Gazelles, Jon Acuff, debt-free and other Christmas topics

Dear Blogging World,

Today marks the arrival of my latest edition to my library, and the first book on being debt-free I've ever owned: Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt, by Jon Acuff. I sat down and began reading- one hour and 16 minutes of laughing, chuckling, and pondering later, I couldn't WAIT to tell everyone to buy this book! Here are my reasons:

1. Its by Jon Acuff. Christian, PK {Pastor's kid, like me!}, super-neon-funny, and a good writer.

2. It has a pictures. :D

3. I didn't know anything about debt, credit cards, or how to avoid them until I read this book. Now I am not only fully equipped with the basics of where to start, but I also know what to read next [Dave Ramsey], and how to get out of that awkward conversation that always happens when I talk to salesclerks. [No joke- its like they know Im terrified of them and rejoice in my awkward attempts at explaining why I can't afford $99 shoes...]

4. If none of that has convinced you, it is the perfect size to fit into a standard stocking for that free-spirited always-stuck-in-debt friend of yours, or your super-number-crunching-Dave-Ramsey fan uncle you have. :) Or people like me, who fall in between- love math, but I scored a 12 on the Nerd test, and a 21 on the Free-Spirit test.... Want to know what Im talking about? Its in the book, and you'll never know unless you get it.

5. Its on sale! Only $10. Just don't drink Starbucks for a few days ;)

Ok, because Im a photographer, I couldn't resist taking a few shots of my library's new edition with my adorable new camera [Thank you anonymous people who gave me this beauty!! I love it dearly!]

Right in between Jane Austen's Persuasion and A Severe Mercy, letters of C.S. Lewis.. Welcome to the library, Gazelle.

Sincerely,

Alice

If this is running away, Ive been running a long time.

Dear Blogging World,

If you ever learn anything from this blog, understand this: you should never write a blog post when under the influence of emotions, especially the emotion of utter emptiness. What you write, whatever it is, will be impossible to take back, even if you regain your senses and delete the post later, you have no idea who may have seen it in between that time.

Matthew 12:34 "...the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart."

Write what you want, write what is on your heart - but always read it again when you are not full of that emotion, making positive sure that you truly mean every single word you use. I will be the first to admit, I do not follow this rule enough. I strongly-dislike rereading what I write, and that is a big immaturity on my part. It is so vitally important to give a good witness, in everything you do! Let your words show your heart, because they will, whether you mean for them to or not.

Why am I writing this? Well, for the past half hour I was working on a post entitled "A Different 'Dear John' Letter." But it was full of anger and frustration and worst of all, emptiness. There was nothing good or uplifting in it at all. All I did was berate myself for past follies that, honestly, you have no business of knowing. My past mistakes are just that: the past. I can't go back and change them, but I can change how I act now, and in the future. And I can change how I react when I think back on my past errs - I can learn from them instead of just hating myself for them. I firmly believe that God has trials and temptations in our lives to not only test us but help us grow. After all, what is the point of test but to make sure we can know how to apply the material later on in life? And if we don't know the material then, we are to learn from that and never forget it. I hate the world's love of saying "you just need to forgive yourself." NO! Thats wrong! You don't "forgive yourself" - you ask apologies of those that you hurt, and you ask God's forgiveness, but you don't ask yourself for forgiveness! Im sorry, that probably sounds harsh, but hear me out: when people forgive, they typically say "forgive and forget", right? Those two words are almost synonymous now. Heads up: if you hurt me, and then ask my forgiveness, I will readily forgive you, but Im not forgetting. I'll not keep bitterness in me, but I will learn a lesson in how to better approach you in the future. Same with yourself: Don't ever forget your sin. Ever. You need to know how you got to the point where you sinned so you can look out for those same patterns later. Because there will be later tests. God lets you have these bumps now because those same bumps will show up later, and you need to be prepared for it. Another heads up: Experience is a hard teacher, and not always the best. Learn from others. Listen to me: listen to your parents and those wiser than you - they've gone through more life than you, and have faced those same problems. Figure out how they got there, and how they dealt with them. Don't force yourself to have to have the same regrets just so you can "learn." There are easier ways to receive knowledge. Be humble enough to learn from others.

