tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24916957921373022472024-02-07T13:19:00.217-08:00The Rose and the SwordBalancing Beauty and StrengthLady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-87049642373299282692015-05-13T13:35:00.001-07:002015-05-13T13:39:07.100-07:00On How Everything Will (Probably) Be OkSo it's official. I'm moving to Lynchburg Virginia in August. <div>Something I've found out is that despite the fact that my entire life, most people ignore me or have little to say to me, as soon as they find out I've made a major life descision, everyone feels the need to bless me with their opinions. I'm totally Ok, being ignored, I've always joked that one of my biggest goals in life was to be invisible, and now I chuckle at the ones that have never cared about me that are suddenly concerned about the big mistake I'm possibly making. </div><div><br></div><div>About a month ago, the anxiety was crushing me, my biggest fear of failing was looming like a storm cloud because what if I tried to fly but ended up crashing and burning. I would have so many people with "I told you so"s to come back to, and the thought of it made me want to hide in my closet. </div><div><br></div><div>But I wasn't seeing all the people that were totally happy for me. Yes, they know there are risks, and that things will never go the exact way you expect them, but these brave souls know that's what life is about. Amanda has no one cheering her on but is still determined to try and prove that she can carve a way for herself in this world. There are people waiting and watching for us to fail, but something we've both realized is everyone's a critic. Your damned by some if you try something new, your damned by some if you keep status quo, so you might as well do what you want to do, and what you think is right. </div><div><br></div><div>Something I told myself through my teenage years as I was scared stiff at messing up is I'd rather try and fail, than do nothing and live with regrets. I've lived this mantra, I've tried, a lot, and I've failed, a lot. I might be young, but I'm no stranger to dissapointment. And I found out it's not the end of the world. Yes it hurts, yes it leaves scars, some of which don't heal easy, but at least I did something. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm not worried that I'll leave and not be able to make it. If my life adventures have taught me anything it's that I'll be Ok, whether it goes well or whether I fail, it doesn't matter. So far, I have a 100% sucess rate of making it through tough times. I have a God that treasures me (for some reason) and that holds me in His hand. I have two good feet that allow me to move forward, I have a brain that serves me well, a heart that's pretty servicable, and soul hidden in the cleft of the Rock. What should I fear? </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-55779122599684620012015-05-03T18:46:00.001-07:002015-05-03T18:46:50.470-07:00If You Want Something Done Right DIY We live in a western society where when you want something, you go to the store and buy it. That's just how things are. We work to have money to buy stuff. Being as interested in the off grid community as I am, the whole point of that lifestyle is to cut off reliances with modern society, particularly, stores. Call it paranoia, call it trust issues, but I think our dependence on stores is kind of scary. As pround Americans I dare say most, with heads held high, reject any accusations of being dependent on <i>anything</i>. Sorry first world countries, but most of us wouldn't know where food and essential supplies came from if we were smacked in the face with it, We don't even know why we do the things the way we do them. We just do. And we never challenge, we never think outside the box. <div><br></div><div>Of course at first, it's impossible to cut off all ties to our modern reliance all at once. But you can start small. I'm only doing the smidgen of DIYs I should be, but here is my list so far. </div><div>-DIY laundry soap (saves big $$ and only takes 3 cheap ingredients) </div><div>-DIY fabric softener (way less chemicals, also saving $$) </div><div>- DIY food, GARDEN (so far with limited sucess but this one requires skill and experience) </div><div>- Maple Syrup, aka the best decision of my life </div><div>- DIY face wash </div><div>- Obviously, our business is making skin care so lots of DIY soap, lotion, salves etc </div><div>- Homemade cleaners</div><div>*excited to try* making popsicles, cause its just juice and fruit, and instead of $4 for a box, I bought the molds at the dollar store and now I can make whatever flavor I want </div><div>The mindset is totally different. Instead of "Oh no, I'm out of ___ better run to the store and buy it" you think more like "Oh no, I'm out of ____ let me see if there's a homeade alternative with simple ingredients I already have at hand". Like seriously, with coconut oil, white vinagar, apple cidar vinagar, baking soda, and lavender oil, you can make like 100 things for around the house that you currently buy at the store.]</div><div><br></div><div>Just my little DIY rant. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-23735118263468297082015-04-16T06:34:00.001-07:002015-04-16T06:34:49.801-07:00All That's Fair I haven't written in a while. I've gotten my puppy, tapped ample trees and made syrup, overseen goat births, planted a garden, all the beautiful things this time of year brings to the farm. And it makes me happy. Winter, even with our easier and more effecient farming system, was starting to drag painfully. I went outside Monday and the scent of flowers was carried on the breeze. Yes. Spring. Finally. Everyday for the last week I've spent all my time outside working, all the little post winter things that beed to be done that it's really a pleasure to do becasue it's so beautiful outside. <div> The only reason I'm even inside writing this now is because I've injured my foot and even after the 10 days since I hurt it, it's still swelled the size of a baseball. Apparently I need to rest it. I've barely been able to stuff it inside a shoe so unless I'm going out into public, I have a fantastic excuse to do farmwork barefoot. Freaks everyone else out but doesn't bother me. </div><div> Life doesn't get much better than kneeling in a pile of composted manure with your puppy digging near by, planting seeds and your shuffling music starts playing This is My Father's World. </div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This is my Father's World, why should my heart be sad? