In God We Still Trust

Writing Blog

2012-02-29T08:27:00.001-08:00

Go check out my writing blog

HERE

In God We Still Trust

2012-02-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

This song is where I got the idea for my blog name. It's a great song.
And should make all of us think!

Growing up . . . and Learning to Be Okay With It

2012-02-23T18:55:00.004-08:00

So as of the last few months, I have felt myself growing and turning into someone new. Not the same ol' Ashley that I used to be. I miss her sometimes - the girl who could sit around and do nothing and wished that she had something to do. Wished that she could have a good story plot. A girl who could listen to music all day --- oh wait, I can still do that. False alarm.

But the thing I've been noticing most of all is that THINGS are changing. My brain doesn't work like it used to. With my busy schedule and all that's going on, I don't have time for things that I used to have time for. I don't have time to be on the computer as much, nor do I have time to sit and read a book (unless it's in the evening before bed).

With a few random jobs here and there, and finishing up school, my life is in crazy mode right now. Some days I wish that it would slow down and let me catch up. The end of February is drawing near, and I'm pretty sure that my 18th birthday in November was just here.

Now, unlike before I don't have a lot of time to be on the computer - unless it's for work. I usually get some pleasure computer time sometime during the day but sometimes I just don't feel like being on the computer anymore.

And as for never having story plot ideas when I was younger? Man. Now they come at me like a freight train, one after another. I barely have time to write out the ideas for one before another one comes sauntering into my brain saying, 'hello, please write me down so that someday when you have time maybe you'll think of me and write me'. Too many plot ideas, too little time.

And I've been learning that growing up can also mean growing apart. As I'm learning who I am as a Christian and as a person in the world, I'm also starting to understand that as we grow older we start to lose things that we had when we were children. i.e., favorite people in our lives (people who looked awesome when we were kids, but as we get older we realize how different we truly are. I had this happen with a person that I am related to. She was my role model growing up. Now as I'm a Christian teenager and she's a bit older and not a Christian, I realize that we are completely different) We can also grow apart from friends.

I think growing apart from friends has got to be the hardest thing that can ever happen. Friends are people that we know that we can go to when we're having problems and they'll be on our side, no matter what. Sometimes there's one thing that happens that causes people not to be friends anymore. But sometimes it's gradual and there's no way to stop it. And that just has to be okay.

I'm trying to figure out where I'm going in my life and where God wants me to be. I've been writing a story called A World Without Sound about a girl whose deaf and is trying to find her place in the world. She's been living in the same town, in the same house for all her life - just like me. Truthfully, we are very similar. Of course, there are things about her that are different but I couldn't make my character just like me, could I?

So if you are my friend, please excuse me as I'm still growing. As that one saying goes - I'm still under construction, God isn't finished with me yet. Well, that might not be it word for word but that's the gist of it.

I'm going to try my hardest to let God work in my life the way he sees fit. Even when I don't feel like my life is going the way that I had planned. 'Cause he's got a plan greater than anything that I can even imagine. Wow, I just can't wait to see what it is.

In closing to this blog post, I'm going to post a Brandon Heath song that talks about growing up - and how God is always working in our lives.

~Ashley

#thatawkwardmomentwhen . . .

2012-02-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

. . . editing becomes more fun than the actual writing of a story.

Sometimes I hate when my writing process goes this way instead of the other way. Should I try to get more writing done, in place of editing/making a cover for a story that is yet to be finished? Um, yes. I should.

But most of the time, I have a better chance of writing a good story when I already have a good cover. Somehow it helps me put the story into perspective when I see the cover.

For example, when I'm looking for a book to read, I have to like the cover of the book before I pick it up and start reading. I don't know why but covers are important to me.

So making a cover for a World Without Sound will hopefully make it easier for me to have a better story now that I can see what the cover will look like.

I . . . hope.

~Ashley

A World Without Sound cover is copyrighted by AshleyStrawser & HannahLyter.

Wow.

2012-01-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life can sure take you for a loop. I guess that's one thing about life - you never know what's going to happen next, or whether or not you'll have the life you had the day before.

Today, my mom woke up just fine, being her normal self. Then all of a sudden, she told me that she couldn't remember things that had been happening in the past week and a half - she didn't remember quitting her job, or taking some tests for her new job as a Disney travel agent. I wasn't sure what was wrong - so I called Dad upstairs to their room, where Mom was laying down.

Dad called my grandparents over - my grandma is a nurse, and they eventually ended up taking her to the hospital forty-five minutes away from our house. Mom has been under a lot of stress lately, and so we're thinking that it might be related to that.

Please be in prayers for her. My mom is my best friend. If this wasn't her, she'd be the one that I was talking to about what was going on.

Right now, she's at the hospital. My grandpa called and said that they had taken her back to a room, but they haven't heard anything since then.

I turned on Christian music, and am letting that soothe me while I'm praying for and thinking of my mom. One song came up, though, that seriously made me stop in my tracks, and I think that it was played just for me.

Well Hello, Do You All Remember Me?

2011-12-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

Decided to put a funny picture to start out my post, because everyone needs to have a little giggle at something every day, right?

Of course they do.

I've been so busy that I barely have time for my writing, let alone do I have time to get online and write a blog post! I used to have a phone call with my best friend every day, but now we rarely ever talk on the phone anymore. Does that make me a bad best friend? LOL, I sure hope not.

Busy, busy times. But ya know, isn't that just life? Especially as I get older. Well, whatever.

Christmas was really good! We had a great time. On Christmas Eve, we went to my grandparents house for the day, to spend time with my uncles, aunts, and cousins. There were (with my brother) 6 little boys under the age of 7. It was surely interesting. Not gonna lie.

It was quite an experience, but a good one! It was nice to have us all together now that my uncle and aunt got home with my baby cousin, Grant, from Korea!

Then on Christmas Eve evening, we opened all our gifts. That's not normal for us, usually we open Christmas day. But because this year Christmas was on a Sunday, we knew we'd be going to church, and wouldn't want to get up super early for gifts.

Christmas day we got up and went to church - we had a nice church service full of special music and a great message by our pastor. After that, we came home and had my grandparents over for stromboli~ our Christmas day meal tradition.

As for New Years Eve, I'm not sure exactly what we're doing yet! I don't have any plans! I'll probably be ringing in the new year here are home!

Wish you all a very Happy New Year!

~Ashley

Blog Party by Abigail!

2011-11-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Abigail at Abigail Kraft is hosting this blog party that I just felt like I needed to be a part of because it looks like a ton of fun!
{Party Questions}

1} What's the nerdiest/geekiest/weirdest thing about you?

Probably the fact that I'm so weird that I can't find just one thing to mention! My geekiest quality - well, I'm a writer, and I have glasses. Does that count??

2} If you could live in a fictional universe from any book, movie, or television show, what would it be?

I would love to live one day as Juliet O'Hara from Psych. I don't think that I'd forever want to be a police detective - but I think that it might be fun to do for a day or two!

3} Little or big, practical or frivolous, what is one of your favorite items in your house?

My favorite things, huh??? My iPod touch, my laptop and my guitar.

4} Do you like animated movies? If so, what is your favorite?

I absolutely, positively love animated movies. My favorite? Definitely Tangled!

5} What is your favorite household chore?

We're supposed to have a favorite? Maybe washing the dishes. Since I need to do it all the time anyway, I might as well enjoy it, right?

6} What's your favorite thing to get at Starbucks (or your favorite coffee shop)?

Vanilla Latte!

7} What is your favorite pizza topping?

I like pepperoni, ham, bacon & hamburg all together! So, meat lovers!

8} Waffles or pancakes?

Waffles!

9} Do you like to play games? If so, what is your favorite?

We don't play games too much, but when we do, I always have fun! I really enjoy the game Apples to Apples because every game is very different and there's always fun in it!

10} Have you ever let anyone win a game?

No! I like to win! ;)

11} Have you ever dyed your hair?

I've highlighted it a time or two, but I actually like the color of my hair and don't want to change it.

12} Do you make your bed every morning?

Um...no. Never. I figure that since I'm going to crawl back into it that night anyway, there's no reason for me to make it!

13} Picasso or Norman Rockwell?

N.A

14} Do you like carpet, tile, or hardwood floors?

I grew up with hardwood floors - we live in an old house - so anything different is weird to me! So I prefer hardwood.

15} If you could put one thing in a safe under your bed, what would it be?

My notebooks full of stories that I wrote.

16} What's your favorite condiment?

Ketchup! My family says that I need that shirt that says "I put Ketchup on my Ketchup". It's only true.

17} Have you ever thrown up on someone (excluding when you were a child)?

Um...other than myself? NO.

18} What was the last thing that made you laugh?

Talking on the phone to my best friend, Kylie & thinking back to the time that we had together when I was at her house last November!

19} Think fast...what's the first song that pops into your head?

Firework by Katy Perry

Just Another Monday

2011-11-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

Wow, Mondays always seem to be the craziest day of the week. We have to get back into the swing of things about an all-too-short weekend of sitting around and being lazy!

So our Monday today was particularly crazy. We started out the day working on laundry! Mom did it all today, so we don't have any to worry about the rest of the week, which is really nice! I don't mind doing laundry, but I'm so glad that it's done and I have stuff that I can wear all week.

Then Mom and I spent almost all day working on cleaning the entire downstairs. Most of the day I listened to music while I worked on the dining room! Now Mom and I have what we call our 'office'. It's a place for both of our computers and our calendars and planners and such.

I should have really cleaned my room today, too, but I didn't feel the need to since we worked on the whole downstairs. Although, I did clean off the landing up to my attic-bedroom. It had been full of clothes and shoes forever now and it was good to get all the stuff off of it. So now all I need to work on is getting my room all the way finished.

Tomorrow I'm working all day. Not sure of what I'll be working on tomorrow, but most likely I'll be answering the phones and doing receptionist work.

Wednesday, I'm going away with a friend and hopefully getting the rest of my Christmas shopping done! I am usually done by this time of year, and for whatever reason, I'm not! So I really would like to finish it up.

Thursday is Thanksgiving! I'll be sure to post about that later on in the week! :)

~Ashley

Beautiful People - Holiday Edition

2011-11-20T15:28:00.001-08:00

I think that this month, since it's the first "real" book that I've ever written by myself, I'll focus on writing about my NaNo book so the questions will be focused on that. :)
My main character's name is Lainey.

1. What kind of holidays do they celebrate, if any?
I almost always have the Christmas season in my books. If there's not Christmas, there's usually one of the other major holidays, such as Easter or Fourth of July. There always has to be some sort-of holiday in my book because it just adds spice to the book.

In Lainey's book, there is a Christmas season, and a couple of birthdays that are celebrated.

2. What are they most thankful for?

I think that Lainey is most thankful for the family and friends that she has been blessed with. She knows that she couldn't live without them & that they were given to her for a reason.

3. Do they have any family traditions?

Hmmm....well, her family gets together on Christmas day to exchange gifts and have a large lunch together. In the story, her brother, Kent and his wife Kaelyn, had just had a baby, so it was something fun to add to the story - having a baby around at Christmastime.

4. What is their most memorable holiday memory?

Mostly just having the time to spend with her family & being able to be with them during the season.

5. What is the most memorable gift they have ever received?

Lainey would say it was her guitar. She doesn't play it much - but when she gets the chance, she loves to. And toward the end of the book, she picks back up her guitar and starts strumming again, finding her love for it once again.

6. Do they consider it important to be with family during celebrations?

For sure! Lainey doesn't have an amazing relationship with her family, but she does think that it's important to be with them. She doesn't get along with her family a lot, but she does love them.

7. Do they usually wait till the last minute to purchase gifts, or do they buy them ridiculously early?

No, Lainey is definitely a planner. I think it's because I mostly based her off of me. She's so much like me, actually, that sometimes I even get surprised by some of the things that she does! I'm thinking 'um...am I gonna do that sometime?' Well, anyway, the point was, she's a planner and she always buys her gifts early.

8. Favorite Christmas song? For fantasy authors, is music a part of their celebration?

I'd have to say that it's a toss-up between Hark the Harold Angels Sing & Silent Night.

9. Do they celebrate for religious reasons?

As Christians, yes.