Ok, lets go back to the beginning : Don't rant online. Don't rant in an email, or a Facebook message. Don't let your emotions run amuck to your friends, co-workers, and try not to lose it with your family. Don't rant at God. Its like the fire drill, except different. Stop. Drop [your problems]. Roll [in God's Word]. Ok, that last one didn't make any sense, but here's what I mean: Stop taking out your emotions on others. If you are easily angered, thats a big problem. Heres where the drop comes in: Drop your main issue. In your heart, you know what the big problem is: frustration that things aren't going your way. Take it to God, and drop it at His feet. He is already taking care of it, but you have to let it go. You trying to be Atlas doesn't mean you have the strength of Atlas. You trying to be God in your own life and issues isn't going to make you God. Its going to make you exhausted, short tempered and moody. Its just going to make your emotions even more of a rollercoaster. So roll in God's Word. Delve into His Word, and seek His Heart. Try to be like David "A man after God's own heart". That meant David was trying to think like God would think. Not BE God, but think like Him. Try and be as much of a mirror of God and His perfection as possible. How? Read God's Word. One of my favorite quotes , "He who reads, leads." But not just any book. Read good books. The best book to read, though, is the Bible. This is a perfect book. Make a habit of reading it, reading it so much you start thinking God's thoughts.

I need to stop this post, as I could keep going. Im terrible at sound bites.

This is as much a post directed at my own heart as it is out here for you to read. I hope you know that. Goodnight.

Sincerely,

a serious Alice

I think an update would be good. But you probably don't want to read it.

Dear Blogging World,

Im not in the mood to update right now, unless you count complaining. I have a cough and headache that have been stalking me for two weeks now; I can't cook for fear I'll contaminate the food and make everyone sick; I haven't exercised in ages and therefore want to eat chocolate; my heart refuses to listen to reason and has caused mini wars in my head [come to think of it, is this the root of my headache?]. I'm listening to Sherlock Holmes and the new Pride and Prejudice soundtrack, and wishing I could escape back to England and Scotland. Especially the Isle of Lewis, the Outer Hebrides, Past the Highlands. Or Scrooby or York or Cambridge in England. I crave time, an ipod and headphones, and a working camera. And my Bible. And no way for anyone to get in touch with me until I can become a nice human again. However, this is not on God's agenda for me right now. And its not on His agenda for me for tomorrow. So I shall just have to buck up and become a nice human again at home. And abroad, but Im not going abroad right now, so thats beside the point.

Ok, I need to get off this horrid spinning carousel of weakness and self-interest. Can I interest you in some pictures instead?

I need to be as happy as this guy.

Mint green lanterns, yay! Not to be confused with "The Green Lantern", a comic book hero...

I adore dried flowers.

Especially in wooden buckets...

Fall is my favorite season.

Pumpkins have a great deal to do with it.

And how everything looks picturesque during this season.

Except me. Which is why I have pictures of other things instead. Like some of my collection of bottles. :)

Sincerely,

Alice

Quoting Spurgeon

November 3rd, Checkbook of Faith

In God's Time "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Habakkuk 2:3).

