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Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Writer/Reader's Dream Come True!

I have many happy places, some of which include being outside with a book, on my bed before a computer/journal, or in the van taking a road trip. But when I come across a place that holds sooooo many of my favorite things at once, my heart just seems to bubble over. ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

Monday morning, my mom and I went antiquing. She loves anything pretty and vintage that could possibly be used in making a "junk journal", so antique stores are right up her alley. (if you'd like to check out some of her creations, visit her Instagram page.) On the way home, I told Mom, "I wish there was a writer's store that I could go to. You know, one that sells pens and paper and is full of inspirations specifically meant for published/budding authors . . ." 

The next day, Mom and I trekked out again, expecting to go to another antique shop. Their website had said they were open, but we realized too late that the information was false. Sitting in a parking lot forty-some minutes away from home, Mom and I debated what to do next.

"I think there's a Barnes & Noble around here somewhere," she said. "We can go there and then head back home."

We decided to give it a try. However, neither one of us had been in the area for a number of years, so we soon discovered that the Barnes & Noble had been replaced by a Books-a-Million (BAM!) store . . . which turned out to be THE BEST EVER. ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿคฉ It had lava/glitter lamps, books, stationery, notebooks, planners, fun trinkets, pens . . . yep, I was beyond excited. ๐Ÿ˜„ Truly, this was something only God could orchestrate!! He knew before I spoke a word just how much a place like this would mean to me . . . a place I wasn't even aware existed. ๐Ÿ’œ

All my goodies!! A copy of If I Run by Terri Blackstock (which had been highly recommended by a friend on Goodreads), a mug, three pens with useful grammar tips, and a world's smallest glitter lamp. ๐Ÿฅฐ๐Ÿ˜

Do you have a BAM! store where you live? What's a way God has shown you recently that He's providing for you? Drop a comment and tell me!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Monday, December 28, 2020

Monday Musings // Last Full Week of 2020!!

A belated Merry Christmas + early Happy New Year to you all! ๐Ÿ˜€ Hope you guys are having fun and staying safe this holiday season. ๐Ÿฅฐ

My sister, Marah, and I went jogging Christmas Day. I was under the impression that our weather would rise as high as sixty degrees (Fahrenheit), so I came outside in shorts and a light jacket. Huge mistake. No matter how much or how hard I jogged, my legs went numb and stayed numb--it was that cold. ๐Ÿฅถ But the biggest surprise was yet to come: it snowed!!! That hadn't happened on Christmas Day in, like, ever. It was amazing!! ๐Ÿ˜„

We didn't do presents or decorations this year, but we still had a big dinner as a family around the dining room table, so that was nice. We also saved the Silent Night Sue Thomas episode from season one of the series, which we watched on Christmas Eve. ๐Ÿค—๐Ÿค—๐Ÿค— And Mom made a pan of luscious cinnamon rolls and a couple trays of cookies. ๐Ÿ˜‹

The following day (Saturday), I guest posted on Caleigh's blog. (go check it out, and be sure to enter the giveaway she's hosting right now!!)

Currently, I'm choosing a word for 2021. This past year I used both endurance and follow, and in previous years it's been possible (2019), serve (2018), and precious (2017). I'm trusting God to show me what He wants my next word to be. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Some pictures from the week . . . 

Walk in the snow. ๐Ÿ™‚

Mom and me. ๐Ÿ’™
๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜

How did your family celebrate Christmas? Do you have a word for 2021? Are you excited for the new year? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Monday, December 21, 2020

Monday Musings // Counting the Little Joys

Some things I'm thankful for from this past week . . . 

Squishy food keychains on sale at Michael's Craft store (of course, I couldn't resist getting a few ๐Ÿ˜„)

Brand-new lava/glitter lamps for my room ๐Ÿ˜

Decorating dozens of sugar cookies

Enjoying a visit with friends from church for the first time in a long while

Homemade pizza (sorry, no pictures. we ate it up too fast.)

This song ⬇⬇⬇


Watching God's Not Dead (movies 1 and 2)

Walking in the rain

More Sue Thomas FBEye!! We had just finished the episode Prodigal Father from season two, and, not being able to take the suspense any longer, Mom and I both hopped online to search and see if Sue and Jack ever marry. Aaand the answer **HIGHLIGHT TO VIEW S
POILER**➡➡➡ they don't.

Do you like keychains (even if you don't have a key to put them on)? What's a song God has been using in your life recently? Let's talk in the comments below!