10. How do they celebrate the beginning of the new year?

Huh, I didn't even think about bringing in the new year in the story. Maybe I'll have to add that in a second draft. Gives me some ideas!

NaNo is AWESOME

2011-11-19T16:27:00.001-08:00

So, wow. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started writing my NaNo story. I couldn't believe it when I wrote 20K in the first two days.

It definitely slowed down from there but I didn't stop writing all together because I knew more than anything that I wanted to finish NaNo and do it well, and as quickly as I could.

My story slowly started coming together and my characters became real to me. Especially when I found people that I could use for my main characters. Truthfully, I just found my main girl character yesterday, after watching Monte Carlo with Selena Gomez and Katie Cassidy. Well, after watching it, I knew that Katie Cassidy was my main girl character in the story. Her name is Lainey, and they just reminded me so much of each other - in looks. For whatever reason, the picture won't move from the top center of this post, that's why it's there and not here.

I reached 50K on November 16th - the day after my 18th birthday, so it was an awesome birthday present. I couldn't believe when I actually reached my goal. It was kind-of bittersweet though, but NaNo has seriously helped me get myself to write, and now that I'm finished with it, I want to keep writing.

Today, November 19th, I finished my story. Well, sort-of. I have a lot of things to add and subtract but the basic story is written. And I'm really excited about it.

NaNo made me want to write all the time. I have a million other plot ideas written in a notebook that I'm excited to get started on. Not that I don't already have a ton of stories that are already started that need writing.

There is one that I'm working on right now that I can't wait to get more writing done in. It was probably my best written 20-pages-in-a-notebook-story, but after that far, I didn't know where to go with it. I may have to start over and figure out a better plot, but I can't wait to get started on it and actually follow through.

I've gotten to a point where I know that the first draft of a story doesn't have to be perfect. Because it's not going to be. The first draft has to be just that...the first draft. It can be written sloppily and even stupidly, and the second time around can we fixed. That's the point. And I can't wait to write some more.

Because writing is fun.

And I love it.

~ashley

Week One = Finished

2011-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

NaNoWriMo.

I didn't know what to expect when I started it. I was a little intimidated by it, to be honest. I didn't know if I'd be able to make it to the end of the 50K in the 30 days that I was allowed to finish it in.
I was scared, too. I had my plot down, but not very well - just the chapter summary, and a little about the characters. Not really enough to truly start a story and actually keep it going.

But when I started writing, I really got into the story. My characters came to life right away - the main character, Lainey, was really easy to get into (she's very much like me),and my best friend character, Taite, is very interesting in her own ways.

My plot is eh. I like it, but it's not coming along the way that I necessarily wanted it to. What I've learned about NaNo is that the point isn't for the story to be perfect, but for writers to get themselves writing. To actually sit down and write like crazy and not stop for any reason except to eat and maybe sleep?

At any rate, I'm loving it. Within the first two days, I had 20K but I'm starting to slow down some.

Total Word Count: 29,827

If you're a NaNo-er, comment and let me know what you're word count is, and how NaNo is going for YOU this year.

Also, if you'd like to find me on the NaNoWriMo website - my username is AshleyStraws

NaNoWriMo

2011-10-31T07:32:00.000-07:00

So last year when NaNo came around, I had a small plot and some ideas, but nothing really set in stone. I kind-of failed. Pretty badly.

It could also be because Novembers are really busy with my birthday, Thanksgiving and stuff like that.

But no excuses this year! I plan to beat my record and get more than 30K this year! I know that I can do it - I just have to set my mind to it.

So a couple of months ago, I had a dream, and that's where my plot is coming from. I don't want to go into details, but maybe as I'm writing, I'll try to let you know that's going on in my plot and how well I'm doing. :)

As for right now, I have the story plotted out and put into a chapter summary. I also have my character sketches. Right now I'm trying to work on familiarize myself with the characters and their differences.

That right there might be the hardest part. I can easily write a character sketch, but trying to make every character different is something that's difficult for me.

If I do write the 50K book in November, it will be the second book that I've finished with more than 50K in it. And the first one was not really...good, I guess. I don't even know how I wrote 50,000 in it - because it's like...bad.

Okay, okay, the plot is good enough. But the story itself is just bad.

So I'm shooting for something better this time around.

Wish me luck!

Photo Book

2011-10-31T06:43:00.001-07:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own personalized photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Beautiful People: NaNoWriMo Edition

2011-10-24T12:45:00.001-07:00

Sum up your novel in five words or less.
Girl. Work. Guy.
Novel title?
None as of yet. I still need to think about this one.
Sum up your main character(s) in one word each.
Lainey - Outgoing
Trent - Workaholic
Taite (girl) - Romantic
Advice for newbies in three words?
Don't stress - write.
Tell us about your secondary characters, how do they affect the story?
Taite (Lainey's best friend) is the one that keeps her going through everything. She gives her great advice and keeps the story moving. I also picture her witty and funny.
Do you plan to stay up till midnight on the 31st?
Haha, no. I don't think that I could swing that with my parents, or myself. :)
How many years have you done NaNo?
Haaa...I tried this last year, and failed miserably - only got to about 30,000 words. But this year I'm hoping to get farther. Whether or not I hit 50K doesn't really matter as long as I get more than I did last year.
What came first, characters, or plot idea?
Ooh...both are important, but I think that the plot comes first for me. Not a full plot, but I have to have a rough outline before I can just make up characters (names and such), when I don't have a situation to put them into.
How much prep do you do before November?
I still haven't done near enough, so I need to get working on the rest of my plot, and get my characters done before I start writing on the first.
Now be honest, how do you really feel about NaNo?
It intimidates me. But this year, I hope to beat it.

Another Busy Couple of Weeks

2011-10-01T12:02:00.001-07:00

It seems that no matter what, we’ve been having busy weeks. It’s crazy. I used to wish that I would be busy. I was jealous of the people who had something to do every day of the week. Now that it’s my life – I would like to have my boring, doing nothing life back. LOL

Last Friday, my family went to see Dolphin Tale in the theaters. The movie was awesome! It was definitely a great family movie, and I would recommend it to anyone that wants a decent movie for the entire family.

Friday evening and Saturday we had a wedding rehearsal & wedding for friends of ours. It was a great ceremony and it was beautiful.

Then we just had a lot of random things to do throughout the week – music lessons and I worked on Thursday. I’ve only been working once a week because of school, and trying to get everything done it getting harder and harder. But I like to work, and it’s great experience.

Yesterday, Mom and I went shopping to get me some clothes for my senior pictures that I’m going to be getting taken sometime this month. I got some awesome tops, a couple of sweaters and a pair of boots that I have been eying up for about a month. (Actually, I found them at one Wal-Mart and could never find them again. But I found them yesterday, and was really excited! LOL)

Next week is really busy too, with music lessons, work and I leave for a friends’ house next Friday. I can’t wait to be there for a week and able to get away from my busy life for a little while!

~Ashley

Monday Randomness

2011-09-19T17:40:00.001-07:00

So to start out the morning, I had a cup of coffee. Because if usually if I don’t have coffee, I don’t have a very good day. It just doesn’t work very well in my favor.
Interestingly enough, if you know that we’re Disney fans in this house, you’ll know why I used this particular mug. But as I was drinking out of it, I realized just how weird it would probably look to a random person just walking by or who just happened to see me drinking out of it.

So then we did school, of course. I had a couple of things I needed to get caught up on and I did just that.

When Mom came home from the post office, she brought home this:
This book hasn’t even come out yet, but Mom asked for a review copy of it, so we got it early. I can’t wait to read this and see what happens! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jenny B. Jones. I can only HOPE to be anything like her as an author someday!

Then later, Mom and I dropped Gracie off at her orchestra practice and did a little bit of shopping. Because shopping is just a lot, lot, lot of fun! I got a pair of jeans. I think that’s it.

Then I came home and decided that before we ate supper, I was going to play my guitar. I haven’t been playing it much but the last two days I’ve played it. My fingers hurt because I haven’t played enough but it’s nice to get back into the swing of things.

That’s my Monday.
And the rest of the week is going to be JUST as busy.

~Ashley

My Senior School Year

2011-09-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

First, Mom and I worked on my blog template and made it something more 'me'. I love my new topper and my new template. Let me know what YOU think of it! :)

________________________________________________________________

Next, I thought that I would post what curriculum I am using for my senior year of high school. We started a couple of weeks ago with school and I've been really liking my senior year, even though it's...well, um, hard?

I'm doing a Study of Proverbs for Bible.
This particular study is really interesting and I love digging deeper into the Proverbs as they are one favorite books of the Bible.
Business Math
I am not one of those 'math people', actually I hate math. But last year I did consumer math, and I'm ending my school years off with business. Something practical and easy to work with.
Anatomy
I'm not a science person either. But when I was finished with my science credits in 10th grade, I decided to pick some fun science courses that I was actually going to like! I did Marine Biology last year (which rocked!) and this year I'm doing a study of the human body. Loving it so far too.
Greek
I've tried to do a couple of different languages and have really disliked all of them. I prefer English. :) But I like Greek.
Lord of the Rings Study (all the books)
I wasn't sure what I was going to think of this particular study because I don't really like fantasy books that much. But as soon as I started the book I was completely drawn in by it, and am loving the books! I am still in the first one but can't wait to see what's going to happen in the books to come!
Mystery of History: Volume 1
We've already done this when I was in maybe 8th grade. But this time around, I'm doing the teaching (reading it to Gracie and myself). I love the way the book is set up and it's easy enough to understand that I don't sit in front of the book and go 'uh, what?'
Critical Thinking
This is more of just an extra.

I'm actually kind-of sad that this is my last year of school because there is so much more to learn. I don't plan to go to college, but I will definitely try to keep educating myself.

~Ashley

New Things On My Blog

2011-09-15T17:34:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you noticed but I added pages at the top of my blog.

There's an About Me page, which pretty much speaks for itself. It's a little bit more about myself so that if you're just visiting my blog for the first time, you're not completely confused by me and my randomness.

There's also a page I called My Other Blogs.

I share two blogs with my best friend, Kylie. We have Ashen Sky Books and then we also have Beautiful in Christ.

Ashen Sky Books is where you can keep tabs on current writing projects that Kylie and I are working on.

Beautiful in Christ is a blog where we encourage teenage girls to stand up and follow Christ. We remind them how beautiful and valued they are by their Savior, the Lord, Jesus Christ.

The last page is called My Writing Projects.

I just redid this page this evening so if you have already checked it out, be sure to go back because I added a lot more and it's more detailed than it was earlier.

I have been a writer since I was about 10 years old but my writing has become more and more frequent in the last couple of years. I'm not great author but I do love to write as much as I possibly can.

Be sure to check out my new pages and let me know what you think of them! :)

~Ashley

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 10

2011-09-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

Day 10: Your Special Someone

Like Katie - the girl who runs the 30 Days Blog Challenge - I do not know who my special someone is yet.

Someday I'll meet him and we'll fall in love and then we'll get married, but until then, I'm happy being single.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 9

2011-09-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Day 9: TV Shows

Psych is my all-time favorite TV show. I can watch it anytime and never get bored with it.
I also really enjoy watching Monk.
Charlie's Angels
Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries
Full House

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 8

2011-09-08T17:26:00.001-07:00

Day 8: A Picture of Your Friends

*Kylie and me* – she’s my writing buddy and my best friend.

*Natalie, Sam and me*

*Julia and me*

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 7

2011-09-07T09:02:00.001-07:00

Day 7: Favorite Vacation

EASY!

DISNEY WORLD!!!!!

For some reason, my computer will not let me add any more photos, which really stinks. But I think you get the idea of what place I love more than anywhere else. LOL

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 6

2011-09-07T08:58:00.001-07:00

Day 6: Movies:

Like Katie did, I am going to do it in categories so I don't just have to pick out a couple that I really love. :P

Favorite Chick Flick: Letters to Juliet or Leap Year
Favorite Disney Movie: Tangled
Favorite 80's Movie: Some Kind of Wonderful
Favorite 90's Movie: Mmm . . . I can't think of one that I really love.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 5

2011-09-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Day 5: A Picture That Makes You Happy

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 4

2011-09-07T08:47:00.001-07:00

Day 4: Family

(This is me as a baby with my Mom and Dad. Dad was sure rockin' the mustache. And the um, hair. Now he has no mustache and little hair.)

