Aisling...

Youngest Professional Tenor

2012-01-29T22:47:00.002+01:00

The first song I like better than the second, but I like both a lot. They have a something I can't really explain which is the cause of my liking these two songs. Fact is I didn't specifically enjoyed the other songs by I've listened by Amaury Vassili. These two, on the other hand, I really like.

P.S.: He could cut his hair, though, don't you think?

Printed...

2012-01-27T19:09:00.000+01:00

...and ready to go! Ladies and gentleman, my project is 100% complete! My parents took it to print this morning, and now it's all nice and bound. This afternoon we received the printed photojournal, too, so I'm ready for next Monday! ^^

Today I had my last exam, which went ~~not really sure how it went~~ well enough, I suppose. The freedom I felt this afternoon after lunch!

On top of that, I'm getting ready to go out tonight with friends for a birthday celebration at one of my favourite restaurants (not too fancy, but very cozy. plus the owners are lovely people!). This week has been so productive, and I am so happy and thankful about how everything has run smoothly. Thanks to those who've been praying for me!

Toodles!

Inertia

2012-01-24T16:34:00.001+01:00

"Inertia is like... like... it's like a smile! It doesn't have units."

S.P. - Physics teacher

Talk About Cool Socks

2012-01-21T22:57:00.000+01:00

About a year ago I posted a picture of some cool socks I really liked and mentioned something about a start. Well, I never really continued the start, but today I can't help but making it happen, because about two days ago, my mum, after being shopping, and because she knows me very well (she's my mum, folks!) came back home with... a gift.

How do you like my gift? As I mentioned on that post linked above, I have been collecting socks like these since 2007. I wonder if I'll think about sharing some more samples of my collection... :P

On Yo-yos and Music

2012-01-20T20:25:00.002+01:00

Inspiration Came...

2012-01-16T22:47:00.000+01:00

...while listening to this song. So relaxing, perfect for a late evening/night.

Boomtown by Mark Knopfler on Grooveshark

Leaves

2012-01-09T08:54:00.003+01:00

How beautiful can a simple leaf be? Have you ever heard about the leaf nerves forming a natural fractal?

How thankful I am for a helpful little brother (the leaves are his art!), a helpful Papa (he scanned the leaf drawings for me while I was busy working!), and a good scanner!

...starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel...!

21 Spirals

2012-01-04T13:25:00.001+01:00

I'm so excited that this experiment came out well! I found a daisy with 21 spirals in its center! It took me for ever to draw the spirals and count them... (not really, but it felt like it! Whew!)

In addition, pinecones also have a Fibonacci number of spirals! Isn't it fascinating?

Happy New 2012

2012-01-02T19:27:00.000+01:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :)

p.s.: go over to Google Search and paste: (sqrt(cos(x))*cos(200 x)+sqrt(abs(x))-0.7)*(4-x*x)^0.01, sqrt(9-x^2), -sqrt(9-x^2) from -4.5 to 4.5

Los Miserables

2011-12-29T21:28:00.000+01:00

I loved going to this play with several friends and members of my family, especially since my closest friend was able to come! It was the Spanish version of the internationally known play Les Misérables, and oh...
So tragic, yet so historically true! Enjoyed every minute of it!

The huge poster just outside the theaters

Cosette

Cosette, again. Victor Hugo's Les Misérables' book cover.

Oh, I can't say how thankful I am for that afternoon and night! I had spent the afternoon catching up with my friend in Barcelona, and after a quick supper, went to meet the rest of the people in front of the theaters. It was a lovely night! The music was so good! The accompanying orchestra was beautiful, and the voices were very well chosen, too. Oh, what a night! :)

Pokarekare Ana

2011-12-27T19:10:00.000+01:00

This is a beautiful but tragic Maori song. I do not understand the lyrics, but the melody is melancholic enough... :')

God of Wonders

2011-12-25T16:26:00.000+01:00

"When I see thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and stars, which thou hast established; what is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?"

Psalm 8:3-4

Every time I watch this documentary on God's wonderful creation and how He reveals himself in everything that surrounds us I am awed, amazed, intimidated, overwhelmed at how incredibly incredible He is. He is so out of our human understanding! Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith Jehovah. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Even so, God still loves us and cherishes our love! He provided a way through our Lord Jesus so that we could have a personal relationship with Him! What a wonderful thought!
Click HERE for more information about the documentary.

Google

2011-12-24T12:57:00.000+01:00

When one is tired and has a lot of work ahead of her, it's awesome to open google.com and find it as it is. It brings a smile to her lips and cheers her up a bit. :)

GOOGLE.COM

Pensaments

2011-12-19T22:35:00.001+01:00

"Malament viu qui té lo pensament per enamich, fent li d'enuyts report"

7 - Ausiàs March

Winnie the Pooh Love

2011-12-18T13:03:00.000+01:00

My Mum and I really like to have our warm teas in Winnie the Pooh mugs... :)

Sunrise

2011-12-12T18:46:00.001+01:00

Directing you to my Photo Blog...

Oh, my word! My sister, her best friend and I walked up a rocky, wooded hill in the darkness to photograph the sunrise. It was beautiful, so much worth it! Maybe, hopefully, I'll repeat the experience again someday. :P

Recent Sewing Project

2011-12-03T18:45:00.001+01:00

I quite believe I'm going to sew myself a dress like this for New Year's...

What do you think? If you add a pale knitted cardigan and pale or fuchsia round high heels, it would be quite elegant and very lady-like, I'm sure!

Directing you to...

2011-12-03T12:22:00.001+01:00

...my Photography Blog.

Baby Harold ♥

I was able to take a couple of pictures of Baby Harold while I was in Madrid last November. He is a very beautiful baby!

Lingering

2011-12-03T11:01:00.001+01:00

Today I've done something I never get to do:

Yeah, haha! It has taken me ten minutes to get out of bed today. :P Twice I've told myself, "Five more minutes! ¬o¬" It felt good to be able to do that... I had to get ready for a lesson at half past ten, so I got up at quarter to ten. It turned out, though, that the little boy is ill, so no classes today. :(

I am going to be very busy this following week. I'm going to do a project marathon... besides my usual weekend chores, I will use all my free time to advance as much as possible in my Investigation Project, because I do not want to spend my whole Christmas holidays working on it (as the school schedule has planned it). Instead, I am planning on using those holidays to add the last details and complete the photo-journal I'm including with the project. This way, I will also be able to relax and spend time with my family and some friends.

Back to work! Have a wonderful weekend! :D ♥

Candles

2011-11-29T21:53:00.001+01:00

"Jesus bids us shine with a pure clear light, like a little candle burning in the night! In this world of darkness we must shine, you in your small corner, and I in mine!"

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Matthew 5:14-16

Teruel

2011-11-17T21:56:00.001+01:00

Last summer my family and I spent our holidays in Bronchales. Since it was comparatively near to the place where we were staying, my parents took us all to Teruel one day. As I was thinking about my summer pictures this afternoon, I realized I had never really shared any pictures on this blog.

Thus this post. :) Here are some of my favourite pictures!

I am not sure which building this was, but in this picture it was viewed from Teruel's Museum.

This is the fountain at the top of Teruel's stairs, steps, whatever you call a long sequence of stairs in the middle of the city.

A nice square we stumbled upon during our walk...

iLov rust and old. :)

Second the motion

Third the motion, although there isn't much rust here.

My friends, this tower isn't leaning because of the picture's angle or because of an optical effect. It was really leaning!

I thought this was a very sweet sign! Nithe thnail!

Another beautiful tower in Teruel. It had so many, and so beautiful! This one was the tallest, I believe.

A comfy, picturesque spot we found while walking back to the car park.

There's a lot more, but for now, I will leave it at that! Enjoy, dear reader, whoever you are... [smile]

Psalm 19:1

2011-11-16T19:51:00.001+01:00

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork."

Psalm 19:1

Laugh

2011-11-09T22:21:00.000+01:00

You will have to forgive me, but I can't help laughing every time I watch this video. It's too funny!

Have a laugh. :)

I again ~~stole~~ borrowed it from a friend...

2011-10-17T21:02:00.001+02:00

Note: this picture is not mine.

"Nothing in the world is quite as adorably lovely as a robin when he shows off - and they are nearly always doing it."

- Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Small

2011-10-16T16:33:00.001+02:00

Yesterday Once More

2011-10-15T22:07:00.000+02:00

When I was youngI’d listened to the radio,

Waitin’ for my favorite songs,

When they played I’d sing along, it made me smile...

Those were such happy times, and not so long ago

How I wondered where they’d gone,

But they’re back again, just like a long lost friend

All the songs I loved so well!

Every sha-la-la-la, every wo-wo-wo still shines...

Every shing-a-ling-a-ling that they’re starting to sing's so fine!

When they get to the partwhere he’s breakin’ her heart

It can really make me cry - just like before...

It’s yesterday once more.

Lookin’ back on how it wasin years gone by

And the good times that I had, makes today seem rather sad.

So much has changed...

It was songs of love thatI would sing to, then

And I’d memorize each word

Those old melodiesstill sound so good to me as they melt the years away...

Every sha-la-la-la, every wo-wo-wo still shines...

Every shing-a-ling-a-ling that they’re starting to sing's so fine!

All my best memories come back clearly to me.

Some can even make me cry - just like before...

It’s yesterday once more.

Note: the lyrics of this song do not apply to how I view my today. [wink]

Romanos 11:36

2011-10-12T22:44:00.001+02:00

"Porque de él, y por él, y para él, son todas las cosas."

Romanos 11:36

Stealing

2011-10-10T18:32:00.001+02:00

I have been ~~stealing~~ borrowing songs from friends/family that happen to listen to that song or share it while I'm arround. They end up hating it, most of the times, because I listen to it and sing it/hum it all the time after that...

They're mostly simple songs that somehow call my attention because this small detail or that small sound. One second can make one three minute song perfect! This song, Dragón Rojo, I got from my brother. The guitar piece is so good and melancholic! It brings back memories. ^^

This song I got from a friend who probably doesn't even know I got it from him. He doesn't even check my blog, so I doubt he'll ever know that I so enjoyed this version of Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Oh, I reeeeally like men choirs.

This is a somewhat random post, but I hope you enjoy the songs as much as I do!

Battle at F-Stop Ridge

2011-10-08T21:39:00.000+02:00

Have you ever considered photographers as possible crazy people? My older brother showed me a vid this morning that could possibly confirm that theory... it's worth the watching!

Your Servant Loves It

2011-09-28T16:36:00.000+02:00

"Your word is very pure; therefore your servant loves it."

Psalm 119:140

When school started I started a habit which I am very thankful for. We have more or less a half an hour of drive to where I go to shcool, and during that time I always read some Psalms, as many as I can fit into a half an hour of thinking about what I'm reading and pondering on the chapters I read. I find that when someone's in need, especially emotionally (in my situation, in any case), the Psalms are very good and bring plenty of comfort.

I kicked off with Psalm 119, which speaks about God's words and His commandments. I loved the way David continually talks about the delight he finds in God's word, the pleasure he finds in keeping His commandments! It was very encouraging.

