Saturday, December 31, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Saturday, December 31st



HAPPY NEW YEAR! RESOLUTION #6
Cut back on stress!

If you know me, you know I'm a huge worrier. I stress out about way more than I should, so this year I'm making it a point to learn to relax.

Today
colorfulpen, better half, and I went to the lake (followed by Five Guys and Walgreens/CVS after,) to take pictures. It was such a nice day weather wise and there were definitely many photo ops - including these ducks.


Hope you all have a safe and happy New Years!
- KeyRawr <3


Photo-A-Day! Friday, December 30th


NOO! I DIDN'T MAKE IT BEFORE MIDNIGHT!
(I'm so sorry!)


NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #5
Learn Japanese!


I'm very fascinated with Asian culture, especially in Japan. In the past 10 years I have progressively become a fan of anime and manga books. I'm a total geek when it comes down to it, but I also love Japan's sense of style and small peaceful communities. Ever since I started reading manga and watching my favorite anime shows like Vampire Knight, I've been wanting to learn Japanese. So this year, it's a goal! Even if I don't get it down pact and fluent, I wish to know the most important phrases in Japanese. Maybe I'll even be able to do a post strictly in the language - and without using a translator.What language(s) do you know or want to learn?


"For me, it's an experiment to see what people are gonna think of it."
- Utada Hikaru

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Thursday, December 29th


 
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #4
Read 24 books in 2012!

I know 24 books probably doesn't seem like all that much, but since I've read less than 5 this year - it's a big upgrade. I do like to read, I just forget to. Silly excuse, I know. But if we're going to be honest with eachother, that's exactly why I don't - I forget. Since I've begun reading more this past month and I got NIGHTSHADE for Christmas, why not make it a goal? Two books a month, I can do this!


"Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint."
- Mark Twain

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Wednesday, December 28th


NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #3
Self Esteem.

Everyone has something about themselves that they don't like. I happen to have many of those somethings. Like the Health and Fitness resolution, I've tried this one many times before. It's probably one of the most challenging resolutions for anyone to face but this year I'm going to make yet another attempt to conquer it. I will bring my self esteem up!


"Conscience: self-esteem with a halo."
- Irving Layton


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Tuesday, December 27th



NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #2
Creativity.

I think this resolution is one of the most important ones to me. I have always been interested in writing (especially poetry and trying to write my own novel!), photography, crafts, and drawing. This particular resolution, however, is intended towards my drawing. I love to draw - anime and manga
preferably. When I get inspired I put on music and have at it. Sadly, I just don't do it enough. Therefore my skills haven't improved as much as I'd like them to.

The resolution is simply this - draw more! Improve skills! Work towards perfecting them!
As well as finish a novel, continue this blog, and make more crafts (jewlery and whatever else I come up with).

Today's photo is a collage of different projects I've been working on lately!


"True art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist.'
- Albert Einstein



Monday, December 26, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Monday, December 26th




NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION #1
Health and Fitness.

Isn't this everyone's resolution? It's been mine for the past few years but I never seem to make it. I like my junk food and I hate to workout. This year however, I'm confident! I'm going to study up on nutrition and try to be more active. Maybe I can even convince better half to help me? Hah.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas/ Holiday season. What's your plans for new years?


"Exercise should be regarded as tribute to the heart."
- Gene Tunney


Sunday, December 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Photo-A-Day! December 25th, 2011


0 seconds
Until Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! It's been a really good day. From unwrapping the best heart-filled presents, to playing games like hide and seek and Candy Land, to eating a delicious Christmas dinner - turkey, ham, and yummy sides, it's really been an enjoyable holiday. I continue to thank and appreciate my family for their love and support and better half's family who have been nothing but good to me. And of course, my better half - I think his title says all. <3

Also, on this day I thank Jesus Christ - the lord who died on the cross so that our sins may  be forgiven. Happy Birthday to you and God Bless you all!

Today's picture was not taken by a camera. I made it in paint because I wanted it to be  personal and special. Tomorrow I will resume my camera photos. I will also be starting a series - New Year Resolutions. Starting tomorrow until January 1st I will be combining my Photo-A-Day posts with 1 resolution each day. Feel free to tell me yours. :)



Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
- KeyRawr





Saturday, December 24, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Saturday, December 24th


3 Hours, 15 Minutes
Until Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! After what seems like forever of waiting, the time has finally fell upon us. I'm super excited and it's already been a great day!
This evening, better half's father made chicken and dumplings from scratch. It was delish.
Then - better half, his parents, little brother, and I went on a drive to see all of the pretty Christmas lights in different parts of the neighbor hood. The houses looked magical and seeing all of the lit up Christmas trees in the window filled me with so much spirit!
One of the houses had one of those leg lamps in the window. Hilarious!

