October Wrap-Up Post // Hiatus Notice

Wrapping up October already? Craziness!

➳Bookmail!!! I received both Freedom and Beloved!➳Designed a Fall Barn Party invitation➳Made amazing Mediterranean burgers from scratch!➳Took a dog photo shoot➳FROZEEN HOT CHOCOLATE DRINKS (hey, its never too cold for my favorite drink!*winks*)➳Country Roads are my fav➳Flip the coin which direction we should go ➳Its always a adventure with the sisters➳Face mask selfies #goodtimes ➳Got two giveaway prizes in the mail!!➳Funny face pictures with lil sis➳Chiropractor➳Chinese food➳Early workouts at the gym (trying to get back in habit!)➳NanoWriMo Prep➳I'm a amateur at outlines... send help!➳Pink cotton candy skies ➳Morning dew glistening in the sun makes the perfect picture➳Soap packaging!➳Getting ready to start a Etsy shop!!➳(btw, go check out my new page on the blog Winds of Faith Co.➳Went hiking➳Carried moms dog, Tucker➳Texting convos that I screenshot➳Pretty views on the hiking trails (or off the trails)➳Fall leaves changing colors➳Apple cinnamon pancakes!➳Cleaned my room and reorganized bookshelves➳Went to the Amish auction and got a ton of mums and pumpkins➳Like, a car full of flowers! And truck bed full of pumpkins!➳I was the guinea pig with moms new hair curlers(Pictured below)➳More Nano preparation➳Planting our small fall garden in thee hoop house➳Got garlic in the mail that we will plant soon➳Found a baby snapping turtle! So cute!➳Fall barn Party=lots of planning➳Made three crock pots of chili➳Cleaned/decorated the barn➳Candy pit➳Hayrides➳Bounce Houses➳Doughnuts➳Apple cider➳After that, we decided to go raw for 7 days (yeah)➳Equine dentist➳Building horse fencing➳Putting up gates with Papa➳Thrift store shopping➳Um, my 19th birthday is in 3 days... can't believe it➳

➳At studio C videos (not the new ones...)➳In the bounce house➳At my cousin's dog, Petey➳He's adorable and goofy➳At my sisters➳The funny selfies we come up with➳Like, who even needs funny filters...➳When the sweet little older lady at the grocery store sneaks you a mini Twix bar➳When I took a huge gulp of water and then realized it was a old water bottle that had sat in the car for a while... not to mention it was lemon water... and it looked like there was a floating mouse because my sister had put her peppermint tea bag in it... so yeah, I spit it out the window pretty fast...XD➳At the fact that I don't feel like I should be 19 in 3 days!➳

➳My family and the way we stick together➳Our animals and the joy they bring us➳The fall leaves on our property➳A good book that makes me smile➳The memories➳The "good" days➳When I have deep convos➳I'm just thankful for the ability to write because its one of those things that I don't feel like I'm necessarily good at, but I have a calling that's stronger than my doubt in myself➳

➳To surrender➳To be myself and to actually like me➳That 99% of the time, social media doesn't portray "real" life➳Don't take for granted the ones closest to you➳God works in mysterious ways, but never distrust His ways➳His ways are always higher➳Seasons change in not only the weather➳Be intentional and know your "why"➳Don't stop and don't give in to doubt➳To stop putting myself down➳To say no to things that will just overwhelm me further➳That raw food is hard to make a menu plan for➳Sometimes it takes endurance even when your tired of it➳

Not-So-Mini Photo Dump:

^^ A small photo shoot of Beloved...

^^ Charlie is a sweetheart! 

^^ Flip a coin and drive

^^ Face masks with the sisters! 

^^ Moon Child Goats Milk Soap

^^ Tranquility "Lavender" Bath Salts

^^ At the auction 

^^ Pumpkins!!

^^ The curlers worked! 

^^ Nano Prep

^^ Planting spinach and lettuce

^^ Gotta have funny faces XD

^^ YUM

^^ Lots of chili! 