As the days passed on I finished reading chapter 119, and went on reading. In the mornings I usually pray, among other things, for God to give me strength to live through that day and overcome any challenge that comes my way. It is incredible the way He's answered me up until now... that is, through a verse from one of the Psalms I will have read on a certain day. On that day I would read some chapters in Psalms, and a certain verse would stand out to me with a promise or an encouragement, and I would cling to that verse the whole day, repeating it to myself and thinking it over in my head whenever I felt I was lacking enough strength, joy or even perseverence.

I am weak, but He is strong. Through His strength I am strong.

All this story comes from wanting to share with whoever reads this blog today's verse. I was discouraged today, because I am sick. When I'm physically weak, it is even easier for me to be emotionally weak, and so this morning I started worrying about today. When my Mum drove us to school, I started reading in the Psalms. How wonderful it was to read this verse!

"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

Psalm 139:14

He created me. He knows me better than anyone else in this world. He knows my weaknesses and my strengths. He knows my needs even before I come to know them. He prepares whatever it is I will need before I come to need it. His works are marvelous, incredible, amazing, out of my understanding. I most definitely know that, and for that, I will praise Him! How thankful I was today when I thought about this verse, and I can assure you it helped me through the never-ending six hours of school this morning.

Mountains

2011-09-26T16:00:00.000+02:00

As I was going through some pictures I took last summer on Friday night, I found these mountain photos from a family meeting we had in late August. For some reason I thought about that Psalm which says "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1), and started wondering about how many verses in the Psalms mention the mountains in such a way. Therefore I started searching. It was an encouragement to me (Friday was a tough day!), and thought I would share the pictures and the verses with you.

"Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep;" Psalm 36:6

"(He) who established the mountains by His strength, being clothed with power" Psalm 56:6

"As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever." Psalm 125:2

Isn't creation beautiful?

It Would Soar Cloud-high

2011-09-23T16:35:00.002+02:00

"I see at intervals the glance of a curious sort of bird through the close-set bars of a cage: a vivid, restless, resolute captive is there; were it once free, it would soar cloud-high."

Mr. Rochester - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brönte

When Photography Gets Frustrating

2011-09-21T22:41:00.000+02:00

This morning, as my Mum drove us to school, I could see beautiful lines created by airplanes across the sky. They were everywehere. It was interesting how they were shaped, because there was a central spot in which each of them got to, parallely, and then they would all change route. Some would go left, others would go right, some would go straight on, and others would just vary their course a little bit, creating a pattern that first was lineal and all of a sudden was a muddled mess of lines going everywhere.
It was just past eight a.m. and the sun was starting to peep over the mountains, which gave a peaceful atmosphere thanks to the golden, bright light we still have. The sky was blue, and when I say blue, I mean blue. Because of the sun's golden light, the vineyards were such a vivid green it was breathtaking. Everything was perfect for a beautiful morning picture. So where is the problem? We were going to school, so 1., we couldn't stop (else we'd be late) and 2., I didn't have my camera with me. That is when photography gets frustrating.

Other examples in which photography gets frustrating? Those in which you discover you don't have the guts to go up to someone and ask, "Excuse me, can I take a picture of you?", or those in which you don't have them to take the picture and then walk up to that person and ask, "Excuse me, can I keep this picture?" I was in Barcelona a couple of weeks ago with a friend, and we went to a Burger King for lunch. We were both sitting there just chatting, and all of a sudden we hear this booooming laugh. A really happy, loud laugh. It made me want to laugh too. We looked over from where the laugh was coming, and there were four black people sitting and chatting and laughing, and the man that was laughing was completely a.w.e.s.o.m.e. He had the most amazing hat on, and he was wearing an extremely colourful striped shirt, leaning casually on the handrail he was sitting by. Oh, how I wish now, when I look back, that I would have gotten up, walked up to him and asked, "Excuse me, can I take a picture of you?" My friend kept telling me to do it, but I wouldn't dare!! I'm not a particular shy person, but when it gets to street photography, and taking pics of people I don't know, I'm an impossible case.

Another example? Yep, I've got a list of frustrating photography times. That time I walked out of a shop and there was a little boy licking at his ice-cream cone, with ice-cream about everywhere on his person but on the cone? Yeah, that's another time. There are more, oooh, so many other times in which I wish I would have taken such-and-such a picture, but now I can only look back and hope that all these frustrating times will give me enough "strength" and "encouragement" next time I'm in the same situation.

So, try not missing pictures because of a cause you could avoid, because they will haunt you for the rest of your life. I leave it at that.

By the way, these pictures are just samples of pictures I've taken with a camera I wasn't supposed to have with me at the moment. A camera I didn't need at that moment, but that I had taken along with me just in case, if you know what I mean. They're far from perfect, but they're the kind of picture I look at and think, "How happy I am I had my camera with me back then. :)"

Philippians 4

2011-09-17T22:47:00.000+02:00

In Philippians 4 I find so many verses of encouragement! I will say that the whole Bible is full of encouragement and help, but there are some specific verses that help me in specific situations, and the verses I read today in this chapter helped me in today's situation.

Verse 4 says: "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!"

Notice how it says always. We're not to rejoice in the Lord only when we're comfortable, when we're going through a good time in our lives. We're to rejoice in Him always. That "always" includes the times in which we're sad and feel let down, when we're disappointed and hurt, when we're living through tough times. Always.

Verses 6 and 7 say: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Sometimes (especially me!) we fret and worry about everything. I'm a born worrier. Sometimes I come to a state of panic. Slowly I am learning not to "be anxious" and to trust that my needs will be met in His timing. God listens to my prayers and requests, and His timing is perfect. It's definitely better than mine. To that I will add that He gives me His peace, that which "surpasses all understanding." He will give me a peace of heart and a peace of mind I cannot achieve on my own, and none but Him can give.

Finally, verse 13 says: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." What can I say? This verse is one of my favourites and such a huge encouragement and help! He gives me the exact ammount of strength and energy I need to go through each situation I live through.

My God is an awesome God.

Dreamlist

2011-09-17T15:03:00.000+02:00

One more entry!

What a beautiful night it would make!

Footprints in the Sand

2011-09-10T21:50:00.000+02:00

One night I dreamed a dream.

I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

I first read this at my Uncle's, I think. As I was reading the last part, tears came to my eyes. How easy it is for us to doubt! How easily we fall as soon as our life starts having ups and downs... but the Lord is faithful. He will never leave our side. He is the only One we can depend on for... for everything! What a great comfort that is to me when I'm having a tough time.

~Just thought I would share this with you, as it has been a precious help to me lately.

My New Friend Jake the Peg

2011-09-07T14:32:00.000+02:00

Have a laugh!

He's a good friend. He always makes me laugh! :P

Psalm 121

2011-09-04T14:23:00.000+02:00

Català:
"Alçaré els meus ulls a les muntanyes, d'on em vindrà l'auxili?
El meu auxili ve de Jahveh, que ha fet els cels i la terra.

Ell no deixarà relliscar el teu peu, no s'adormirà el qui et guarda:
heus aquí, el qui guarda Israel, no s'endormisca ni s'adorm.

Jahveh és el qui et guarda, Jahveh és la teva ombra, a la teva mà dreta,
El sol no et ferirà de dia, ni la lluna de nit.

Jahveh et guardarà de tot mal, ell guardarà la teva ànima.
Jahveh guardarà la teva sortida i la teva entrada, des d'ara i per sempre."

English

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills — from whence comes my help?

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul.

The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore."

Español

"Alzaré mis ojos a los montes; ¿De dónde vendrá mi socorro?

Mi socorro viene de Jehová, que hizo los cielos y la tierra.

No dará tu pie al resbaladero, ni se dormirá el que te guarda.

He aquí, no se adormecerá ni dormirá el que guarda a Israel.

Jehová es tu guardador; Jehová es tu sombra a tu mano derecha.

El sol no te fatigará de día, ni la luna de noche.

Jehová te guardará de todo mal; El guardará tu alma.

Jehová guardará tu salida y tu entrada desde ahora y para siempre."

Nederlands

"Ik sla mijn ogen op naar de bergen, van waar komt mijn hulp?

Mijn hulp komt van de Heer die hemel en aarde gemaakt heeft.

Hij zal voet niet late wankelen, hij zal niet slaumeren, je wachter.

Nee, hij slaumert niet, hij slaapt niet, de wachter van Israël.

De Heer is je wachter, de Heer is de schaduw aan je rechterhand:

overdag kan de zon je niet stejen, nij nacht de maan je niet schaden.

De Heer behoedt je voor alle kwaad, hij waakt over je leven,

de Heer houdt de wacht over je gaan en je komen van nu tot in eeuwigheid."

Teruel

2011-08-31T16:29:00.025+02:00

"Buen caballero Marcilla;

En mal hora a Teruel vuelves,

frena el paso que ya es tarde,

piensa que a la muerte vienes.

A mitad de la subida

la caballería pierde,

¡anda jaquilla! le grita

pero la jaca no puede.

¡caballero que veloz!

que veloz vas a la muerte."

- Vuelta de Juan de Marcilla, de Los amantes de Teruel

Forsaken Cowboy

2011-08-29T15:12:00.002+02:00

An interesting instrumental song composed by a Norwegian group. It doesn't change a whole lot, but somehow it doesn't bore me. The continuity of the song gives it a lot of meaning, I think. ~Enjoy!

Note: you might not be able to watch it on my blog. If that's the case, click on the link to watch it on YouTube.

Winter Longing

2011-08-26T17:25:00.001+02:00

Winter is white, blue, gray. Sometimes very orange and yellow, other times purple or pink.

Vull que torni l'hivern, amb els seus misteris i els seus secrets xiuxiuejats i revelats pel vent suau que parla a cau d'orella, o per la petjada cruixent sobre la neu fresca d'un matí asolellat.

Vull que torni l'hivern repartidor de nassos, galtes i orelles vermelles, aquell que concedeix floquets de neu per adornar les pestanyes rosses i ocasionalment, fosques, de la gent que camina respirant nuvolets blancs per la boca.

Vull que torni l'hivern fred que contrasta amb l'escalfor de l'amor de families i amistats que veuen te tots junts contemplant com la neu forma una cruixent catifa en la foscor exterior.

Vull tornar. Dubto, però, que aquest any tingui l'oportunitat de gaudir de la meravella que tothom denomina neu.

Late At Night

2011-08-25T01:53:00.000+02:00

Having spent the whole day out celebrating my youngest brother's birthday, and having had only the last class yesterday, I still have some work left to prepare for tomorrow's English lesson.

I'm the teacher.

Hence, after coming home late with my family I started working on the computer, on my grammar/exercise book, etc. I'm still at it.

Now is when you say, frowning, So why are you writing a post on your blog instead of working on tomorrow's class, young lady?!
Now is when I answer... I don't know. [grin] Hehe, nah, don't worry. What I'm posting is part of my work. I'm making my student read Secret Garden for her Reading exercises. It's an English classic with quite an easy read, the structures being simple and, I find, very refreshing. It's not like, say, Jane Austen, another English classic, but which is much more complex to read. (Note: I'm not saying reading any of Jane Austen's books isn't refreshing).

