Monday Afternoon Smiles

Know what makes me smile?

Well, a lot of things, but today I enjoyed reading other blogs. I ran across this blog a couple of months ago. I read back pretty far and enjoyed the insights she shared, her art and her photography. I encourage you to follow her blog as well- especially if you're crafty, like jewelry, or want to read the thoughts of someone who has a positive outlook on life. A few weeks ago, she started doing giveaways each Monday (which is awesome!). This is only the second one I've entered [mostly because I think that you should really want what's being given away, but that's a blog for another day], but the giveaways have always been pretty awesome- so keep an eye out!

The giveaway this week is fantastic. It's to this etsy shop which has some of the most unique jewelry (for a great price) that I've seen. I absolutely-hands-down-can't-believe-how-much love the golden snitch locket. First of all, it's Harry Potter. Secondly, the inside references my favorite book of the series. Thirdly, it's really nicely done- it doesn't look cheap, so I could [and would] wear it anywhere. I also think that this necklace is really beautiful, and if you think about it, could have a Harry Potter reference to it as well (time turner, anyone?). She has a whole section of her etsy devoted to HP related jewelry. I love it. [sa-woon]

Paperback Beauty

I'm a lover of simple things. I love the flowers. I love dinner at home. I love lazy Sundays. I love card games. I love my husband (who is not a simple-minded person, but who simplifies my life). Some of my favorite nights with Justin have been those when we watch some t.v., play a hand of Rummy and read before bed. While extravagance can be fun, like our honeymoon to Disney World, I'd rather live the majority of my days in simple bliss.

One of my favorite simple things to do is read. I love to escape into the hilarity, heartbreak, passion, death, life, intrigue or whimsical nature of an alternate reality. A reality where Harry struggles to balance his OWLs as well as defeat Voldermort He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. A reality where Stephanie gets to choose between Joe Morelli and Ranger. A reality where vampires exist (and no, it's not Twilight). A reality where God chooses to meet Mack in a cabin.

My least favorite thing about reading is trying to find the next thing to pick up! There are some excellent websites, such as Goodreads that allow you to search books that are similar- by genre, author or title. There are ratings attached to each book, but I have found them to be fickle; I'm unable to tell if a book is actually worth reading. Perusing the library or bookstore causes me to do one thing: judge a book by its cover. There's a reason that you're not supposed to do that. Trust me.

And now, the worst has happened: I've run dry. I've re-read all of my favorites. I've tried new series. I've asked my mom. Please help.

Tell me some of your favorites; they may be next on my reading list.

Tangible Thoughts

I love to write. There's just something about making thoughts tangible that inspires me. And to be honest, it also scares me. Spoken words are often lost, forgotten or denied. Written words may last centuries, even the most insignificant. Copies of letters that were never meant to be read are common knowledge, but whispered conversations are kept between friends.

For this reason, I am both thrilled and terrified by the idea of setting my words to paper a blog. In twenty years, I'll have the option to reminisce about my life. I intend it to be noteworthy, so hopefully it will be a good read. On the other hand, I am making them available to others, which seems like an awfully big responsibility to me. I realize that no one is required to read what I write, but to those that invest time in my thoughts, I'd like to give them something meaningful.

I was speaking with Elaina about my fear of being un-0riginal. What could I possibly say that would hold meaning to my readers (my readers? how strange).We never came to a satisfying answer, just that some people could indeed accomplish it. Within the next week, two of the people I follow posted these quotes:

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it. -C. S. Lewis

“I don’t believe in originality. You take inspiration from whatever moves you and you find your voice in those things.” - Tom Walker

These thoughts, which happened to be "original" to me, inspire me to write despite fears or uncertainty of direction. I will simply tell the truth and find my voice. I hope over the coming weeks and months that I not only am able to create a memoir for myself but say something that resonates with others.


So take a walk with me, following my meandering mind.