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Why should it? The sun is shining, physically and metaphorically. It may not last long, I have no idea, but all I know is that I'm going to enjoy it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-79720845945124639112015-03-22T17:30:00.001-07:002015-04-02T15:41:04.925-07:00Nose TroubleI have figured out what will make the world a better place. If everyone minded their own bunnies, I would bet half the world's problems would dissapear. <div>I've always had little interest in other people's lives/problems/secrets. I have my hands full with my own life thank you very much. </div><div>So much hurt is caused by meddling, and her sisters nosiness and and gossip. Don't people have work? Hobbies? Something constructive to do with your time? </div><div>I can however understand the perverse satisfaction gained from talking bad about someone that I can't stand, which is related to gossip, so I have plenty of room here to grow myself. </div><div>Just keep your nose to yourself, it's not that hard, keep your eyes forward and your hands busy. It's good for you, and relievingly better for the rest of us. I don't want to have to answer all your questions. I dont want to have to tell you things that happened to other people I care about. I don't want to have to defend myself against your prying, and neither do the rest of the honest, steady people just trying to get by. <div>Gee, I wonder if there's a relevant Bible verse that would back me up here. </div><div>Wait</div><div>There is.....</div><div>Oh, look at you there 1 Thess 4:11! </div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Aspire</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29598A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29598A" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to live quietly, and</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29598B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29598B" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to mind your own affairs, and</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="crossreference" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29598C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29598C" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; vertical-align: top; top: 0px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">to work with your hands, as we instructed you.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There you go. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">PS weeks after I wrote and saved this post (it's been sitting in my drafts for a while) there comes a country song talking about exactly this subject, it's what reminded me that I hadn't published this yet. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Biscuits: </span><a href="http://youtu.be/d_PgFwecxSs" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">http://youtu.be/d_PgFwecxSs</a> </div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-68774917696744381712015-03-04T16:21:00.001-08:002015-03-13T11:23:01.125-07:00A Flipped PerspectiveSo I guess I'm at that age where your friends all start to get married? It seems too soon, like WAY too soon; I'm only 21, how is this possible? I really shouldn't be surprised, I mean, my best friend growing up has been married (now with a kid) for over a year now. I know of 3 or 4 blessed events happening I can think of just off the top of my head. And I say "blessed event" in a not completely cynical manner. I'm sincerely happy for them, I would never be upset at someone I know finding love. I'm just taken aback maybe is the right word. Surprised? A bit shocked? Even watching someone else's life change suddenly and drastically makes me cringe I guess. <div><br></div><div>I've had this on my mind recently, being completely baffled by the mix of emotions I was feeling, as anything more than one emotion at a time is confusing. I was at my grandparents house, helping my grandma who recently fell and broke her ankle, I was sweeping and she was reading the paper in her wheelchair. "I got to read the obituaries and see if I recognize anyone" she says. I asked her how often that actually happened, she replied quite often. Whenever she sees anyone she knew, even as an acquaintance, she cuts it out and puts it in her Bible. Thinking there could only be a half dozen, I peeked in her Bible, over 20 faces were tucked into the flap of her Bible cover. That's alot of dead friends. </div><div><br></div><div>I realized I would much rather have to hear that my friends are getting married. I'm feeling much more appreciative of that now. I'm just going to enjoy the ups and downs of being a 20 something now, thank you very much. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-56695132843972565652015-03-02T20:44:00.001-08:002015-03-23T17:34:55.664-07:00Faking It At ChurchRecently I've been helping Emily find a new church. She shared with me her struggles of putting on a happy face for church and pretending that life is fine and dandy at home. I didn't think that our church was that kind of place, a place where you have to pretend to be perfect for everone or they would self destruct. I realized that wether or not you pretend is completely up to you. <div><br></div><div>I've found a safe haven at Hope Bible, a place to be myself, and not have to fake it. Some Sundays I come in, minutes before my family, frustrated and stressed. "breathe Victoria!" Is usually what I hear from the peanut gallery. A look or a sigh is usually enough to indicate what's going on after the chipper pre service "How's it going?" There's more time for talking after the sermon is over where we bear each others burdens in way of encouragement. I have finally stopped giving the automatic "I'm doing great!" response to every sincere "How are you?" It's taken years to beat out, but openness and honesty are the only ways we can help each other. </div><div><br></div><div>I pray Emily learns that. I know it's hard to break out of old habits, especially when fights in the car and prompt painted on smilies are a good chunk of your church memories. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one in my family that feels comfortable enough in our church to be this way. Just recently, after a week where my mom was having a rough go of it, Jen, a close friend at church asked her "How are you this week?" I watched from a few feet away, curious to see how my mom would respond. "I'm doin good!" she prompty chirped. I raised my eyerow at her. Why people feel the need to blatently lie makes no sense to me. If your situation is a sensative matter, I get it, you can't just blurt it all out in front of everone, but a simple "It's been rough" or "Eh, I'm alive" is enough to signal a hug or word of encouragment. </div><div><br></div><div>Seriously, lets be real people. My patience for little word games is waning. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-5802138593746786812015-03-02T20:04:00.001-08:002015-03-17T19:31:27.720-07:00Starting Again"I feel like I just need a fresh start, you know what I mean?"