Anyway, as I read the book I write down questions and words I find would be new to my student, but at the same time, I also read the book myself, and mostly, two, and even three, times every chapter. This way I notice plenty of things I wouldn't in only one read.

So far we're on the third and fourth chapter of the book. It's still not very positive nor happy, but I would like to share with you a couple of descriptions the writer makes of the environment and/or situation.

When describing the moors, "..it's just miles and miles and miles of wild land that nothing grows on but heather and gorse and broom, and nothing lives on but wild ponies and sheep."

Once Mary had entered the huge house where she was to live from then on, "...she looked a very small, odd little black figure, and she felt as small and lost and odd as she looked."

Knowing the little girl was nicknamed Mistress Mary Quite Contrary because of her attitude towards others, "...It was in this way Mistress Mary arrived at Misselthwait Manor and she had perhaps never felt quite so contrary in all her life."

There are also some words I write down for my student's vocabulary that in some way or other are special - either because of their sound, their spelling... it depends. Here are a few:

Glisten (noun): a sparkling light reflected from something wet.
Proper: suitable or appropiate; correct.
Whistle: a clear, high-pitched sound made by forcing breath through a small hole between partly closed lips, or between one's teeth.
Twinkle (verb): shine with a gleam that changes constantly from bright to faint.
Perhaps: expressing uncertainty or possibility.

[Sigh] Now that I've finished my work, I will proceed to walk up the stairs to my bedroom and my bed. I believe I deserve my rest.

And Now She's...

2011-08-22T00:18:00.000+02:00

...back. Not dead. Really.

As a matter of fact, I'm pretty much as alive as I'll ever be. These past three weeks have been so full! Therefore, instead of writing a tremendously long post about all my endeavours (a word a friend once used to describe my ups and downs and which I really took a liking to) I will simply post a couple of pictures and leave the rest to your imagination.

No, this is definitely not laziness, just... being busy. As I write, I'm twenty minutes away of leaving with my family for a refreshing walk along the river/beach.

Montblanc, the day after Frank arrived. ♥

TREC picture. Also, following a "tradition" with Frank. Evening in les Fonts de Montjuïc.

TREC picture. Went to watch a hot-air balloon being blown up and leaving.

Family holidays! Albarracín.

Albarracín once more.

Teruel.

Teruel again.

Highest point near Bronchales. Sierra Alta.

TREC picture. Sunflower field.

El Castillo de Peracense.

El Castillo de Peracense again.

Molino de la Mancha.

Sorry about the "couple of pictures" thing. I guess I should have warned you there were more.

In any case, I'll still be busy in the future but no as much. Frank left early this afternoon, and I miss him! I teach English three hours to two different pupils every Tuesday and Thursday, plus I'm taking theory driving lessons. In about two or three weeks I'll be going back to school again, also. Is there anything else you would like to know?

Deuteronomy 10:21

2011-08-06T13:42:00.000+02:00

"He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things which your eyes have seen."

Deuteronomy 10:21

Boig Per Tu

2011-07-28T19:37:00.000+02:00

En la terra humida escric

"Nena, estic boig per tu"

Em passo els dies esperant la nit...

Com et puc estimar

Si de mi estàs tant lluny!

Servil i acabat, boig per tu.

Sé molt bé que des d'aquest bar

Jo no puc arribar on ets tu...

Però dins la meva copa veig

Reflexada la teva llum...

Me la beuré.

Servil i acabat, boig per tu.

Quan no hi siguis al matí,

Les llàgrimes es perdran

Entre la pluja que caurà avui.

Em quedaré atrapat,

Ebri d'aquesta llum,

Servil i acabat, boig per tu.

Sé molt bé que des d'aquest bar

Jo no puc arribar on ets tu...

Però dins la meva copa veig

Reflexada la teva llum...

Me la beuré.

Servil i acabat, boig per tu.

- Boig per tu by SAU

England

2011-07-27T16:35:00.001+02:00

"England is a magical kingdom where mystery and history blend with the prosaic and the present to create a realm which is unike. Wether the scene is a ruined castle or a bustling city street, a windswept moor or a lush green meadow, it has been permeated for centuries with the charm, serenity and excitement that make it peculiarly English. The land has an atmosphere which can be mistaken for that of nowhere else on Earth.

England is a country with many faces, warm and welcoming or proud and defiant. The eye can never tire of its beauty, nor the senses of its atmosphere. It is truly a magical land."

THE BRITISH ISLES, Colour Library Books

Reading an old entry in my diary, dated 3rd August 2009, I ran across this quote about the beauty of England. Doesn't it invite you to get on a plane and fly there this instant?!

Lotus by Secret Garden

2011-07-25T12:08:00.000+02:00

Secret Garden has been one of my favourite "groups" of music to listen to for a very long time. It's incredibly relaxing, but happy at the same time. I can't say there's been a mood for which listening to Secret Garden hasn't suited!

I have just listened Secret Garden's Lotus, and thought I would share it with you. There are so many other beautiful songs that I can't really say it's my favourite. I would take a very long time trying to show all the songs I like from this group. Still... here's Lotus. :)

I'm My Own Grandpa

2011-07-23T16:13:00.001+02:00

Curious case of family puzzle!

Cada Momento

2011-07-21T21:22:00.002+02:00

"En mis angustias me ayudas, Jesús,

Sobre mi alma derramas tu luz;

Todos los días consuelo me das,

Cada momento conmigo Tú estás.

Cada momento me guardas, Señor,

Cada momento en tu gracia y tu amor;

Vida abundante yo tengo en Ti,

Cada momento Tú vives en mí.

¡Cristo, mi roca, mi libertador!

Tú eres mi escudo, mi gran defensor;

En mi conflicto yo te miraré

Cada momento, y salvado seré."

- Cada momento, 1, coro y 4

Dudo mucho que leas esto... pero me ha hecho pensar en ti. ♥

Anna At Seven a.m.

2011-07-17T14:41:00.002+02:00

Once upon a time, a little eight year old boy walked up to her sister with a mischievous grin on his face. He loved her sister, and also loved her curly hair, which, I will add, messed up a lot during her sleep every night. All her family made jokes and teased her about it, and the said little boy was not to be left behind.

"Look, Anna! This is you at seven in the morning!"

Nothing else has to be said. That is enough. I will now proceed to hide under my pillow. [sigh]

Breathes in and Prepares to Scream

2011-06-03T21:19:00.001+02:00

Yipee!

I am done with this school year!! I have officially finished all my final exams and, yesss, a long summer awaits for me!

What can I say? I had an amazing school year, thank God! I am so grateful for all the new people I've gotten to meet and for all the stuff I've learnt, as well as for all the awesome teachers I've had this year. I'm going to miss them during summer!

I'll see most of them again in September, though... and some of them sooner than that, hopefully! [I haz a happy!]

You'll see plenty of me from now on. :-) Stay tuned!

Final Race

2011-05-28T15:47:00.000+02:00

This is actually how I looked yesterday night,
and how my desk is looking like right now. :P

Yes, I'm into the final race. Meaning I start my finals on Monday.

I'll be done with school on Friday the 3rd!

As of now, I'm studying hard, enjoying the weather, staying happy, munching on dried nuts and cold drinks, and man, ain't I thankful for a joyful attitude towards non-stop studying! [smile]

Just one week, and I'll start summer vacations. Yay! I hope my final exams go well, so I'd appreciate if you could pray about them. I have had an amazing time in school, but I'm ready for some free time to do my own projects. I have so many things planned for this summer! I'm very excited about it.

Have a nice weekend!

Cantique de Jean Racine

2011-05-22T17:49:00.000+02:00

This is a beautiful piece a friend shared. Personally, I think the harp's sound is very gentle but at the same time it can be heard very well. Beautiful. Plus, the voices blend perfectly. Hope you enjoy it!

Dancing Fountains

2011-05-17T13:45:00.000+02:00

While my very-new boyfriend spent some days here in Spain last week, I took him to see a very famous spot in Barcelona: the Montjuïc fountains. I was able to take a couple of videos. I hope you enjoy them, even though there isn't any sound in them

It is a very beautiful place, and worth seeing them. They dance to the sound of different kinds of music, from classics to OSTs to love songs. I wish you could hear the sound in the vids! Sorry about that.

A Thought

2011-05-14T23:17:00.002+02:00

"One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. The LORD said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

Job 1:6-7

"For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down."

Revelation 12:10

Are we ready for this challenge?

Shibuhdee Kanuhna Phore!

2011-05-13T22:15:00.002+02:00

Evening (In words of one syllable)

2011-05-10T21:13:00.000+02:00

The day is past, the sun is set,

And the white stars are in the sky;

While the long grass with dew is wet,

And through the air the bats now fly.

The lambs have now lain down to sleep,

The birds have long since sought their nests;

The air is still, and dark, and deep

On the hill side the old wood rests.

Yet of the dark I have no fear,

But feel as safe as when 'tis light;

For I know God is with me there,

And He will guard me through the night.

For God is by me when I pray,

And when I close mine eyes in sleep,

I know that He will with me stay,

And will all night watch by me keep.

For He who rules the stars and sea,

Who makes the grass and trees to grow,

Will look on a poor child like me,

When on my knees I to Him bow.

He holds all things in His right hand,

The rich, the poor, the great, the small;

When we sleep, or sit, or stand,

Is with us, for He loves us all.

Thomas Miller

When I have a child of my own I will recite this poem to him when I tuck him to bed. :-)

Instrucciones para subir una escalera

2011-04-29T19:39:00.000+02:00

"Las escaleras se suben de frente, pues hacia atrás o de costado resultan particularmente incómodas. La actitud natural consiste en mantenerse de pie, los brazos colgando sin esfuerzo, la cabeza erguida aunque no tanto que los ojos dejen de ver los peldaños inmediatamente superiores al que se pisa, y respirando lenta y regularmente. Para subir una escalera se comienza por levantar esa parte del cuerpo situada a la derecha abajo, envuelta casi siempre en cuero o gamuza, y que a salvo de excepciones cae exactamente en el escalón. Puesta en el primer peldaño dicha parte, que para abreviar llamaremos pie, se recoge la parte equivalente de la izquierda (también llamada pie, pero que no ha de confundir-se con el pie antes citado), y llevándola a la altura del pie, se le hace seguir hasta colocarla en el segundo peldaño, con lo cual en este descansará el pie, y en el primero descansará el pie. (Los primeros peldaños son siempre los más difíciles, hasta adquirir la coordinación necesaria. La coincidencia del nombre entre el pie y el pie hace difícil la explicación. Cuídese especialmente de no levantar al mismo tiempo el pie y el pie.)

Llegado a esta forma al segundo peldaño, basta repetir alternadamente los movimientos hasta encontrarse con el final de la escalera. Se sale de ella fácilmente, con un ligero golpe de talón que la fija en su sitio, del que no se moverá hasta el momento del descanso."

Julio Cortázar, "Instrucciones para subir una escalera", en Historias de Cronopios y de Famas.

Beauty

2011-04-24T14:31:00.002+02:00

Seaside Village by Thomas Kinkade

"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt,

Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,

Sermons in the stones, and good in everything."

