So it was incredible to dig my toes into the warm sand, smell the salt-infused air, explore the tide pools, climb the rocks, and run yelling down the beach, the wind blowing through my hair. For a moment I forgot anyone was watching. It was just me, the vast, misty-grey Pacific, and its mighty Creator.

the Lord is GOOD

My life has been a whirlwind of constant activity, a phenomenon that only a couple of years ago seemed unattainable. I watched as people I knew saw things, DID things, were surrounded by commotion and fellowship. Me? I was just the untalented, insecure girl who stared out the window, wishing there was SOMETHING I could do. As a woman my job is in the home. But what about social activities? Purpose? He was making me wait. . .He knew the bigger, perfect picture. One thing I've always struggled with in my walk is trust. Oh, I have no problem trusting Michaela - its part of the sinful human nature. Even now, when I see so many things changed in my life, I have to constantly remember that my Lord Jesus is in control. Help me Lord to trust in You, to become the woman of God that I strive to be! Thank you for putting up with my nonsensical ways . . .and most importantly, for faithful parents to lead me along Your Path.

 no matter how hard i try. . .i *always* ramble

But hey, I can't help it. I LOVE to talk. . .and it comes out in my blog posts. Is this a bad thing? ;) Nah!

a current few of my favorite things

Random, spur of the moment tea parties with my sisters.

lacy-pink dresses.

chilled hot chocolate.

zero humidity.

watching an ocean of rippling clouds from an airplane window.

finding treasures at hole-in-the-wall vintage shops. 

breathing life into a much worked on piano piece. 

talking - and singing, though I'm not at all good. 

peonies. . . because they are so much more beautiful then roses.

mini butter and jelly sandwiches. 

creating new, dramatic plots in the life of Renè Boudreaux. . .

 

We were sooo tired. Which is why I look all haggard-out. . .a first-ever flight and major jet lag will do that to someone. :P Anyhow. In the above R pic we were talking about hair. . .you know, girl conversation . . . and THAT was the result. ;) 

i'm thinking of changing my blog name  

What think ye? Anna is constantly changing hers . . . and while I'm rather attached to The Last Rose of Summer, maybe it sounds depressing? I'm sure you've noticed my new header. ;) TLRoS isn't quite fitting anymore. How about something  The Shamrock and the Rose to keep with the Celtic-ish feel?

  Again, note that I do not in any way endorse the movies I mentioned above. o.O In fact, my family very rarely watches movies. . .and when we do, they are NEVER *those* kind. Also, the whole Mr. Bingley thing is all in good fun. ;) You have to admit, the coincidence is pretty amusing. . .

~*a random update of sorts...

Its been quite awhile since I've updated on just every day life (aside from my post here,) soooo I've decided to go ahead and write this post. Yes, I admit to have been avoiding it. Not because life has been unkind (though it is never easy,) but because there is so much to say! ;)

First off,  I must admit that I am immensely pleased with my blog re-vamp. I do this every couple of months..ya know, tire of my current template design, or realize that it just isn't as loverly as maybe one of my sisters (oh yes, go check out their blogs if you haven't!) And so I scramble about for pretty pictures...roses,  Parisian prettiness and the whatnot...voila! The all-new '{The} Last Rose of Summer.' What do you think of my header???

So this and other blogging makeover projects have been keeping me busy. Cabin fever has set in HARD not only for me, but for the entire F. family. Recent events  have made parts of life rather confusing and distracting, but I am trying my very hardest to maintain a good attitude. Of course this is often easier said then done. However I've found that keeping myself constantly busy - even if that means folding *another* load of laundry, is chasing away the winter blues. What have you been doing to cure the cabin fever bug?

Right now I am anticipating my upcoming 20th birthday. TWENTY. For some reason it just isn't sinking in...b-b-but, my childhood days are over. "I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow u-up! Not me." Anyone want to fly away with me to Neverland? 'Cause that's where I'm headed. ;) No, but seriously - I am very much looking forward to what the Lord has planned for my future. 