Mercy may seem slow, but it is sure. The LORD in unfailing wisdom has appointed a time for the outgoings of His gracious power, and God's time is the best time. We are in a hurry; the vision of the blessings excites our desire and hastens our longings; but the LORD will keep His appointments. He never is before His time; He never is behind. God's word is here spoken of as a living thing which will speak and will come. It is never a dead letter, as we are tempted to fear when we have long watched for its fulfillment. The living word is on the way from the living God, and though it may seem to linger, it is not in reality doing so. God's train is not behind time. It is only a matter of patience, and we shall soon see for ourselves the faithfulness of the LORD. No promise of His shall fail; "it will not lie." No promise of His will be lost in silence; "it shall speak." What comfort it will speak to the believing ear! No promise of His shall need to be renewed like a bill which could not be paid on the day in which it fell due-"it will not tarry." Come, my soul, canst thou not wait for thy God? Rest in Him and be still in unutterable peacefulness.

baker's string and paper hearts

Dear Blogging world,

My package came in the mail while I was gone!! Hooray! Olive Manna has a mini pack of three different colored baker's twine for a great deal, so I had to order some. They are so cute Im thinking of doing a photoshoot with them! ;)

Today's thoughts have revolved around string...which led me to think of one of my favorite oldies songs, Knock Three Times... which brought my mind to the thought of paper hearts...which of course led to the thought: how fragile our hearts are! Here are some verses flitting through my mind:

James 1: 2-8 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

Jeremiah 17: 9 "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?"

So what are we to do? How are we to think about relationships, whether its a romantic relationship, or friends, family or acquaintances? Where do we look for advice? Do we google it? Do we look on Yahoo! or at the latest stars' love lives? What does the Bible have to say?

1 Corinthians 3:19 "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God..."

Now where are we to look? If we can't model the world's opinion of love, who are we to model?

Paul says, in 1 Corinthians 11:1 , "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ."

So we are to imitate great men? Well, what defines a great man? That he is an imitator of Christ. Why should we exemplify Christ in our relationships? Because we are to imitate Him in all matters and areas of life and living. If we are to do as 2 Corinthians 5: 7 says, and "walk by faith, not by sight," then we should have as our ambition "whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him." [2 Corinthians 5:9]

2 Corinthians 5: 14, 15 " For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf."

If the love of Christ controls us, what does His love look like? How should we look?

1 Corinthians 13: 4 - 7 " Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things..."

Just some thoughts, I'll let you draw conclusions as I am late for an appointment! Have a fabulous day!

Sincerely,

Alice

Hello, Goodbye, and Hello?

Dear Blogging World,

Why does it take a minute to say hello and forever to say goodbye? ~Author Unknown.

I haven't found the answer yet... However, I have enjoyed the company of so many dear friends this past week, that I hate to hear the dreaded word "goodbye".

Where is the good in goodbye? ~Meredith Willson, The Music Man

This morning's sermon dwelt on hello's and goodbye's, but not just the average hello and goodbye that visits allow. Instead, these goodbye's could be entitled "the final farewell".

Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life. ~Jean Paul Richter

Time is so precious. It is the most valuable possession we shall ever have, because no matter how hard we work, we can never earn any more time for our life.

Missing someone gets easier every day because even though it's one day further from the last time you saw each other, it's one day closer to the next time you will. ~Author Unknown

The best things said come last. People will talk for hours saying nothing much and then linger at the door with words that come with a rush from the heart. ~Alan Alda

You're searching...
For things that don't exist; I mean beginnings.
Ends and beginnings - there are no such things.
There are only middles.
~Robert Frost, Mountain Interval, "In the Home Stretch"

A man never knows how to say goodbye; a woman never knows when to say it. ~Helen Rowland

Promise me you'll never forget me because if I thought you would I'd never leave. ~A.A. Milne

Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation. ~Kahlil Gibran

The Book Store

Dear Blogging World,

I am reading a few books right now, and wanted to share them with you quickly.

Here is the rundown:

1. For CollegePlus!, I am reading a book for my next CLEP test, on Government. The book? Sparknotes 101: American Government: A complete course in a book. Here is a link.

2. The Valley of Vision. Ok, so I know this doesn't really count as a book, since it is just a collection of prayers, but it has been one of the biggest helps in my prayer life, and spiritual life all together, that I can recall. The link for this book is located here.