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

December 15, 2020 // Giveaway Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Annalise O'Brien for winning the giveaway!! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‰ And thanks to all who entered for helping make this two-year blogiversary an epic one. ๐Ÿ˜„ @Annalise, you'll find my contact information below. Please slip me an email ASAP with your mailing address and book of choice (either There Was Always Laughter In Our House or More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch), so I can get your prizes shipped out! ๐Ÿค—

This day brings back soooo many special memories. Sitting at the dining room table, Sadie (then eleven months old) in her highchair, watching me as I typed up my first post. When that was done and the URL ready to be shared, I promptly (and virtually) squealed the news to some email buddies, who've stuck by me and cheered me on ever since. *beams* 

In two years' time, Ellen's Musings has exceeded a hundred followers total through Blogger and email. Three thousand comments have been submitted, accepted, and posted. Over two hundred posts published . . . two hundred more in drafts. ๐Ÿ˜‚ It's been an amazing journey, one only God could orchestrate. I've met many, many wonderful people and have received so much encouragement and support from you all. Each new comment brings a warmth to my heart. ๐Ÿ’— You guys are truly the best! 

"May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD." Psalm 104:34

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Monday, December 14, 2020

Monday Musings // Last Day to Enter the Giveaway!

The past couple of weeks have been busy ones between school, writing + reading, jogging, family, and setting aside time to watch a WWII movie (for history). A few highlights:

Pop Pop dropped by with early Christmas gifts for us all (from him and Grandma), and so our living room was a whirlwind of wrapping paper and excited squeals for a while. ๐Ÿ˜„๐Ÿคฉ

We got snow for the first time this year. (just a flurry; nothing deep. and then the weather rose to the mid-60's over the weekend so that I could go jogging in shorts and a T-shirt.) ๐Ÿ˜ฎ

Yesterday (Sunday) my mom and I made the hour-long trek to an antique mall, which was great. ๐Ÿค—

I shoved Ruby down my jacket and she, my older brother, and I went around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights. Soooooo much fun! ๐Ÿ˜

Aaaand now, a few pictures for your enjoyment. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Checking the mail.

New books + reading in the car.

thanks, Grandma and Pop Pop!! 


It's so cool to see the "arrives before Christmas" under my book. *beams*

Don't forget that today is the last day to enter my BLOG BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY. I hope to announce a winner tomorrow. ๐ŸŽ‰

Have you entered the giveaway? Do you enjoy antiquing? Let's talk in the comments below! 

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Two Years Old // Blog Birthday Giveaway!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2020, will officially mark the two-year anniversary of Ellen's Musings. Soooo, to celebrate, it's time for a giveaway . . . quite possibly the biggest in the history of this blog. ๐Ÿ˜„ *alllll the confetti*

Watch the video below to find out what the prizes are, then read on for instructions! 

Ways you can enter:

๐Ÿ’œFollow Ellen's Musings (via either email or Blogger)
๐Ÿ’œDrop a comment with one (or all) of your favorite celebration emojis ๐Ÿฅณ
๐Ÿ’œTell a friend or post about this giveaway on any social media site (IG, FB, Pinterest, your blog, Goodreads, etc.)
AND/OR
๐Ÿ’œWatch the giveaway video ๐Ÿ˜€

You have from now until Monday, December 14, to submit your entries for a chance to win. Please note that this giveaway is open to USA residents only. 
Have fun and good luck!

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Monday Musings // Gingerbread Cookies + Dandelions

No school all week. Celebrating Thanksgiving Day with plates of turkey, yeast rolls, and baked potatoes, and taking a few moments around the table to count our blessings. Staying up late to watch Sue Thomas FBEye for the first time. Enjoying 60+ degree weather. Picking dandelions . . . twice: once from the ground, and again from my sister's hair. And then making gingerbread cookies with some of my favorite girls (resulting in flour on the floor, an episode of roller-pin chasing, plenty of laughter, and a pretty good batch of cookies, if I do say so myself). 

Yep, it's been a great week. ๐Ÿ˜„



How was your Thanksgiving? Ever made a wish on a dandelion?  

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Friday, November 27, 2020

Important Announcements

So, a couple announcements for your weekend. The first is that my book, The Whispers God Gives, is officially on a BLACK FRIDAY sale over @ Amazon.com. If you've been waiting to buy your copy, now's the time. The price for either edition (Kindle or paperback) has been placed at a special discount, with the paperback available for $5.40 and the Kindle for $0.99. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ๐Ÿ˜ฑ This limited-time deal will last only from now to Sunday, so hurry and snatch it up before it's too late! 