- As You Like It by William Shakespeare

Untitled

2011-03-27T16:46:00.000+02:00

"So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

- Mark Twain

On Domestic Times and Time

2011-03-17T17:07:00.001+01:00

"The best time to plan a book is while you're doing the dishes."

"An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her."

- AGATHA CHRISTIE

One Week Long Rest

2011-03-04T21:49:00.000+01:00

I can't believe I already have a break from school. I've been in school for a month and a half, and it's incredible how fast this time has gone by. School keeps me so busy...! With so much to do I don't seem to have enough time in my hands, and thus it just flies by!

But now, I finally have a break. I have one whole week without going to school! I have time to breather! To relax! To break the routine! Yay!

Please don't think I'm going to just sit and scratch my nose all day long. That is not like me at ALL! No way... no, I'm going to spend some days in Holland. Yep, I'm going back there. I'm going to see my lovely best friend again! And I'm going to see my lovely Netherlands again, too. And all my friends there. And hopefully, some snow! I'm so excited about it, even though it's going to be short.

You might be asking yourself, how is school life going? Or, probably the right question would be, she's back in school?! Yep, ladies and gentlemen, I'm back in school. Since the 20th January, to be more precise. It's tons of fun, and although I have lots of work and I have to study very hard, I enjoy it so much! I am very thankful about it too because it really trains my self-discipline and responsability. Besides, you discover so many things...! Did you know that race-cars use nitrogen for their wheel tyres? If they used normal air, since it contains a small ammount of humidity, depending on the pressure changes in the atmosphere the tyres would also change pressure and size. Plus, if they used helium or hydrogen, the size of their particles is so small they would be able to squeeze in between the pores of the tyre material.

I've also discovered a love for Literature in general. It used to bore me to death but somehow (and partly thanks to my Spanish Lit. teacher), I've discovered that it really interests me. I really enjoy reading a poem in Catalan and Spanish now, and reading about the different artistic movements and the influence they had on art.

In case you're wondering what subjects I take, I take Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Catalan Literature, Spanish Literature, CMC, Philosophy, and English. I also have P.Ed, but I don't really count it in as a subject. English doesn't really count either, because I am so much ahead of the level they have over here; they still make me come out and do oral presentations and speakings, though. It's fun.

Well, I thought it was time for a little update. I'll keep anyone who's interested posted!

Batido de Algo

2011-02-16T22:30:00.000+01:00

Batido. Smoothie. It all depends on the language. It's the same thing.

Click HERE.

Which is your favourite?

Ponderings On Collections

2011-01-19T11:46:00.000+01:00

During my life, I have seen my friends collect many different things, most of them interesting, pretty, old, etc. I have seen people collect toy cars; people collect stamps; people collect seashells; people collect dry leaves and flowers; I collect key-rings.

But have you ever considered collecting...

...SOCKS?

My Uncle and Auntie gave me these socks for Christmas 2007 and ever since I've been attracted by... weird socks. Freaky socks. Colourful socks. Stripey socks. Call them what you will.

This is just the start.

Time

2011-01-13T12:58:00.001+01:00

Time, by Hans Zimmer.

I have always been an admirer of a good OST. If it's good, the Original Soundtrack of a film, even when I haven't watched it, which is the case with the movie this track belongs to in particular, can convey such feelings to me. I've listened to the whole Inception OST, and as usual, Hans Zimmer has excelled himself.
May I add, Hans Zimmer is my favourite OST composer...?

Happy New 2011!!

2011-01-10T22:54:00.000+01:00

Dear Allofyou,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

A couple of days ago I realised I never posted on my blog about New Year. I never wished the best to those few who still read my blog when I (occasionally) post. I never really thought about my blog during these holidays.

Truth is, I've been so busy I haven't really had a chance to write anywhere, not just only on this blog. Yes, I've been ironing.

Okay, that's not all I've been up to really, but it has consumed a good ammount of my time. Now that I think of it, I have a huge pile waiting for me to iron tomorrow, but that's not the point. The thing is that I've been busy, and I'm going to be busy for the rest of the year, hopefully, and for the rest of my life (that sounds so mysterious and enigmatic, doesn't it? I warn you, though... it doesn't have a second meaning to it, or a secret hidden behind the sentence), hopefully, but... I've been told that better late than never.

Thus, my darling friends and blogger people, I wish you the best on this 2011. Happy New Year!

Belleau Wood

2010-12-25T23:18:00.000+01:00

I don't know if any of you have heard about the Battle of Belleau Wood. Personally, I heard about it a long time ago, and I'm still reading and searching about it.
That's not the point, though. This battle inspired this song I'm posting. I really like it, and I've listened to it today on our way back home from my Uncle's, where we spent the day. I thought it would be fitting, even though we don't have snow. Hope you like it!

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

Oh, the snowflakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we lay there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew

Though I did not know the language
The song was "Silent Night"
Then I heard my buddy whisper,
"All is calm and all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
'Cause I'd die if I was wrong,
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along

Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn

Then I thought that I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood the German soldier
'Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live
To see us find a better way

Subconscious

2010-12-02T22:49:00.011+01:00

I have always admired the film companies' logos. You know, the mini clip, the mini video that comes out before the film starts, with the company's logo. Some of my favourites are:

The why I'm posting some of these videos is so you know exactly what I'm talking about, because I've no idea of the official name of the companies' "logo".
I've always admired them, and said, wow, they're so original... I would never be able to come up with such ideas! You know what, people? I was able to! But here's the weird part.
Our subconscious plays a lot with us. After a couple of days of thinking the thought once again, I had a dream, and in the dream I saw myself coming up with a logo in case some day I have my own film maker company. I was able to imagine a clip logo!! When I woke up and found out I remembered that part of the dream (as well as the rest, I'm thankful to say, because it was a beautiful dream), I was so happy, and wrote down how the clip went. I am so excited about it!
So, if I ever own a real, good movie maker, and actually know how to run it, I'll make my own clip of my own logo for my own company (unexistant, as of now, but... who knows?)

Nevaeh

2010-11-18T22:55:00.000+01:00

As I wrote down "N...e...v..." to write down the title of this post, I saw that the computer remembered the title. Then I realised all of you blog readers know about Nevaeh already.

Or, you should.

Just kidding. In any case, for those of you who don't, Nevaeh is... is... huh, me, I guess. She's me in books, and she writes down all her adventures (my adventures) in her daily life, and most of all, those happy happenings that happened during the happening of my happened trip.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I like double p's words. [wink]

So. Back to Nevaeh. I wrote a couple of her stories on this blog, but as I started to write others on the red book, I decided it would be really neat to have her story on her own blog, so... THIS happened. (There you have that word again... *looks sheepish* Thorry!)

If any of you happen (ahem!) to have curiosity, you will have clicked on the link, and then, boom!, disappointment! (Two p's!) Cuz the blog is private! Yeah, since it's so much like my own life, I've decided to make it private, for, let's say, safety's sake? Whatevah. Anyway, the point of this post is that I don't exactly have all of my trusted readers' e-mail addresses, so, here goes. You want me to send an invitation to read the blog, to you? E-mail me! You know, the usual address: silvershadowofpalemoonlight [at] gmail [dot] com

Just ask for it, and make sure you add lots of double p's words, or else I might consider not inviting you!

Kate ♥

2010-10-26T00:05:00.000+02:00

Kate is my cousin. May I add, my very talented cousin. I've had in mind posting about her and her works for a long time, and since I have her permission, what time better than now?

I've uploaded a couple of her paintings just to show my two favourites, but all of you should definitely check out her website, her shop and her flickr! Believe me when I say she's an amazing artist!

Here are the links:

Kate's WEBSITE
Kate's FLICKR
Kate's SHOP on Etsy

Tell me what do you think. Aren't they great?

Sometimes...

2010-10-09T23:39:00.000+02:00

...I get melancholic.

Okay, so I'm not perfect. And I'm not made out of stone. I remind myself everyday that I should be content with my situation, that I shouldn't complain about what I don't have and be happy with what I have, but... sometimes I can't help it.

I really miss the U.S. of A.

I continually tell myself I should look back at the time I spent there and be grateful for it. Don't get me wrong, I do, and I'm ever so grateful for the time I spent there! But that just makes me ache inside and want to go back so bad I sometimes even end up crying. Homesickness for what I did there, for who I met there, for all I lived there.

Hello! I have an awesome family here that loves me tremendously! I've seen many friends already and they were all so happy to see me again! That made me love them so much, and it made me feel so loved, too. Then... why can't I be happy for the time I'm spending here, and just wait patiently for another opportunity to go there?

This is something I really struggle with. Contentment. Patience. [sighs] Oh well. The Lord will show.

Photoshoot Met Harm En Sonia

2010-09-27T14:22:00.001+02:00

While I was in Holland, spending the last week of my four-month-trip, I had the tremendous opportunity of going out with my best friend and her boyfriend for a photoshoot.

Truth be said, I had the time of my life. Camera in hand, best friend with me, and getting to know her incredible boyfriend. What else can I ask for? The couple was so much fun to work with, and so cooperative. I really enjoyed seeing them so happy together. =)

Anyway, want a sneek-peek? ^^

They're so cute together! I'm so happy for Sonia! Want to see some more? Click HERE!

Home Secrets

2010-09-24T18:10:00.000+02:00

This video is a family favourite. It's one of my favourite Disney shorts. And...

...you know you're home with your crazy siblings when you start imitating hens and pigs and ducks while clearing the supper table. Check out minute 1:20, 2:18, 4:17 and 6:08. We know the song off by heart!
I love my siblings, by the way. =) ♥

Commitment

2010-09-22T22:39:00.000+02:00

As the title may suggest, I have made a commitment! I'm goind to post in both blogs at least once a week. =) I will try to find something to post about on this blog, and I have more than enough pictures to post on my PhotoBlog. So!
Commitment made, commitment kept (hopefully :P).

Washing the Dishes by Mummy

2010-09-16T14:23:00.000+02:00

I the model, my mother the artist.

I was very rewarded when my Mummy noticed even the hour of the night in which I washed the dishes for her a couple nights ago. She even included my singing! Isn't she a darling? &hearts;

Home

2010-09-13T18:15:00.000+02:00

Aren't some things ironic? When I'm away from home, I long for a hug from my parents. When I'm here... I long for snowy winter days in flat land.

Home, Sweet Home

2010-09-10T14:31:00.002+02:00

And so, my four month trip has come to an end.

I can't believe this is over. It seems like it was yesterday that my parents called me down to the kitchen and told me, "Yes! You can go! You can start making plans." It seems like it was yesterday that I phoned and e-mailed all my friends telling them my exciting news. Whoa, where has time gone? 3rd of May is as fresh in my mind as if I were living it today. *Sighs*

This trip has been incredible. I can't even start to explain how much it has helped me to grow personally and spiritually, and it has been such a huge gift to be able to meet all my pen-friends!

Things haven't really changed here. My bedroom is still a mess [grin, just kidding].

Well, some things have.