3. Alright, this is the biggest book right now, not literally but figuratively. If you have never read this book, READ IT. No matter if you are a guy or a gal, it is vital. Title: Emotional Purity, by Heather Paulsen. Here is the link.

and,

4. I am not a big non-fiction reader, I will be the first to admit. However, this book came highly recommended by several friends {and family members}, and so I thought I would give it a shot. The Great Bridge, by David McCullough. The link to buy this book is here.

have a splendiferous rest of your week!

Sincerely,

Alice

On names, friendship, and cookies, part deux

Friendship is the same as a name, in my book. Someone has said, "The best mirror is your best friend." With whom do you spend most of your time[voluntarily]? With whom do they spend their time, when not with you? What are their likes and dislikes? Why? What is the common bond between you? In those questions, you can find what you value most.

So, I promised a radio station I would make them some cookies and bring them this weekend. Ive been dying to try out a new recipe, and thought it would be cool. Bad idea. Ive made 3 different batches of the cookies, and they all spread out WAYY too far. As in, you can't tell what shape they were supposed to be they look so terrible. So I thought I should make them thinner. This helped, but not as much as I had hoped. Now, they are paper-thin cookies that sort of, kind of, if you squint hard enough resemble ice cream cones. I am disappointed, to say the least. They do taste great, though :)

Hopefully, through all the madness of today, I will have a chance to bake the rest of them and decorate before tomorrow. I have to work in the morning, so I will have to take them to the radio station as soon as I get off work. Any suggestions on how to make the dough stay...shaped?

Sincerely,

Alice

On names, friendship, and cookies.

Dear Blogging World,

Robert E. Lee said, "My name is not for sale, at any price." Another famous quote, this time by William Shakespeare in his play "Romeo and Juliet", asks," "What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." But what is behind a name? When I, removing my own name and calling myself Alice, write, I have not changed bodies or hearts or minds. I am still the same person, with the same convictions and outlooks and worldview. This girl, Alice, is just another side to the circle of my whole character. A different speech pattern, perhaps, but still the same.

Why is it so important to protect a name? Proverbs 22:1 reads, "A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold." Why does a good name matter? After all, its what we do right then that counts, right? Wrong. Think, for example, about Starbucks [yes, this is a strong subject on my mind right now, I still haven't heard from them!]. What comes to mind when you think of the name "Starbucks"? For me, I think: wow, their drinks are delicious; ouch, they are so expensive!; I love how friendly everyone is that works with Starbucks. Why? Because from personal experience and from what I have heard from others, I now know Starbucks has delicious drinks and great service at a fairly high price. Lets say that today, though, Starbucks all around the world have a new policy: frappes are $1 for one hour, but you have to come blend it yourself, and wash an already used cup to use for your own drink. That would be ludicrous, right?! Starbucks' reputation would be ruined. Who would want to go to a place that makes you wash your own cup after someone else just used it? It doesn't matter that Starbucks learned its lesson, and never does that deal again. It was that one time that brought them down. [NO worries: Starbucks is NOT doing this policy, and I totally made it up. Feel free to go buy as many frappes as you want from them, the cups will be new and unused every time :) ]

Its the same idea with your own name.

[Ok, I have to stop here in the middle of my thought process, but I'm going to go ahead and post this.. hopefully I will remember to come back and finish!]

[Sincerely, Alice]

Chapter Twenty-Six, the last day

Dear Blogging world,

Due to not wanting to spend a weekend on bananas and apples, I stopped my gluten-free diet on Friday, the 24th of September, and the 26th day of my diet.

I am so excited- I had cereal for breakfast this morning!!! :D

In all truth and sincerity, I have been so grateful for this gluten-free dare. I have come away from this feeling more confident in using self-control, and have discovered a few healthier options to my typical diet. I have also discovered that I have no allergy or sensitivity to gluten whatsoever, and I am supremely thankful for bread :)

sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Twenty-Five

Dear Blogging World,

I have come to the realization that I need to be an adult. I am almost twenty [less than two months to go!], and still do not feel "grown-up". I have narrowed the reasons down to three:

1. An inordinate love of cupcakes and cookies. Not something adult, like a moist and decadent slice of chocolate cake, covered in a creamy drizzle and served with a silver spoon.