A couple of weeks ago I did a little study on personality types...so neato! Though I haven't taken any of the tests (yet,) just from reading up on the different traits I've come to the conclusion that I am mainly EXPRESSIVE, but also slightly Analytical/Melancholy as well as a bit Dominant. I am very extroverted, a non-stop talker, (that's an understatement, :P ) fun loving, deep thinking, etc, etc. Anyhow, its been too much fun piecing together the different traits I see in my family members...uh, maybe I should do a more extended post sometime. ;)

I'm looking forward to spring...but aren't we all? March and April mean my friend Kate's English Country Dance Ball, my 2nd time seeing my favorite Celtic group The High Kings in concert, and the most thrillingest part...Les Miserables, live from the West End (but with an American cast). :faint:

Uncle Tom's Cabin may be a controversial novel, but its one of my favorites. Forget the propaganda part of it all...its.simply.beautiful. So gorgeously written, and the storyline! - though I could have done without Eva St. Clare's perfection. Honestly. But her father's character swept me away, and I confess, Augustine St. Clare's death scene literally kept me awake a whole night. :nervous laugh: Me, become attached to fictitious characters? *ahem* But its pretty hard *not too*, when an author has breathed life into them, made them REAL...Anyone agree??

I'm dreaming of a new piano. It is my biggest passion and prayer. Playing the piano, letting all my stress, my joy, my peace, my deepest feelings flow from my fingers...feeling the spine-tingling thrill when I touch those keys and music spills forth - music created by me. Its indescribable. Lord willing I will save enough this year not only to buy a spinet, but also begin lessons again. o.O My goal is to get some sort of degree and teach from the home.



I've never seen The Princess Bride, and am proud of the fact. Just had to throw that out there. Ok, so I fell into the peer pressure and saw several of the Austin movies, (no comment or opinion, :P ) but no...The Princess Bride has never been seen in the F. home.

Last but not least, I am thrilled to be hosting my very first giveaway - don't forget to enter!

{I will be very impressed if you made it allll the through this rather random post ;) }

Hm. Come to think of it, I really didn't update you at all...oy. hehe

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!}

One more dawn, one more day...! and specialness of the season.

Happy New Years Eve, dear readers! :) I've been wanting to put this post up for several days now, but never had the chance. Well here it is at last!

Ah...right now I'm listening to 'One Day More', from the musical Les Miserables. No matter how many times I listen to that song, I never get tired of it. And it just seems so appropriate for today, considering we are at the brink of the New Year.

"Tomorrow we'll discover what our God in heaven has in store!

One more dawn, One more day, One day mooooore!"

So triumphant. Makes me all tingly inside, thinking of all the potential possibilities 2011 may bring. This evening I spent several minutes in deep prayer, dedicating the coming year to Christ. The future is both frightening yet exciting: 2011 will mark my 20th year. Whew, how time flies! I'm looking forward to reading the Bible in a year with some friends on facebook, getting my temps (no, I don't drive! I know how...but thats another story, ;) ) and most importantly, striving for a closer relationship with my Jesus.

There are SO many highlights to look over this past year...so for now I'll only mention a few special Christmasy things...

As you all know...I am a HUGE Andrea Bocelli fan. Possibly his biggest fan ever. ;) And I like opera. Now of course I am *extra* choosy when it comes to opera, and mostly I only like Italian. Female singers of most sorts are an especially a big no. So why do I say I like opera? lol 

Anyhow. Carmen is an opera I can tolerate, and it isn't even Italian! But that's besides the point. Anything featuring Andrea's incomparable, glorious, magnificent, stunning voice blows me away. 

:sigh:

Shortly before Christmas I received a package from one of my closest friends, Nicole. Boldly written  on the package were the words "do not open until Christmas". O-k. Tough as it was to wait, it was very much worth it! I was so blessed to find this precious keepsake when I *finally* opened my loot...

 Sooo lovely! I just adore the little box.


The tiny picture features me, Nicole, and our mutual friend Hannah. Love you girls!


Somehow I think this photo should have come *before* the one of the necklace (above.)  hehe Ah well. Isn't the drawer the yummiest thing ever?

An especially special part of this year was "meeting" one of my bestest friends, Flop (aka Alexandra :P )  via Blogger. Ally has been an encourager, entertainer, buddy, girly-friend, and all around blessing! Love you tons and tons, Flop!

The above pictures are pretty much self explanatory. If I'm the worlds biggest Andrea fan, I am a world-renowned, fanatic aficionado of Les Miserables. Oh, and dark chocolate. Ally knows me a little too well! ;)

I made a batch of traditional Italian Toto cookies for our *very* quiet Christmas day. My family doesn't make a huge to-do about Christmas as it is, but we do have a few special traditions. "Toto" is one of them.

