What Am I Thinking?!?

Wow. It has been an extremely long time since I've been over here.... Shameful, really. Especially since I have so much going on. So much to talk about. So much to share. Which is actually funny... I've written up several posts.. I just haven't posted them. =P Maybe I should do that... huh.

But here I am, anyway. This shall be a rambling post. Maybe do a few lists or something. Yeah. Let's do that.

1) I've been really busy (in case you couldn't tell from the lack of posts). But surprisingly, I haven't been as busy and some might think. Yes, I live a life and that right there is chaotic and messy and beautiful. Yet there are so many other things that play into that.

2) We've been in an extremely busy time of year for the ranch. Working cows every. single. night. That gets rather exhausting and leaves little energy for other fun things (like blogging). However, we are finishing up this week and then we'll have a big working weekend and be done! YAY! I love the ranch seasons, but when they are almost done, I'm definitely ready for them to be!

3) I've still go my nanny jobs. I love them because they fit me so well. But they've also grown me in ways I never would have imagined. There are some days I come home just exhausted, wondering why I'm doing this in the first place... and then I remember that those momma's, well they get this every single day. And me coming in once a day gives them a bit of a break. A rest. And that makes it worth it. Oh, not to mention the ADORABLE cuties I get to watch.. hah! Or those bittersweet moments when the littlest one is finally old enough to pronounce your name correctly.... or when your heart melts because the one child that doesn't express emotions very often tells you he loves you. All those moments are so beautiful. So precious. It makes every single day that I'm working so worth it. It also makes me look forward to a time when maybe God will bless me with my own children someday. And I can look forward to those same things.

4) I've been taking a web design class! HTML And CSS. Boy it has been an adventure! Lots of learning, lots of crying, and definitely lots of frustrating moments. But that, too, has also been good. I find that if I'm not learning something... well, it's just not a great place to be. We should always be learning, growing, improving somehow. I wanted to do web design. So when I found out from a friend about these Christian guys that teach IT stuff online, I had to check it out. After doing some praying and thinking, I signed up for the class. Needless to say, my family is rather excited... course not because I'm doing this, exactly, but because when I'm done, I'll be able to design websites for them. Ranch website, sister's photography site.. lol! But hey, it will give me that much needed practice.

5) I have recently been presented a very exciting opportunity. Only problem is, I don't know if it will actually happen. So I don't want to say anything yet. But I would appreciate your prayers! Mainly that if God has this in store for me, He will open up all the doors for it and guide me through. And that I will listen well. ;-) But it is just SO very exciting... I honestly don't think I can survive the excitement! ok, ok. being a bit dramatic, I know....

6) I have realized that it is time to move on from acting in my beloved ABC drama group. This is extremely bittersweet. It has been so very fabulous working with everyone and acting and being a part of every production (not just on stage, but back stage, too). And now, I say au revoir. Granted, I won't totally drop them like an old shoe completely, but my acting days are over with them. This is very sad. I really don't like this side of the 'growing up' thing. However, I'm still looking forward to participating in ways like stepping up as assistant director or taking over costuming full time, or helping with props, etc. However, the sweet part out of all this is that now I maybe have some time to start pursuing some different adult theaters. There are a couple that are somewhat local and I look forward to possibly participating in some of their plays. We'll see what the Lord has planned!

7) I feel like I have recently been pushed into a growing season. These are very good, typically. It means you're maturing more, growing more, etc. The only problem is that they are really hard to go through! The end result might be great... but the journey is hard. And then, of course, there's the realization that there is never an end to the journey. It continues on until you die. That then puts you in a rather sullen mood, on some days. Other days it doesn't bother you one bit and you are ready to face the challenges ahead. I am, however, finding myself hitting the 'low point'. The point where I start wondering what in the world I'm doing. Where I wonder if I'm messing up God's plan or if I really am just following Him blindly, trusting that He'll lead me... Of course, I know He'll lead me.. it's just my interpretation of His directions that I worry about. Because, after all, I am human. *sigh*. Gotta love this thing called growing up, right? At least I have an amazing prayer support network of family and friends who keep me covered daily. =)