(I was an only child for the first 7 years of my life. Here my parents and I are at Disney World, my first trip. I was 5 here.)

(Dad, Mom, me and Gracie. I think that Gracie was almost a year old here, so I would've been about 7.)

(Here my family is with Steven Curtis Chapman. Ian had arrived about a year before this happened.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 3

2011-09-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Day 3: Tell Us About Your Job

I got my first job in March of 2011. Of course, I had some odd babysitting jobs over the years, where I would be called up randomly and asked if I wanted to babysit for this person or the other, but I never really had a 'real' job, that paid well, 'real' money.

But in March of 2011 I started working. My grandpa told me that I should put an application in for the place where he works - to get some work in the office.

I did, and I got a job there. After working there for almost 7 months, I have done more office work then I ever anticipated. I went from putting files in filing cabinets to entering data onto the computer to answering phones and being a receptionist.

Because I'm still in school, I only work once a week. During the summer I was doing more than that, but since school started back up, I thought that I needed to focus my time and attention on that and not on my job.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 2

2011-09-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Day 2: Tell Us About Your Blog

What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Nothing creative.
Just my name and the year I was born.
The end.

How long have you been blogging for? What made you start blogging?
My first blog was started in the beginning of 2005. My first blog was called CrazyAboutMonkeys, then I moved over to 01charger and then I moved to blogger a couple of years ago and decided with my ashleystrawser1993.
So I've been blogging for 5 1/2 years.

What are your favorite things to blog about?

About my writing. Which usually takes place over at Ashen Sky Books, with my best friend, Kylie.

What is one tip that you would give a new blogger?

Be yourself. And post whenever you want to. Don't set a schedule. It's hard to keep and you'll get discouraged if you try to.

30 Day Blog Challenge, Day 1

2011-09-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

There are going to be about 7 posts up today, because I forgot that I wanted to do this, but I need to get caught up.

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

I'm Ashley
I'm almost 18
I'm a senior in high school
I love school, and hate to think that this is my last year. Sure, I complain about it, but I really do like it.
I'm homeschooled
I don't plan to go to college
I love reading
I love writing
I love watching movies with my family
I love hanging out with my friends who live in different states.

Guest Post

2011-08-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone - I posted a guest post on my Mom's blog.

Follow the link below to check out my post on my favorite ever Disney Attractions!

http://www.heidi-strawser.com/2011/08/magical-blogorail-teens-share.html

Beautiful People - August Edition

2011-08-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

So since I've pretty much stuck with Elle Moser since the beginning of Beautiful People - I decided that I was going to keep her. She's definitely one of my favorite characters that I've ever had.

I have realized something, though. I kind-of share Elle with my best friend, Kylie. So it's a little hard to do that. But she's gonna have to be okay with me doing this. :) I know she will be.

And if not... well, she'll get over it in time.

I'm adding Elle's Polyvore set here, so that you can have an idea as to what she wears and such. :)

Elysse by ashleymorganstrawser featuring white leggings

Without further ado, the questions.

What is their biggest accomplishment? I think that Elle's biggest accomplishment is finished her first novel. In the story, she's working on getting it published, toward the end of the book, which is really cool.
What is one of their strongest childhood memories? They definitely include her best friend, Will. The two of them met when they were 5, and have been friends ever since. (They are 18 and turn 19 in the book). They had so many fun times growing up, it's hard to put them all here.
What is their favorite food? She just loves food, period.
Do they believe in love at first sight? I would have to say she believes in 'love at first speak'. She has a crush on a guy that has a British accent. Enough said.
What kind of home do they live in? Elle lives in a two-story house that has 4 bedrooms. She shares her room with her bigger sister, Sharon.
What do they like to wear? See above.
What would they do if they discovered they were dying? She would live the last of her days to the fullest, for sure. Spend time with the people that she loved and do some things that she never go to do, but would love to: Go to England, bungee jump...etc.
What kind of holidays, or traditions do they celebrate? In the book, they're just celebrating Thanksgiving with her family and Will's. Christmas is coming up soon in the book as well.
What do your other characters have to say about them? Will thinks that Elle is one of the best things that ever happened to him. He thinks that she's funny, smart and nice. He doesn't know what he'd do without her.
If they could change one thing in their world, what would it be? The fact that she's growing up and has to become an adult - and all that comes with all of that. She is coming to the realization that she might not always be able to be best friends' with a guy - so she thinks that growing up stinks.

Thanks for reading about Elysse Marie Moser. She and I both thank you.

The Story in Which the Earth Quakes

2011-08-23T17:04:00.000-07:00

So today I was just minding my own business, sitting in my Mom's room, doing my science - The Human Body (Apologia). I was reading about some different things about anatomy when I felt the room start to shake.

Being the ever graceful girl that I am, I ran from her room and down the stairs, leaving my school books behind. I mean seriously, who cared about school books when the whole house was shaking?

Anyway, I ran down the steps and yelled, "DID YOU FEEL THAT?". Mom, from the dining room, said that yes, she had felt it, but wasn't sure what it was. We were both freaked out.

Of course, our worst thoughts were that the house was falling down or something of that sort. Obviously you can tell we're not the most optimistic people in the world, eh?

After looking outside and noticing that the neighbors were having work done to their garage, we were pretty sure that could be the source of our house shaking. So we let it go for a while.

Until a few minutes later we noticed that people were writing emails and posts on facebook about this amazing phenomenon that was happening on the east coast.

An earthquake in North Carolina? This just didn't seem right.

Aftershocks in central PA? Even weirder.

Thinking about earthquakes on the east coast just sounds strange and a tad bit scary. i mean sure, we've got hurricanes and tornadoes, but earthquakes? I thought no way.

So today, as I felt the house shake and thought the bookshelf in my mom's room was going to fall on me, I realized that even though things might not be COMMON where we live, that doesn't mean that it won't happen.

I just hope that we don't ever have to experience that again.

Ever.

Because earthquakes are scary.

Even if it's just a tremor.

Ashlynn Nicole

2011-08-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

Ashlynn Nicole by ashleymorganstrawser featuring toms shoes

Wrap dress
£275 - austique.co.uk

Tie shirt
£185 - austique.co.uk

Silvian Heach short sleeve shirt
€30 - welikefashion.com

Long sleeve shirt
$25 - tillys.com

Winter Kate pleated mini skirt
€259 - jades24.com

Almost Famous super skinny jeans
$35 - tillys.com

Converse sneaker
26 CAD - gravitypope.com

Toms shoes
$54 - toms.com

Wet Seal flat shoes
$13 - wetseal.com

Owl City

2011-08-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

SO, my best friend introduced me to Owl City probably a year ago. I told her that I would probably never like Owl City, and I would never, ever buy an Owl City CD.

Haha, I ate those words. I went to Target a couple of weeks ago and bought the All Things Bright and Beautiful CD because it was on sale and I wanted to give Kylie the benefit of the doubt. I'm really glad that I did. I really, really like Owl City now. Actually, Adam Young's voice definitely made him go to the top of my favorite bands list! I have no idea how that happens.

Maybe because he writes about being a hopeless romantic, and fireflies, and dentists. Not even kidding. He writes about going to the dentist. Who does that?
Adam Young, of course.

I brush my teeth and look in the mirror
And laugh out loud as I'm beaming from ear to ear
I'd rather pick flowers instead of fights
And rather than flaunt my style
I'd flash you a smile of clean pearly whites

I've been to the dentist a thousand times
So I know the drill, I smooth my hair
Sit back in the chair
But somehow I still get the chills

"Have a seat", he says pleasantly
As he shakes my hand and practically laughs at me
"Open up nice and wide", he says peering in
And with a smirk he says, "Don't have a fit
This'll just pinch a bit", as he tries not to grin
[| From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/o/owl-city-lyrics/dental-care-lyrics.html |]

When hygienists leave on long vacations
That's when dentists scream
And lose their patience

Talking only brings the toothaches on
Because I say the stupidest things
So if my result goes south
I'll swallow my pride with an Aspirin
And shut my mouth

Golf and alcohol don't mix
And that's why I don't drink and drive
Because good grief, I'd knock out my teeth
And have to kiss my smile goodbye

I've been to the dentist a thousand times
So I know the drill, I smooth my hair
Sit back in the chair
But somehow I still get the chills

Wordless Wednesday: Cutest Brother Ever

2011-07-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

Pencil Sharpener Review

2011-07-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I received an email from Troy, owner of Classroom Friendly Supplies, asking if I would review his pencil sharpener. Because of busy summer schedules and things going on in my life, I totally forgot about my review.
So now I'm going to write my review!

About the sharpener:

A "must have" for every teacher.
A unique and practical teacher gift.
Old-school retro look.
Quiet sharpening eliminates classroom interruptions.
Automatic stopping once the perfect point is formed. This prevents over-sharpening.
Works on colored pencils and standard sized pencils.
Clear plastic disposal tray for easy cleaning.
Easy to use (as young as 5 years of age.)
Sturdy metal frame (approximately 3"x 3"x 5")
Portable or mounts to a surface.
Did I already mention that it was quiet? You will not be disappointed!

My review:

My family really liked the idea of this sharpener. Like it said about - it is definitely quiet. It works well, and it IS really easy to empty of all the pencil shavings. It is definitely going to be nice to have around for when we need to sharpen colored pencils. My family usually uses mechanical pencils for school, but we also use colored pencils A LOT! So it's nice for Gracie to have around the house to sharpen her pencils for when she is drawing and such. I will use it a lot this school year when I'm doing anatomy and will need a nice, sharp tip on my colored pencils. (Oh the detail I will put into my anatomy coloring book.)
I definitely would recommend this for a public school setting. I think that it's a great addition to any classroom (homeschooling or public school) if you are using what I call "regular" pencils, or of course, colored pencils.
It's a convenient pencil sharpener. Definitely recommended!
You can check it out HERE.

~Ashley

Beautiful People July/August Edition

2011-07-22T09:29:00.000-07:00

1. What is his/her biggest secret?
I am going back to my character Elle Moser. Her biggest secret? Oh dear. I don't know. She's got a lot of big secrets. Why would I ever tell you all her biggest secret? She would seriously get angry with me!

2. Has he/she ever been in love?
Not yet. I know exactly who she's going to fall in love with, but she hasn't fallen in love with him yet. :P

3. What is his/her comfort food?
She loves Brownies. And pizza. A lot of either of them. She can eat and eat and eat and eat and eat, but she never gains weight.

4. Does he/she play a musical instrument? If so, what?
As of yet, she does not play an instrument. This might change at some point, but thus far, she does not.

5. What color are his/her eyes? Hair?
Her eyes are brown and her hair is brown as well.

6. Does he/she have any pets?
No pets.

7. Where is his/her favorite place to be?
She loves to sit in the living room on the couch, watching TV with her best friend, Will.
She also likes being on vacation.

8. What are some of his/her dreams or goals?
She wants to finish college and become an author. She's a writer, just like me. She's actually the first character I've ever had that was a writer. So it's really interesting to write her story.

9. Does he/she enjoy sports?
NO! She hates sports.

10. What is his/her favorite flower or plant?
She loves daisies.

Destination Disney; The Letter D

2011-07-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today's letter for Destination Disney is

D

This past trip we stayed on DISNEY Property. It was the first time we've ever done it, but I really doubt that it will be the last!

Downtown Disney!

Disney Dining! We did a couple of character meals this past time we were at Disney! We love to do them!

B90 Days- Week 1

2011-07-17T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well, week one of Bible in 90 Days is officially finished. This week, we read through all of Genesis and all of Exodus. Genesis is pretty common to me, as well as most of Exodus. Probably because when I try to start reading through the Bible, I get through these first two books and then stop. Or the fact that I read random verses from Genesis all the time.

Reading through the Bible in 90 Days isn't an easy task. But it's definitely worth it. As I read through it every day (sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening), it helps to get my day going, or ending.

I prefer to read in the morning. It really jump-starts my day. It's a great way to start off the day, but it doesn't always work out that I get the chance to read it before the morning routine starts.