No, seriously. My little big brother is a head taller than me, and his voice has changed to a deep, low manly voice that I really like. That is one huge change that I have to get used to. But we're still as close as before... or should I say, we're closer than ever? After my darling Mummy and youngest brother had picked me up from the airport (the latter repeating that I was the best present ever, because it recently was his birthday, although I'm wondering if he really meant it as a hint :P), we went my little big brother from school, and when he saw me he smiled and hugged me in front of all his friends! That was so special to me =)

The other big change that almost broke my heart was the news that Black Jack, my favourite kitten, ran away a couple of months ago. It really made me sad, but Scotty, our other kitten (he's well over two years old now, but I can't stop calling him my kitty) remembered me, and that same night, when I went outside to just think, he came over and plopped himself on my lap.

Let me add something to this post: even though I miss my friends terribly and I wish I were back in Holland, I LOVE BEING HOME!

After picking up my brother from school we went home. The house was still painted yellow. The flowers still invaded the garden/yard, and Skitty was still slumbering in the shade. It almost looked exactly as I had left it four months ago. But...! Surprise! There were two balloons at the gate. And once I had gone into the house, I saw balloons ALL over the place, and hand-made garlands hanging from the lights and the ceilings, and posters with "Welcome Home, Anna!" all over the place. Do you wonder why it's good to be home? It made me feel so good inside. My family had really looked forward to my coming back, and are really making me feel welcome.

They're so awesome. :)

You know, it's also lots of fun to introduce the new treasures I have to the old ones I had. I hope they get along fine when I'm not in the room!

And so, as someone said somewhere, this is the end of my trip... but it's also another beginning. Thank God. ♥

Goodbye America

2010-08-31T20:18:00.001+02:00

By the time this post is published, I will most likely be high in the sky watching the stars from a huge aeroplane window.

Yep. I'm flying back to Europe.

I can't believe my four month trip is almost over. I have one week in Holland left, and then I'll be home again. Home! I haven't been there for such a long time! I can't help but being excited about seeing my family again and walking among the vineyards once more, even though I am very sad I have to leave the places I've visited during this time. But... there's a time for everything, right?

I would appreciate your prayers as I will struggle with jet-lag!

By the way... aren't scheduled posts useful? ;)

Wisconsin, Wisconsin

2010-08-18T03:59:00.002+02:00

I'm saying goodbye to Wisconsin! But hopefully, not for long. =) I am flying tomorrow so please pray for safety.

But until I come back (for I hope to one day), I will say farewell to all the beauty of this state, and to my favourite horse, Amigo. =) Cantering with him was amazing.

This New Hat Of Mine

2010-08-10T23:59:00.001+02:00

I find myself sitting on a huge rocking armchair, with a nice black laptop on my lap (heh. You wouldn't think a laptop would be on my head, would you?), and most of an afternoon before me, without much to do - except writing!

By the way, I still find myself in the U.S. of A, in case you didn't know. I've spent almost two months and a half here, and I still have three weeks (more or less) left in this place people like to call America. But - where to start? I have had "writing on my blog", or "writing a general e-mail to all the people" in my mind for quite a while (a.k.a., a thing called newsletter), but somehow I never got around to do it. Don't ask me why.

Why?

Told you not to ask. But in case you're expecting an answer... whoa, I don't know where to start. The list of reasons is endless. I will tell you I was too busy taking walks with my friend from South Carolina, taking along our cameras, and capturing the beauty of a magnolia flower. I will tell you I was too busy visiting a donkey farm with the said friend, and getting all covered up in dust because of the donkeys' affections. I will tell you I was too busy going to Greenville's Zoo and trying to take a picture of a lion who would fall asleep with its back at us. I will tell you I was too busy visiting Biltmore House (that was exhausting!, but enjoyable, of course!) I will tell you I was too busy playing basketball with my friend's little brother, or too busy attending a puppet show, in Texas. I will tell you I was too busy marching up and down the streets chanting Left! Left! Left, RIGHT, left! with them. I will tell you I was too busy watching a musical called Texas!, and visiting Palo Duro Canyon, staying overnight at a motel during a terrible thunderstorm. I will also tell you I was too busy tubing in the river five minutes away from here in Wisconsin. I will also tell you I was too busy tenting with friends, or playing volley-ball for a whole afternoon, or swimming in a lake for a whole day, or even, jamming around a campfire late at night. I will also tell you I was too busy laughing endlessly (take that literally) with three other girl-friends, scheming and conspiring in the darkness of the parking-lot after a very much enjoyed Wissmann concert. I might also tell you that I was too busy playing with three certain little (and believe me, active!) kiddos, or talking for hours with their mother, back in Nebraska.

What!? I told you the list was endless! I could go on and on, and I wouldn't be able to finish till tomorrow at sixteen minutes past three o'clock in the morning!

And are you wondering about the title? Yep, I have a new hat. And it's adorable!

A Bird Without Wings

2010-08-04T01:18:00.001+02:00

Wet Curls And Pixie Hoods

2010-07-09T22:55:00.003+02:00

It was raining outside. The girl watched the tiny drops trickle down the huge windows in the waiting area, and thought about the tears she's seen in her mother's eyes when they had hugged goodbye. They had touched her and had almost made her cry, too. Saying goodbye to one's baby daughter must be hard, she reflected.

Nevaeh took a deep breath. She was leaving home for four months. No turning back now, for it was too late. They'd already opened the gate, and people had started to step out in the rain. Ugh!, she thought, the rain will probably ruin my hair! She pulled her hood over her head and tried to hide as much hair as possible inside the thick jacket.

The dancers behind her started to push, but Nevaeh couldn't move forward without bumping on the person in front of her, so she turned around and raised an eyebrow at the Dutch dancers, asking for patience with her look. Everyone would board the plane eventually, she thought to herself. No need to worry about that.

The flight attendant started indicating that the way was open, and people ran towards the boarding stairs that went up to the plane. It was still pitch dark, although the hour was near seven in the morning; the flight attendants wore orange reflective vests that could be seen a mile away. Nevaeh wished she had one... she had always liked them. She liked them better than the yellow ones Spanish people usually used.

The stairs were were wet, and slipped under her feet. Nevaeh grabbed at the rail and tried to wait patiently under the rain as the slowly climbed up the stairs into the back of the plane. She didn't succeed in that, so Nevaeh decided to wait impatiently under the rain instead.

This was the second time she flew with that company, the second time she flew on her own, the second time she flew to Holland! Nevaeh felt a thrill at that thought, and for a moment didn't mind the rain spoiling her hair.

After what had seemed like five minutes but had really been... five minutes, Nevaeh was able to show her boarding pass to the flight attendant and step into the security of a roof over her head. Forgetting that she still had her hood on and must look like a ridiculous tiny pixie, Nevaeh anxiously looked down the aisle to spot an empty seat on the right side, and by the window, and not too close to the wing so her view wouldn't be spoiled.

And she found it! Nevaeh barely found time to walk to her seat. Suppose someone in front of her stole it? She squeezed between the line of people in the aisle and the row of seat, and let herself plop on the prized seat with a triumphant air, thumping her bag under the seat opposite her. There, she was ready for the flight.

The engines started and the plane got taxied to the taking off area. Excitement bubbled up inside of her once again as the engines roared and the plane started to run powerfully. Nevaeh watched breathlessly as all of a sudden the plane took off and bit by bit the ground looked more and more distant.

She couldn't take her eyes off of the view outside. Such a thrill rushed inside of her every time she realized that this was real! She was flying, and she was going to Holland. With eyes full of tears Nevaeh gave thanks to God for this dream come true. She did not know what awaited her over there, but she was sure it would all be wonderful.

Nevaeh settled as comfortably as possible in her seat. A two hour flight stretched before her, and she considered the possibility of sleeping a little bit. She'd only slept three hours that night; but sleep avoided her and soon she came to the conclusion that she was too excited to shut her eyes, so out came her MP3. She would listen to music and stare out of the window instead.

The flight proved to be a boring success. Her excitement wouldn't let her concentrate in her reading, nor would let her write. The view outside was an endless prairie of white, shapeless clouds, so she wasn't able to enjoy that, either.

She didn't find her friends either. Nevaeh had hoped that a flight assistant whom she had coincided with and who had complimented her on her English would be there, but obviously wasn't. Plus a fly she had met last winter and had named Tapio wasn't there. Nevertheless, she did meet a friendly ant running on the seat opposite her. Was it a Spanish ant flying to Holland, for free, or was it a Dutch ant returning to its home after a brief visit to its relatives?

The ant, which she decided to name Hilda, wasn't the most interesting conversationalist she had met, so after a few unsuccessful attempts to chat, she gave up altogether and resigned to her fate: her flight would be boring, no matter what.

Two hours of flying that wouldn't fly by. To her, the time seemed to drag by, and Nevaeh became more and more impatient the more she thought about her best friend waiting for her at the airport and the amazing month they would spend together. If only the flight would end...

FINALLY!, and as all other things, the flight found its end. Nevaeh was beside herself with excitement. Even though Holland welcomed her with overcast skies once she stepped outside the cabin door onto the stairs, she was happy to be there. Happiness meant being there, hugging Amice and hopping into the car with her family at that moment. ^^

Nevaeh

2010-06-12T22:17:00.002+02:00

Nevaeh had the thought of picking up her pen for the umpteenth time that day, but somehow something finally made her decide against it. After all, she was trying to sleep, and it was past midnight.

   Why on earth wouldn't she write, she wondered to herself. She had so much to write about, so much worth penning down. Nevaeh thought about that for a while... pick up a pen to pen something down. Interesting.

   But after all, what was the use of spending four months away from home if she didn't write about it? All the experiences and adventures lived would be only known to herself and her memory, but...

   Were they really worth the effort? Were they worth sharing with, say, the closest acquaintances? She thought, suddenly, of the thrill someday, if it happened, her daughters would feel when reading a certain small, red book of hers...

   So she picked up her pen, after all.

Remembering A Forgotten Blog

2010-06-01T14:15:00.000+02:00

A month has come and gone in Holland. In two days I catch a fligh to the United States of America! I am very excited about that flight. I enjoy flying in general, but whoa... flying to the States! o.O

I am a bit at loss at how to write this post. I don't know where to start, nor what to write about. Time in Holland has been a very busy one, full of outings and meetings with friends I met last time I was here. I admit I should have written on this blog before, but I lacked time and motivation. When I though, Oh, I have to write on my blog! the computer wasn't available, and if, by any chance, it was, I procastinated and told myself I would write whenver I felt like it.

Well, to be honest with you all, this is not the time. I am quite lost; I have what most people like to call writer's block, or should I call it blogger's block? Whatever its name, I do NOT feel like writing right now, but I feel I must write. So here I am, sitting on a chair and facing the screen, with my fingers on the black keyboard.

And a blank mind.

Nevertheless, I want you all to know that I am flying in two days, so I would appreciate your prayers for safety! Pray especially for my sense of direction... I have this feeling I will get lost in the layover airport. :P

And so, beloved readers, here I leave you, until I have a little bit more of inspiration.