2. a young face. [but, hey, lets "face" it, this reason cannot change. No matter how many chin exercises I try.]

3. a strong distaste for mushrooms and squash. Now, I know, squash is a universal disease that must be destroyed, so its understandable why I [typically] dislike it, and its relatives [except in Wisconsin, where a dear friend grows and makes the best tasting squash and zucchini ever! I think its really sugar hidden in a squash-like form.] But for some reason, Mushrooms seem to be loved worldwide. This phenomenon explodes the mental capabilities, but is true nonetheless. Therefore, I see it as my duty to learn to love mushrooms.

Sincerely,

Alice.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Dear Blogging World,

I am in utter shock- I actually passed the test this morning! Now, mind you, I did pass with the lowest possible score one can get and still pass the CLEP test, but still...I passed. That counts for something, right?

Alright, so the US History II test was much harder than I anticipated, because it concentrated on areas that I was not expecting. Studying for this test? Study the presidents. Study wars. Know the major leaders in different "isms" [marxism, darwinism, evolutionism, feminism]. Know how music changed, when, and what major songs were popular [and who wrote them!]. These all sound like "duh" statements, but in truth I thought the test would concentrate more on what the "isms" meant, and have more law cases brought up. Court cases were brought up several times in both US History tests, though, so these are quite important to know the details, and the effects these cases had on American Culture.

Ok, thats about as much of a "cheat sheet" I can give without breaking any CLEP test rules ;)

This weekend is going to be so much fun! Im helping out my sister and brother-in-law with a staff retreat his office is doing. I get to play with all the kids! Yay!

Have a wonderful weekend, I shall try to update tomorrow but Im not making any promises.

Sincerely [relieved and breathing once more],

Alice

Chapter Twenty-Three

Dear Blogging World,

Three very important items have occurred today:

1. my dear friends Audri Vernier and Benjamin Botkin were married this afternoon! Praise the Lord for the future of the musical world. :)

2. I put in an application to work at Starbucks, at least seasonally. While not as important as the first item, this could be a turning point in my small, insignificant life. Or it could lead to nothing but empty hopes dashed like the last few drops of a drink are thrown away.

3. I am about to have a nervous breakdown over the CLEP test I am taking tomorrow morning.

Ok, alright, so this last item hasn't happened just yet, but it feels like the dam of emotions will break at any moment, and I will be lost in the whirlpool of fatigue, nerves, and hours frittered away that I should have spent studying. Not to say that I haven't been more faithful studying for this test than the last test. But I know nothing about the Vietnam War and President Carter [though he IS from Georgia], could care less about the feminist movement, and have a strong disillusionment with Teddy Roosevelt now that I have been made aware of his politics.

I think I need sleep. Or maybe I should stay awake all night and study. Or perhaps it would be wiser to sleep now, and then wake up at Three am and study. Or perhaps I should just admit that I shall probably fail this test, and have to retake it in six months.

I don't know that I can handle studying about "The Feminine Mystique" anymore. I am a female, shouldn't I know whats mysterious about me already?!

Sincerely [fraught with terror, and could possibly collapse in a puddle of tears tonight],

Alice

Chapters Twenty-one and Twenty-Two

Dear Blogging World,

I was re-counting how many days I've been on this..and realized, that somehow, I had missed two days! This is day Twenty-two!! :D

This is a very pleasant thought. :)

My goal is 30 days, because I think a month of gluten-free is reasonable. Especially when you really haven't noticed any health differences whatsoever. And you really miss cereal. and cupcakes. But mostly, just cereal.

I've had some amazing gluten-free pizza, and have learned to enjoy salads {for the most part}. I no longer feel like a sissy if I order a salad instead of a giant juicy hamburger. There are some ridiculously amazing gluten-free chips at Publix, and with some wonderful guacamole and slices of cheese, its my new favorite snack.