Oooh...nutty,  chocolaty, not overly sweet, balanced perfectly with aromatic allspice and cinnamon. (I usually omit the cloves.) Hungry yet? ;) 

Italian Toto Cookies

3 cups flour

3/1 c. cocoa

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/3 tsp allspice

1/3 tsp cinnamon

3/4 c. butter

1 c. sugar

3 eggs

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Glaze

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, allspice, cloves and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar. In another bowl beat eggs. Stir eggs into creamed mixture with vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, then nuts. Form into 1 inch balls and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for about 15 minutes. Prepare glaze. Frost cookies while still warm.

*I make the glaze mixture "wet" enough to just dip the tops of the cookies lightly. 

Glaze

1 c. powdered sugar

3/4 tsp vanilla

1tbsp milk

Combine sugar and vanilla. Stir in milk a little at a time until of spreading consistency. 

Enjoy!!

2011 - here I come*~

Tag , you're it!

I have been trying (and failing) to get this tag up for the past 2 days or so - Blogger just won't format my post right, no matter what I do to it. :-/ Its starting to become a little irritating, especially since mostly everybody else has already filled out their tag and moved on to different things...ah well. ;) Here goes one more try, and if it works...I guess you already know, 'cause your reading this right now. haha 

Okie-dokie, here goes! :)

I NEVER fill out tags, unless they are exceptionally interesting or unique. Well this one is! Rebecca of Sewing in the Past tagged me, and I highly approve! (good choice of questions Rebecca. :) ) 

1. what time period would you travel back to? (why?)

Ooh, hard question. I think it would be fascinating to travel back to around 1776 to see the birth of our nation. (Why oh why isn't there are real Mr. Whit? I mean, the Imagination Station was pure genius! I'd use it every day. :P ) It is so easy to fall into the romanticized "Yankee Doodle" type picture when idealizing the era, but think about it. What terrors and triumphs did our forefathers face in their fight for liberty? 

I fell in love with the 18th century even before visiting Colonial Williamsburg about 5 years ago; the 4 days spent there only deepened my enthrallment. The heroic glories of the Revolution, the culture, lifestyle, quaint style of dress...its enough to bring on the goosebumps. But maybe that's because my dad instilled quite a bit of good 'ol Patriotism in his girls. ;)

- and seriously. Is there possibly anything more dashing then a tri-cornered hat?! I think I see a Williamsburg post comin' soon! ^_^

2. what five things make you extremely happy?  

1. my Jesus

2. my family

3. playing the piano for looonnnggg blissful hours

4. gazing spellbound at a vast body of water

5. biting into a freshly baked, still gooey-warm chocolate chip cookie.

(wait, only 5 things? I could think of dozens more! ;) ) 

3. you find that your great-uncle twice removed on your mother's side died and left you something huge. You arrive and discover it is a ____. What is your reaction? (fill in the blank)

He left me money...nooo...a grand piano. (He'd also have to leave me a house large enough to fit it in. j/k) I would probably scream, faint, maybe even cry. Then obviously I'd sit down and let my fingers run over the keys. 

4. have you met a celebrity? been somewhere famous? 

Actually yes (and/or sorta yes) to both questions.

Famous places: Niagara Falls (both the NY and Canadian sides,) Toronto Canada, Chattanooga TN, Colonial Williamsburg VA, Historic Jamestown VA, Naval Base Norfolk, Washington DC, The Smithsonian  Institution, etc, etc.

Famous (and famous-ish) people: I saw President George W. Bush and heard him speak at an '04 campaign rally. It was truly one of the most thrilling experiences of my entire life, but I'd best move on before I write a full length novel of a blog post. ;) 

Lets see...in '08 I got Rudy Giuliani's autograph, then awhile later attended a rally for the McCain/Palin running team. Yeps. We F's like our politics! (- and we're not Palin supporters...*ahem* {move on Michaela, move on!} :P lol )

Ok, so as far as literally meeting people, that's only 1 famous person, isn't it? But wait. JUST this past August I was beyond privileged to meet and spend quite a bit of time with all for band members of my favorite Irish/Celtic music group, The High Kings. (Yay, finally some non-political people! Oh, and this is where the "famous-ish" part comes in. THK aren't terribly well known in the States yet, though they are hugely popular in their homeland of Ireland. )

**side-note**  - when I came home from THK concert I was a bit shocked and VERY ecstatic to find an FB friends request from Brian Dunphy, one of the band members. I added him then sent Darren Holden (another HK ) a request. Now I have 3 of The Kings in my list. Neato or what?!?! 