Countdown

2010-04-26T00:04:00.000+02:00

The title doesn't really have much to do with the real subject of this post, but it explains the reason.
Long, long ago (76 days ago) my best friend and I started the countdown. Today, we're down to 8 days for my summer trip to start! I've started calling it my Summer Tour...
Anyway, as the day gets nearer, the usual dummy-funny-noisy-crazy me turns in to reallydummy-reallyfunny-reallynoisy-reallycrazy me. I can't help it. If I didn't go wild, I would completely burst inside.
Therefore, I have more fun than usual with my little (taller-than-me) brother. I mean, we laugh at anything, even the most stupidest, nonsensical thing. This afternoon, while having our afternoon break, I had some of my delicious Bio Soya and Chocolate Milk. My bro and I were laughing at something so while I poured some of my milk I spilt it a little over the table. What did I say?

"Woops! I missed!" *looks awkwardly at the table* "And I messed!

Whoa, my brother and I just started laughing so hard!
Five minutes later, I started talking about my trip *brother rolls eyes and sighs thinking, again!* and I suddenly exclaim,

"Wow, I'm gonna miss you so much!"

What does brother say?

"I'm gonna mess you so much!"

*Laughs and laughs and laughs and laughs*

Sorry for this weird piece of my life! I wanted to write it down. (= Don't give me up! :D

Sighs

2010-04-21T15:03:00.000+02:00

This session has been somewhat melancholic. It's my last session. It finishes today, and they have been three days of sighing and thinking "This is the last time I do..." such and such.

It twelve days I leave Spain, and start a whole new year. The day after I leave I will turn 17 years old. And my first four months will be spend abroad, without my family, but with my friends, friends I haven't seen in a long time, or friends I haven't met at all. It's going to be such a great experience, such an opportunity! I thank God for this.

I would appreciate your prayers for this trip.

And for now... this is the last time I get on a computer at work. ='(

Weapon of Prayer

2010-04-09T13:02:00.001+02:00

This is a song I really like. Everytime I listen to it, I get chills up and down my spine, and goose-pimples. The message is so true! I just hope I will never have to sing it.

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

In that land across the sea
There's a job for you and me
Though our presence there may not be found
We must stay standing there
On the battle lines and pray
We must never lay our weapons down

We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.

Many thousands miles away
Someone shed their blood today
With a heart so true and brave they're gone
To a war that's yours and mine
Let us join the battle line
With a weapon that will save our home

We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer

And when the planes and tanks and guns
Have done all that they can do
And the mighty bombs have rained and failed
Still the helpful Hand above, on the weapon made of love
And against Him none on earth prevail

We don't have to be a soldier in a uniform
To be of service over there
While the boys so bravely stand
With the weapons made by hand
Let us trust and use the weapon of prayer.

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

I just listened to it, and had to share it with all of you.

Untitled

2010-04-08T18:13:00.000+02:00

My life is a happy life.

That said, I am alive. Otherwise, my life wouldn't exist because it wouldn't be a life, because a life exists when you live. So, I repeat, I am alive.

Unfortunately for my blog, I am incredibly busy these days. Besides the fact that work fills my days from six thirty a.m. to eleven p.m., something else (which I may add, is VERY exciting, and coming up really fast!) is also taking up a lot of my time every day.

WHAT! You haven't guessed what that something else is?? You don't know already?? Goodness, child, where have you been hiding? But I'll tell you.

I have to wait 25 days till my four month summer trip starts.

I have said(written) that in a very calm kind of way... no "!!", no italics, no CAPITAL LETTERS, etc. BUT! You will never guess how excited I am. You'll never guess how my insides move when I think about the trip; when my Mummy and I start discussing which skirt I should sew first, or what shoes I should buy; when I receive an e-mail from a friend confirming something for me; when I receive an e-mail from some airline confirming my flight purchase. It is really very exciting!

I will be going to Holland, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa, Lord willing. I am amazed at how smoothly everything is going on, and I am very grateful for everybody's help and collaboration.

As for my current life... well, it couldn't be better. They have me taking pictures of people smiling and having fun while they attend a workshop; they have me designing and printing posters to hang all over the walls, and that is so much fun!; they have me taking pictures of white boards and editing them on Photoshop so they have a white backround; I am learning so many new things! I will quote one of the movies they play: "My job, which isn't really a job, because I enjoy it so much... (...)"

Tomorrow is going to be an awesome day!! My old class mates organized a fashion show to collect enough money for their end-of-year trip. I attended last year's fashion show, and it was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! To me it was like a professional event. They go around the local clothes shops (formal, wedding, casual, etc) and ask for them to collaborate with the show. They even get professional hair-dressers! I am so excited about it. They asked me to be the "photographer". I'm not sure I'll do OK (I will just go there to practice), but if the pictures turn out fine, I will be sure to post some!

This is it for now! Have a blessed weekend, all of you!

Mr. March

2010-03-09T14:15:00.000+01:00

Ladies and gentlemen!
I would like to introduce all of you to...

Mr. March!

Ain't he cute? ^^

Snow!!

2010-03-09T00:31:00.002+01:00

I can't believe I'm writing this: it's snowed!!

In Spain. In March. How ironic is that?

I woke up to my Mamma opening the blinds up and excitedly exclaiming, "Get up, girl! It's snowing like crazy!" And sure enough, once I'd jumped off my bed and peeked out of the window I saw that it was snowing!! Yay!! Big, fat snowflakes, falling down as thick as anything! I was able to take a couple of pictures:

Morning! Just about nine a.m.

The mountains, in the morning. Same time.

Ditto...

This were how our windows looked in mid-afternoon. Already a car with loudspeakers had gone around advising for all of us to stay at home unless strictly necessary, and providing emergency phone numbers.

I don't know if it's seen on the pictures, but I'm tellin' you, it was snowing thick! I had the time of my life watching during different times of the day. It first snowed lazyly, the big, plump snowflakes floating in the air. Then it started to snow more fierecely and thicker. Finally, a strong wind started to blow hard, and it was almost like being in a blizzard!

SNOW!

The King's Singers

2010-03-04T23:33:00.000+01:00

So, what do you think? These are just my two favourites, but you should check them out because they have many other awesome videos!

Dutch Stories: Madurodam

2010-02-28T00:06:00.005+01:00

...continued. For previous posts click HERE and HERE.

Visiting Madurodam was very impressing. And fun. Madurodam is like a museum which shows Amsterdam in miniature. That was something I don't think I've ever seen before, and it was definitely quite striking.
The day started being lots of fun. After having breakfast, we set out for a long two-to-three-hours car ride. With us came S(oldest), I. and his son. At first, the car ride promised to be boring. Sonia and I were very tired, and planned to try and sleep in the car. But it didn't work... it did for T., though!
It didn't turn out boring because out went our MP4's and we started to sing along with all the songs that played. It was so much fun!!, although I'm sure S(oldest) and I. didn't think the same... =S
It was freezing cold once we got there, but we soon warmed up walking. In Madurodam that's basically what you have to do... walk. And look and take pictures, of course. But you have to walk a lot. So you better be rested and with a mind to walk if you have to visit it! (Which, by the way, we didn't have xD)

Amazing, really. There were models of every building in Amsterdam. There was an airport. The palace. The economy street.

The cathedral.

The tower. The sports' center. Marketplaces, rivers, bridges, boats, aeroplanes, people. All done with such detail! Every small bit was perfectly built and painted, streets represented; there were even street lights!

The funniest part of Madurodam, though, and my favourite, was "The Clown" episode. When we took a break to eat lunch, we went to an inside building, obviously (lotsa snow and cold and rain!! Brr!) It was huge, with a very tall ceiling and fans on it. Turned on. Don't ask me why, though.
(Useless bit of information, but curious, nevertheless).
Anyway, there was this puppet show for the little kids going on, and I tried to understand what the "puppeter" was saying (just invented the word, don't worry!). Obviously, I didn't understand a single thing, because it was in Dutch (duh!), but we kidded around with Sonia and laughed a bit about it, whispering funny comments about this puppet with a huge nose or whatever. You know... laughing because. Best friends together, Double Trouble! What do you expect?
Soon enough the show ended, and from behind the scenario a jolly clown appeared. He was one of the talles men I've ever seen in my life. 7 feet 6 inches, at least! (a weee exaggerated...). But definitely more than 2 meters in Spain.
He had this chubby rosy cheeks and red nose, both fake, obviously, and he was dressed in blue, white and red. I thought him pretty funny, and most of the kids did too, but T. was scared of him.
After the show he started blowing balloons up and turning them into shapes, like hearts and swords and butterflies. Sonia and I started to tease each other to go ask him for a balloon for us two, faking to be little girls. Of course, we did no such thing, but S(oldest) did ask him for a balloon for T.
The clown was hilarious. He blew a balloon, and then it "accidentally" pulled off, flying around the room. Then the clown would either pull up a surprised or a sad face, which made the little ones crack up. He would also trip over his huge shoes, and did several tricks. He was a nice clown.
Then I casually/teasingly suggested to Sonia that we should take a picture of us two with the clown (I get the craziest ideas... -.-') and the crazy girl liked the idea! So she asked Samuel to ask him if he would mind to pose with us. (I was quite embarrassed, you can imagine! What started as teasing turned out reality!)
He agreed! Sonia smiled at me mischievously, and I laughed inwardly.
The guy was so tall Sonia reached his chest. And she's a good head taller than me. So laugh if you want to, but since I'm quite short I appeared even more pettite by his size! (EMBARRASSING!)
The picture is great, though. It's very funny, and it's one memory more to laugh over with Sonia. During my time there, that's all I had in mind... create special moments, build memories that we shared, because... who knows when will the next time I see her be?
I enjoyed my time in Madurodam so much. Sonia and I shared a Mars Bar, and took pictures together on the buildings's reflecting windows.

Isn't she beautiful?

It was really a great, wonderful day. =)

For the story's pictures, click HERE.

Mysteries

2010-02-17T21:50:00.001+01:00

The misteries of serving a God like Him...

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"

Isaiah 55:8-9

Have you ever wondered why on earth something happened to you, or why did you meet such and such a person, or... something you don't understand why it happened?

One of my favourite quotes runs...:

"We're not always meant to understand"

Clark Davis, Love's Abiding Joy

Today I marvel at how God works in my life. He is definitely the most awesome God! I'm so glad He chose me as one of His daughters! ♥

And They Said Work Was A Serious Thing...

2010-02-16T17:57:00.001+01:00

Grown ups used to say work was a serious thing, where one had to be careful with what she (in my case) did and said.
Well, grown ups weren't expecting for me to work for whom I work now...:

Yeah, I ran a race with my superior! A very respectable, learned man. And as he said... "She got beaten by the old!" We made a comic of it on the white boards later...

(Notice the camera... I'm the photographer! And I actually let him win, though... :P)

This is a comic my superior did (the one who won on our race) of him talking and my Papa translating for him to the rest of the people in the room. As you can see from the drawing, my Papa's a good imitator... =P

And they said work was a serious thing...

Dutch Stories: The Year's Transition

2010-02-13T21:44:00.000+01:00

...continued. For previous posts, click HERE and HERE.

My transition from 2009 to 2010 was amazing. Here's the story.