The second announcement involves Martha's super fun (and virtual) Ten Days of Christmas event, which starts December 4th. Be sure to stop by her blog, Beyond the Literary Horizon, and check it out! I know I plan to. *beams*  



Blessings,
Ellen S.

Thursday, November 26, 2020

Thanksgiving Day 2020

2020 has been a crazy year. Corona. Lockdowns. The messy presidential election. But through all of it, God has instructed His children to REJOICE and GIVE THANKS. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

Today I'm especially grateful for answered prayers. Some of these prayers are years old, with others lifted up more recently. To name just a few:

Ruby had a healthy delivery into this world and is continuing to thrive. Her laughter is the sweetest thing ever. <3


God showed me in His own time when, where, and how to publish The Whispers God Gives. He's allowed me to see the impact my book has made on others.

After experiencing belly spasms for a number of years and trying to fight back with prayer, pills, doctor's appointments, and diets, I finally realized one of the main factors behind the problem: a food allergy to corn in any form (kernel, flour, starch, syrup, etc.). Adjusting to life without corn is difficult at times, but also so very worth it. The difference in my health has been amazing.

Image found online.

Growing relationships with my siblings. :D


Being able to get away for a few days. 

. . . and so, so much more!! 

Through the comments, your own social media site, email, or private thought, I encourage y'all to join me in counting the many blessings God has given us even amidst this 2020 chaos. What are some prayers He's answered? How has He grown you through this trying time? Let's make it a point to remember not only to thank Him today, but also every day we have His breath in us. <3
Happy Thanksgiving, friends! 


Blessings,
Ellen S.

Monday, November 23, 2020

Monday Musings // Just a Bunch of Randomness

So, first off . . . do you guys know there's a cool new feature on Word that allows you to listen to your own work being read aloud by someone?! If you didn't know, seriously go check it out right now, 'cause it's AMAZING. Of course, the narration is a little choppy, and the robot has trouble pronouncing Spanish (and probably any language other than English), but WOW. I just discovered the feature on my phone yesterday and absolutely love it!! ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿคฉ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿคฉ When I played a sample of one of my stories for Mom, she smiled and exclaimed, "You're famous!" ๐Ÿ˜‚ But if one of you figure out how to use read-aloud on a computer, please tell me. ๐Ÿ˜„

*clears throat* ANYWAY. 

This past week has been an adventure. Coronavirus cases are spiking again, so we're back in lockdown mode, although not as severe as before. And through it all, GOD IS GOOD. 

Sadie and I enjoyed a fun little photo shoot (w/ our talented six-year-old sister behind the camera). Here're some of the results for your enjoyment:




Oh, and before I draw this random post to a close . . . a blogger friend is hosting a giveaway that runs only until tonight, and an e-book copy of The Whispers God Gives is included in the grand prize. So, if you're interested, click HERE to enter. Good luck!

Comment below and tell me which of the pictures I shared was your favorite! Also, how are COVID cases doing where you live??

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Friday, November 20, 2020

A Lesson on Time

Yesterday afternoon I brought my siblings (ages two, six, and eight years old) along with me to take a walk, snap a couple pictures, and pick up the mail. We shared lots of smiles and tucked away some priceless memories. Life would be so boring without these sweet lil' kiddos!

Sadie and me. <3

And, as this outing helped remind me, I've recently been challenged to think of how I use the time God has gifted me with. Life is so fleeting, and each passing moment so precious. How, then, can I best serve my family, friends, and, ultimately, Jesus with the way I utilize my days here on earth? 

Wellll, for starters, I must be ready to die to self, even when it seems really, really hard. 

Those occasions when I'm on a roll with my writing and a sister asks to be held? Yep. When I'm in the middle of reading a book and Mom wants help with supper? Yes. When a diaper needs changing, or clothes have to be laid out, or a mental picture of that dirty sink in the bathroom bubbles up right as I sit down to watch a favorite episode of I Love Lucy? Yes, yes, YES.

Our time is not our own. We were put here to be stewards for God in every aspect of life, be it time, money, or otherwise. 

And if it's not what He wants me doing right now, nothing - not surfing the blogosphere, not pouring into the Word document I'm hoping to finish and publish, not reading the new book I've been waiting for - will ever even come close to matching the glory of the Kingdom work Christ has set before me to carry out. 