<div>Yes Amanda, I know exactly what you mean. Me and my best friend Amanda were in the car, driving through a snow storm up to New Hampshire to look at a college, talking about the future. Amanda is planning to go to school to be an ASL Interpreter, I'm going with her, to whichever college she chooses. We're getting an apartment and we're gonna rock city life like two bachelorettes trying to find our way in the world.</div><div><br></div><div>I hate the city, and would never have imagined myself voluntarily moving to one. But cities have public transportation for people who can't drive, cities have ample opportunity, cities have lot's of people, and a city might be a place where I can actually have a life. Life isn't about just working, eating, surviving, sleeping, repeat. Life is everything between all those things. The friends you surround yourself with, activities you find fulfillment in, the envirorment you live in. That is what makes up the non surviving part of life. And I need that. </div><div><br></div><div>Right now, I'm pretty happy, but it's inspite of my life, not because of it. Things will never be perfect, but I can change so that things are <b>better</b>. And that's what I'm doing. </div><div><br></div><div>I love the farm, and animals give me just as much joy as they always have. It's the people connected with the farm that give me a headache. Animals are simple creatures with simple needs; food, water, shelter, a scratch on the head. Humans are not so easy. They are unreasonable, disfunctionl, cruel, and you can't hit them with a bucket when they don't listen to you. I live in a house full of them and the tension is suffocating me. The balance of power is difficult with two of them being parents and the other two being children that need to live by the rules of the house or else find some other place to live. It is time for me to find some other place to live. And not out of some teenage like rebellion that wants to sneak out of the house at night. It's because, since I'm in the child catagory, I can't fix anything wrong in the broken place that is my home. I've tried. As a family member told me, I'm "the glue that keeps us in one piece". But that's not my job, and an improvised tool can only do a job for so long without breaking down. And I am breaking down. </div><div><br></div><div>I need to get my own life, with my own problems that I can actually fix <b>because they are mine. </b>I need this burden lifted off my shoulders. I need a place where I can have a life and feel like a real person</div><div><br></div><div>I need a fresh start. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-35753802877440710152015-03-02T19:17:00.001-08:002015-03-04T16:32:44.056-08:00A Change In DirectionI can't believe how far this blog has come, actually, how far I've come. I started this thing with the plan to figure out how to balance my natural rough and tumble self, to the strong, yet feminine standard that presents itself in conservative Christianity. I haven't really mentioned it before, but for some time now I have completely chucked that idea out the window. I've stopped trying to change myself, to neaten myself up. I've stopped trying to dress, do my hair, speak, or have the hobbies that other people say I should have. I've been being me. God is changing me, but it has nothing to do with the rose and the sword. I like what I like. I can dress like a hobo, take martial arts, watch anime, and collect medieval weaponry and not feel guilty. "But how will you attract a guy?" I hear. Well you know, I sort of have other goals right now. I felt no need to be something I wasn't to please other people, let alone some mysterious person I don't even know. I was tired of the balancing acts, so I just lept off the tightrope and am bouncing happily on the net. So yeah, I'm not changing the title but this blog really isn't about that anymore. <div><br></div><div>Another thing that I'm going to start doing is writing honestly. I hold so much back on here. What started out as a place for me to honestly express myelf has been narrowed down to a place where only a trickle of my life is allowed to seep through. This is due to me personally knowing many of my readers. My parents read this blog, my pastor reads this blog, and I am such a spazz about what and how much I share so I don't offend anyone, or give people a weapon they can use to hurt me in "real life"</div><div><br></div><div>I'm tired of that.</div><div><br></div><div>I'm going to make a intentional effort to write to connect with people who experience the same struggles as me, and I can't do that unless I actually write about those struggles. So if you're reading this, and you're in my life on a regular basis, you have been warned, craps about to get real in here. And as Master George says "If you can't handle the heat, get the hell outta the kitchen". </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-67699927869836529962015-02-26T06:47:00.001-08:002015-02-26T06:47:56.199-08:00The Chaos of Chaos WalkingThe only (fictionl) book I've ever started reading and left unfinished is Game of Thrones: Song of Fire and Ice. I got it soon after it first came out so it didn't have the huge fanbase or tv series for me to look at for info on it. I think I made it to chapter 2? I can take some violence and I can take some cussing, but I draw a line (like every sane person should), at incet. <div><br></div><div>I recently just stoped reading the chaos walking trilogy. </div><div>"So I guess you don't like it anymore?" -Amanda</div><div>Hahahaha, that's cute, as if the depths of feeling in a fangirl's world are that easy to navigate. </div><div>I must be emotionally/mentally unstable because these are good books, they are not however, happy books. Sometimes the best stories though, are the ones fraught with sadness and hardship only to end happy(ish). Maybe this trilogy will end that way. But I can't make it that far. I love my book characters, and you're allowed to kill off one of two important side characters or even one beloved main character to produce the nessasary emotional trauma to capture the fangirl's heart forever. There is however, a line of trauma an author shouldn't cross. The Knife of Never Letting Go and the Ask And The Answer cross that line. The first book sucker punches you with the death of two characters, plus a whole bunch of other misfortune and then a cliffhanger. In the second book nothing, NOTHING good/hopeful/non traumatizing happens to the much loved characters.</div><div><br></div><div> I've read my share of gritty books, but this is a series I wil not be finishing, or at least not in the near future. I guess I'm a bit tender from life right now as I'm surprised at myself for being adversly affected to a book of all things. Oh well. The last few days in desparation for a book, I'm rereading Men of Iron whch I haven't read in 6 years. I'm understanding now why I've never reread it before as it's pretty dull and cliche, but it's familiar and I really have nothing else to read. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh the (mostly over mellowdramatic) problems of a fangirl. </div><div><br></div><div>PS I'm going to get a puppy in 6 weeks so a much needed ray of sunshine will soon be entering my life </div><div><br></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-68970449647159242532015-02-14T17:54:00.001-08:002015-02-14T17:54:45.703-08:00Symptoms of Possible InsanityUPDATE I have possibly gone insane. <div><br></div><div>It all started with an innocent, Valentine themed rhyming battle with my dad that lasted only two rounds. He was beaten soundly before I could even use up all my ideas, so last night I wrote them all down cause.....I felt like it. Here are the results with varied degrees of sucess.</div><div><br></div><div>Roses are red, violets are blue, I may be crazy, but so are you.</div><div><br></div><div>Your color is blue, my color is green, if you were my Valentine, that would be keen...?</div><div><br></div><div>Roses are red, blood is red, the end.</div><div><br></div><div>Your hen is red, my horse is brown, if you shovel his poop, we'll go to town (like for a date or whatever)</div><div><br></div><div>Roses are red, violets are blue, we can share everything, except for the flu.</div><div><br></div><div>Noragami is awesome, Fairy Tail is great, if we can't watch anime, go jump in a lake <3 </div><div><br></div><div>Erza is red, Jellal is blue, if you don't ship Jerza, what that heck's wrong with you???</div><div>^^^ if you understand none of that, it's ok, it only means you are sane</div><div><br></div><div>Sunsets are red, the water is blue, let's go to the ocean, just me and you.</div><div><br></div><div>As you can see, I got a little sentimental there towards the end....And while I was inspired by a couple anti-Valentines I saw on Pinterest, the above poems are completely original to the best of my knowledge, crappy, but original. Also, there were a couple Valentine's Day tags floating around which I was going to do, but decided to share these gems with you instead. You're welcome. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-14803351135548279762015-02-10T15:54:00.001-08:002015-02-13T08:31:33.493-08:00Important Gifts I spent a day over at Angela's a couple days ago. It was great to catch up. Come this spring she has agreed to teach me her gardening secrets. We drank tea, and I told her some funny and sweet things Kevin would say about her when she wasn't there. She told me her plans to redesign her whole place, and I forsee a lot of painting projects together come this spring. I told her about my small stockpile of tools I've been squirrling away for when I have a place of my own. She lept up, shot to her bedroom and brought me a couple of Kevin's favorite tools, including his personal hammer with his name carved inside it. She said so I would always think of him when I was DIYing.<div> I was so touched by such a special gift. What a great legacy to pass on to those who loved you. Anyone can inherit money, but a solid, honest tool, used constantly by it's owner to make useful, beautful things? That is special, that is invaluable, and it's something I will treasure. </div><div><br></div><div>On another note, is it just me, or is Valentine Day not been so in your face in the stores this year? Or maybe I just haven't gotten out much this season (which may be the case)? Either way, I totally forgot about it. Usually I try to plan a girls night or something but, eh, the pink holiday has less and less sting for me now. I honestly don't care, and not in a bitter way, in more like I-have-bigger-things-on-my-mind sort of way. Though, if anyone wants to get me a puppy for Valentines Day, I won't complain. Why is it socially encouraged to give chocolate and cut flowers as opposed to pets or livestock? Food or vegitation doesn't even last long! Maybe I should start a Valentines Day revolution, where giving shelter pets or practical things like snow shovels are the gifting norm (seriously, who doesn't need a shovel this time of year)? </div><div><br></div><div>Well, that was a fun lttle rant. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-52673368261367303512015-02-05T11:44:00.001-08:002015-02-05T11:44:55.753-08:00I Love Winter (And Other Things)We've barely had any snow all winter and then suddenly the first week of February we get slammed. We've got about 2 feet but supposedly we're going to get another foot or so. Everyone hates the snow, and while I would admit that it's a bit of an inconvenience at times, I actually really like it. The cold for real doesn't bother me anyway and shoveling snow is enjoyable workout. <div><br></div><div>Monday, Emily had a snow day from college and we had an impromtu bareback ride through the ongoing mini blizzard. I am more likely to ride a horse when there's soft cushening all around me in the likely event that I go flying. I didn't actually end up eating snow that day, and it was so beautiful out. Snow swirling, the heavy breathing from the horses making puffs in the air and quiet, so much quiet. And yes, you do freeze but then you come in to feed a roaring fire and drink tea. The only downside is that even today, I still walk like a duck. To all those workout/crossfit/whatever nut jobs out there, horseack riding, try it and tell me if a machine or special move works out your inner thighs as well. I'm going to MMA tonight and I'm praying hard we're not doing a leg day. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyways here's a quick catch up</div><div>What I'm reading: Choas Walking Trilogy, The Ask and the Answer (dark but I highly recommend) </div><div>What I'm watching: Fate/Stay Night, a superb anime (thanks Eddie for making me watch it!) </div><div>What I'm listening to: Wretched Radio (as always) Crooked Halo by Annie Bosko and That's Why God Loves Cowboys, by Aaron Watson. From the looks of it country music for 2015 is taking a better turn!</div><div>Current DIY: Signs for all the outbuildings so they can be labeled in a rustic manner </div><div>What I'm Playing: Just Give Me A Reason, by P!nk, it has such beauitiful piano parts, I couldn't resist </div><div><br></div><div>So that's life right now, I'm just enoying it one wintery day at a time. </div><div><br></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-78554042767930651842015-02-01T12:54:00.001-08:002015-02-01T12:54:29.685-08:00I Can Garden Too! (I Think)I am most definitly getting ahead of myself. It's January and I'm getting way to excited about gardening this year. I'm planning on getting started this spring, but if everything goes as planned and I move out and start livin the apartment life, I've been brainstorming on some clever patio/balcony gardening ideas. <div><br></div><div>Such as this pallet vertical garden that's great for leafy veggies</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/EE4A515A-59BB-4B8B-A2CE-C557C104A8C1/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1613905644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/EE4A515A-59BB-4B8B-A2CE-C557C104A8C1/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1613905644.jpg"></a></div> The istruction for which I found in my 'DIY Self Sufficiency" book. Ah, Barnes and Nobel's gift card well spent. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/EE4A515A-59BB-4B8B-A2CE-C557C104A8C1/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1043221538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="/var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/EE4A515A-59BB-4B8B-A2CE-C557C104A8C1/Documents/Blogger/blogger-image--1043221538.jpg"></a></div>So many adorable ideas. And all I need now??? Is to know how to garden!!!</div><div><br></div><div>But how hard could it be? I've taught myself a lot of skills, and this is my newest. But I can't be a self respecting farmer if I can't plant a crop. Animals holler if you forget to feed them, but I'm pretty sure plants are silent, hmmm, this could be challenging.....</div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-63380419937786397792015-01-12T09:57:00.001-08:002015-01-12T09:57:12.924-08:00Bring it 20152014 was a.....tumultuous year. I'm glad to leave it behind quite frankly. But wen I look back, even though there were so many things that just sucked, there were a few bright spots for which I amimmensely grateful. <div>-Finally camping and finding out I LOVE it</div><div>-a move to a beautiful new house and yard</div><div>-a seriously fantastic 21st birthday that was lacking only William, and a few precious faces</div><div>-Finally leaving behind old, broken dreams and finding new goals to strive for </div><div>-Having church in a place that's not someone's living room </div><div>-Learning to use a white cane and cope with my vision loss </div><div><br></div><div>I'm trying to focus on the positive. Sometimes I see someone else's life and read their blogs and feellike my life nothing compared to the accomplishments in theirs. But I know it's stupid to compare things like that because there's no set measure to gauge life worth. So when I feel so tired and discouraged I remember my Savior who saved me and my friends who love me. </div><div><br></div><div>Bring it on 2015, I have big plans for you, and now I know that even if thse things don't work out, I'll be fine, I'll just try again next year. </div><div><br></div><div>I remember this song I used to sing when I was in m mid-teens that I had forgotten until now.</div><div><i>I'm a saint and I'm a sinner</i></div><div><i>I'm a loser and a winner</i></div><div><i>I am steady and unstable</i></div><div><i>I am young but I am able </i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><a href="http://youtu.be/Jd9zYKLepCw">http://youtu.be/Jd9zYKLepCw</a></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-13383390767373888222014-12-27T18:53:00.001-08:002014-12-27T18:53:08.360-08:00Put Yourself in the Way of Beauty.I recently went to go see a movie that I really loved. It was definitly not family apropro in many places, but nonetheless, I was touched by the character and her story. Ultimately it was a movie about how nature, struggle, and hard work can heal us, and to never quit. As a broken woman hikes the Pacific Crest Trail she realizes that no matter how terrible life gets, there's a sunrise and sunset everyday so at least twice a day you can put yourself in the way of beauty. <div><br></div><div>Everyday, no matter how ugly everything around you is, you have no excuse when you think that ugliness is all there is. You do however, have to make an effort to see the beautiful things, they don't conveniently pop in front of your vision. </div><div><br></div><div>And even though the movie doesn't mention it, I can't help but think that there's a God who perhaps did this on purpose. I think as a reminder of His goodness.</div><div><br></div><div>Anyways, I was inspired by that and thought I'd share. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-11988901006492526082014-12-23T15:21:00.001-08:002014-12-24T08:52:33.865-08:00Christmas Eve PostThis Christmas season has been one of the longest I feel I have ever had in my life. I just can't wait til it's over. I remember last year, I started to like Chritmas and early December of this year, I felt that I finallly was starting to like this whole Christmas thing. But the month has just draaaaagged. Since dad has lost his job, he is home all the time now. Having an extra person around all the time is so different. It sounds like such a little thing, but for me, it's an extra person to talk to all day long, an extra person to delagate chores with, and another opinion, another everything and it's so unusual. It's been a learning curb, and it's exhausting me. <div><br></div><div>"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Chorinthians 4:17 </div><div><br></div><div>I read 2 Chorinthians 4 every day, sometimes twice a day. Sometimes I feel bad that that's the only piece of Scripture I read, but nothing else sinks in, nothing else holds my attention. I will fix that eventually, but for now, the same chapter in the same book that is new to me every time I read it, will suffice. </div><div><br></div><div>So Christmas is tomorrow and I can't say I'll be dissapointed when it's all over. But it brings me joy to see the gladness on the faces of my friends and family that come along with the holiday. I will hold onto that, that, and my special chapter, and my only 2 Christmas hymns that I can tolerate. </div><div><br></div><div>I hope everyone reading this has/had a fantastic and heartwarming Christmas. </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-50803863894017170492014-12-15T21:05:00.001-08:002014-12-15T21:05:39.958-08:00Today the Sun was OutHonestly, today was too beautiful of a day to be sad on, it was prettty much impossible. I feel like we haven't had a clear sunny winter day in weeks here in NY. Today was one of those days you get every once in a while that just reasure you that things are going to be alright. <div>The sky was so blue, the ice on the pond so clear and crystaline. The animals were all in good spirits. I had a comforting visit with Angela. I bathed our dog, introduced my dad to Johnny Rockets, and strethed out so that maybe one day I can roundhouse someone in the temple. And now here I am, in front of the wood-stove, a 3/4 completed piece of art next to me, not ready to sleep even though it's almost midnight. </div><div><br></div><div>The house is quiet. Mom and dad are asleep and Emily isn't home from work yet. There are enough Christmas lights in our living room to light a small villiage in Africa and the cat is contemplating which ornament to swat at. Honestly I'm kind of shocked at how Ok I'm doing. But I know why. Never have I felt such support from my friend