Late that evening, on the 31st December 2009, I had this yearning to go outside and take the last pictures of 2009. The sunset was beautiful, and I got some very satisfying shots of the canal running past their backyard. It was all so beautiful, the snow was so pure and white, everything so silent and breathtaking... it was the best year farewell in my life. God is good... =)

D. & L. and J. (the missing members of the family) weren't there to celebrate the Year's Transition with us, and it felt bad not to have everyone together, but nevertheless, we had the time of our lives talking, laughing and playing Worms.

I. had introduces a new game, Worms, which we got a liking to play. It was so much fun and we all laughed so much while playing! After a long supper (the last supper in 2009... sniff) in which we lingered for a long while, talking all together and discussin things, S(oldest) organized a Worms tournament. SO much fun! We had to kill the other's worms, and stay alive ourselves... (I know, pretty useless game, but it was so much fun, and I'm so happy we played that game together!)

For your wormformation, this is a picture of a (very) cute worm, and the scenery of the game itself. I fell in love with the worms, I thought they were so cute and sweet! We could also invent our own teams, and name the worms ourselves. Sonia's family has a wild imagination, so we came up with hilarious teams! For instance, C. named her team NaaraTim (Naara's Team, her baby's name), and all the worms were named after some of Baby Naara's words, such as Ahhhh, or Nguh! or Gueeee, etc.

What made it funnier was that the worms had very funny voices and they continually exclaimed, "OUCH!" or "Haha, MISSED!" or "HURRY UP!", and we laughed a lot. The worms had also various attack methods that were so funny!, such as the "Poke" or the "Baseball bat".

We spent the whole evening like that, and at about twenty past ten p.m. Sonia and I went upstairs to "make ourselves look pretty," as my Papa says. Then we took "our last pictures together in 2009". Most of the pictures turned out OK and we had fun, lots of fun, which was the best. =)
At about twenty to twelve we went back downstairs, and we hung around for a while, talking and getting ready for...

...the last 12 o'clock...

We turned the lights out, we prepared the champagne... and then... it was five to.

We were so excited! You could feel the excitement in the air. I was so happy to be there with Sonia and her family. To be in Holland. Several important happenings in 2009 flashed through my head, and I felt SO blessed, and I was so happy. I can't express myself with words, I just felt complete inside of me. God is good!

And it was one minute to midnight. We started to countdown seconds, and the volume rised when we got to ten seconds to midnight! We almost shouted.

When we finally said "ZERO!" and the clock struck twelve, we all started laughing and wishing each other "HAPPY NEW YEAR!". Then we kissed and hugged each other, and drank our cava. It was a delightful surprise because after we finished our small glasses, they said it was Freixenet cava, the area where I live! That's why it was so nice. ;)
And we prayed. Honestly, and in all sincerity, my heart was so full. I felt perfect.

Right after twelve there was the biggest explosion, and the sky lit up with fireworks. We rushed outside, almost forgetting to put our coats on, and joines all the people outside who'd come to see the beautiful sky. It was SO beautiful! From everywhere, everyone lit fireworks, and it was beautiful, so impressing. There were so many, and all so different; so many colours and shapes. Sonia, S(oldest)and I took lots of pictures, but most of mine didn't come out right. I wasn't prepared for it and didn't have my tripod. Oh well.

At half past, more or less, Sonia, S(youngest) and I decided to go for a walk in the snow to see more fireworks. Yes, there were still shooting and exploding high up in the sky. I was so impressed! They didn't stop firing them till late, so we had lots of fun watching them.

There was one that I really liked because it was pretty special. It exploded in a huge circle that almost covered the whole sky (when I say huge circle, I mean huge circle), two colours, but what I liked about it is that it gave such a BANG, that it made everything tremble. I felt my insides vibrate everytime it exploded. So cool.

Then we had a kind of weird/scary/amusing thing happen to us. On our walk around where Sonia lives, we passed by a group of young people who were laughing and listening to music from a quite post, modern car. And drinking. They actually started talking to us, and offered us some beer, they even said we were pretty, but we ignored them and walked on. Sonia said they were quite drunk. Thank God they didn't do anything to us!

It was very funny because both Sonia and I slipped on the ice and fell on the ground on our bums on our nocturne walk. I fell cross-legged and Sonia laughed at me a lot, but I laughed too. The first time I slipped, and the only one, hehe!

That was on our way back, and once at home we got back to our tournament. Yep, we spend the whole night playing at Worms. We laughed so hard with that game our sides ached. S(oldest) invented a team for me, names and all, and we enjoyed the rivalry.

S(youngest) was the first one to leave, at about three a.m. I. was the second, at about five a.m. C. was the third, at about six a.m.

When Sonia and I decided it was about time to go to bed, it was about half past six a.m., but we decided we wouldn't sleep just yet. We wanted to break our record of staying up late together (which was half past six hehe), and so we stayed up talking about things till seven a.m., and when we fell asleep it was already light.

We woke up at 2 p.m. on New Year's day. What a shame!

It was a happy, quiet day, spend with family. Delicious lunch, and more laughs. It was great, really. I am so happy I was able to spend the Year's Transition with the V. family. They are all so great and I love them so much! I am blessed to have friends like them.

Next thing we did after New Year's Day was visit Madurodam... but that's another story. ;)

For the Year's Transition's pictures, click HERE.

Barbara Allen

2010-02-13T17:54:00.000+01:00

Twas in the merry month of May
When green buds all were swelling,
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For love of Barbara Allen.

He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was dwelling,
Saying you must come, to my master dear
If your name be Barbara Allen.

So slowly, slowly she got up
And slowly she drew nigh him,
And the only words to him did say
Young man I think you're dying.

He turned his face unto the wall
And death was in him welling,
Good-bye, good-bye, to my friends all
Be good to Barbara Allen.

When he was dead and laid in grave
She heard the death bells knelling
And every stroke to her did say
Hard hearted Barbara Allen.

Oh mother, oh mother go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died of love for me
And I will die of sorrow.

And father, oh father, go dig my grave
Make it both long and narrow,
Sweet William died on yesterday
And I will die tomorrow.

Barbara Allen was buried in the old churchyard
Sweet William was buried beside her,
Out of sweet William's heart, there grew a rose
Out of Barbara Allen's a briar.

They grew and grew in the old churchyard
Till they could grow no higher
At the end they formed, a true lover's knot
And the rose grew round the briar.

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

So sad! [sniff] It's a song I really like, even though it's so sad... the melody is so melancholic...

Ponderings

2010-02-07T22:37:00.000+01:00

Yesterday night I couldn't sleep. It was half past twelve a.m. and I kept tossing and turning in my bed.
So I climbed down my top bunkbed and decided to read the Bible for a while, because there was something I'd read in prayer meeting I wanted to check.
We had read 2 Peter, chapter 1. These are the parts that were highlighted:

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Verses 5 to 8

Then I continued reading on my own, and read,

"But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins"

Verse 9

And I started to think... and realised I have to work on that, because, more than anything, I know I lack in perseverance (although it would make it clearer if I said that it's translated as "patience" in the Spanish version). But that wasn't the point I wanted to make. What really stood out to me were the following verses:

"So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things."

Verses 12 to 15

The last verse stood out to me especially, and later that night, while I couldn't sleep, I opened the Bible again to that verse, and thought for a while.

I wondered if Peter had any idea of the way we would be reminded of his words... If he had any idea of how we would always remember these things, the things he had written, such a long time after his departure from this world.

And I marveled at God's awesomeness because, after such a long time (Peter wrote that about 2000 years ago), after so many persecutions and after all that Christianity has suffered... we still have a Bible in our hands, with true words spoken and written years and years ago.

Dutch Stories: First Three Days

2010-01-30T11:16:00.003+01:00

...continued. Previous Post, click HERE.

The couple of days before New Year's celebration were quite lazy and quiet.
Our ride home from the airport was long but not boring at all! Sonia and I started talking right away, trying to catch up with our lives after being six months without seeing each other. Her mother was very patient and endured our crazy laughs and sudden squeals, our loud talking and our excitedness in general. We stopped once at a gas station to fill up, and we both got out to walk for a bit, and it felt soooo good to be together again! It felt perfect, and my heart felt ready to burst with happiness.
We got out without our coats, so it was quite freezing. Sonia and I went running to the restrooms because it was a bit warmer, and tried to arrange our messy hair, but we soon had to go back and all of that time we hadn't stopped talking. We had so much to tell and we had so much to laugh about!
Snow, snow, snow all over the place. I couldn't get enough of it all! It was so beautiful! I was already in love with Holland, and I'd only spent maybe an hour or an hour and a half in it. I knew I was going to enjoy myself so much!
Sonia's father and brothers were at home when we got there. It was sooo exciting to get to see them again! I hadn't seen her older brothers since Christmas '08, a year ago, and I hadn't seen her younger brother and father since June '09, six months! So happy so see them all.
It was J's birthday that same day too, although I didn't remember it till the next day, and so had to say Happy Birthday one day late. Oh, well! At least I hadn't forgotten altogether! Better late than never!
We'd eaten lunch in the car (lunch consists basically of sandwiches in Holland), some delicious cheese sandwiches, so once we got home, at about three or half past three, I don't remember the exact hour, we didn't have to worry about eating. We had a whole afternoon ahead of us!
Sonia and I teased each other from the start, it's what we do best as Best Friends (JK!). For instance, there was this thing called Team Work we teased each other about, because we always did things together, we "helped" (or tried to, in the end we usually were making things more difficult for the other :P) each other in everything. When it was time for me to take my big, heavy suitcase upstairs to Sonia's bedroom, it was very funny because Sonia grabbed the front handle and I got the middle handle, and this way we took the suitcase up the (very) narrow stairs. I must add that we almost killed ourselves in the process, because we both lost balance and almost fell down the stairs, but in the end, no harm done, and we had such a laugh! Oh, I laugh just remembering it... how I miss her.
In Holland and during winter, it gets dark pretty soon. At half past four it's already dark, so when Sonia's mother came up with the suggestion that we should go for a walk and visit the city, I was a little bit surprised, but then, we weren't going alone, so since I really enjoy walks at night, we both readily agreed.
On went the wraps once again: jumper, gloves and scarves; hat; thick leather boots; and finally, my coat. I felt so fat and huge walking in that, but then everybody had to wear that over there, so I wasn't looked at as if I had green hair and purple skin.
The city at night was beautiful.
Correction: The city, at night, in winter, during Christmas holidays, was beautiful. Dark, snowy, and full of Christmas lights. (Okay, this last part and the first doesn't really make sense, but you know what I mean...). Everywhere we went was more beautiful than the last. We walked through ice-covered parks (it started snowing again the day after I arrived... that day it was green with ice covering it), we crossed bridges over rivers and canals, we visited the old city (old stone buildings, SO beautiful), we walked across the exterior mall, we went to visit Sonia's school, and we walked the whole city. Nah, but we did walk a lot, till half past six or so.
What I remember best was a huge, tall fir planted in the middle of the old city, near where the outside mall was. It was so big, and it was all decorated with Christmas lights. I fell in love with the tree at first sight, and I was so sorry because I didn't have my camera with me. I wish I had a picture of that tree...!
By the time we went back home, we were quite tired, but it had been worth it. We had talked so much during our walk, we had poured out our hearts to one another in Catalan so no one would understand us, and I felt fresh and alive, although tired... and late. They'd already had supper, and had started to worry about us!
Supper was truly yummy, and Sonia and I had fun eating on our own at the table while the rest of the people sat on the couches and chairs. S and J had left early that afternoon for France to pick up Sonia's older sister and her family, and they would be arriving next day in the afternoon. I was looking forward to meeting C very much, she was the only one in Sonia's family I hadn't met yet! But we had to wait till the next day.
I remembered to phone my parents that day. We talked for about five minutes, and (blush) for the next two weeks I was there I didn't phone them again. I guess I just forgot. But it was nice to hear them and good to be able to say, "I'm in Holland, and the flight was amazing!"
I don't think we slept much the first night we were together. Too exciting! I wore my red Christmas pj's for the first time that night, I remember, and I didn't wear it again while I was in Holland. I don't remember, though, what time we went to sleep that night... I can assure you, it was very early in the morning... :P When two best friends get together, and share all their stories once again, remember old times, uncover forgotten memories, listen to and sing songs they've both known for a long time... well, you get to go to bed either pretty late at night or pretty early in the morning.
Consequently, you wake up late next morning. I slept in till half past ten, or eleven, on Wednesday, to LOTS of snow! Sonia and I woke up to her mother hurrying us about because it had snowed a lot during the night! We jumped out of bed and hurriedly (and sleepily) but also excitedly ran to Sonia's parents' bedroom because it had such a big window, and sure enough, it had snowed a lot while we were happily dreaming under the covers!
I was so excited, I couldn't wait to get my feet into my boots and go outside for a walk. I had this childish wish to see my footprints on the snow, to make a big snowman and have a capital snowball fight with Sonia and her youngest brother (I have a problem here, because Sonia's oldest brother's name starts with an S, but so does her youngest brother's... any suggestions?)
My walk had to wait untill after lunch though, and I wasn't able to have a capital snowball fight because... mwahaha, I had my camera with me! Yep, beware, because I was roaming about the place with my camera to capture... a picutre. =) I went with S, the youngest. He's a sweet, active twelve year old who didn't mind my frequent stops for a picture, nor was embarrassed by my laying on the ground or my asking for him to pose in such and such a way, etc. I took plenty of pictures, and most of them came out pretty nice. I discovered that sometimes snow is difficult to capture.