And there's a nice wrap up to a much needed post. Maybe not much needed for my readers because, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if you'd abandoned me at this point.. But it's much needed for me. I've decided this blog is like my 'therapy', if I actually need it. A place other than a quick face book post to really share my thoughts. That being said, after having been burnt out a little bit back with my writing endeavors, I now find myself willing and ready to jump in again. I may never accomplish the large novel I want to complete or publish any more books.. but if I'm just writing on here, even if no one reads it, I still feel as if I've done something. For myself, maybe, but it's hard to hold back when the urge to write something pops up almost constantly in the day.

So, all that being said, it feels good to be back. To be home again.

In Which I Explain Myself....

Well, I have to say I've really dropped the ball with this whole blogging deal.... I used to be pretty good about staying on top of it, but... new season in life, right?

In any case, I'm hoping to get back into it in the next couple of weeks. I've got so many blog posts swirling around in my head, I could fill a whole month... However, as some of them are maybe not 'blog worthy' or 'blog appropriate', I won't be blowing up your notification box too much. ;-)

So all of that short little paragraph to say that once our drama performances are done this week, and I'm recovering from my oral surgery, I shall be popping back in here to share my thoughts on many various subjects.

Au revoir!

When God Teaches You Flexibility

Hardly a week has passed since I did that big post about how the Lord changes your desires and how He'll teach you to be content, etc, etc, etc.

Well, I guess the next thing on my list of training in "Spiritual Growth Bootcamp" was to learn flexibility. Now, I will be honest and say that I have always considered myself as being rather flexible. Living on a ranch sort of trains you to that, I 'spose. However, there are some things that I have a harder time being flexible with... I'm a perfectionist in many areas, but those are usually the 'odd' areas.. if my room gets a bit messy, it can stay like that for a week before it finally drives me nuts... But! If I have planned a special dinner or tea party, it had better go off without a hitch and everything *has* to be perfect... yeah.

So, all that to say that, yes, there are a few areas in which I have a harder time being flexible. Well, the Lord certainly taught me about it this week.

At Drama, we found out one of our young thespians was unable to stay for the semester because of some major scheduling issues. We were all very sad to see her go and she will be missed in the group. However, mom and I realized that we now had open spots in our plays (she was in both my group and mom's). My "main" character now needed to be recast, and another fairly large role in mom's needed to be as well. What to do??

I called a friend who was in mom's group that had told me earlier on that she would be happy in whichever group she was put in and didn't mind being in both. So I called her up and asked if she could play the Queen in my play. She said she'd think about it and give me an answer soon. Fantastic! (because I was just informed last night that she CAN do the part for me) Now we just needed to figure out mom's play...

One girl was originally playing "Ginger", a small role, but very fun character. She's your typically ditsy, gum-chewing wife of a mafia guy (set in the 40s and 50s y'all!). The character that now needed to be filled again was Terri. Larger role, sweet person, girlfriend to another guy. So, we asked the young lady playing Ginger if she would want to do Terri, or keep her role as Ginger. She thought about it and decided she would really like the role of Terri. So, that was fixed... only, now Ginger was 'empty', so to speak....

So what do we do? How to we fill this part?? We couldn't do doubles because at certain points all characters are on the stage at once.. The decision??

I would play Ginger.

Bam. Flexibility right there for ya. I was content to have no part in the play, quite happy, in fact, and then this comes up and I end up needing to play the part anyway. Am I excited? Am I stressed out now? Am I wishing I didn't have it?... Yes, Yes, and Can't Decide Yet.

I'm very excited about the part. I think it will be loads of fun. However, I was also ready to buckle down and not have a part in the play... *sigh*. Yet, although I'm stressing just a bit because now I've got double work, I'm still rather thankful. I really do enjoy acting and I'm glad that I have an opportunity to do it again.

So there ya have it, folks. Just when you think you're ready to hunker down and get the job done, you might want to be prepared for curve ball that could come your way. =)

And those are my little ramblings for this morning... =)

A Sneak Peak + An Update!