and church family as I have this last week. Having a small church makes bearing each other's burdens that much easier. And what makes everyone more concerned for me than with William's death is that Kevin took his own life. That makes an already terrible situation 100% worse for all his loved ones. I know I didn't mention that in the last post, I just couldn't think of anywhere to fit it in. </div><div><br></div><div> The very day we received the heartbreaking news, my pastor Wellington called me up to make sure I was Ok and to tell me they were all there for me. Amanda has been texting me everyday and not letting me "hide in my hobbit hole all the time" as she puts it. I have been there for people, I have had people's backs....and now...when I honestly can't funtion sometimes, it's great to know I have people that love me enough to do the same. </div><div>I truly am blessed. </div><div>-Victoria </div><div><br></div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-35765503171589869252014-12-12T12:00:00.001-08:002014-12-12T12:00:25.442-08:00I'm BackHey guys! I'm back! I have a fuctioning electronic now so I can get back to writing. I truly promise, I didn't want to write a sad post. I really wanted to start back on a happy note, but life just has a way of throwing curveballs I guess. <div><br></div><div>I found out last week a mentor of mine has passed away. It was such a shock, I was just over at his house a couple weeks ago. He wanted to teach me about Jerusalem artichokes, and by "teach" he meant "help me harvest these". He picked me up at 7am in his hunk of junk car which I always poked fun at. It was so cold that day. He shoveled up the dirt in rows and I came behind, kneeling on the ground, sifting through the soil to find the vegetables. Kevin was quite the talker and chatted on about the house he was building, and how I would help, and how much I would learn. We talked about living off the grid and being self suffiient, and why it was so important to us. We did a good bit of complaining about modern day society too. After a couple hours he said "You know Victoria, you're pretty fun to have around! And everyone out there is running around trying to make money to buy this or that to be happy when we're here working in the dirt and having a great time." </div><div><br></div><div>This is the guy who asked me what I wanted in a husband literally as I was kneeling in a pool of blood from a deer carcass we were skinning. I barely knew him at the time, that was two years ago. That was the kind of guy he was, direct, and he thought the best way to understand my values was to ask that. Since then I've done a lot of work for him and Angela, his wife, and they've taught me so much about alternative living. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll truly miss Kevin, he was such an out of the box thinker and creative genius. It's been a little over a year since William's passing, and here I am again the same spot. It's still hard, but at least I know what to expect this time. </div><div><br></div><div>I know, sort of a bit of a downer, but this real, this is my life, and I promise the next time I have something fun or insightful to say, I'll write it here. Until then, keep fighting. </div><div><br></div><div>-Victoria </div>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-70749690427821154482014-07-30T09:56:00.000-07:002014-07-30T09:56:10.651-07:00Hello and Goodbye Obviously I haven't written in ages. I'll spare you the excuses, but in short, life has been getting away from me, survival mode leaves no room for writing. But a couple weeks ago I left all the chaos, the problems, and the drama behind and went on a roadtrip with my bestie. I chose Maine as a destination, I must admit my only reason for choosing Maine was because for the last month I had been craving lobster (shh Amanda assumes I wanted to go for some heartfelt reason, don't tell her). I honestly had the time of my life. I didn't realize how much I love Northern New England.<br />
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This was a camping road trip to save on cash so it cost barely anything when split between us to rest for each night. I wasn't so sure about camping, I assumed I would love it, but I don't like assuming. But sometimes my instincts are actually right because, camping is now my favorite thing. <br />
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I am not usually an early bird, though I am always chipper in the morning. When waking up to the great outdoors my cheerfulness level rises 200%. I would breath in the cool damp air heavy with the scent of wood smoke and pine and just smile. I would hook up our little propane grill and fill a pot with water for tea. It seemed like ever other minute I was praying gratefully to the One who gives and takes away. Right then, He was definitely giving. I would sip tea and make instant oatmeal and just relax for a few hours in the peace of the wilderness. Amanda, who is neither a light sleeper or an early bird, would come out of the tent late and take her time getting ready for the day in silence. I didn't mind and would just read, or collect fire wood, or write in my journal. <br />
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I also did a lot of another type of praying. the "Ok Lord, please don't let me die" prayers. The kind you whisper while climbing cliffs or walking along narrow ledges with long vertical drops, or going to bed knowing your campsite has a residential bear. Let's just say we had our adventures. My life is either boring or stressful back home so I make up for it on vacation with periods of calm relaxation and adrenaline rushes. <br />
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As I'm thrown back into the thick of it here, I am so thankful for my 12 day vacation filled with lighthouses, rugged coasts, and seaglass, God knows what you need and just what you can handle, and apparently I could have used a break, so I got one, and I am so happy with it. <br />
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Also, just a heads up that I probably won't be writing much on here, not until I get some things figured out in my life. So until then, keep fighting every one! Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-22407466302757444422014-06-02T16:12:00.001-07:002014-06-02T16:12:01.588-07:00Water Walker So right now, like right this second I am writing this, I am listening to Oceans by Hillsong for the first time ever. This much hyped song is 9 minutes long, I will probably be able to write this whole blog post by the time it's over. I heard the phase "and I will walk upon the water" and it reminded me of a something I was going to write on here a month ago but forgot. Ted Dekker's newest book "Water Walker" was amazing!! You should go read it. Go. Shoo. <br />