When we got home, we each got to open 1 present, of our choice, from under the tree. The present I chose was from better half's little brother. Inside the pretty wrapping was a little plush Hello Kitty in a container that looked like a see-through Chinese take out box. So cute! If you know me, you know  that I LOVE Hello Kitty. It was definitely the perfect present. :)

I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! God bless you all!



"And the angel said to them, "“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.""

- Luke 2:10






Friday, December 23, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Friday, December 23rd


1 Days, 3 Hours, 45 Minutes
Until Christmas!

It's right on our toes, Christmas Eve is tomorrow night. All of the children will be anticipating Santa Clause's arrival with a bundle of brilliant presents to make smiles on their faces.

Oh, how I love this time of year - the spirit of giving, the time for family to gather together and enjoy themselves as they remeniss about the Christmas's before. The smell and taste of our favorite holiday treats. My heart always bursts with happiness whenever the winter holidays begin. It's
exciting.

And for my religious readers - yay for the time of Jesus's birth!




"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

Luke 2: 1 - 20 New International Version


Thursday, December 22, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Thursday, December 22nd


2 Days, 6 Hours, 0 Minutes
Until Christmas!



"I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey-work of the stars."
- Walt Whitman


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Wednesday, December 21st

3 Days, 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
Until Christmas!

Sorry about the very short posts this week, I've been busy busy busy! I hope you all are having a wonderful week and I'll be sure to speed back up soon!

This is the tree at the square. I hardly captured it's brilliance but believe me, it's beautiful in person.


"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
- Norman Vincent Peale

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Tuesday, December 20th


4 Days, 1 Hours, 45 Minutes
Until Christmas!



"To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year."
- E. B. White

Monday, December 19, 2011

5 Days, 1 Hours, 55 Minutes
Until Christmas!

It's been a very dreary day. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little bit better. <3
I hope you all have a good night (or day, depending where you live!).

God bless.



"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary."
- Edgar Allan Poe

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Sunday, December 18th


6 Days, 5 Hours, 0 Minutes
Until Christmas!


Today was very relaxing. Everyone went out to run errands, but Better Half and I opted to stay home. It was actually a pretty decent day out -not too cold and the sun partly shining; so I took the opportunity to go outside and take pictures of the leaves that had finally fallen from the trees. There was a slight breeze, making some of the leaves roll down the street. I tried to capture them tumbling along but failed miserably. My camera just isn't fast enough for that kind of action. I did get a few photos that I like, though!




"When I'm writing, I am concentrating almost wholly on concrete detail: the color a room is painted, the way a drop of water rolls off a wet leaf after it rains."
- Donna Tartt

 

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Saturday, December 17th


7 Days, 2 Hours, 45 Minutes
Until Christmas!


Today was most exciting! Colorfulpen, Better Half, and I went to a hot air balloon glow at the square. Even though I think we were all expecting a lot more, there were three balloons lined up when we got there. Excitement rushed through me like a child seeing the rides at an amusement park for the very first time. They were huge! I snapped over 70 pictures of them. I couldn't help myself, though. I had never seen a hot air balloon up close before. I was dancing in my shoes!

Afterwards, we finally got to do the carriage ride. Even though we had to stand in line for awhile, it was well worth the wait. I can now mark two things off of my "to do" list.




"Every so often you have to increase your profile so you can let it lower again, like a balloon."
- Robyn Hitchcock


Friday, December 16, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Friday, December 16th

8 Days, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Until Christmas!

Went shopping today with Better Half and colorfulpen! Almost every place we went to was a mad house - full of frantic Christmas shoppers - at least that's what I'm guessing they were.
There was even a sign near the mall that said:
Hide your stuff
Lock your car
Take your keys

A little alarming don't you think? I know people are absolutely nuts this time of year but really?
Scary!

All-in-all it was a good trip, though. I bought a new coat (that I desperately needed!) at Old Navy. It's orginal price was $40.00 but I got it for 16! Well after tax, 17 and some odd cents but still! I've been seeing hoodies for more money. So, I'm very excited for my "bargain". :)

I sadly haven't gotten any new pictures lately.. So here's another one from the park.
I'm sorry! I'll try to do better!


"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge."
- Thomas Carlyle


Thursday, December 15, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Thursday, December 15th



*9 Days, 7 Hours, 0 Minutes
Until Christmas!

*I should probably mention that my countdown times are based on Central Time and the time that I post. :)

"Believe in love. Believe in magic. Hell, believe in Santa Clause. Believe in others. Believe in yourself. Believe in your dreams. If you don't, who will?"
- Jon Bon Jovi

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Wednesday, December 14th


10 Days, 6 Hours, 38 Minutes
Until Christmas!

"At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year."
- Thomas Tusser



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Book Korner!