I know it has been FOREVER since I've posted on here... I do apologize. Life has pretty much taken me on it's... something. I can't think of the right term. In any case, life has been extremely crazy. I promise I shall give a much better post, but for now I just thought I'd jump in and say "DRAMA PERFORMANCE TONIGHT!!!" I'm SO excited... and EXTREMELY nervous... and yes, I like used my CAPs... ;-)

(This was taken before costumes were fully figured out... thus why some of us look... interesting.. ;-)

If you want to see a few pictures/sneak peak, check out this LINK! Also, on the blog site itself (in a different post) there is a post of all the cast. We got 'cameo' pictures two weeks ago, so I put them up. :-) Check 'em out!

Prayers that we do well, please!!

I'll pop in for another update a little later in time. :-)

Excitement is Mounting!

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a large fortune must be in want of a wife....."

*************

I decided I'd pop over and talk a bit o' Drama. Y'all know I can go on and on about this subject. I'll limit myself, though, and just show a few pictures and talk just a wee little bit. ;-) Ok, I lie. =D

So, as most of you know, our ABC drama group will be performing Pride and Prejudice this fall. I'm really looking forward to this performance! It will definitely stretch the actors in many ways, but it will also be a neat experience to pull off.

This year we actually had true auditions. The director and assistant director (as well as the panel of judges) had to pick who would be in and who could best play each part. It was an extremely difficult bunch of decisions. One that went with much prayer and thought.

The cast has now been picked, the script is almost ready... yes, almost ready. The director couldn't find one that she liked, so she just decided to write it herself. Needless to say, it has given her a deep respect for stage writers! It has been quite the undertaking.

We have our first practice tomorrow. This is one of my favorite days of the practices. It's fun to get settled in, so who all is in the play, and catch up with everyone after the long break in-between semesters. :-) (and yes, we have to do it the first week because otherwise we don't get to later... we have work to do!) ;-)

So, I'm going to post a few pictures of the 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice (my personal favorite!!!) starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. They did a stupendous job in this movie, and I love being able to watch their acting skills.

Before pics, I guess I'll share a bit of a back story. Ever since I have seen this movie (which was when I was about 10-11) I have ALWAYS wanted to be Elizabeth Bennet. I was determined that I would go to Hollywood, waltz right in, and get to play that star role in the newest edition of the story. Well, the Lord hasn't exactly called me to be a Hollywood actor... probably better that way. I'm afraid I wouldn't fit in. =D However, He did bless me greatly this year, by allowing me to get the part of Elizabeth Bennet in this production. I'm very excited, yet also getting a little nervous as I realize the big responsibility and task I have before me. However, I also know that so long as I do everything to glorify Him, the Lord, then I cannot fail. (but it's still a little scary to think about!).




Anyway, on with the pictures and introductions. So pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea, and settle in.... :-)

 Mr. and Mrs. Bennet... (the two actors that got these parts are going to be hilarious!!!)

 The Bennet Girls. (I get some pretty neat sisters!)

 The Bingley's

Mr. Darcy

Introductions made, I shall now fill you in on the rest of my acquaintances... 

Charlotte Lucas- my best friend who I can have any conversation with.

Lady Catherine de Burgh- the rather overbearing woman who will one day be my aunt! 

Wickam- the man who willfully, charmingly, and wittingly deceived us.

My Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. They are favorites of the family and on my mother's side of relations.

Mr. Collins- He is our cousin who will inherit the house when Papa is dead. He is also under the patronage of Lady Catherine.

Col. Fitzwilliam- The kind-hearted, lively gentleman who's wonderful conversation I enjoyed very much. (he is actually one of my favorite characters).

My dear sister Jane... I can share everything with her. She is so sweet and never things ill of anyone, much to my chagrin at times! However, our respect and love for one other never changes and we share in each other's sorrows and joys.  

 Bingley and Darcy are very good friends. Bingley respects his friends opinion and is often swayed by it.