^^ Putting in a gate for the fencing with Papa

~~~

Hiatus Notice: I have decided to really plunge myself into my writing this Nano, and because of that, I'm taking some things off my plate. I will be taking a hiatus from blogging for the month of November. I know this will help me focus more on my writing, even though I wish I could keep blogging. But with that said, I'm hoping to come back in December fresh and ready to continue blogging! Thanks for understanding. And I hope y'all have a wonderful November!

How was your October? What is one thing God has been teaching you? Have you ever put in horse fencing? What is your favorite soap scent? Are you going to do NanoWriMo? 

Lets chat in the comments below! <3 

COVER REVEAL!

Good Morning, Friends! Today I am very excited about being apart of a Cover Reveal team for Kassie's new book! Once I read this books synopsis, I knew I had to be apart of spreading the news and the cover around the blogosphere! But before you can see the cover, you will need to read the synopsis for yourself! 

The synopsis:

Some scars can't be seen. And some can't be hidden.

Layla Trent's life is pretty much perfect, except for the little matter of a dog of her own—and maybe a brother. So why does a random nightmare of a princess dress, a hospital, and a stranger who's definitely not her daddy feel more like an aching wound? And can a broken, glassy-eyed puppy somehow help her release the pain she didn't even know she was carrying?

Corporal Andrew Reyes has proven he has what it takes to be the best—a US Army Ranger. But when a double tragedy rocks his world, his resolve is shaken to the core. What's left for a man to live for when he's lost everything he ever wanted to be? And is the sudden appearance of a teenage girl with a three-legged therapy dog a cruel joke or a divine appointment?

Some scars can't be hidden. But some don't need to be.  

Author bio:

Kassie Angle is a teenaged Christian author, cowgirl, therapy dog trainer, stereotypical INFJ, and Army girl to the core. Her first love, i.e. debut novel, O to be Like Thee, swept her unsuspectedly into the world of indie authors. She tries to use her stories to fill the silences in literature, helping more people understand the world of the Army and showing how God heals the broken-hearted. You can find her and more of her writing at SoldierGirlStories.com.

Her blog: Go HERE for the link!

Now for the cover reveal! Let the scrolling begin! 

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Almost there!

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Are you ready to see it??

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Good! 

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Here

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Isn't it so awesome! I love the creativity in this cover! And that puppy-- *heart eyes*!!!! 

Are you looking forward to Tattered Wings?? Don't you love this cover!? Lets talk about it in the comments below! <3 

Rejoice in the Lord, Always // Part 2

I hope everyone is having a great day so far! But to make your day even better, I'm sharing a few more of my favorite Christian songs. Music is truly moving, so I hope these song can encourage you and uplift you!

For more music, see my first post (Part 1) by clicking HERE. 

Hillsong United - Oceans

"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior"

^^ I love this song a lot! Although, it's super long, it's very touching. 

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Still

"You're parting waters
Making a rain for me
You're moving mountains that I don't even see
You've answered my prayer before I even speak
All You need for me to be is still"

^^ Ahh, this song! (I love her voice!)

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Beautiful Messes

"Lay it down at the foot of the cross
Give it to the One who can carry it all
Even at our worst, to Him, we ain't lost causes
Just beautiful messes"

^^I just heard this one recently, and it's so good!

Hillary Scott & The Scott Family - Thy Will 

"I know you're good
But this don't feel good right now
And I know you think
Of things I could never think about
It's hard to count it all joy
Distracted by the noise
Just trying to make sense
Of all your promises
Sometimes I gotta stop
Remember that you're God
And I am not"

^^ I need the reminder in this song so many times!

For King and Country - Priceless 

"It might be hard to hear
But let me tell you, dear
If you could see what I can see, I know you would believe
That isn't who you are
There's more to who you are"

^^ This ones a little more upbeat, but also so good!

Casting Crowns - If We are the Body

"But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?
And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them there is a way?
There is a way, there is a way"

^^ This ones a real wake-up call for us!

What are some Christian songs that you enjoy listening too? Have you heard of any that I mentioned? Comment Below! 

Tag(s) // 40 Questions!

Today. Is going. To be a loooonnnggg post. I was tagged twice for two different tags, but decided to post them both today! Each is a 20 question tag, so overall, I will be answering 40 questions! Whew!

Lets get started then, shall we?!

20 Questions Book Tag 

Thank you, Kaitlyn, for tagging me!

1. How many books are too many in a series?

I personally love series! Although, I think 3-8 books is a good amount for a series. If there are too many, I my loose interest.

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?

If they are within the chapters (like at the end of a chapter) I really like them! It makes it exciting and fun, but if they are at the end of a book, I don't care for them. Even if a book is in a series, I think its good for it to be able to stand alone if need be. So cliffhangers at the end of a book make it hard for them to stand alone. I find I love writing cliffhangers, though!

3. Hardcover or paperback?

For the most part, I like paperbacks better!

4. What's your favorite book?

If I handed you a list of my favorite books, it may compete in length with our receipts from Costco (we only go once in a while and usually have a pretty full cart, just to give you a idea!) In other words, I have many favorites!

5. Least favorite book?

Wild at Heart series by Mary Connealy wasn't my favorite. I wanted to like it, but the romance ruined it for me... especially in the first and last books. Thats the first books that come to mind. I'm trying to think of more... hmm, I also didn't care for Kiera by Kate Willis.

6. Fiction or nonfiction?

I love fiction, although I really like writing both fiction and non-fiction. I'm trying to get better at reading more non-fiction books. 

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish?

I haven't not finished a book in a while. But I have started multiple books at the same time, and I don't usually get to them all. But eventually I will finish them!

8. A book you're currently reading?

Currently reading: Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin + rereading The Fire in Ember to my sister + Hymns in the Hills by Rebekah A Morris + a couple non-fiction books!

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

Freedom by Faith Potts! After I finished reading it myself, I basically ran around like crazy recommending it to my mom, sister, cousin, and anyone in sight! *winks*

10. Oldest book you've read? (publication date)

Uh, idk... the Bible?

11. Newest book you've read? (publication date)

Again, Freedom by Faith Potts! <3 

12. Favorite author?

I have such a hard time deciding!!! Don't make me choose just. one. author. *gasps*

13. Buying books or borrowing?

I like owning the books so I don't feel pressure to give them back soon... or accidentally loosing them. But I don't need brand new books, thrift store books or sales or free hand-me-down books work just fine for me! ;)

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?

Kiera by Kate Willis. I wanted to like it, but I'm just not a dystopian kind of person. There was a few other things that I didn't like about this book, but everyone else seems to really enjoy it! That's what makes the world go around...

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?

I absolutely never dog-ear! *deep breath* Just can't do it. Bookmarks all the way: even if its random objects closest at hand.

16. A book you can always re-read?

The Fire in Ember by DiAnn Mills! Kinda love this book.

17. Can you read while listening to music?

It's not ideal, but I can. Once we were on a road trip and the girls wanted to turn on the radio and sing. Well, on that trip I learned how to multi-task. Reading and singing is a neat talent to have, right?

18. One POV or multiple POVs?

I like two POV's the best. If there are too many POV's, it can get confusing...

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

Over multiple days. I can't read that fast to finish it in a day, unless the book is a shorter novel. I read 100 Days of Sunlight in one day, and it was probably a medium length... so I guess it depends on how much time I have.

20. Who do you tag?

Tagging:
Faith
Liberty
and Boots (Lilly)

Here are your 20 questions:

1. How many books are too many in a series?

2. How do you feel about cliffhangers?

3. Hardcover or paperback?

4. What's your favorite book?

5. Least favorite book?

6. Fiction or nonfiction?

7. The most recent book you couldn't finish?

8. A book you're currently reading?

9. Last book you recommended to someone?

10. Oldest book you've read? (publication date)

11. Newest book you've read? (publication date)

12. Favorite author?

13. Buying books or borrowing?

14. A book you dislike that everyone else seems to love?

15. Bookmarks or dog-ears?

16. A book you can always re-read?

17. Can you read while listening to music?

18. One POV or multiple POVs?

19. Do you read a book in one sitting or over multiple days?

20. Who do you tag?