If you've never read through the entire Bible, I totally recommend it. I've done it twice now (once in a year, the other time in 90 Days). Both times the journey has brought me closer to the Lord.

Ready for week 2!
~Ashley

Dining With Joy by Rachel Hauck

2011-07-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

About the Book:
When her dad dies, Joy Ballard takes over his popular cooking show. She is pretty, personable, and great on camera, but she can’t cook. Joy has fooled everyone by turning her show into a humor fest, a sort of America’s Funniest Home Videos: Stupid Cooking Tricks. But now she has a new producer, one who expects her to actually cook. Worse yet, this aggressive, ambitious woman is determined to take Joy’s show to one of the largest cable networks. Luke Davis is an extraordinarily talented chef, but he’s lost his fancy Manhattan restaurant and moved to a small town in South Carolina. He’s desperate to get back to the culinary art’s upper echelon, and he just may be the answer to Joy’s dilemma, not to mention her love interest. With its sparkling dialogue, witty premise, and convincing characters, and the popularity of television cooking shows, this subtly inspirational tale is sure to entertain readers.

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved reading Rachel Hauck's books Sweet Caroline and Love Starts With Elle (so if you haven't read them, check them out. If this was a review about them, I would definitely rant and rave about them because they're amazing. But since it's not, you better just go and buy them and take my word for it!).
But this review is about Dining With Joy. I bought this book for my Kindle, because I wanted something that to read. I had a ton of books that I could've been reading, but this one popped out at me when I was on Amazon.com and I could NOT say no to it.
From the first page, the book drew me in and wouldn't let me stop reading. I read the whole thing in two days. The characters were intriguing, and the story line was deep, and amazing. I don't regret buying the book at all. (Rachel Hauck should be happy - I NEVER, EVER buy books. Ever. Mom usually gets books to review, or I get them free on Kindle.)
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Christian romance book.
I also recommend any books by this author. She is amazing.
As a writer, I love to read books that are well-written because they inspire me to become a better writer.
Rachel Hauck's books do this to me.
~Ashley

Bible in 90 Days

2011-07-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

So I am taking the journey AGAIN to read through the Bible in 90 Days! I've done this one other time before and absolutely loved it!

I am a mentor this time around - meaning that I have a group of readers that I need to keep accountable, and ask me things, and such.

I'm really excited to start reading again! Tomorrow the reading starts - the first week we read Genesis 1-Exodus 40. That's a lot of reading for one week, but the Bible in 90 Days program brought me closer to God last time I went through it, so I can't wait to see what He does in my life this time!

If you are interested in learning more about B90 - go to
www.momstoolbox.com

~Ashley

An Inspiring Song

2011-07-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

As I have been listening to a lot of K-Love radio lately, I have of course, been listening to some encouraging, Christian music. It's very uplifting and keeps me going throughout the day.

One of my favorite songs to listen to - or hear - on the website, is Blessings by Laura Story. It's so sad, but true, and I love it. I am posting the lyrics and song below so that if you've never heard it, you would have a chance to listen to it now.

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the achings of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Beautiful People June/July Edition

2011-06-27T07:54:00.001-07:00

Skye by Ashley Morgan Strawser featuring frayed jeans

For some odd reason, it wouldn't let me add the Beautiful People graphic to my blog, so for now, we're going to have to live without it.
Above is a Polyvore set for one of my newest characters, Skylar Peterson. She's in one of my most recent stories that I just began writing a couple of weeks ago. With that said, I don't know much about this character yet, so I'll be just as ready to answer these questions so that I can know exactly who she is! :)

What kind of music does he/she like?
She can listen to just about anything from Christian, to rock, to country. She isn't very picky, except she can't stand to listen to rap. It drives her crazy!
Does he/she like to go outside?
Sometimes. She has to be in the right mood. Her idea of going outside is a trip to the mall, or a walk around town. She isn't the outdoorsy type.
Is he/she naturally curious?
Yes, and it gets her in trouble a lot. She is actually more nosy than curious, so she asks a lot of questions.
Right, or left handed?
Right handed. :)
Favorite color?
Green.
Where is he/she from?
A small-town in Pennsylvania.
Any enemies?
Not really. She dislikes some people, and/or doesn't get along with them, but she doesn't really have enemies.
What are his/her quirks?
She likes to dress-up and dress-down depending on the day, she likes to wear Converse with dresses, she likes to hang out with her best friend Ashlynn, adn her brother, Charlie, she likes to watch TV while reading a book.
What kinds of things get on his/her nerves?
Her brother, Charlie. Enough said.
Is he/she independent, or needs others to help out?
She is definitely independent. She likes to get things done on her own. But she also doesn't like to be doing things alone. So she's kind-of in the middle. It depends on what mood she's in, whether or not she wants company.

A Post of Randomness and then some

2011-05-11T07:09:00.001-07:00

As you all know, May is one of the biggest months in 2011 for me. We were in GA last weekend for the Homeschool Convention down there - GHEA. It was a lot of fun to get to see the Suarez family again, as well as Todd Wilson's (The Family Man) family as well. It was a great time.

This weekend we have the homeschool convention in PA - CHAP. This is our home territory and we'd be going even if we were going to be in the Old Schoolhouse Magazine booth. I love doing conventions, so I'm really glad to be doing this one too. :)