It's a constant battle to us all to stick to this mindset, but one that with Christ's help can be conquered. I encourage each one of you to pray today for patience and wisdom as you seek to live out every second of your life for God's glory. May we never lose sight of the reward that awaits us at the finish line! 

Click the video below to listen to an encouraging song by one of my favorite contemporary Christian artists, Jeremy Camp.  


Blessings,
Ellen S.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Book Review // "Fair in War" by Perry Elisabeth Kirkpatrick

Please note that the following review is for book #8 in Mrs. Kirkpatrick's The Accidental Cases of Emily Abbott series. To see my review(s) for previous books, click HERE

 ABOUT:

She expected popcorn and cheap prizes -- not a front-row seat to crime and conspiracy...

When Brent's brother Carter, unexpectedly arrives in Phoenix bearing important intel, Brent disappears into their world of espionage and world-saving, leaving Emily feeling left out. Telling herself she doesn't really belong in their world anyway, she determines to enjoy her afternoon at the state fair with Izzy.

But as she sees more and more familiar faces in the crowds and among the vendors, and when Izzy is arrested by security on trumped-up charges, it becomes clear something more is going on. She's never been happier to accidentally run into Brent Peterson, but finding Izzy might come down to her own determination more than either of them expect.

MY REVIEW:

4/5 STARS

I've been waiting and waiting and WAITING for this moment, when I could finally read Emily's 8th accidental adventure and watch her and Brent's relationship deepen just an eensy, weensy bit more. *happy squeals* 

Fair in War deals with a slightly harder case for our spies: human trafficking. As soon as Brent acknowledged this, I could feel my skin prickle. But I think Mrs. Kirkpatrick handled the topic well, and I *cough, cough* loved seeing the returns of some very important characters from previous books who, to prevent spoilers, will remain unnamed in this review. ;) My age recommendation for reading Fair in War would probably be 13 years and older, or younger with parental guidance. 

Aaaaand now . . . I would try to end with a flourish, but that'll only take up the time that could be spent READING THIS BOOK. So, c'mon already! Grab your copy (whether it be in paperback or Kindle edition), find a comfy spot to curl up in (I did this while on an eight-hour road trip w/ my family), and begin! ((oh, and be prepared for a nasty cliffhanger at the end. *wink, wink*))

FIND IT ON:

Amazon || Goodreads || Mrs. Kirkpatrick's author website

I'd love to know: have you read any of the Emily Abbott books? If so, which one(s) did you like best? 

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Book Review // "Preacher on the Run" by Jayna Baas


 ABOUT THE BOOK:

Robert Boothe has spent the last four years leading the tyrant-hating Regulators in standing against North Carolina’s corrupt British government. Just being an unlicensed dissenter preacher is enough to make Robert a target, but he refuses to back down from his conscience. Aside from a sympathetic court justice, the village of Ayen Ford has no other champion for its poor and defenseless.

Then Charles Drake, emissary of His Excellency William Tryon, comes to town with one ambition: winning the governor’s favor, no matter what it takes. And Robert Boothe just might be his last chance.

All Robert wants is a safe place for his little Baptist church to live and worship God. But the established church wants him to shut up. The governor’s men want him dead. And that safe place is farther and farther away.

You can run, but you can’t hide . . .

MY REVIEW:

//a full five stars//

After staring at my computer screen for several minutes, I finally realized: it's impossible to completely bestow upon this book the praise it deserves.

I went into Preacher on the Run unsure of what I'd get, and oh . . . my . . . From beginning to end, any expectations I might have had were blown straight out of the water. And because of that, I'll give this review a go anyway, even though I'm certain I won't do a perfect job of it. The author definitely needs more than the standard five-star rating for her phenomenal work. =)

Preacher on the Run has officially hit my most-favorites, must-read-again shelf. A story of hurt and healing, choosing to let go, and, mainly, trust in the Lord. I felt myself being challenged, inspired, and given to laughter and heartbreak as I read. The characters are amazing and I loved how Jayna pulled me smoothly into their world. In my mind's eye I could feel their pain (physical + mental), hear the giggles and the sighs, and see each facial expression clear as day. I think Jayna did a good job, too, with working in her church denomination, as I didn't get the impression that she was trying to pound any of her characters' beliefs into me. Also, Robert's wife, Maggie? Wellllll. If a reader is allowed to play favorites, Maggie was definitely #1 on my list. Strong, sweet, kind, submissive to and supportive of her husband, and always there for her family. <3

This is one Indie book you simply *have* to check out!! Join me in reading and reviewing, and make Preacher on the Run known everywhere. :)

PLACES TO FIND YOUR COPY:

Goodreads || Amazon || Jayna's author website

ADDITIONAL NEED-TO-KNOW INFO:

There's currently a blog tour and giveaway happening for Preacher on the Run. Go HERE to learn more, and click the video below to watch the official book trailer! 