Yet for some strange reason, I really miss cereal. Its not that I had sugary cereal- my favorite cereal was cheerios, or mini wheats, with cut up strawberries. But its something I really miss.

Maybe I shouldn't stay up so late, I think it may be messing with my brain.

Alright, Cheerio! .... wait..ugh... *sigh * well, maybe you can enjoy a bowl of cheerios for me.. what say you?

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapters Nineteen and Twenty

Suggestion for the week: Don't play on auto. Live life manually!

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapters Sixteen, Seventeen, and Eighteen

Dear Blogging World,

Ive been thinking I want to check out Sally's Bakery soon. Ever since the gluten-free pizza @ Pizza by the Sea, Ive been craving something with texture, taste, and tangibility. Here is my problem with fruit and vegetables and proteins- they disappear too quickly. Bread is one of those amazing quantities that fills you up as you chew. Its incredible! And typically not gluten free. And if it IS gluten-free, then its dry and tastes something similar to sawdust.

I'm coming to the realization that I am not at all sensitive to gluten. I haven't been able to detect any differences in how I feel, how my day goes, how I sleep. Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Praise the Lord, right?! But I have been shown how much I depend on gluten. I am in love with carbs. Breads, pastas, pizzas, muffins, cinnamon rolls [major love!], cupcakes... ahhh the List continues. But its not healthy for me. That much I know. I think I need a new challenge. What else is there besides gluten-free and dairy-free? And believe me, I really don't know how possible it would be for me to avoid dairy. I love the stuff! So, Im probably too weak to try avoiding it, just for a challenge. What else "unhealthy" can I avoid? I rarely do fast food, Im not a big coke fan, or any sodas for that matter, and I don't put quart-fuls of sugar in things [anymore]..

Suggestions?

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapters Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, and Fifteen

Dear Blogging World,

Sorry Ive been off the radar these past 5 days! Its been crazy over here. Actually, here AND there, but that is neither ... here NOR there at the moment. [well, it is here, but thats beside the point. And it didn't flow right without the third "here"...]

I got home from the beach last night! It was quite fun, and I came across the most darling places ever! Pizza By The Sea has some of the MOST delicious gluten-free pizza EVER! If you are in the area, or have a chance to go there, this is the place I would recommend. Kid friendly, date friendly, cute and quirky romantic evening out friendly, this is the best. Plus, they have hula-hoops outside, if you feel like working off those few carbs you just ate!

Another fantastic eating spot, though a bit pricier, is Alys Beach's George's. Delicious, fun food in a "hoppin" place with wonderful staff. If you are into laid back atmosphere [i.e. you don't mind having to flag the waiter down once or twice, and love quiet soul music], comfy seating, great views [including and especially the food!], and tastebuds that beg for more once the meal is over, this is the place for you!

Ok, so Tomorrow is day fifteen in Gluten-free world, and it can only go uphill from here. whoohoo!

Happily munching on my gluten-free chips, I wish you an amazing Tuesday.

sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Nine

Dear Blogging World,

I have some exciting news on the health front! Firstly, my gluten-free diet [did I already tell you this? Maybe I should be taking some ginko instead of skipping gluten..] time-table has been cut down to October 7th as the last day, as Im going to be out of town visiting a friend, and who doesn't want to have fun then?

But on to the real news. Today I realized I have become unconsciously healthy! I had two delicious fried eggs, and a glass of yummy "organic" apple juice for breakfast; Lunch consisted of a mixed greens salad with tiny tomatoes, cut up chicken, and amino acid dressing, with water; I had a snack of 2 tiny [seriously, they were so small!] gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and a green-tea frappe [ok, ok, maybe the snack wasn't the best, but hey, it was B&N cafe, and I needed some brain power!]; and dinner was another, bigger salad, once again with chicken and water! And Im happy! yay!!! We should celebrate! Who wants Ice Cream??!?!?! ... oh.... wait..