In exactly one week, my family is leaving for Florida. For the first week, we are there to relax and hang out at Disney World. Then we are doing the FPEA homeschool convention at the end of our vacation. My family was at their convention last year, but it was at a different convention center than it's at this year.

~~~~~

Kylie and I have officially started doing Beautiful in Christ again. Be sure to check out our blog here: http://beautiful-in-christ.blogspot.com
We're hoping to get it revamped and ready to go. We won't be posting a lot, but every now and then - when we feel like we have been called to. :)

~Ashley

2011-04-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am entering a photo contest, because, well, I like to take pictures and I took some cool ones today whilst outdoors with my sister.

Becoming Bekah

2011-04-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Becoming Bekah is a story that my friend, Sky, and I are writing together. Well, actually, we're finished with it. It came in at 82,000 words, which is the most in any story I've ever written before. The one coming in second is Love Anyway coming in at 73,000, which was also a big accomplishment for me.

Anyways, here are a couple of facts about Becoming Bekah.

We started the story on January 8th, 2011.
We finished on April 15th, 2011
We wrote super fast! :)
The story kind-of took a hold of itself and wasn't truly written by us.
It's the first story where the characters were truly in-tune with the Lord.
It was one of the easiest stories to ever write!
There is a sequel in the works
You can read all about our stories and writing projects at Ashen Sky Books.

And last but not least, here is the trailer for our story. Sky made this and I thought that it was completely amazing! Be sure to check it out! :)

Spring needs to come now...without rain

2011-04-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

It's about time for it to start getting warm here in Pennsylvania, but guess what? It really hasn't been. And when it decides to get warm - it also decides to rain.

I'm ready for a warm day without rain! I wanna wear my shorts and t-shirts without having to put on a sweatshirt. Today, it's somewhat warm, but it also looks like it's going to rain. Rain, rain, go away, come again in a couple of weeks! - when I'm in Georgia.

I just found out that my mom and I are going to the Atlanta Homeschool Convention - GHEA - from May 5th-8th. I'm actually quite excited to be going down there. We get to go on a plane,
which makes the trip less than two hours.

The trip to ATL is going to make our May even more crazy with trips. But as you faithful readers of my blog know - I love to travel. Anywhere! You also should know that my all-time favorite place to go is Disney World! I can't wait for our short trip to Disney in the end of May! I'll get to see Ali again, which will be nice!And get to work at the Homeschool Convention down there too. And I love helping sell things for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. (I am going to be going back down to GA for Ali's wedding in December! :P)

Last summer, I took a trip to see my friend Natalie up in NY. I also got to see some other friends in the same trip - Sam, Jen, and Mandy. It was a great visit and I had an awesome time, but I don't think that we'll be able to do it again this summer, thanks to the job I'm going to be having and the one that Natalie has, too. So we're going to try to get together at some point in the fall! :) I'm hoping that works out because I miss them!

I also want to go back to see Kylie sometime next spring, if possible, for her 16th birthday. With airline flight prices going up, it's really hard for me to be able to spend money on a plane ticket at this point. But because of the awesome times we had together when I was there in the fall, I really want to go back! :)

Anyway, I don't even remember the point of this post, actually. Oh, to say that it's been rainy and I'm ready for Spring and Summer to come!

~Ashley

Beautiful People - April

2011-04-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

I believe that I focused on my character, Elle Farris in the last post I did for Beautiful People. So I guess that I'll focus on her again! That will make things much easier!

1. How old is he/she?

Elle is 18.

2. What does he/she do with his/her spare time?

I would have to say that Elle does a little bit of everything. She enjoys hanging out with her best friend Will, writing, reading, Facebook, anything computer/internet.

3. Does he/she see the big picture or live in the moment?

Possibly a little bit of both. She definitely sees the big picture, including what she wants out of life, that kind-of thing. But she also lives in the moment, cherishing everything that she has, and remembering that it would be around forever. She looks to the future and enjoys what's going on in the present, too.

4. Is he/she a perfectionist?

Definitely not! Well, in some ways. It depends on what we're talking about. Elle has a messy room, but her desk is clean. Why, you ask? Well, her computer and writing stuff is on her desk, it must be kept clean so she can get to that stuff, right? Yeah. Right.

5. What does her handwriting look like? (round, slanted, curly, skinny, sloppy, neat, decorative, etc.)

Elle's handwriting is slanted and rather large. She almost always prints, never uses cursive, and she writes in big letters, back-slanted.

6. Favorite animal?

Giraffe! (Sky should get a kick out of this one.)

7. Does he/she have any pets?

Nope, no pets. At least not at the moment. That isn't saying that she won't in the future, but right now, there are no pets.

8. Does he/she have any siblings? How many? Where does he/she fit in?

Elle has an older sister, Sharon, and two younger sisters, Lily and Tammin. She's the second oldest.

9. Does he/she have a 'life verse' and if so what is it?

Her favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

10. Favorite writing utensil?

She likes gel-pens. Either in the color pink or purple, I'd have to say. 'Cause Elle is somewhat girlie, she must use girlish writing utensil, don't you think?

Every Tear by Molly Evangeline

2011-04-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

As soon as I finished reading The Pirate's Daughter's Promise, I emailed Molly Evangeline to ask if it would be possible for me to get the next three books in the series to review as well. I've had them for a while, but they've been sitting on my Kindle, waiting to be read.

About the Author:

Molly Evangeline is a home school graduate who lives in Wisconsin. She loves to journal and express herself through writing, creating characters and plots you will come to love. Her passion for writing began when she was eight years old.

About the Book:

Aside from the nagging and sometimes troubling memories and questions of his past, life for Will over the last year has been truly blessed. His relationship with Skye grows daily as he plans and prepares a future life for them. However, all he envisioned is endangered by an unexpected stranger with a shocking identity. Suddenly, Will learns more about his past than he thought he'd ever know, but it comes at a steep price when he and everyone closest to him are thrown into the middle of a dangerous plot that threatens all their lives. Every Tear, the moving sequel to The Pirate Daughter's Promise, is an example of how God never leaves our side, even in our most troubling and sorrowful moments, taking every tear into account.

My Thoughts:

I'm not exactly sure how to write a fitting review for this book. Again, I must say, this kind-of story has never drawn me in. I have never read books like this before, because I didn't enjoy them.
But when I read Molly's books, I am completely drawn into the story. I think it's partly to the fact that she knows how to establish believable characters and make them real to the people reading the book. (Which is something that I truly admire, because I only hope that I make my characters as believable as she does hers!)
The story line for Every Tear was action-packed and definitely a page-turner. Once I got into the book, I was curious where it was going to go next, what was going to happen, when it was going to happen, etc.
This story, a sequel to The Pirate's Daughter's Promise, started soon after the first one ended and I was able to jump right back into the story, not wondering what happened to the characters in the period that was missed.
Another thing I really like about Molly's books are that they have a little bit of everything mixed into one book. They have action, fun, some romance, the love of a family. It makes the story seem more real when all of this is put into one story.
This story is definitely a page-turner and for those of you who love action, and fun, you'll love this story.

You can visit Molly's website here. And buy her books here.

Starting a long week...and month

2011-04-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

It seems about time to write about my week. My long, long week.

Today we're doing a lot of school. School galore, really. We're trying to get as much done as possible so that we'll be done before we leave for FL in the middle of May.

Also today, we're taking Gracie to her violin lessons.

Tomorrow, I work. I don't think that I've mentioned that I got a job. I work at the same place that my grandpa works. I do a lot of different things - from filing paperwork & invoices, to putting data onto the computer. I really like what I do. I've been working for about a month now. I only work one day a week - Thursdays - until summer comes along. During the summer, I'll be working more. :)

Friday, Mom and I are leaving the house for the weekend. The Revolve Tour is coming here. Mom and I signed up to go to it, so I'm super excited for that. I can't wait to see Hawk Nelson, Britt Nicole and Chad Eastham! I remember a couple of months ago, Hawk Nelson was here for a concert and I SO wanted to go to it, but wasn't able to. Now I am going to see them, with some other bands and speakers! I'm really excited.

We're staying with my uncle and aunt who we don't see very often and live right near where the Revolve Tour is at. It'll be nice to visit with them!

We're there until Sunday. I am super excited to see Revolve. I love doing things like this - concerts especially! I am excited!

The next couple of weeks after that are pretty much open, but we'll be doing lots of school so that we can finish up early.

May is when everything gets busy and we start really doing a lot of different things.

On May 13th and 14th, Mom and I are helping out in the Old Schoolhouse Magazine booth at the CHAP convention. I love helping with conventions to help sell magazine subscriptions and other things. I can't wait for CHAP. I also love to look around at all the other products that people have and start buying school books for next year! I am going to be a senior and mom and I are starting to try to figure out what I am going to do for school next year.

I know that I'm going to be taking anatomy for science. I could have actually been done with my science courses in 10th grade, but I wanted to do both Marine Biology and Anatomy to finish out my last two years of school. I am already finished with my Marine Biology for the year (finished really early) and I really enjoyed the course and am glad that I took it. I hope that I enjoy anatomy as much!

May 15th, we're going to see Tim Hawkins! We love him and he's definitely our favorite comedian! If you haven't heard of him, here's one of my favorite videos that he does.

On May 17th, we're going to a Harrisburg Senators baseball game. I've only ever been to one of their games before and I was 13, I believe. I don't really enjoy seeing baseball games, but I think that it will be fun! :)

On May 18th, we're leaving for our trip to Florida. I am so excited for this trip! On May 19th, we'll get down there. For the first time ever, we're staying in a Disney Resort. We are going to be staying at Port Orleans Riverside. I'm so excited! We'll only be, probably, going to Disney World two or three days on this trip, since we're staying at a resort and will want to hang out there since we've never done it before.

We'll be doing Disney only a couple of days, like I said. Then at the end of our trip we'll be helping in the Old Schoolhouse Magazine booth at the FPEA homeschool convention. I loved this convention last year (it had carpeted floors!), so I'm excited to do it again.

We get home from this trip on the 30th of May.

So that's our April and May schedule. It's crazy-busy after the 13th of May. That's why we want to get school done before we leave.

~Ashley

PS~ I'll be posting a couple more reviews in a couple of days. I have a couple of books to review and I'm trying to read through them before I leave so that I can get the reviews up. :)

The Pirate's Daughter's Sectret by Molly Evangeline

2011-03-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

Orphaned at a young age, Skylar McHenry grew up as little more than a servant and shunned by everyone around her because of her reputation as a pirate's daughter. Each day Skye faces is marked by some new struggle. Her only hope is to rely on her heavenly Father's care and comfort and the solace of her best friend, Will, who has become more than dear to her.

Just when an unexpected encounter gives Skye a small glimmer of hope that things might change in her favor, her world is shattered. She is awakened in the night by cannon blasts. Pirates storm the orphanage, drag her away, and force her aboard their ship. The cruel captain's intentions are clear. He will extract from her, through any means necessary, the location of the treasure hidden by her father. For Skye to divulge the location would mean breaking the last promise she made to him. She's certain she never will, but what happens when the lives of those dearest to her are at stake?

The Pirate Daughter's Promise is full of daring high seas adventure; sweet, wholesome romance; surprising discoveries; unlikely new friends; and the rewards of trusting in God even when life seems impossible.

You can learn more about Molly here, or by visiting her blog. The Pirate Daughter’s Promise is the first in a series of 4 books, called the Pirates & Faith Series.

These books are all available on Amazon.com and are also available for the Kindle.

MY THOUGHTS:

I passed this book along to Ashley when it arrived, not sure at all what her thoughts might be. I was pleasantly surprised. I’ll let her take over from here ---

Mom got this book for me to review and I wasn’t sure what to expect of it. Because, well, I’ve never really been interested in pirates. At all.

So when I saw the book, I was kind-of reluctant to read the book. I let it sit in my room and wait to be read. Eventually, I picked it up and started to read.

And I was really surprised.

As soon as I started it, I couldn’t put it down! It surprised me. It had suspense, romance, a little bit of sword-fighting, everything that people want to read in a book.

I didn’t want it to end! I wanted it to keep going on. As with any good book, they end way too soon.

I recommend this book to any teenager! If you like romance, suspense, pirates, you’ll like this book! It had such a great mix of everything you would want in a book.

I hope to read the next books in this series, as soon as I can get a hold of them.

Lazyness

2011-03-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

I've been so lazy with my writing so much lately. I can't find myself writing a story that I actually have ENJOYED writing. I have started book after book, thinking that maybe, just maybe, I'll find one that I can actually keep writing, without getting sick of it.
I finished a story - my first story I've ever actually finished that was over 50,000 words - (this was a couple of months ago that I finished it) and I haven't written a good, long story since then. I have so many story ideas and plots running through my head but I can't seem to actually sit down and write them.
I haven't been this lazy with my writing in such a long time and it's actually more tiring than writing a full-length story. I don't know what's wrong with me.
Like, shouldn't I just be able to sit down and write, without feeling like I don't want to? I have to write, it's such a big part of me. I can't stop just because my body is telling me to.

My newest story is kinda fun though. I started this one a couple of days ago and am really enjoying writing this one. It's one of those stories that is so easy to write because it's about the friendship between me and my best friend (Sky.) It's actually only loosely based on it, but the characteristics are the same, so it's so easy in that way. Coming up with the whole plot for the thing was the easy part. Writing it is the hard part. It has to be quirky, cause she and I have a quirky friendship.