Unless of course you don't like Dekker's writing style which would really be sad, because I have never read anything of his that it's good. <br />
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Ted Dekker is a little unorthodox in his stories and I like that. Sometimes what he writes makes me uncomfortable, but that's what it's supposed to do. Sometimes, elements of his stories are just downright weird, but I've never failed to be moved by one of his books. Ever. And I've read at least a dozen of his books. <br />
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Water Walker is a parable about forgiveness. And not just Sunday school forgiveness, but real, hard, embrace-them-as-if-nothing-ever-happened forgiveness. Throughout the book he uses a not so new metaphor in a fresh, dare I say "radical" way? As usual, Ted puts his characters through hell and back weaving redemption in at the very end, making beauty from pain. <br />
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<i>"Always remember you have been given the power to forgive any offense, and in so doing removing it from your awareness as far as the east is from the west. True Vision is His gift, allowing you to see no blame, forgiveness is your truest purpose in this life. Seventy times seven always leaving your old self in a watery grave and rising to find no fault. That's grace, that's true baptism, and that's good news". </i><br />
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Good stuff and even better when you have the emotional connection of a back story, so go ahead and take a read. It's a short book, but a powerful one. And yeah to Ted Dekker for always diving deeper into God and channeling that in his novels to create a vivid, convicting, compelling, and also entertaining read. <br />
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<i>"Know that you are loved my dear, know that you can and will rise above all your fears. I now call you Water Walker. Water Walker? Yes; you walked through the waters of fear didn't you?" </i>Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-76432368059930306812014-05-11T19:25:00.003-07:002014-05-11T19:25:48.804-07:00Happy Things "You just gotta keep swimming" that was the deep advice my best friend gave me at the beginning of last week. It may not seem like much because, really, what other option do you have than to just keep going? Well, you could just stop swimming and drown, that's really the only other choice. That's why you just gotta keep swimming. Today, in my journal I decided to write a list of all the good things things that happened to me this week. I actually remembered very clearly the rays of sunshine that uplifted me during what was a draining and stressful week. I thank God for that because the bad of last week is really fuzzy and vague in my mind. Praise Jesus! Maybe because I was telling myself to keep swimming I'm turning into Dory? ES-CA-PAY!! Ok, I'm done now.<br />
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Awesome things that happened in Victoria World:<br />
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- The old owner left her decorative boat sitting next to the pond. Upon testing, I found it water worthy. I have paddled around in my 6ft little skiff every day this week. Water dripping off the oars, little whirlpools forming after each stroke, ripples, I love everything about boating, it never gets old. <br />
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- I had a few duck eggs in the incubator and now have one single duckling. I not so secretly love ducks, I mean their funny waddle and their quiet quacks, seriously, I could die from the cuteness. Little Sparky, is such a joy and I cuddle him at least twice a day.<br />
See his cute face <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGF2013/photos/a.502423573158705.1073741829.460355790698817/660571150677279/?type=1&theater" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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- Praise from my martial arts teacher! I was learning my first form a few weeks ago and I felt like a 13 year old learning algebra again. so confused and frustrated. After two weeks my instructor described it at it's best "raw". This week I tried a different approach, I drew myself a diagram and practiced the form to music and boom it clicked. Easy peasy, why was I having trouble again? When it came time for practice, he was surprised at how fast I improved. Yeah! One more hurdle jumped!<br />
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- One Piece <3<br />
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- I know, the next one is shocking. Francesca Battistelli's new album. I may smash every radio I hear that plays "This Is the Stuff" but I decided to give her new album a chance hoping for a little more substance. I'm glad I did. There were still a couple pop-y songs that annoyed me a little (ahem Unusual :cough: :cough:) but there were some real gems in the album including a sweet unexpected life/love song (I Am Home). My favorites include "He Knows My Name", "Choose to Love", "If We're Honest" and "Run to Jesus". Nothing ground breaking and not my favorite style, but it seemed to fit me right now, so I'm currently digging it. <br />
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- Visiting the only non chain local coffee shop in my area, live music and everything! Ok, the music wasn't that great but the company was good. Some nights they have open mic night for poetry and singing, might have to return for some more memory making. <br />
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Make a list of all the happy things that happened to you this week, it's fun. :) <br />
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Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-12899157022335091832014-05-01T07:11:00.000-07:002014-05-01T07:11:07.456-07:00Bad Week Survival 101 I don't know what a bad week at work looks like to you, but for me, it means something died. This week multiple things died. I guess it's kind of like being in the medical profession except not as bad because it's animals and not people. That really doesn't make me feel better but it does make me grateful I'm not an ER doctor. <br />
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It's been one of those weeks when I play "I Need Thee Every Hour" on repeat. I sometimes grimly ask myself why nothing is easy, why literally and metaphorically everything has to be scraped and held together with baling twine and bungee cords. But I know the answer. I just don't like it. If things went smoothly then I wouldn't need to sing "I need Thee every hour". Literally. Every. Hour. <br />
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If I feel damaged it's because I'm not letting myself be fixed, and if I'm weary it's because I'm doing things in my own strength. So I have to just stop doing that, simple enough. <br />