Blessings,

Ellen S.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

I'm Back! // A Few Announcements

Hello all! I'm thrilled to be returning to the blogosphere after a fabulous week away. ๐Ÿ˜„ Going without Internet was actually much easier (and more fruitful) than I had thought it would be.  It gave me time to assess my priorities, read a couple new books, focus more on my family, and refresh my mind with writing inspirations and ideas. And coming back to a full email Inbox + Spam folder (thx to sweet commenters and Goodreads friends) was delightful. ๐Ÿ˜€ 

So, a few announcements going forward. I'm removing comment moderation from my blog (again), and hope to be be posting a bit more than I was. I have some fun ideas, including two book reviews, one tag (or three), and a Monday Musings post for next week. But we shall see where the Lord leads. ๐Ÿฅฐ For now, enjoy this picture of my little math buddy, who has learned not only how to multiply powers but also to pull herself up, eat some solids, and tag along on her big sister's afternoon walks. (I zip her up in my jacket until only her head and feet stick out when it's chilly.) 


How was your week? Which post are you looking forward to most (book review, Monday Musings, or tag)? Tell me below! 

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Monday, November 2, 2020

Monday Musings // We Went to Grove City, PA!! + Hiatus Notice

Hi friends! Can you believe we're in the eleventh month of 2020? I just finished flipping the calendar and still feel baffled. Where did the time go? This year has been so crazy, it seems as if everything is running together. ๐Ÿ˜ฎ 

Anywayyyy . . . 

Happy November! Who else is glad to have the clocks "falling back" an hour? *waves hand* I sure am!

Last week my family and I made the sixteen-hour round trip to Grove City, Pennsylvania, to look into a college for my older brother. We also turned it into our own little vacation for the year, with time for fishing, antiquing, and making/eating s'mores. As our stay stretched from Monday night to Thursday morning, we rented a delightful little cabin with a gurgling creek running alongside it. And I brought my computer, of course. Writing in the loft of our little house was so fun! ๐Ÿ˜„

The cabin . . . 
. . . and the creek. ๐Ÿคฉ
Ready to go! 
Another misty morning.
Sweet little sleepyhead. ๐Ÿ˜
Watching an episode of The Andy Griffith Show from the loft.
Plenty of rain left the wood wet, so our bonfire was mainly constructed with lighter fluid.
The brand of chocolate we used is engraved on this marshmallow. ๐Ÿ˜„
Yummy! ๐Ÿ˜‹
And we thought our 15-passenger Chevy was big . . . ๐Ÿ˜‚

Loved passing the time on the road by listening to these audio dramas, a birthday gift from my friend Sandrina back in 2019.   

Due to COVID, only three people from a family are allowed to tour the college campus at a time, so Mom, Dad, Connor, and Ruby (since she was too young to really count as one of the "three") went. The kids and I stayed at the cabin, but we were able to drive around the campus later. I also took a walk and snapped this picture. ๐Ÿ˜ƒ I think Connor liked what he saw and will be very happy here if this is the college he decides to attend.

So, yes, it was a marvelous getaway, and the drive there and back went much, much smoother than any of us had expected, all things (and ages!) considered. But I have to say . . . I am glad we're home. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Also, a warning for those who live/vacation in log houses: BEWARE OF THE BUGS. When my family first arrived in PA, there was one wasp who appeared to have made its home inside our cabin. By Thursday, we'd spotted a total of three wasps . . . one of which my 2-yr-old sister, Sadie, stepped on accidentally while it was crawling around on the floor. Ouch. ๐Ÿ˜ฌ This was Sadie's first time being stung, so we waited anxiously to see if she'd break out in an allergic reaction. Thankfully, she did not, and the wasp was killed (using my shoe) and examined to check for the stinger, which was still inside it. *exhales slowly* Never a dull moment for my family! ๐Ÿ˜€

A FINAL NOTE: I plan on taking a one-week internet hiatus starting tomorrow, so comment moderation will continue to stay on until Tuesday, November 10, 2020. I do plan on publishing/responding to comments today, however. Looking forward to hearing from you! ๐Ÿฅฐ