(pic to the right: my new characters, Ashlyn and Skylar from my story about my friend and me. If you can't read it - it says: Ashlyn Saige McKinley, Skylar Kendall Williams, Cole Isaiah Barlow, Xaviar Tate Johnston, Trey Matthew McNevan - Oh my! - When friends get together, you never know what might happen.)
Although, my friend, Sky, and I have been writing our story like crazy again. We had gone on a lull and hadn't been writing much but now we're back into the swing of things and we're writing our next novel (when this one's finished, it'll be our third finished), Becoming Bekah. We're really excited about this one. It's our first book that's in third person. I hadn't written in third person before this story and was excited to start something new. It's actually the best we've written together and we're thrilled about this one. You can read all about Becoming Bekah on our writing blog here.
Be sure to read over the Ashen Sky Life Typecasts when you go to our blog. It's a lot of random ramblings but it's also a lot of fun. We just did a Questions and Answer about our stories, writings and our lives. It's quite interesting to say the least.
Sky and I have like 12 plots that need to get written! It's crazy. We've got so many ideas and aren't writing fast enough for our stories likings. But of course, they will wait until we're finished with Becoming Bekah. Which is slowly getting finished. We have about 17-18K more to go, but it probably won't take us too much longer if we keep writing at the pace we are going.
Our first story we ever wrote together was Love Anyway, which took us only 51 days to write and it was 73,000 words. We were pretty proud of that. Of course, that story needs a lot of work before it ever gets shown to anybody, lots of mistakes that need fixed, but it's a good plot.
Although, Becoming Bekah is taking us a little longer - we've been writing it for 72 days - and we have about 64-65K. I think it's because we're both super busy and haven't really had time to write a lot lately. It's kind-of discouraging, but the book is turning out better than we even anticipated.
Anyways, what was the point of writing this blog post?
Oh. Right.
To tell you that I haven't been writing much on my own lately.
I will get back into writing. I will. I will. I will.
'Cause writing is such a huge part of my life. I've been doing it since I was ten. I can't stop now. :P
~Ashley

2011-03-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Sky, and another friend of mine are doing a monthly blog meme for writers. I am going to do this...because, well, this girls writes. I love writing. So here are my answers for the first month's questions.

Trying to figure out what character to do here....Elysse. That's who I shall do.

Does your character have a methodical or disorganized personality?
Oh my, oh my. My characters are usually all disorganized. About everything. Can I just say that now? I think it's partly because I, myself, am disorganized, except when it comes to writing. I usually always have my characters almost completely planned out before i start writing. As for a plot though...well, that usually slowly comes along with the characters. The characters are more important to me than a plot. If I can't connect with my characters....I can't write a story about them.

But then...Elysse is one of the most organized characters I have. She is from a book - or story - I am planning to write with my friend, Sky. She is one of those characters that yes, I can totally relate to, but no, I am nothing like.

Does he or she think inside themselves more than they talk out loud to their friends? (more importantly, does he or she actually have friends?)
Think inside themselves? More like...talk to themselves. But they've almost always got a best friend. In my latest story, my main characters are based off of my best friend and me, so it's simply so easy to write, it's not even funny.

Elysse- her best friend is a guy. They've known each other since they were babies and have been best friends since then. They fight like crazy, but couldn't imagine life without each other. They are so close.

Does his or her name have a special meaning?
My characters' names all have their own special meanings. My character's names MUST be names that I absolutely love, and would ... mostly likely, name my kids the names someday. Because, in a way, my characters are my children. I name them, I tell them what to do.
Oh wait. My characters actually tell ME what to do a lot of the time.
Kinda crazy.
Only writers would understand what I mean by that, am I right?

Does her name have a special meaning? Well, I'm not exactly sure how I came up with her name. I usually look through a baby name book and think "OH! That's a really cute name...I love that." But for this one, I'm not exactly sure how I came up with it for her.

Is there something he or she is afraid of?
I think that everyone has their fears and my characters usually have ONE thing that they are deathly afraid of - whether it be snakes (ick) or something more meaningful like not being able to trust people.

Elysse is most afraid of losing people in her life that she loves more than anything. She's lost a lot over the years that she's been on earth and she's afraid that people are going to walk out on her when she needs them the most.

Does he or she write, dream, dance, sing, or photograph?
Usually at least ONE of the words listed above.

Elysse is ... none of the above, actually. Sure, she enjoys doing those things - but she's not really an avid writer. Oh...I know. The girl is a dreamer. Which is up there, but I didn't notice it until I reread the list. She loves to sit and dream about what life she will have and who she will marry and what her life will turn out to be.

What is his or her favorite book? (or genre of books)
Elysse loves reading. But I'm not sure that I ever thought of what her favorite book was. She definitely would enjoy Christian nonfiction over everything else. But I would have to say that if I had to pick her a favorite book - it would be the....
BIBLE.

Who is his or her favorite author and/or someone that inspires him or her?
God. Definitely. He's the author of creation, right? What better author is there?

Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Oooohhh...yum, ice cream. I would definitely say oreo. And yes, it helps that I also like oreo ice cream.

Favorite season of the year?
Fall. Yep. She loves the fall.

What is their full name?
Elysse Marie Moser.
Better known as Elle.
She never is called Elysse. It's too girly for me. Even though she is one of my more girly characters she's definitely not girly enough to go by Elysse. So yeah, she's Elle almost all the time. Or her best friend calls her Ellie occasionally (when she lets him get away with it.)

Sing, Sing, Sing

2011-03-19T14:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, a group of ladies from my church went to see Chris Tomlin in concert in Hershey, PA. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect of the concert, because, well, truthfully, I'd heard that it was a more worship based concert, making me think that it wasn't going to be loud and .... well, fun.

Well, I was definitely surprised. The concert was definitely a worship based concert. All the glory was being given to God and not to Chris Tomlin, even though he was the one on stage, singing the songs. All the songs' lyrics were on a screen, so that everyone could sing along. It was just...awesome.

Louie Guiglio was the speaker. He was such an amazing speaker, he had me in tears - and let me tell you, not a lot makes me cry.

All in all, the concert was an amazing experience. If you like Chris Tomlin's music and he's coming to a city near you, I definitely recommend going to see him!

A quote

2011-03-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

From reading Jane Eyre today for school, Mom and I came along this quote, which I found to be so real and true. I thought that I would share it on my blog.

“Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigor; stringent are they; inviolate shall they be. If it is my individual convenience I might break them, what would be their worth?” - Jane Eyre

Eyes.

2011-03-07T10:27:00.000-08:00

Day 27: A Physical Feature You Love

I didn't quite understand this one, so if I took it the wrong way, forgive me now! :P

Okay. Okay. Here goes.

I love eyes.

Yes. Eyes.

Especially when they're blue.

Some people have those blue eyes that just "pop" when you see them. They just make me smile.

A lot of my characters in stories have blue eyes that "pop", because I love them.

Yes. Eyes.

The Beach!

2011-03-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Day 26: A Childhood Memory

Wow, this girl here has a ton of childhood memories. There are just too many to even mention. I don't know where to start.
Some of my favorites include:

Going to the beach.
My family has been taking me to the beach - Ocean City, New Jersey - almost every summer since I was born. Actually, my mom was pregnant with me the summer of 1993, when she took me for the first time. This will, most likely, be my 15th summer at the beach. (I missed the last two, due to different vacations we have been taking.)
Disney World
This is one of my FAVORITE childhood memories. I went to Disney World for the first time when I was 5. I love Disney World, if you don't know that, you probably don't read my blog very often! ;)

Easy and Yummy Cake!

2011-03-07T10:22:00.001-08:00

Day 25: A Recipe

Ingredients:
1 cake mix, any flavor (I prefer white or yellow)
2 cans of pie filling, any flavor (I prefer cherry)
1 stick butter or margarine

Directions:
Spray bottom of 9x13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the pie filling evenly over the bottom of the pan. Top with dry cake mix. Slice the butter in thin slices and place over dry cake mix. Bake at 350 for about an hour. Serve with ice cream.

Penelope....

2011-03-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Day 24: A Movie You Never Expected Yourself To Love

When I first saw the description for the movie Penelope, I thought that it sounded dumb and that I would NEVER want to watch it.
But I turned it on anyways.
I have no idea why.
I guess I was just curious if it was any good or not.
I watched the first couple of minutes and was instantly intrigued.
So I kept watching.
And by the middle of the movie, I was in love with the characters and just HAD to know what was going to happen.
By the end of the movie, it was on my list of all-time favorite movies.
I never expected to like it.
I never expected to love it.
But I do.
And I could watch it over and over.
Especially with James McAvoy in it.
I think he just makes the movie all the better.
If you don't know who he is, he played Mr. Tumnus in Narnia.
He was cool in that, but he's awesome in Penelope.
Yeah.
So I loved that movie.

Loveeee

2011-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

Day 25: A Way in Which You Want to Be Remembered

This one is a hard one. How will I be remembered? What will people think of when they think of me when I'm gone? I hate the thought of no longer being on this earth, but it will happen.

First and foremost, I hope to be remembered as a person who truly loves the Lord and did everything for His glory. I want people to think of me and KNOW that I'm in Heaven with my Lord and Savior and have no doubts in their minds.

I also want to be remembered as a person who loved others. Someone who looked at people for who they were, and loved them anyway.

I want to be remembered as a good friend. Yes, there have been falling outs between friends, but who hasn't had those? I want people to look back and say that they knew I was there for them at some point in their lives.

Ashen Sky {Life}

2011-03-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

Day 22: A Website

There are so many websites that I could suggest to my blogger friends that I go to constantly! But of course, there is not enough room for all of that.

Ashen Sky {Books}
This is a blog that Sky and I started together, to write about our authoring and what's going on in our stories. If you haven't visited the blog, please do so!
Orli Online Magazine
This is an online magazine that my friend Ali started and asked me to write for right off the bat. The first issue is going to be coming out this Spring and I can't wait for it to come out and see how everything's going to work! I'm enjoying my writing for this magazine!
Kids of Faith Online
This is another online magazine that I write for. I've been writing for this one for a couple of years now and really enjoy it! Sky started this one and I write both music article and an article about {Shining Stars} - Christian music artists who are shining their lives for Jesus.
Facebook
Twitter

Those are the websites that I go to the most, spend most of my time on.

28 Day Blog Challenge: Day 20

2011-03-01T12:40:00.000-08:00

Day 20: Something You Know You Do Differently Than Most People

I've heard that, as a girl from Pennsylvania Dutch Country, I speak differently than a lot of other people in the world. I've given some of my accent over to some of my friends, Sky even says that she started saying things like I do! :P Here are a couple of things about PA, it'll help you to understand me a little better.

You Know You're From Pennsylvania When....

You've never referred to Philadelphia as anything but "Philly." And New Jersey has always been "Jersey."

You refer to Pennsylvania as "PA."

"You guys" is a perfectly acceptable reference to a group of men & women.

You know how to respond to the question "Djeetyet?" (Didyoueatyet?)

You can use the phrase "fire hall wedding reception" and not even bat an eye.

Words like "hoagie", "crick", "chipped ham", "sticky buns", "shoo-fly pie", "pierogies" and "pocketbook" actually mean something to you.

You know several places to purchase or that serve Scrapple, Summer Sausage (Lebanon Bologna), and Hot Bacon Dressing.

You know exactly what to do when your mother tells you to "red up" your room.

You think very little of an Amish buggy on the road.

You learned long ago how to "step carefully" around the buggy tie-ups in the supermarket parking lot.

You can go 2 weeks in winter without sunshine and think this is normal.

You not only have heard of Birch Beer, but you know that it comes in several colors: Red, Blue, White, Brown, Gold.

You know what REAL potpie is.

You ask the waitress for "dippy eggs" for breakfast.

You can stop along the road to buy fruits, vegetables, or crafts on the "honor system."

YOUR turkey has "filling," not "stuffing," and most certainly, NOT "dressing."

You say things like, "I'm calling off today," and "They're calling for snow."

Hearing horses clopping down a paved street doesn't bring you to the window to see what's going on outside.

You prefer Hershey's Chocolate to Godiva.

School closings due to snow take the radio stations a half an hour to finish, because just about every town has its own school district.

Frequently go "with," e.g., "You going to the market? Mind if I come with?"

Refer to something as "a whole nother," e.g., "That's a whole nother issue."

28 Day Blog Challenge: Day 19

2011-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

Day 19: A Hobby Of Yours

THIS I can do! But I've got hobbies coming out the wazoo, I don't even know where to start.

My biggest hobby has to definitely be writing. I write like a crazy person, whether it be stories, or blog posts, or statuses on facebook, I write SOMETHING a lot. Writing. Ahhh, I love writing. I've been writing since I was about ten years old, and finished my first book - if you can call it that - when I was about 12. That book should be burnt, or be thrown out the window, but I'm one of those people who doesn't want to ever throw away any of my past stories, because for 1, they're fun to look back at and see how I've matured at as a writer, and 2, because I may be able to use some of my plots - loosely - over again. :)

I also seriously enjoy playing my guitar. I actually JUST came downstairs from playing it. I haven't been playing much lately and now my fingers are sore from playing a lot this evening. I have been playing guitar for about 2 years. I have written - also cowrote - maybe songs and have done the music for them with my guitar. :)

This picture to the left was taken this fall at some railroad tracks near my house. I thought that it turned out pretty awesome. :)

I also thoroughly enjoy traveling places. This past year I've been to 6 different states, gone to Disney World, Williamsburg and had my FIRST ever plane ride! It was definitely a great year for traveling.
Disney World is my ALL-TIME favorite place to travel to. I love everything about it, I don't even mind the crowds because it's so amazing. When I go there, I feel like I've stepped back in time to my childhood and I can be a little kid. Everyone likes to be a kid again and whenever I go to Disney World, I feel that way. The first time I ever went to Disney World was when I was 5, then I was 11, then 15, then 16, just this past May. I love Florida! :D