~~~

The NanoWriMo 20 Questions Tag

-Thank the awesome blogger who tagged you! Thank you, Esther @ wevegotpockets.com!
-Link back to the creator of this tag, Sophie @Sophie’s Corner.
-Feel free to use the NaNoWriMo 20 Questions Tag graphics!
-Answer the questions.
-Tag some friends who are also doing NaNo this year.
-And have fun!!!

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR NANOWRIMO PROJECT THIS YEAR! GIVE ME A BLURB!

So, I'm kinda still working on a good blurb... this one is a long version, but I thought I'd share it anyway. Also note that none of it is set in stone, so it may change as the story grows: 

Perfectionist Aimee Bernard has just graduated from a four year veterinary school, although, the plans she so carefully made for her life are falling apart. Caring for hurting animals is her true passion, but with her funds limited, Aimee must leave her college town and return home to small town Marysville, Kansas. Deeply in debt, she has no job prospects on the horizon and no support from her dysfunctional family. Aimee wants nothing more than to live a life of structure and stability--everything her childhood wasn't. Despite her efforts, her life seems to have gone from bad to worse, but when she is truly down to nothing, God shows her that He is up to something by both a chance encounter with a cowboy wannabe and the unexpected changes she finds in her mother after two years of next to none communication. Is “forgive and forget” too much to ask? Could it be that God’s plan for her life far outdoes her own? Would He possibly be giving her a third chance at love and forgiveness, or will her trust be broken for a third time? 