Welcome to the book korner! I wanted to start a new "series" of posts that - for as long as I read any books - I will review them here and share my thoughts. A few posts ago (you can read it here) I wrote that I had started reading "The Immortals" series, starting with the first book in the series, Evermore. Yesterday I finished the book and took a day to collect my thoughts. Today, I am ready to share my opinion with anyone who is interested in hearing them. So, lets get started shall we?

First of all, the cover is gorgeous. I know the "don't judge a book by it's cover" saying very well, but it's no secret that many people do get drawn in by just that. If I were to grade it? Easy A.

Now to break the core down - the story.
The plot is well thought out with some unique twists that separate it from other paranormal young adult books. However, as I stated in my previous post - there are a lot of scenes in the book that shout 'TWILIGHT!' to me. Now, I realize Twilight was not the very first paranormal young adult novel. Though you have to admit that after the Twilight series was released and the first movie was being made, the Young Adult section at Barnes and Noble's was filling up fast with paranormal phenomenon. Evermore came out in 2009. The first Twilight novel was published in 2005 - the movie came out in 2008.
I am not accusing Alyson Noel of ripping anything off - there is not one real vampire in this book - but am stating that I noticed some similarities. So, if you are a twilight fan - this book may be perfect for you.
If I were to grade the plot? A solid B+.

Now to pick at the characters. I have no complaints about any of them. Infact, I found each of them to be well made. I especially liked Ever's (the main character's)  friends. It was always a joy to read the parts with them around.
And as for the villains'? Extra villainy. You won't be disappointed by the cruel and gritty acts they commit. Their grade - A!

Overall:
My thoughts of this book overall are that it's very mushy with love - but also has a nice strong element of drama and crisis. I didn't find the story to be too predictable but sometimes found it to be dragged out in scenes. The action or "climax" of the story doesn't happen until the end and it's not all that "climaxy" either. The scene you were probably waiting for through the whole book ends quickly and without a huge feeling of thrill. Although I will say that I did read this book quite fast, which means it kept my interest long enough to be able to zoom through the chapters. Chapter length wise? Mostly short. Maybe about 5 pages each. Give or take. However, I do like when the chapters are shorter because it makes me feel like I'm getting more done - encouraging me to read more. Also, as I stated before - I am beginning the second book of the series - Blue Moon. I will be sure to do a review on that book as well.


Rating out of 5 stars: 3.5

Grade: B

Would I recommend it to a friend: Depends on the friend and their interests in books. If they liked Twilight or any other paranormal series, I probably would suggest reading.

Final thoughts: A pretty good read - a definite time killer.


I hope you enjoyed!


Photo-A-Day! Tuesday, December 13th



11 Days, 6 Hours, 54 Minutes
Until Christmas!

It's coming up fast! How are you preparing for the upcoming Holidays?

Today's photos were taken at the park of the gingerbread house. (About a week or so ago.)



"And I had but one penny in the world. Thou should’st have it to buy gingerbread."
– William Shakespeare, Love’s Labours Lost


Monday, December 12, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Monday, December 12th




12 Days, 3 Hours, 35 Minutes
Until Christmas!

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for romantic comedies. Especially those scenes when the couple is on a date walking along a boardwalk, in a park, or down the streets of a city. I like how lighthearted the moment is. Where anything goes and you don't have to take yourself so seriously. This past Saturday night was one of those moments.
The square nearby is having carriage rides - just part of the many festivities going on there this month. (I've posted about the light show and outdoor ice rink there.) Colorfulpen offered to take better half and I, so we could ride in the carriage. The idea seemed so exciting - I have always wanted to ride in a horse and carriage, and under all those lights in the square? Yes, please!
Sadly, everyone else had the same idea. When we got there the line was long and it was too cold to stand around waiting for a chance to ride. So instead, colorfulpen and I tried to take some pictures of the carriage. That wasn't going so well for me - my camera hates the dark.
We all walked around infront of the court house where there were fountains, statues, and a big lit up Christmas tree in the center. There were people everywhere, laughing and celebrating - some with glowing hair (which you bought at a booth near the carriages,) and just the brightest spirit lingering around the area. As colorfulpen was off taking photos for her own blog, better half and I wandered around. Much to his dismay, I snapped photos of us - infront of the Christmas tree, the fountains, and everywhere else I could think of! Even without the carriage rides I was having a blast! And the photos? Even funnier! It was like a scene right out of those romantic comedies.