5. your favorite recipe please?  

This is a tough one. A favorite meal of my family  is a pasta dish known as "Salsa Cruda." Thick, pasty tomato sauce is unheard of in Italy, (my mothers homeland) having originated on the Island of Sicily. Rather a simple sauce of raw chopped tomatoes, 5-6 cloves chopped garlic, fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and unrefined sea salt is very popular. Mmmm...very aromatic and d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s.

6. what's an obscure movie that nobody has probably ever seen that you really like...?

Definitely "The Thief" trilogy, movies made in the 70's on the rapture. My parents first watched them when they were newlyweds, then just a couple of weeks ago my mom re-discovered the series on youtube and introduced them to Anna and I. 

- I HIGHLY recommend looking them up!

I can't say I absolutely adore the movies,  as they are anything but heartwarming. Yet I REALLY like them - a lot. Why? They are powerful, impacting, deep, inspiring, breathtaking, gripping, thought-provoking...life changing.   Yes they were obviously made on a tight budget - the hair and clothes are hilariously outdated, the acting really bad.  But the story and message they convey...! I couldn't begin to put into words the emotions I felt after watching the first two movies (looking forward to seeing the 3rd soon!) - but there were many awed conversations and tears on the parts of both me and Anna.

7. something you want really, extremely,  exceedingly, terribly bad. 

A "new" piano (especially my friends little spinet. ;) Shhhh don't tell them! hehe ) I currently own a big antique Gulbransen upright piano. Though the body is still in beautiful condition, several of the hammers no longer work, making learning new pieces...um...interesting? It is my most passionate dream to buy a used spinet or studio piano in good working condition! 

8. a dream that you wish to come true...occur...? (not necessarily a "nighttime" dream...like a "daytime" dream)

Hmm...thats an easy one. To get married someday! (I think every girl who's filled out this tag has said that. ;) ) 

Otherwise one of my BIGGEST "daytime" dreams? I'd do anything to travel to Europe. Italy. (plenty of free food and lodging! o.O Almost all of my mom's family still live in Italia.) France. (more food and lodging! ^_^ ) The British Isles: England, Scotland, IRELAND. (no luck on free anything there...hum.) 

I can just imagine driving the country back roads of the old-world with Anna in a rented Mini Cooper. We'd stop by a whimsical little coffee shop or perhaps an outdoor cafe and people watch, all while consuming some of the delectable local fare. Ahhhhh...once again I'd better stop before...oh forget the novel! This tag is nearly log enough to be one! :P 

OK! ~  my questions and tagged people at last.  Please take a moment to fill out the tag - its lots of fun! Then come up with 8 of your own questions...tag 8 people...then sit back and read the results!

1. Who is your hero/heroine (fictitious or non-fictitious.)  What do you find the most inspiring about this person?

2. Do you have a namesake? If so, is there a story behind your name?

3.  An anonymous person gives you a free ticket to any destination in the world, all expenses paid, including food, airfare, and lodging. You may take only three special possessions with you.  Where would you go, and what would you bring?

4. What do you expect to be doing in 10 years?

5. Are there any treasured traditions in your family?? 

6. Opera. To like or not to like, that is the question. 

7. Did you grow up listening (and maybe still listen) to Adventure in Odyssey? Who was/is your favorite character?  

8. Has the Lord done anything recently in your life that has strengthened your faith in Him? 

I tag:

Anna @ Send Me a Song

Blyth @ A Simple Farmgirl 

Alexandra @ Of Trims and Frills and Furebelows 

(Ally - ya don't don't have to fill another tag out if you don't want to, but I'm tagging you anyway. ^_^ )

Rachel @ A Stroll Through My Rose Garden

Kate @ Kitty's Gone A-Milkin' 

Laurie @ Old-Fashioned Charm

Rebecca @ Sewing in the Past

Katie @ In the Midst 

Looking forward to reading you answers!