These are my two favourite pictures from that walk:

When we started to go in the woods you can see in this picture, the cell-phone rang! I instantly felt happy and excited, because that meant that the boys were back with C and her family! That was the last picture I took, and we didn't get to walk in the forest that day, but I didn't really mind it that much because... well, because I was finally going to know Sonia's whole family!
Back we walked, hurrying, puffing and huffing (not), and indeed, there they were, sitting on the couch and talking and laughing! I was so happy to meet them, they are so nice and such happy people! C and I hit it off right away, and since then we talked a lot when we were together about everything. Mostly about babies, though. Hehehe.
Afternoon turned slowly into evening, and it met us talking and just about spending time together. There isn't much to tell about that evening, other than S (oldest) and C getting a hold of my camera and starting to take pictures of all of us (Sonia and I washing the dishes after supper, or youngest S and T playing on the computer...). These kind of quiet evenings are the best... =)

Sonia ^^ ♥. This picture was taken by C.

Next day was New Year's Eve Day... waking up in the morning was lovely that day, because once Sonia and I had gotten our sleepesness out of our heads, we heard that it was pretty noisy in the room next door. Curiosity got the best of us, and when we popped our heads in we saw that everybody was in C and I's bedroom, either laying lazyli on the bed or sitting on the floor or leaning on the windows, chatting and being together. Ahhh, I like that family so much!
They invited us in, and so we plopped ourselves on Baby T's bed and followed the chats. That was when I first held Baby N... the sweetes little baby girl ever! I was so happy to hold her, and the first thing she did was smile at me! I could hardly keep myself from squealing in delight! *Sighs in contentment* My time there was unforgettable... I miss them.
When we decided that it was time for all of us to dress and go downstairs, once we went downstairs, what do you all think we did...? Yup, plop down on S(oldest)'s matress and resumed our chatter. And took pictures with my camera, too. I also discovered that S(oldest) had really, really huge hands compared to mine.

See what I mean?

There's not much to tell about that day... J left that afternoon, and later, I went outside in their small garden and took some pictures. They have a canal running right behind their house, and it's so cool because during spring and summer they get their boat out and go up and down the canal. Can't wait till May!

New Year's Eve was amazing, we had so much fun! But that's another story...
For the rest of the pictures, click HERE.

Dutch Stories: My Flight To Holland

2010-01-25T16:32:00.009+01:00

Nothing much happened during the first couple of days in Holland... it was all very relaxed and family-like. Writing now about them makes me miss them so much... those comfy times sitting all in the living-room, talking, playing and (yes!) laughing together... getting to know Sonia's older brothers better, and getting to meet Sonia's only sister and her husband and children.
Honestly... looking back and writing about them and our times together makes me feel so bad, and makes me miss them so much... but I made a promise. =) And I know that if I have something to write, is because I made so many precious memories over there. What's best, I'll have them to treasure for ever.

My flight over there was very exciting. It was my first time on a plane since I was a little girl, and I was looking forward to it very much. Although at first I was nervous, the airport from where I left was small, as well as the one where I landed, so I didn't have much trouble in finding my way around. It was fun to qeue behind people (Dutch, Spanish and Indian), watch all the different coloured suit-cases, and (yes!) at all the people's shoes.
At first I was a bit shy about taking pictures in the airport, but I soon lost my shyness and started snapping around. I decided I wanted to sit at the back of the plane, so I climbed up the steps to the back door, with lots of people before me and behind me. It was so exciting to me! I was able to sit in a very good seat, not too far away from the end but not too far away from the middle, either. The perfect place, really.
Then the plane was taken to its take-off position.
I will never forget the sensation I felt when the engines started to roar and the plane started to run, and when it took off! It was so amazing! I felt everything at once, happiness, exuberance. I wanted to scream and laugh and jump and cry, it gave me such a feeling of power! I guess I had a rush of adrenaline. It was incredible, everything was boiling inside of me.
And I was on my way to Holland.
Right after the take-off I took my camera out and started to take pictures from up the air. I felt so awed at all I could see from my window! I had flown before, but when I was three years old and under, so I had no idea what could be seen from up there. And I was sooo amazed!

"I saw everything from up the air, and it was breathtaking"

It was sunny all the time up there because we were all the time flying above the clouds. And once, it snowed up there! It was so amazing! The crystals were so tiny, but so beautiful!

Sitting by me was a little girl and her mother, and across the aisle her father and brother. The girl was lovely, with greenish eyes and blonde hair, and a freckled nose. They were Spanish, but had family in Holland. I smiled at her often, and soon her mother and I started talking. We talked about Holland, about Spain, we talked about winter. I told her why I was going to Holland, and we had a very pleasant talk. She was a very smiley lady, and had a very pleasant voice which soon calmend me down, because I was nervous about the landing.
The almost-two-hours flight flew by me (haha!) way too quickly, and soon enough, we started to penetrate the clouds. They were gray, ugly clouds, but when we got a little lower, I completely forgot about them when I saw what was under us. Big patches of white were all over the places, and all the lakes and rivers were frozen. It was so amazing! I was all the time whispering, "God, your creation is so amazing!"
Then the captain announced that we were about to land, so click went the safety belts, and off went the camera. Now I just had to watch and enjoy.
Once again I got this feeling of exuberance and adrenaline when we landed. The engines started to go the other way around, and the air breaks on the wings came up. Such a noise!! I again felt sooo full of energy!
And so we landed. I was in Holland.
A gust of cold wind welcomed me, and as I climbed down the steps from the plane, I felt how tiny, icy drops of rain were falling from the sky. Welcome to a cold, Dutch Winter!
I remember how I looked up to the sky and breather in the cold, clean air deeply, thinking, "Thank you", and I started walking towards the building. Then, surprise!! Sonia and her mother were waving happily from the top of the building, behind a glass.

When I saw them, I started jumping and waving like crazy, but after receiving a couple of amused looks, I stopped showing my excitedness and started walking quickly toward the exit. I had to wait another ten minutes, though, to pick up my lugagge, and that was almost eternal to me. But wasn't it worth it...!
Sonia was waiting for me right outside the door, and I didn't even have time to drop the big suit-case before she gave me a bear hug! It was a precious moment.
Sonia's mother took a picture just as she hugged me, so we have that moment in a photo... and I am thankful. We were both so happy to see each other... I think we drew a lot of attention because we squealed and hugged and squealed again and then hugged once more, and it was like this all the time. I also hugged Sonia's mother, in case you were wondering.
My flight there was great. I really enjoyed it and I am so thankful that I had such a warm welcome once I got to the airport.
We had a long car-ride home... a two hours and a half ride...

...TO BE CONTINUED... ...FOR MORE PICTURES, CLICK HERE ...

Answer From Above

2010-01-21T22:11:00.000+01:00

Dear all,

I am right now in a way too hyper mood to write anything that is coherent.
So I will leave you with a very exciting bit of news:

I AM GOING TO USA NEXT SUMMER!!!!!!!!!!!

God is SO GOOD!!! I still can't believe my parents have said yes!
I'll leave you right now before I accidentally break the computer in my excitement. Once more, THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who have been praying for my parents and I!! I am SO grateful!

Aisling...

Youngest Professional Tenor

Printed...

Inertia

Talk About Cool Socks

On Yo-yos and Music

Inspiration Came...

Leaves

21 Spirals

Happy New 2012

Los Miserables

Pokarekare Ana

God of Wonders

Google

Pensaments

Winnie the Pooh Love

Sunrise

Recent Sewing Project

Directing you to...

Lingering

Candles

Teruel

Psalm 19:1

Laugh

Small

Yesterday Once More

Romanos 11:36

Stealing

Battle at F-Stop Ridge

Your Servant Loves It

Mountains

It Would Soar Cloud-high

When Photography Gets Frustrating

Philippians 4

Dreamlist

Footprints in the Sand

My New Friend Jake the Peg

Psalm 121

Teruel

Forsaken Cowboy

Winter Longing

Late At Night

And Now She's...

Deuteronomy 10:21

Boig Per Tu

England

Lotus by Secret Garden

I'm My Own Grandpa

Cada Momento

Anna At Seven a.m.

*Breathes in and Prepares to Scream*

Final Race

Cantique de Jean Racine

Dancing Fountains

A Thought

Shibuhdee Kanuhna Phore!

Evening (In words of one syllable)

Instrucciones para subir una escalera

Beauty

Untitled

On Domestic Times and Time

One Week Long Rest

Batido de Algo

Ponderings On Collections

Time

Happy New 2011!!

Belleau Wood

Subconscious

Nevaeh

Kate ♥

Sometimes...

Photoshoot Met Harm En Sonia

Home Secrets

Commitment

Washing the Dishes by Mummy

Home

Home, Sweet Home

Goodbye America

Wisconsin, Wisconsin

This New Hat Of Mine

Breathes in and Prepares to Scream

Sighs