Today's photo will not be one of those goofy pictures better half and I took, but a picture of part of the fountain. I had actually been wanting to take this picture ever since the first time I had been in the square. So without further adieu -



"If a movie is described as a romantic comedy you can usually find me next door playing pinball."
 - George Carlin

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Sunday, December 11th


13 days, 8 hours, 22 minutes
Until Christmas!


(Continued pictures from the park.)


"Uncle Lewis: Hey Grizz, Bethany and I figured out the perfect gift for you.
Clark: Aw, you didn't have to get me anything.
Uncle Lewis: Dammit, Bethany, he guessed it."
- National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation


Saturday, December 10, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Saturday, December 10th



14 days, 10 hours, 51 minutes
Until Christmas!

The park here in town, which I've taken photos from before, finally lit the Christmas lights to be seen at night. They were gong to have a "tree lighting" but it unfortunately got cancelled due to bad weather conditions. Colorfulpen had noticed the park all lit up on Thursday evening when she was coming home from an appointment. Last night we decided to venture there with cameras in hand.
The park looked magical with lights strung from trees in different colors, a lit up tall Christmas tree in the front, a horse and carriage in the back, and deer nestled behind the cabin house.  Even with my hands freezing and quickly turning numb, I didn't want to leave.

Here are two of the pictures I managed to take between the excitement and cold. There will be more pictures to come!




"A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change."
- Earl Nightingale



Friday, December 9, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Friday, December 9th


 
15 days until Christmas!
I know I said I wasn't going to do any more Christmas related posts until we got closer to the actual holiday, but I took this picture and really liked it. I hope you'll forgive me for bending my words.

This is my beautiful silver stocking; A gift from better half's family.



“When a star falls, there is a run in the night's stocking.”
- Ramon Gomez de la Serna

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Thursday, December 8th


      Last night I got the biggest urge to read and knew exactly what I wanted to try. Colorfulpen had
recommended a book series to me by Alyson Noel called "Evermore - The Immortals." She kindly lent me her copy of the first book and I haven't been able to pull my nose out of it since. Although I get a huge Twilight (by Stephanie Meyer) vibe from it, it is definitely a good read for those who have been liking the paranormal phenomenon that has been taking over the young adults book section for the past few years. The main character, Ever, has a personality that I can easily relate to and enjoy. She also has a unique trait about her that I won't spoil here. I am only on the eleventh chapter so far, but will happily make an update post when I finish.

Today's photo was taken using the Evermore novel.


“Only love heals. Anger, guilt, and fear can only destroy and separate you from your true capabilities.”
― Alyson Noel, Evermore

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Wednesday, December 7th


17 days - 11 hours until Jesus's Birthday!
(calculated with an online timer)
It's getting near. I'm dancing in my socks!

In other news:
It's still cold! I'm wearing two long sleeve shirts today, just to keep warm.
How are you dealing with this chilly weather? Or - Is it cold where you are?


Today's photo was an experiment. Let me know what you think!



"For love is immortality."
- Emily Dickinson

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Tuesday, December 6th


It's freezing!
I do not enjoy the cold.
Not at all.
Though I love the sight of snow,
I can not stand the feeling of cold, numb fingers and toes.
Oh please, where did summer go?


Mia and Dee agree. They cuddle up close just to keep warm.



"I will not play tug o' war. I'd rather play hug o' war. Where everyone hugs instead of tugs, Where everyone giggles and rolls on the rug, Where everyone kisses, and everyone grins, and everyone cuddles, and everyone wins."
 - Shel Silverstein


Monday, December 5, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Monday, December 5th



  What does peace mean to you?
Peace and quiet?
Love not war?
Living a content, comfortable life?
Peace of mind?
Peace sign?
Knowing everything will be alright?

What IS peace?



"Peace is of the nature of a conquest; for then both parties nobly are subdued, and neither party a loser."
- William Shakespeare



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Sunday, December 4th


Today is another Christmasy post. I don't want to make the whole month of December about Christmas, though. I plan to start using other photo ideas to veer off that path - atleast until it is actually Christmas. I just had one last photo from the park with the Christmas scene that I really wanted to use. I hope you enjoy!




"Buddy: I passed through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel."
- The Movie "Elf"

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Saturday, December 3rd


Did some more Christmas shopping today. :) It was fun but boy are my legs tired! Plus it was cold and raining today - which isn't my ideal shopping weather. Luckily, colorfulpen found some goodies. Yay!
 21 days until Christmas.


"Whenever a snowflake leaves the sky, it turns and turns to say Good-by!"
- Alexander Selkirk



Friday, December 2, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Friday, December 2nd



Christmas shopping, all day. Tired, I am.


"Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money." - Author unknown

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Photo-A-Day! Thursday, December 1st

            



"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere."
Dr. Seuss