Picture to the left is me and my friend, Ali, fro my most recent trip to Disney World, May of 2010.

Also past year (in November of 2010), I traveled to CO, as all of my blogger friends know, to visit my best friend, Sky. It was one of the best experiences I've had, because it was the first time that I've ever been on an airplane. It was so much fun to actually get onto the plane and travel to CO, but when I was actually there and had met Sky, the two of us had the best time! We laughed almost the whole time that I was there, until I left, then we cried. But the weeklong trip just brought us closer together and we talk even more since I got home!

A Couple Days Worth of Blog Challenge

2011-02-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

Day 17: An Art Piece

Truth be told, I've never been too into art, if you want to know the truth. But I do really like landscape photos. Here's one I found.

Day 18: A Time You Felt Passionate and Alive

I didn't have to think about this one long! It didn't take much! Pretty much anytime I listen to, or play, music. Music is one of the most passionate things there is, and I always feel alive when I listen to it.

Day 19: A Talent of Yours

Wow, conceited much? You really want me to sit here and make a list of things that I think I'm good at? I would rather not. That's just rude and aren't we told that we shouldn't brag on ourselves much? Well, okay. Fine. I will say one thing.
I like to write. And I do it a lot. I write because I have to. My characters won't leave me alone. Writing is a big part of my life, and I must do it!
I loveeeee writing!
****Excuse the TFk Forward Motion Song on the iPod. IT was the only picture I truly had of my writing. :P ****

Blog Challenge Days 15 and 16

2011-02-25T08:12:00.000-08:00

Day 15: Someone You Admire

This one is really simple for me - my mom. She homeschools us, works for the Old SchoolHouse Magazine and does so much around the house. I find any homeschool mother someone to admire, because they do so much for their children! Thanks to all the homeschool moms out there! You are amazing!

Day 16: A Song That Makes You Cry

There are a couple of songs that make me cry and most of them are for no reason at all - like the sound of the song, when it's slow and sad sounding - almost every song on the Comatose album by Skillet has that sound, as well as Like the Sun by Stellar Kart, which is not even a sad song in my opinion.
I don't know really of one particular song that makes me cry, but sometimes when I listen to certain songs, they get me teary! ;)

Upcoming CSN Stores Review

2011-02-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

Spring is going to be coming into the air and my siblings and I are getting antsy to head outside. My siblings enjoy playing on our swing set, although, it is slowly deteriorating and breaking down. It was minefrom many years ago, and from much play-time from me and the two neighbor boys, it's definitely gotten worn down.

We've been thinking about getting a new outdoor playset for the last couple of years, ever since my little brother was born. The CSN stores have many choices for outdoor playsets and would be a great place to start looking for one.

After looking through the above website, it appears that they have a great selection of playsets, and that, with the right amount of money, my family could easily find one (or twenty), that we would thoroughly enjoy having in our backyard!

My Last Couple of Weeks in One Post

2011-02-22T17:55:00.000-08:00

Erg, I haven't been posting enough lately. I guess it's because of facebook and the people that I'm friends with there know what's going on in my life, without having to read my blog. But there are some followers who are not friends with me on facebook, so I guess that I should be considerate to you guys, too, right?

My family has been developing the winter blues in the last couple of weeks. It's been cold and snowy, and we're just ready for spring to come, so we can get out of the house, and not have to worry about wearing coats and being cold. I want warm! Is that so much to ask?! ;) It was warm a couple of days last week, and that was SO nice.

Last week, I got the flu and was sick for a little over a day. I was glad that it didn't last longer than that, because I hate being sick. I guess everyone hates it, but I don't get sick very often, so it is just yucky. Very yucky.

I was super excited to get Jenny B. Jones' new book in the mail two weeks ago. Yesterday, I wrote a review of it for Mom's blog, here's the link:
http://heidi-strawser.blogspot.com/2011/02/save-date-by-jenny-b-jones.html

Jenny B. Jones also posted a picture that I posted of the book on her website! I feel so loved! :) I posted this picture on facebook and twitter and she decided to post it on her website! I didn't know about it until someone commented on my mom's review and said about the picture on Jenny's website. I was THRILLED to see it there.
Here's the link to that as well:
http://www.jennybjones.com/2011/02/18/oh-those-crazy-kids/#comments

I've been writing a lot lately. I started a story about a week ago and have been writing it a lot lately. I'm rewriting one that I've previously written, but changed it from 1st person to 3rd, and am changing a lot of the plot for many reasons. I'm really enjoying writing in third person and I NEVER thought that I would say that. I almost always used to write in first person so this was a stretch for me at first, but now I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

My friend, Sky and I started a writing blog a couple of weeks ago to keep track of our most current writing projects so we don't forget when we did what. I love writing with Sky and I love our most current story. To check out our blog go here:
http://ashenskybooks.blogspot.com

Lately, my family and I have gone from watching Psych - which we finished all the seasons that we could watch through Netflix - and moved over to watching Monk. We're on Season 4 of the 8 that are out, and we're really enjoying the show. I didn't like it at first but lately I've been loving it. I was still really attached to Psych when we started watching this show and I was comparing everything to it. But now I love them both!

The online magazine that I'm writing for is looking for homecshoolers ages 14-25 to write for their E-zine. If you are at all interested - email orliinfo (at) aol (dot) com. It's been great so far and I'm super excited for the first issue to come out soon! :D

Okay. Okay. Enough for now. I'm getting off the computer to watch Monk. :)

~Ashley

Blog Challenge, 3 Days Worth

2011-02-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, okay, here goes nothing. Three days worth of this Blog Challenge that I'm having a hard time keeping up with.

Day 12: A Song You Want Played At Your Wedding

Any girl knows that they dream of their future wedding, so of course, I have a song that I absolutely love. There are a lot of good love songs out there, but one of my all time favorites is:
It's Your Love By Tim McGraw and Faith Hill
*married, by the way, which just makes it better!*

Day 13: A Guilty Pleasure

I'm sure that most people - well, some people, would say chocolate. But I don't like chocolate. So I won't say that.
My Guilty Pleasure is MUSIC! I love to listen to it, buy it, play it, write it, sing it. I just love music. Everything about it. Especially if the person whose singing can make me happy! :D
:)

Day 14: A Vacation You Would Like To Take

Well, my all-time favorite vacation is Disney World, but since I've been there 4 times, I'm going to choose a place that I have never been before.
Which is England. I've wanted to go there for a long time. I think it would be so cool to our all the castles and cool buildings over there, take a lot of pictures and just say that I've actually been somewhere out of the USA. 'Cause I haven't yet! :P
Although, when I'm older, I do hope to visit the country that my younger siblings were adopted from - Vietnam. I also hope that I can visit a country with my future husband - don't know what country yet - and adopt a child. I guess that adoption is just in my blood, and like my parents and grandparents, adoption is just 'there'. My two uncles were adopted, and my two siblings.

Oh! Speaking of ADOPTION! My Uncle Jon and Aunt Amy announced about a month ago that they were planning to adopt their first child from Korea within the next year! I am so, so, so excited to have a new baby cousin! :D (This is one of my uncles that was adopted). I can't wait to meet him or her! I am excited, to say the least! Be praying for the whole situation and that it all goes well! <3>
.

Blog Challenge

2011-02-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

Day 11: A Photo of You Taken Recently

Blog Challenge Day 9 & 10

2011-02-18T10:13:00.000-08:00

Day 9: A Picture You Took

Dad bought Mom, Gracie and I roses for Valentine's Day. Here's a picture:

Day 10: A Picture Of You Taken Over 10 Years Ago

(That was me when I was 2, I believe.)

Blog Challenge

2011-02-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

Day 7: Five Things You Couldn't Possibly Live Without

My Bible. :)
My iPod Touch
My Guitar
Coffeeeeeeeeeeee!
My Family

Blog Challenge

2011-02-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

Day 6: A Moment You Wish That You Could Relive

There's so many moments that I wish that I could relive, so I don't know how to pick just one. :P I don't know exactly what to choose.

I think one thing that I would like to relive is my childhood. Back when life was easy and we didn't have to about ANYTHING! :P I was a pretty cute little bugger too! ;)

Blog Challenge

2011-02-13T16:58:00.000-08:00

Day 6: A Favorite Quote

There is no doubt about this one! I actually DO have a favorite quote!

"If you can dream it, you can do it. It's kind-of fun to do the impossible." -Walt Disney

Blog Challenge

2011-02-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Day 4: Favorite TV Show

Favorite NEW - recent - TV Show:

PSYCH!
PSYCH!
PSYCH!
I absolutely love this show. It has a mix of mystery, humor and romance. It is fit for children to watch- unlike a lot of tv shows that are on now days - and my siblings, parents and I all love it!

Favorite Old - 80s - TV show:

It's hard for me to pick just one from then, but I think that my favorite is probably:

Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries
These are amazing too! They star Shawn Cassidy, Parker Stevenson & Pamela Sue Martin.

Blog Challenge Day 3

2011-02-11T15:43:00.000-08:00

Day 3: A Favorite Book

It appears that whoever came up with this blog challenge didn't necessarily like music, movies or books that greatly. I can tell because obviously they can pick one of their favorites, without having much trouble.
I like SO many books, making myself pick one, is again, going to be hard. So here goes, some of my favorites.

1. The Hollywood Nobody Series by Lisa Samson
I love, love, love, love, love, love, love these books! They are those books that I can read over and over without them getting out. They have a good mix of everything a person wants to read about - my mom even enjoys them and they're teen fiction!
2. Anything, I mean, anything by Jenny B. Jones!
Her books are real and I feel like I can learn a great writing style from her! She is an amazing author! I love her!
3. Like Dandelion Dust & Even Now both by Karen Kingsbury
I've only ever read these two books by her, but I found them intriguing and amazingly written. I can't wait to read more by her!

Blog Challenge Day 2:

2011-02-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

Day 2: A Favorite Movie

This is almost as hard as picking a favorite song. I have so many movies that I absolutely love. But there a couple of movies that I can watch over and over, and they'll never get old.

1. Some Kind of Wonderful

My mom gets the blame for this movie. This movie was made in the 1989, and my mom had loved it ever since. I watched it for the first time a couple of years ago and loved it. Now, I consider it one of my favorite movies. Ever. It's cute love story that can be watched over and over!

2. Sweet Home Alabama

I am a sucker for any good romance movie. This is one of the cutest love stories ever. Yet another movie that gets watched around our house quite often.

3. A Walk to Remember

Aw. A Walk To Remember. Can you tell that I' a sucker for a love story? A tale of unexpected love. *sigh* Where was I again?

4. National Treasure 1&2

These movies are so easy to love. A mix of action, romance, and comedy. What more could people ask for? I hope they're making more!

Blog Challenge

2011-02-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

My good friend Kylie sent me an email today, mentioning that she was going to participate in the February Challenge - posting on your blog every day of February. Well, she is starting nine days late, so guess what? I am too!
I can't promise that I'll be able to do it every day, I find it very hard to sign in every day and actually post but I will definitely try my best! :D

Day 1: A Favorite Song

A favorite song? One? Only one? Are you crazy? How does a girl who listens to music galore all the time, pick only one favorite song? That's just not possible.
I don't even know if I could pick my TEN favorite songs. But I'll list a couple that I just can't live without on my iPod.

1. Gone by Switchfoot
2. Introducing Me by Nick Jonas
3. Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble
4. Take Me as I am by FM Static
5. The Right One by Stellar Kart
6. What Faith Can Do by Kutless
7. SOS by Jonas Brothers
8. You and Me by Lifehouse
9. Absolutely (Story of a Girl) by Nine Days
10. Must Have Done Something Right by Relient K
11. Rawkfist by Thousand Foot Krutch
12. Ring of Fire by Joaquin Phoenix & Reese Witherspoon (from Walk the Line)
13. Me and Jesus by Stellar Kart

Major Events in 2010

2011-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

MAJOR EVENTS IN 2010

I had a lot of things happen this year that I just had to blog about in review. Most of the major events were meeting friends this year. :)

1. First off, I met one of my best friends Ali when we were down in Florida. It was so cool to hang out with her in Disney World and get to know her better while I was there.

Picture of Ali and me :)

Wearing funny hats:

2. Second, in July, I went to New York to spend a week with Natalie. I had a great time and it was awesome to see her again. This was the third time I had met her. I had spent the night there in June 2009, then she came down here in November of 2009.

This is a picture of Natalie, Sam and me from July:

3. In September Mom, Mimi, Gracie, Ian and I went to Williamsburg for a week. While there, I randomly heard from Bethany, a friend I knew through blogging, saying she wanted to meet up with me. So we did. :)

4. Soon after I got home from VA, my friend Sky invited me to come visit her! So in November I made my way across the USA, to the west. :) CO was an experience, especially since it was my first time on an airplane.

5. When I was down in North Carolina, friends from SC came up to see me. :)
*i don't remember what we were laughing at. :P
Left to right: Brenda, Matthew, me and Ginny.

Bible in 90 Days

2011-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Starting January 3rd, 2010, I am participating in reading through the Bible in 90 Days with Mom's Toolbox. I have done this once before - although I have read through the entire Bible twice so far and can't wait to do it again.

I really enjoyed doing the Bible in 90 Days Challenge so this time I am helping to mentor a group of people who are doing the Bible in 90 Days for the first time.

I am hoping to check back in here on my blog and let my readers know how I am doing with this challenge. Last time, I didn't blog about it, so this time I am going to try my best to tell you all how I am doing.

It'll also give me something to blog about and you all know I need something to write about, huh? I can't seem to be consistent about my posting so hopefully this will help to get me blogging again.

---Ashley

My Favorite Recipe!

2010-12-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Sheesh, it has been a while since I've written, but today as I was making pizza, I decided that I was going to post my pizza crust recipe. I took this from a recipe I got off a website, but changed it to be my own.

Ingredients:

3 Cups of Flour

2/3 Cup of Sugar

1 yeast packet (or 3 tsp. yeast)

1 tsp. salt

1 Cup milk

1/2 cup water

Mix all dry ingredients together.

Heat milk and water in microwave, until scolded.
Mix milk and water into dry ingredients.
Add more flour, until the dough is no longer sticky.

Set dough aside.
Cover with a tee-towel.

Let stand for twenty minutes.

Prepare two round pans, or two rectangular pans by spraying them with cooking spray.
After 20 minutes, take the dough out of the large mixing bowl.