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Monday, October 26, 2020

Monday Musings // A Few Autumn Delights

Happy Monday, all! For this week's post, I thought I'd do something a little different. Hang with me, okay? ๐Ÿ˜„

A blogging friend, Mikayla @ Mikayla Holman, has been sharing some of the things that have made her smile recently. I really liked this idea, so I thought I'd grab a handful of my own happies from the past seven days and post about them. ๐Ÿ˜ƒ Enjoy, and I hope this musing brings a bit of extra sunshine to your day. ๐Ÿฅฐ

A FEW AUTUMN DELIGHTS

(not all fall-themed, but still taking place in the season in question)

~~~

Warm jackets w/ hoodies

MOD pizzas purchased by an unexpected source

Late nights spent watching I Love Lucy

Early morning jogs

Leaves splashed in gold, red, and orange

Photo shoots

Hair clips

Cozy socks

Encouraging blog posts

Mom's hugs

Glitter pens

Bike rides

A Toy Story-themed, Pin-the-Tail-on-Bullseye game w/ my sibs

Having my mask, shirt, and shoe laces all match for one visit to the store

Seeing Grandma and Pop Pop

Ruby's big blue eyes

The smell of fresh pumpkin muffins pervading the house 

New Kindle e-books

Green bananas 

Fuzzy pajama pants

My sister's laughter as she reads this post

Pink headphones

Jesus's constant provision for my family ๐Ÿ’œ

This picture ⬇⬇⬇⬇

Did you enjoy this post? What're some things you're thankful for/have made you smile recently?

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Monday, October 19, 2020

Monday Musings // Home Haircut!

It's been a great week! Between clearing out over 2,000 of my old, old emails from the family account (which I was using until I got my own Gmail two years ago), watching Ruby's first tooth come in, and receiving a home haircut (!!!), life has been anything but dull. Sadly, however, I did not get as many pictures as I would have liked to this past week, mainly just the ones from a photo shoot my sister, Marah, and I had yesterday (Sunday). It had been years since the last time Mom felt brave enough to cut my hair herself, and I wanted to capture the results on camera. I think Mom did a marvelous job! ๐Ÿ˜„

BEFORE (with my hair at waist-length):

AFTER (with my hair at just-below-shoulder-length): 




Aaaaand, with that out of the way . . . back to listing recent events. ๐Ÿ˜ƒ
On Saturday, Sandrina and I were able to Skype for an hour or so, which is always a delight. ๐Ÿฅฐ The afternoon of that same day, the kids and Dad traipsed downstairs to the basement to lug out old clothes bins. The weather here is steadily growing colder, and the littlest ones, especially, needed jackets and boots. ๐Ÿ˜Š 
Sunday morning, Dad biked alongside Marah and I as we went jogging. I'm sure we made quite the picture, Dad back-pedaling to keep the same pace as us when we slipped from jogging to walking on the way home. One driver pulled over to the side of the road to check and make sure he was our father and not some suspicious stalker. ๐Ÿ˜‚ (love you so much, Dad!!)
Well, I suppose this ends today's post. The upcoming days are going to be really busy for my family, so I can't promise a Monday Musings for next week, but I'll do my best. ๐Ÿ˜ Consider yourselves fully warned, though, if I don't make it. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Have you ever had a home haircut? What's the weather like where you live? Comment below! 

Blessings,
Ellen S.

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Question

^^^^^ The long links shown above are currently what all my photos on Blogger (including this one) look like while in "drafts." Navigating the options (font choice, etc.) in the top taskbar is also becoming extremely more difficult. Anyone else having the same experience(s) on their sites?? I may have to contact Blogger if this goes on . . .

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Libby May's Giveaway!

It's book birthday celebration time, y'all! ๐Ÿฅณ
On October 16th of last year, author Libby May published her amazing debut novel, Dewdrops & Butterflies, making it available for the world to read. I was honored to be able to participate in the release tour with a review of her book. ๐Ÿ˜„ And now, she's hosting an amazing GiVeAwAy over on her blog, Geoturtle, featuring two signed copies of Dewdrops & Butterflies (one for you and a friend of your choice) as the grand prize!! The deadline for entries is coming up fast (the winner will be announced tomorrow), so hurry; click the image above for a detour to the giveaway, and be sure to mention my name in the comments for an extra two entries!! ๐Ÿ˜€ Best of luck!

Blessings,
Ellen S.