 Sweet Georgiana Darcy. She will be my future sister- of which we are both very glad!

Need I say more? ;-) 

"My nerves!" Poor mama. Always ready to be attacked with a nervous fit. 

Father keeps to his library and tries to ignore most of the goings on in the household.

I really didn't like him at that moment. 

Balls and Assemblies are such wonderful entertainments! Though, I was rather upset that I had to dance with the proud Mr. Darcy in this one. 

Sweet Jane and her lovable Bingley. They love each other so much, you can't help but smile when you see them together. My father thinks they are so benevolent that their servants will cheat them- but my mother was quick to remind him that they had such sufficient funds that they would never run out. 

And so, you have had a quick introduction and peek into my family. I hope to share some 'real' pictures of the cast and practices as we get closer to performances! :-) For now, farewell!

2012: A Year in Review

Hello! I thought it would be fun to put a few of my favorite things about last year down on 'paper', per se. It's kind of fun to look back and see what you've accomplished (also not fun to see what you DIDN'T accomplish...)

2012:

I turned 19. Kind of a big deal, and kind not....

Officially Graduated and Celebrated (hopefully I'll post pictures of it sometime this year... :-) 

 

I co-hosted a fun fashion show with a dear friend

I finally began the process of getting my books published (after much prodding from the Lord!, I finally took action... ;-)

I have made many mistakes and learned from them.

I have read 12 books... hehe, yes, that's a lot for me. 

Our family had a vacation after 6 years. It was such a wonderful time to get away from the ranch, the stress, and everything else and just relax and enjoy family time!!! 

I got to call and talk on the phone with a friend who lives really far away

I accomplished a few things off of my huge bucket list.. yeah, I'm not a big one for actually finishing things.. or perhaps I just overload myself. Hmm... 

I reached over 100 followers on my blog- you guys are awesome!! 

I worked at the State Fair as an Assistant Superintendent in the Creative Arts building

I took on a house cleaning job to help make money for my book publishing

Participated in two drama plays (I got the play the villain in the last one!!) You can go check out a video over here

I started teaching fiddle to three wonderful students

Called my first dance (that was fun, but also boring because I didn't get to dance!)

Started working on the Secret Project

Did Some posting on my Writing Blog

 

Made a scrap quilt top with some dear friends (we all have quilts-lap size- made out of scrap fabric from our own stashes)

Learned more in my walk with the Lord, though I had many failings

What I'm planning to do/what will happen in 2013:

Buy a laptop

Finish the Secret Project and reveal it to all of y'all

Do another Bible reading challenge

Memorize Scripture more

Get my books published and sell them at the New Mexico Home school Convention

Possibly go up to the Colorado Convention and sell my books there as well

Continue to grow in my walk with the Lord and learn to trust Him for absolutely everything

Hopefully visit some long distance friends

Finish the quilt top I made last year (still have to quilt and bind it)

Do some hair tutorials or post a Vlog

Possibly host another Fashion Show

Participate in Drama 

Do a Writing Series on my Writing Blog

Maybe Make Another long list of things I'd like to do! ;-) And then hopefully get them all done... 

Read at least 18 books- hey, that is a lot for me... hehe! :-)   

Maybe do some photo shoots...  

What are some things that you are looking forward to in 2013?? What are some things that you're glad you did/accomplished in 2012?

Update Over at My Writing Blog

Hello Friends!!

I just recently updated my writing blog, so if anyone is interested in reading a small tidbit from a book I'm writing, be sure to stop by!

Also, I'm currently working on getting that promised video up over at our drama blog. We had our dress rehearsal tonight, which went fairly well. However, as our marvelous director told us, "If the dress rehearsal is awful, the performances will be wonderful." The reason being that everyone will go home and practice, practice, practice! :-) So, although our rehearsal wasn't absolutely terrible, it wasn't perfect either. So, I'm praying that the performances will go well, that everyone will remember their lines, and that the audience will really enjoy the evening. :-)

So, just popping in to say that real quick. :-) Thank you to those who have been praying that our performances will go well! They are always appreciated. God has blessed our group tremendously, and I think that it will go well. :-)

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Yes, I'm Still Here... :-)

Hello readers who have been so faithful! Y'all haven't left, even though I haven't posted in such a long while.