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And then I sketch, write, bake, read, and sing and it eases the sadness a little. I know it's Ok to be sad for a bit because the day I don't feel anything at the loss of a living creature is the day I hang my hat up as a farmer for good. Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-31705850940223455082014-04-25T09:23:00.001-07:002014-04-25T09:23:01.729-07:00Swords Are Like Books A couple days ago I wanted to pack up my weapons. I didn't think I had that many, just a couple swords and knives, nothing major. Well, apparently it's been a while since I really checked my inventory. Let's just say if a small army showed up at my door, I could give everyone a bladed weapon. <br />
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A couple years ago, after I fasted from carrying, researching, drooling over etc, all weapons, I decided that I wouldn't buy another one for a very very long time. So why had my collection gotten so big? I inspected every piece and realized that most were gifts. There was the heavy, scary even for me, Bowie knife my Dad gave my for Christmas. There was the ornate and colorful dagger William gave to me 2 years ago, the authentic French military rapier I got from my Uncle whom I'd never met before and my favorite sword, perfect for my size, my grandfather found at a yard sale and gave it to me as a late birthday present.<br />
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I had some sentimental moments, yeah I'm pretty sure I'm the only girl who does that over pieces of steel, but I remembered every piece and the person connected to it. And that's why swords will always be more than just tools to me. They each have a story, kind of like a book, except the words are left up to the imagination. <br />
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It makes me feel blessed that even though I'd let go of something, God gave it back to me in His way. It's a little stupid thing, my love of knives and swords, but I guess God cares about it. <br />
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**Authors Note**<br />
I always feel silly when I write posts like this, sentimental, emotional things that they are, but as an avid blog reader myself, I don't like blogs that are one dimensional, clean crisp chats about facts, so that forces me as a writer to not do just that. What's good for the goose is good for the gander I suppose, but that doesn't mean I feel comfortable with it. <br />
**End Of Authors Note** Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-29544289327675379612014-04-18T15:32:00.000-07:002014-04-18T15:32:48.819-07:00Not A Fairy Tale (Even Though Fairy Tales Are Fun) While packing, I finally found a book that I've been searching for! Its a children' book that I hope to read to my kids someday. It's called, "This Is No Fairy tale", it's an out of print book about the story of Jesus and a pretty rock solid gospel presentation for kids. It kinda goes like this:<br />
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If this was a fairy tale Jesus's parents would have been royalty and given birth to him in a palace, the news of his birth spreads far and wide and many come to worship him.</div>
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But this isn't a fairy tale. </div>
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Jesus was born in a barn and few came to adore him. </div>
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Except that is my paraphrase and the actually writing is way better. And so on it goes through Jesus's life, death and resurrection, painting a contrast between fairy stories and the hard but beautiful reality of what actually happened, and what that means for us. </div>
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I seriously love this book, and I don't need children to just read it for myself. It's simple, it's true, and nothing refreshes you like the simple truth. The older I get, the more I lose my stomach for hard core debates and deep theological arguments. I've been there, and maybe I'm going soft, but the farther I walk down this road, I feel like a lot of of those little things aren't worth arguing over. The more I hear the story of salvation, the more I drink in of it, the more I absorb, leaving little enough room for minor details. The more I hear the simple story, the deeper it dives, the farther I see I have yet to go, the less I want to go on bunny trails. Oh yeah, there's a hymn for that.</div>
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I need no other argument, I need no other plea. </div>
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It is enough that Jesus died and that He died for me. </div>
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You bet's it's enough, it is PLENTY. Certainly enough for me to chew on for the rest of my life and still not fully understand. So yeah, I'm sticking with the gospel that's not a fairy tale and work on that for a while. </div>
Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491695792137302247.post-63220840876724585532014-04-09T08:35:00.001-07:002014-04-09T08:35:25.493-07:00Springing Things have been a little crazy around here. Now that winter is finally over we've gone from zero to 60. Kids have been born and being sold, chicks are being hatched, and brooded and sold, in a rotating schedule. In a week, we'll have milk again and then that starts the scramble to renew our sparse product inventory before the markets start. And then there's packing, because we're moving. Wait, have I mentioned we're moving on here yet? Yeah, in 3 weeks. <br />
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We've been in this current house for over 4 years now, we've finally painted and hung up some pictures, obviously it's time to move again. But, this time, we're ALL happy about it, it's less than a mile down the road, and it's actually an upgrade. And I will have water again, which is really the only thing I've missed from Plymouth. Fishing, swimming, ice skating, and maybe a little paddle boat, I'm totally seeing it. Hmmmm.<br />
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Ok back to reality. I'm excited for this, and there are tons of things going all different directions and I normally would be worried about how it's all going work out. But I tried that whole will worrying add a cubit to a persons stature thing, and yup, still 5' tall. Moving is hard, moving with a farm is even harder, but God's never let us down before, so I'm just going to have a little faith. Winter has been a constant sword fighting battle for me, but now it's time put all that aside and with the coming of spring, embrace something a little softer. Time to ride with the waves instead of fighting them. I think it will be fun. Lady Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06681990356801828631noreply@blogger.com0