Colt Shelton has one mission as the oldest of four siblings and man of the household: to fulfill his fathers dying wish. But starting a animal sanctuary and rehabilitating mistreated animals doesn’t happen overnight. It takes determination, drive, teamwork, financial resources, and a plot of land. All of which he has except for the latter. Struggling to see how God is working in his life, Colt steps out in faith and buys a prime piece of farmland to start establishing the Taking Chances Ranch. The Shelton family soon find out that not only strays and misfit animals are attracted to the ranch but also a young girl with hopes of a job. Just when things were starting to get back to normal, a whirlwind of events cause him to reevaluate his future plans to include a certain auburn-haired stray who may have just found a way to his heart. Was this mission more than he bargained for? Will he come to regret moving his family to the country, or will the trails they face become blessings in disguise? 

WHAT’S THE GENRE?

It's Christian Contemporary. 

DESCRIBE YOUR MC IN THREE WORDS.

Aimee: Perfectionist. Compassionate. Afraid.

Colt: Protective. Humble. Loyal.

WITHOUT SPOILERS, DESCRIBE YOUR VILLAIN IN THREE WORDS.

To be quite honest, as of yet, I don't have a "villain." 

WHAT IS YOUR GOAL? (THE TRADITIONAL 50K? 20K? 5K? OR……. 100K?)

For NanoWriMo: 35K would be amazing for me! 

For overall, book word count goal: 70K to 90K words! 

We'll see how it all pans out though... but, I'm cheering those who are daring to write 100K. *fist bump* That's amazing! 

IS THIS YOUR FIRST DRAFT? SECOND? THIRD?

First draft. Sorta.

ARE YOU STARTING A NEW PROJECT (OR DRAFT), OR CONTINUING AN EXISTING ONE?

This is a older WIP with new plot revisions.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME TO WRITE IN THE DAY?

Afternoon to evening. I'm usually too busy in the morning.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO WRITE?

In my room, on my bed, at my desk, on the couch, in the car, etc! 

COMPUTER OR PAPER?

Computer! Although, I think one of these days it would be cool to write a first draft using pen and paper. But I like typing best! 

NANOWRIMO IS A HUGE COMMITMENT!! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE TIME TO WRITE?

I'm going to block 1-2 hours during the week days for writing. I'm also planning on taking a hiatus from Social Media during the month of November. :)

ARE YOU GOING TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL OR ONLINE NANOWRIMO EVENTS? (E.G. KICK-OFF PARTIES IN YOUR CITY, WRITE-INS, VIRTUAL WRITING SPRINTS…)

Hmm, probably just do some writing sprints with friends. I'm not sure what else I will participate in.

DO YOU WRITE FROM BEGINNING TO END OR SKIP AROUND?

I try to write from beginning to end, but if I'm facing writers block, I allow myself to skip around in order to keep writing.

PLANNER OR PANTSER? (OR PLANTSER?)

Yeah, still trying new things and figuring out what works best for me...

WHAT WILL BE YOUR GO-TO NANOWRIMO SNACK?

Well, chocolate is my usual writing inspiration snack, but I'm trying to eat better so that might not be the best choice. I not sure... 

CHOICE OF CAFFEINE? (OR NO CAFFEINE?)

No caffeine.

ANY REWARDS FOR MILESTONE ACHIEVEMENTS? FOR FINISHING NANOWRIMO?

I'll have to think of this one! I will probably treat myself with some reading or a movie. I'll probably be tired of typing by then. *gulps*

SHARE A TIP FOR OTHER NANO-ERS!

Stay consistent with your writing. 

Set achievable goals for each day. 

And when you have inspiration, take advantage of it! 

Also, pray right before you start your writing each day.

HOW ARE YOU FEELING ABOUT NANOWRIMO? (EXCITED?! NERVOUS!? TERRIFIED?!)

Hopeful. 

I'm hopeful that I will be productive with my writing goals and not worry about it all. Just have fun and write whats on my heart.

SHARE AN AESTHETIC FOR YOUR NANOWRIMO NOVEL!

Tagging whoever is doing NanoWriMo next month! 

What a long post! If you made it to the end, way to go! *hands you a plate of cookies* So lets talk books and writing... Comment your favorite writing snack and your your favorite book that has a unique writing style! Talk to ya in the comments below! <3