Life has been rather busy as of late. Having just graduated (hoping to post some pictures soon!) has been a tremendous step in my life. It was so nice to see all the love and support of my many friends and definitely of my family. :-) Now that I've graduated, I can't wait to get my life 'organized' in the sense that I can get my schedule figured out, get really serious about my children's books, and begin volunteering at some places I've been eyeing. However, before I get to do all that, I must wait for one more week. Why?? Because our drama performance is next weekend!!!

I can't believe that this will be our fourth performance! It's very exciting. I will give a small spoiler and say that I get to play a villain! It's been rather fun, I have to admit. :-) Perhaps because playing her gives me some more flexibility to test out my acting skills and to really expand the character more than I ever got with playing the old ladies in the other two plays. In any case, she's been rather fun (perhaps because I get to also use a Southern accent and wear tons of jewelry??).
   This semester we did a fundraiser to help pay for some of the expenses. It's amazing how much money goes into props, sets, costumes, etc. If anyone is interested in helping us out, you can go and check out our SUPPORT US page on our website. We're selling Entertainment books. This little book is filled with tons of coupons for restaurants, hotels, theaters, and even car rentals! If you go online to order, you can pick a book for your state. :-) (Ok, that was my little speel. =D). I'm hoping to get some video up on the website of some drama stuff, but we'll see how that goes. Unfortunately my computer editing program has NOT been working (which has been a huge frustration to me!).

It was a very exciting election this year because I got to vote!!! That was quite an ordeal to go through, but thankfully I was able to cast my opinion among the other folks. Sad to say that the outcome wasn't what I was hoping for, I'll be honest to say. However, I know that God has it all under control, and that this is just part of His plan, whatever it may be- and, believe it or not, that makes me rather excited. Excited to see where God is going with this. :-) Perhaps I'm just weird that way... ;-)

Other than life just going on as normal, there really isn't much else to tell... well, except for something pretty exciting, but I can't say anything about that just yet. You'll have to wait in suspense. :-) However, I won't make you wait very long, I promise.

Please do drop a comment and tell me what you've been up to! I've rather missed hearing from everyone... :-) Although, I have tried to keep up with your blogs if I can, although it has been difficult at times (especially when the internet won't work!).

Hope everyone is enjoying the lovely fall weather! I'm off to enjoy a movie with my sis and a nice cup of hot cocoa!! Yum!

A Bunch of Characters Drama Group Presents!.....

A blog of it's own!!  That's right! If you want to keep up with what ABC Drama Group is doing, go to the new site and follow via google account or email.  The web address is www.abunchofcharactersdrama.blogspot.com.

Many of my readers have seen and 'heard' quite a bit about our drama group on this blog. I've posted pictures, quoted little snippets from the plays, and gone on and on about how excited I was for the performances, etc. :-) So, if you enjoy reading those updates, seeing pictures, reading what we're going to be doing next, and learning about how to get involved, then you definitely want to go check out the new site. It was started up by my lovely sister, Becca, but will not be written by only her. We're hoping that several of the older kids in the group will do some posts as well. So, be sure to check it out, comment, and follow. :-)

Click HERE to visit link.

In Christ's Service,
Sarah

Ducklings, Goslings, and Chicklings-Oh My!

Ok, "chicklings" isn't a real word, but in my dictionary it is. ;-)  So, I just had to share a few pictures with y'all of the new adorable members of the ranch that we got.

We've had chicks and ducks before, but never geese! So, we're very excited about them. :-)  Supposedly they are very mean unless you really handle them while they are goslings. We've been making sure we spend time with them every day if possible.  Right now they are friendly enough that you can stroke their chests and they don't move away.  However, even though they will be nice to us, I guess that we've heard that they might still be mean to others who haven't handled them. That would mean all of our friends. And because most of our friends have little ones still, we never did get geese before for that very reason.  This year, however, we are making a chicken coop and we will keep all of the fowl in.  Great way to keep the coyotes away, too. Paws off! ;-)

Ok, enough talk, onto the pictures!