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Eight

Dear Blogging World,

I am so in love with handwritten letters!

Ive been writing some friends back this morning, and decided to be creative. . .

The yellow tape is from Papermash [I think I chatted about them in Chapter Three] . Its an excerpt from Wordsworth's The Daffodil .

How do you like this? Yes, its backwards, but you should try to read it anyways...Give up? I'll make it easy for you, it says: "Care to join me for a cup of conversation?" .

What do you think? Any favorite nifty ideas you've had for card fronts?

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Seven

This evening, I went back to reading a favorite collection of mine, the Anne of Green Gables series, by L. M. Montgomery. . .

Is it terrible to want to name your future children because of charac

ters in a book? Oh how I wish they were real, though!

I am trying to determine what Anne would do, if she were in my position. Probably write a novel...

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Six

Dear Blogging World,

I will confess...I cheated tonight. *sigh* *another deep sigh* I had half of a newly baked brownie, and Im fairly certain it had gluten in it. But have you ever smelt a newly baked, fresh out of the oven brownie, and known you couldn't have any, even though you weren't allergic, just plain stubborn?

So , I guess the good news is that Im not that stubborn. The bad news is that it had to do with brownies.. and my lack of conviction that this is what I need to be doing.

So, I may be changing my diet back to include brownies, and other delicious gluten-filled things sooner than I planned. Namely, because Im hopefully going to be seeing a friend in Nashville the 8th through the 10th of October! And that will require gluten. :) Therefore, Im thinking, as soon as my shoulder is healed up, I still won't have gluten in the morning, and if I can help it not for lunch either, but once October 8th comes, Im breaking my gluten-free 24/7 deal.

Alright, Church tomorrow!! I am so grateful for this day of Rest the Lord gives us. Not just physical rest, but emotional as well, since we are to especially focus on Him. This is a very endearing thought tonight.

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Five

Dear Blogging World,

Todays food was not the greatest. So far, of all five days Ive been "gluten-free", Ive had salad for a main meal five times. I think I'm turning shades of green. . . However, dinner tonight was great, the gluten-free store-bought pasta was delicious, and worked really well with cut up carrots, celery, a quarter of an onion, some chicken, and some chicken broth. [Sorry, no pictures, but as soon as I get a camera, I will post more!]

On a plus note, Im checking out this site for facts of the 20th Century, studying up for US History II. Its been a great resource, and Im pretty stoked by all the links. I hope to go to a library soon and research using the references .

Ok, thats all. Sorry Im not interesting today! :/

sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Four

Dear Blogging World,

Im so sorry I didn't get to post last night- for some reason, Blogger was acting up, and was speaking in Japanese! Since I am not fluent in Japanese, I was unable to post. :/

On the plus side, however, yesterday went well. I was able to read through my REA book on CLEP History, part II. [But thats only impressive if you don't know how big the book is...] I still haven't tried to sneak any gluten. ;) And I had a lot of fun editing that photo shoot from the other day!

Alright, so here is today's plan of action: This morning, "laze around", working on my computer, and, since Dad had a speaking engagement in another state tonight and won't be back until tomorrow, I thought it might be fun if Mom and I got to do a crafty thing together.. So Im going to look for a crafty thing for us to do tonight. :) I'll work on some studying today, and we may get our nails done! [first time in 3 years. yay!] Oh, and tonight Im going to make some Homemade Freestyle Chicken Noodle Soup. Freestyle, you say to yourself? What does a swimming stroke have to do with Chicken Noodle Soup? Well, my aquatic loving friends, I call it "Freestyle" since I won't be going by a recipe, but instead will just be making it ..."freestyle" . :D I'll try to post pictures later!

sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Three

Dear Blogging World,

Today's going-ons have filled me with an excitement beyond the typical! Firstly, Im finishing up I Peter, and starting II Peter, which is joy in itself. God's Word is always a soul refresher. Secondly, I've been wearing this sling since last night, and my shoulder is starting to feel better! [I did tell you its separated right now, right? Just checkin...] and Thirdly, I am enjoying a delicious lunch made by some lovely Panera Bread people - Ironic, right, that this gluten-free-for-three-days girl is eating at a restaurant that has the word "Bread" in its title? Well, their salads are delicious. At least this one is. Its the 'NEW!' Strawberry Poppyseed and Chicken Salad [with no nuts on mine..I'm not a fan of plastic.]. So this day has been full of joy: God's Word, a good morning chat with my mom :), paying someone to play with my hair for two hours, and now some scrumptious food.

I have some news on the crafty side of life! Papermash is celebrating its 1st birthday!!! Yay for this great UK company, which sells all things lovely paper. I even bought a few rolls of cute tape for myself... For this 1st birthday, they are giving a great discount: for every £25 you spend, Papermash will give you free travel gift tags. Just remember to put the word "birthday" in your "comments" section when you check out. This completely joyful gift is open until Sept. 5, so use your time wisely! ;)

Also, This is a great article on the site The Art of Manliness [hey, women should check this site out too, right? Its important to know what you guys are thinking...]. It covers the topic "How To Fire A Gun Safely and Correctly" . Definitely hoping for an opportunity to apply this soon..

Alright, have a joyful rest of your day!

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter Two

Dear Blogging World,

It is now the end of Day Two, and so far so good. :)

So yesterday a friend of mine came over to do some photography work with me :) And we decided to have a delicious snack... cheese, gluten-free chips, and yummy organic guacamole

dip. mmmm ;)

Does anyone have a good recipe for guacamole?? Its one of my very favorite snack items.

[I don't have any pictures of dinner, but it was some lovely salmon and greens... ]

Today we decided to do an old-time 19th century photo shoot,

complete with old dresses and a tea party picnic by the river.

It was so much fun! Just the reprieve I needed before getting ready to study for my next CLEP, History II.

*gluten-free peanut butter cookies*

Another thought that entertains my mind is the possibility of getting a part time job at maybe Starbucks, or maybe an evening restaurant. Im trying to save up for a new camera, and possibly a trip to Egypt? Hmm, I wonder if they make gluten-free cookies there?

Rest well dear whoever-is-reading-this!

Sincerely,

Alice

Chapter One

Dear Blogging World,

This is the story of a girl. [No, she did not cry a river and drown the whole world, though the thought may occur at one point or another...] For the sake of "blogging privacy" and her inane love of coming up with secret identities, lets call her Alice. And lets let Alice be me. :)

I am starting a really fun journey right now, which is why this blog has been created. I am a new college student, age 19, almost 20. I have a professional photography business, specializing in travel photography and advertising, though my favorite shoots are probably engagement photo shoots [Can you see the love tonight?]. I am also a part time: personal assistant, private house cleaning lady, rental house cleaning lady, nanny, and caterer. And now we are adding "blogger" to the list ;) OH! And before I forget to mention, I am trying to make sure I don't do the whole "freshman fifteen" {I gained enough my 'gap year'}, so for the next 60 days I am going gluten- free.

Therefore, this blog has been started to document my journey. The college program I am doing is quite special, focusing on helping the student skip through his or her first few college years in a flash, so there isn't any waiting for the good stuff. [Check out their website here] For all you newbies out there, think college on steroids: Faster, Better, and Cheaper. I am also on pause in the nanny-ing department, so Im thinking of getting a new part time job [Chai Tea Latte, anyone?]. Plus, who wouldn't want to know about another person's pitfalls in trying to get over her addiction to gluten? This way you can laugh, cry, and try recipes with me, as I sludge my way through the clinging quagmire of carbs and calories addictions [while you get to enjoy your Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked ice cream... lame-o... ]

So whos ready to become morecrafty? :D

sincerely,

Alice