Split the dough into two equal sections.

Roll dough out with rolling pin.

Put sauce on pizza. We are Ragu fans! :P

Cheese....

And any other ingredients you might want! :P We enjoy pepperoni.

Cook pizza at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
Finished product:

And most importantly, enjoy your pizza!!!!

Pictures taken by- Ashley Strawser
copyrighted by - Ashley Strawser
Photo model - Heidi Strawser (hands! :P)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 26

2010-11-05T06:09:00.000-07:00

Day 26: A Picture of Your Family

Above: My family when I was 1. I had such red hair. I kinda miss it!

Above: My family at Disney World for the first time - together - when I was 5.

Above: A picture of the family right after Gracie came. I was probably 7 here.

Above: My whole family with Steven Curtis Chapman. **Cool, eh?**

Above: My mom, sister and me in Williamsburg in 2009.

Above: My mom and me at the Stellar Kart concert

My dad and me this summer

Mom, Ian, Gracie and me at the National Civil War Museum

My whole family with Mickey and Minnie at Disney World. - This is like the most recent picture of my whole family. :)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 25

2010-11-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

Day 25: iPod Shuffle

Sunshine by Stellar Kart
Breathe by Taylor Swift
Turn Your Radio On by The Statler Brothers
Funky Jesus Music by TobyMac
The Right One by Stellar Kart
Turn Right by the Jonas Brothers
Hollywood by the Jonas Brothers
The Safest Place by Thousand Foot Krutch
Better Than Revenge by Taylor Swift
Life is Good by Stellar Kart
Gift of a Friend by Demi Lovato
You Never Let Go by Stellar Kart
Hard For Her Money by Kris Allen (This was from American Idol)
The Outside by Taylor Swift
Move by Thousand Foot Krutch
I'm Gonna Get'cha Good by the Jonas Brothers (from the 3D concert experience)
Inseparable by the Jonas Brothers
A Place in This World by Taylor Swift
Hold On by Stellar Kart
Go by Thousand Foot Krutch

I did 20 songs instead of the ten that others were doing - and realized that my iPod doesn't really like to shuffle, instead it likes to pick the same bands over and over! I have a lot of different bands on my iPod, my sister makes fun of me for it. I can go from Michael Buble to Thousand Foot Krutch in just one song. :)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 24

2010-11-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

Day 24: Something You've Learned

I think over the course of our lives - my almost 17 years - we learn a lot of different things. I believe that I learn something new every day, and that I can't write them all into a short blog post.

I've learned that 11th grade is a lot harder than 10th grade and takes a lot more time and energy. (Which would make sense, but I wasn't really thinking about that.)
I've learned that I really do like Spring, Summer, and Fall better than Winter. Yes people, I know that it's only fall, but it is so chilly here this week, it feels like winter in the morning and I just don't like it. At all.
I've learned that preparing for a trip to CO since September is hard! I am ready to go, go, go!!!! Only 3 days left.

I've learned that that doesn't seem like very many things, but I'm running out of ideas! Ha.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 23

2010-11-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

Day 23: Favorite Vacation

I think EVERYONE is going to know what I'm going to post for this one. I don't even know why I'm posting this one! Ha.

If you don't know what my favorite vacation place is, you probably don't know much about me. Either, you haven't read my blog, or you're not my friend on facebook! LOL

I absolutely, positively LOVEEEEEEEEE Florida! Not just any place in Florida, but Disney World! It's my favorite place in the whole world! I love to go there, ride all the rides and meet all the characters. Yes, people, I am a little kid at heart. SO what? ;)

~
I also like Williamsburg, VA, but last time we were there, it was really, really hot. We were almost miserable. But it was still fun - but we liked to get inside the buildings - that, by the way were air conditioned, in Colonial Williamsburg, people - and get into the cool.

~
But really, I just like to go on vacations. I like to go places, and get out of our little town in Pennsylvania. :) I leave for CO in 4 days!!!!!!!! YAY. Okay, I am very excited.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 22

2010-11-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Day 22: Favorite City

I don't know that I have a favorite city. I have traveled all around the Eastern part of the USA . Oh, wait, yes, I do. I can't believe that I forgot about this one.

My favorite city is MOST DEFINITELY Orlando, Florida. I love Disney World, so I would definitely say this is my favorite place to be. It's warm, it's fun and Mickey Mouse is ALWAYS there! Where else can you go to see the real, full-size Mickey Mouse? - other than Disneyland and that's just not the same.

I was in Orlando in May - which was my 4th time there. We're going to be going back to Florida within the next two years, also. I love it there, especially when we go when it's winter in PA, and we go down to the warm, sometimes hot, Florida. Except, last time we were there in January, it was actually somewhat cold. Oh, well, it was still warmer than the negative 9 that was here while we were in the 40 and 50 degree weather there. :D

Anyways, Orlando is definitely my favorite.

-----------

I noticed that Katie @ Katie's Journey said that Denver, CO is her favorite city. Well, I'll be flying into the Denver Airport in exactly five days. :D Can't wait! I'll let you know how I like it, Katie! :D Though, truthfully, I probably won't see too much of the city.

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 21

2010-11-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Day 21: Picture of Yourself

This is me as a baby:
Me at two:
Me at 6:
Me at 8:
Me at 11:
Me at 13:
Me at 15:
Me at ALMOST 17:

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 20

2010-11-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

Day 20: Nicknames

Ash - mostly family, and closer friends call me Ash
Ashers - one of my best friends came up with this one for me (Thanks Sammers! ;))
Moose - this one is one of those that I'm not sure how it came about. Not my favorite of all my nicknames, but that's okay. The person who gave me this one I call Goose, so it all works out in the end.
Ash-el-Ly - this one comes from little kids who have to sound out my name to say it.
Ash-we - this one comes from both Ian and a little girl at church. :D I always ask her "Who am I again?" And she goes "Ash-We!" She acts so excited about it! Ha.

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 19

2010-10-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Day 19: Something You Miss

Something I miss...something I miss...something I miss.
Oh, I know.
I miss being a little kid, when I could just sit around, without worrying about drama...
I miss the people I thought that I knew - that were my good friends - that have walked out of my life for one reason or another.
I miss my old church family.
I miss watching Barney, The Big Comfy Couch, & Sesame Street. - Don't make fun.
I miss playing with Barbies. And dolls.

Apparently I miss my childhood more that I thought! :D

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 18

2010-10-29T08:42:00.000-07:00

Day 18: Something You Regret

I, like my mom, think that if we ask God for forgiveness, we should not dwell on the things that we've done in our past. But there's really NOT that much that I truly regret doing in my 17 (almost!) years.

I'd say that, even though this wasn't really my choice, going to public school for three years was the thing I regret most. I know that I didn't have much say in it, because my parents got the decision, but those three years were some of the worst of my entire life.
I'd also say that I regret losing some of my best friends, from falling-outs that weren't even worth it. I guess it is how it's supposed to be, but I definitely miss people that I used to be very close to.

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 17

2010-10-29T08:38:00.000-07:00

Day 17: Something You're Looking Forward To

1. I am looking forward to going to Kylie's in 8 days, although I'm nervous about the plane ride. I know I keep saying this, but it's getting closer and closer, making me more and more nervous.
2. I am looking forward to my 17th birthday 2 days after I return home from Kylie's.
3. I am looking forward to going to South Carolina to help at the Operation Christmas Child Distribution Center.
4. I am looking forward to winter, because the sooner it comes, the sooner it goes! :P

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 16

2010-10-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Day 16: Dream House

I don't want a huge house, but I would love something bigger than what I am living in right now. I LOVE my house, because I've grown up in it all my life - since I was brought home from the hospital. Well, I always said that when I was grown and married, I would kick my parents out and live in this house myself.
Not so much anymore. I think I'll let my parents keep it. I'd like something a little more 'me', I guess. Something bigger, with more bathrooms. LOL
First off, I would like at least 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Right now, I live in with a one full bathroom, so my family and I have to fight for the bathroom on Sunday mornings.

This is SOMETHING like I would like. I would like it to have a newer look to it, but ya know, I just want a house where I'm with the person (people) I love, so if it's tiny, with one bathroom, and 2 bedrooms, I'll be happy. Or try to be! ;)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 15

2010-10-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Day 15: Bible Verse

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
(Philippians 4:13)
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
(John 3:16-17)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 14

2010-10-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

Day 14: A Picture You Love

This is a picture of mom and me with Will Franklin Chapman and Caleb Chapman from February 2010
A picture of Mom and I with Mark Hall from Casting Crowns:
A picture of me with John Micah Sumrall from Kutless:
A picture of me with Stellar Kart:

A picture of me and my mom:

A picture of me with my mom's best friend. I'm not exactly sure how old I am here. (She passed away in March of 2010.)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 13

2010-10-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Day 13: Goals

To graduate high school, and go to college for SOMETHING. Not sure what yet.
Become a wife and mother.
Eventually homeschool my children
Grow in my relationship with Jesus
Meet my best bloggie and internet friends. (As you know, I've met a few, and I'll be meeting Kylie soon, but there are so many more I'd just LOVE to meet!)

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 12

2010-10-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

Day 12: What You Believe:

Jesus is my Savior and loves me more than anyone else in this world
That I have the best parents in the world
That although my friends live all over the USA, they are still some of the best people who God has brought into my life. You guys know who you are.
That I'll be nervous taking off on the airplane to go visit Kylie. Yes, it's only 11 days. Seeing a plane take off the other day from Harrisburg airport on the way to Lancaster made me even more nervous. I WILL be okay ;)

30 Day Blog Challenge Day 11

2010-10-26T07:58:00.001-07:00

I FAIL! LOL I need to work backwards again! But I will catch up! :P

Day 11: Favorite TV Shows

Charlies Angels
Dukes of Hazzard
Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries
Say Yes to the Dress
What Not to Wear
Full House
Simon & Simon
The Waltons
Little House on the Prairie
Laverne and Shirley

....

2010-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

My blog is under construction right now. Not sure what is exactly going on, but backgrounds won't go into my template, and my background is white. Working on figuring out why it's not working.

30 Days Blog Challenge: Day 10

2010-10-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Day 10: Something You're Afraid Of

Something I'm afraid of? I'm afraid of lots of things, really. But especially:
Losing friends that I love - both to falling-outs and other reasons.
Never getting married, hence, never having kids.
That I will never figure out what I'm supposed to do with my life. People keep asking: "What do you want to do when you're out of high school?" I say, "I have no idea." They say, "Oh. Okay." Ha. I guess the more people ask, the more annoying it gets, like I should just be able to figure this out without any thought. Well, I can't.
Mice.
Snakes.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 9

2010-10-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

Day 9: A Picture of Your Friends

I wish this topic would've come after I traveled to CO in just a couple of weeks! But I'm doing it now, and I might edit it later! :)

Truthfully, I don't have many friends that live in Pennsylvania, that I feel that I can tell everything to - that I feel like I would talk to about just anything. But I do have a couple of friends here who I love, and love having in my life.

Two of my great friends - well, 4 actually - live in New York. I have been there twice to hang out with them, once for just one night - last summer, and for a week this summer. It was a great time and I hope to do it again soon! I miss them! :(

This is Natalie and me, taking a little break from kayaking. It was SO much fun kayaking with her older brother!
Sam and me, after the church service! We matched and hadn't even talked about it! :P
This is a picture of Mandy & me after church:
This is Jen and me. This was the last day that we had to spend together before I went home! That was a sad day! :(
A picture of Jen, Natalie and me that I absolutely love! It's one of my favorite pictures from the trip!
A picture of my good friend, Ali and me, while waiting in line for Kali River Rapids in the Animal Kingdom at Disney World:
With good friends, Mary Beth and Nicky, at church, after the Christmas Service:
With Shaiya, after a long weekend at the Suarez's house for a meeting. (My mom works for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.)
Meeting a good blogging friend, Bethany. :D

I have so many more blogging buddies that I would love to meet, but have yet to. I didn't put their pictures in here, because I haven't met them yet. You all know who you are! :D

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 8

2010-10-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

Day 8: A Place You've Traveled To

Well, my family likes to travel around a lot. Well, at least I do! I love to travel. I like to get away from the house and go to different states, and different places.

In May, my family went to Disney World. I love Disney World and this was my 4th time there. I love it there and would go every year it was a possibility.

A gorgeous picture of the castle:

My friend, Ali and me in in front of the castle:

Ali and me in really cool hats! :D Needless to say, we didn't buy them. Too expensive. But they ARE cute!

Ali and me waiting for the parade:

30 Days Blog Challenge Day 7

2010-10-19T12:01:00.000-07:00

Day 7: Favorite Movies

Favorite Movies:
1. Some Kind of Wonderful
This has just recently become one of my favorite movies! My mom introduced it to me - it's a movie from the 80s - and I loved it!
2. A Walk To Remember
I LOVED this movie from the first time I watched it. Everytime I see it, I bawl like a baby, but I still continue to watch it.
3. The Last Song
I am not at all a Miley Cyrus fan - I don't like her very much at all anymore, but I still really like this movie. I think that someone could've played the part better as Ronnie - the main girl character - but I still LOVE this movie. Again, I cry my eyes out as I watch this movie.
4. Sweet Home Alabama
Again, this is a movie that my parents introduced me to, but I just started really liking it when I was older. I love watching it. It's a happy romance that I think most anyone would like.
5. The Blind Side
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! It is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I like that it's based on a true story. :D It makes me cry too. :(
6. Where the Heart Is
This movie is sad too. Is there a pattern here? The majority of the movies I've written about are sad. Wow.
7. National Treasure & National Treasure: Book of Secrets
These are some of the best movies ever! I love Riley Poole, who keeps me laughing, no matter how many times I've seen them! I'm hoping for some more movies! :D