 Sorry, had to share a few pictures of our adorable pups!! Oreo (the black one. See his white stripe?) just came and settled right in my lap. He's a darling. :-) No, I'm not biased.... 

 Bandit, or as we sometimes call him, Bandito! ;-) 

 Psst! Oreo you need to smile at the camera!!! 

 I guess the looks on both our faces are pretty funny. :-)

 Ha, I just noticed that the ducks and geese separated themselves for the picture! The three on the very far left (two greyish and one yellow) are the three goslings. The rest are ducks, except for the little chick right there on the far right. :-) Doesn't she look so small next to the ducks? And she is actually bigger, compared to the chicks! 

 Gotta love how they tilt their heads to look at you!! ;-) Becs had her MP3 playing in her pocket, so when she stepped outside, all of the ducks started look around. It was funny. :-)

My Lil' Bud.  This guy follows me everywhere! I actually picked him out because he was the one guy that really bonded with me out of all the other puppies. Course, I would have kept all of them if I could! :-) In fact, we are getting kittens today. I would have loved to have gone and helped pick them out, but I figured it would be wisest if I stayed home because otherwise I would take all of them home. =D

Ok, now for a few pictures from Monday on our way into town.  The storm was rolling in, and it just looked BEAUTIFUL!!! 

 The thin clouds (not sure I could call it a mist because it wasn't rain) rolling down the hills on the ranch. Yes, that's overlooking the corrals.

Our huge guard dog unconcerned with the coming storm. :-)

Reflections in the mirror...

 Don't we have some of the coolest clouds??

This is my favorite picture.  It's like the calm before the storm, the last ray of sunshine.... That is, by the way, a view of headquarters from the road.

 And this is what came of it... snow!  Thankfully it was warm enough that it melted very quickly and just let all the moisture soak into the ground. I'm just hoping my lilacs will bloom! They had started to bud right before this storm came in.. so far they look OK, but I'm just prayin' hard that they will finally bloom. They haven't bloomed for 3 years now, and it's rather sad. :-(

Oh, I will say that the drive back home at 10 pm was NOT a picnic, let me tell you.  It was just awful! Several times we couldn't see the road, the lines on the road, anything! and the semi trucks would just zoom by.  No wonder you see so many overturned semi trucks.. or semi trucks getting pulled over for speeding!

And, last but not least, I guess I'll show you a few pictures from Tuesday! Quiet, ROLL 'EM!

 Cindy Lou talkin' on the telephone.

"Call for Gram? It's for you, Gram."

"I don't know nobody what uses a telephone..."

 Cousin Clem is definitely eavesdropping... ;-)

 "Just because I'll be rich... and probably famous, doesn't mean I'm not your friend anymore."

"Oh Thank you Matilda. The bonds of friendship are strong indeed."

 So, do you think I look very matronly? I mean, I'm a proprietor, run the general store, and everyone loves me. ;-) Just imagine me with grey/white hair, and maybe glasses. :-)

 This is a good friend of mine. We have a blast trying to make each other laugh during practice. We can get pretty mean sometimes, too! ;-)

 I'm not really sure what was going on with my face at the time....

 Copycat....

 And, of course, our adorable Mascot!!!! Isn't she the CUTEST!! She has the bluest eyes ever. Blond hair and blue eyes.. *sigh* could it get any better??? ;-)

On a final note, Here is a picture of the delicious, heavenly, superb crepes we had this morning. :-) YUM!!! 

Ok, well, I guess this ended up being a big picture post!! haha! Well, I think most of y'all enjoy seeing pictures.  Drop me a line in the comment box! I surely do enjoy readin' 'em! (Ooops, slipping back into my Gram dialect.. ;-)

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Thursday!!!  Is anyone celebrating the Passover this weekend?

In Christ's Service,

Sarah