inspired

fifteen.

2012-02-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

"I jumped out of bed that morning with one question in my mind- sun or fog?... on a rare and magic day- a white winter sun broke through." -The Hiding Place.

I felt the same way as I woke up this morning. I looked out my window above my dear old desk and saw there was a hazy morning sun in the back of several gray clouds. The tree that stands outside my other window had a cluster of chattering birds. It was like they were singing just for me in their sweet, shrill little voices. I stayed in bed a little longer, enjoying myself immensely, listening to a chorus of feet and whispers downstairs.

As I found my favorite clothes, I saw and remembered a whole a year in my mind's eye. I thought back to my 14th birthday. I was a girl sure that she knew everything and could handle life very well and was completely grown up. Ha! There was to be much struggling and learning with that idea in my head... But I'd like to think that I've- at the most- matured. I can confidently say that I've got a better grasp on what life is and what's important and what's not. What fights are worth fighting and which dreams are worth pursuing and what dreams aren't worth chasing. I don't say that I haven't anything left to learn- on the contrary- I know that I've got a huge big life ahead and it's going to be brim full with choices, hard decisions, tears, and trials. But I do have a choice whether or not to greet them with a smile or a sigh.

While I am very much ready for what fifteen brings, and what this thing we call "growing up" will exactly all about, I find myself saddened to leave my year of fourteen. It was a good year for me. I've learned a lot and found to love so many things- photography, baking, writing, blogging, and crafting- to say a few. My life has indeed changed very much since a year ago, but I love my life right now for what it is. I know now that I should expect a million more changes in my life but for now, I like where I am and want to enjoy it and live it fully.

-Gabby

afternoon hour

2012-02-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's quiet and still; Everything is resting and slowing. The hazy warmth that floods through the sky creates this beautiful aura we call the afternoon. It's silent enough to hear the church bells singing in their husky, booming voices from far away, and the sun has already reached her prime in the sky and is now beginning her so descent to the edge of the land.

Daddys will get off of work soon, mamas will be home waiting with suppers, and the children await anxiously for the moment when they can race to the door and call the first hug from their Daddy. Everyone stays busy doing what they always do, and girls like you and me smile happily and record this beautiful life.

There's always the last song that must be whistled by the birds, last photographs to be taken before the evening is come, and the quickly fading afternoon must always come to an end, as it always does.

What's your afternoons like?
Gabby

p.s. excuse the random pictures... *smiles* I didn't have much of anything else.

She's my valentines

2012-02-14T07:40:00.001-08:00

We were in the kitchen, boiling water for tea (courtesy of Miss Grace) listening to "You light up my life" by Debby Boone. Morgan danced and twirled and sang in her nightgown. I watched her her for a while and smiled to myself. Suddenly, I asked "Let's be each other's Valentines today, Morgan!" She said okay. We started to dance together (which we rarely aren't doing) up and down our narrow little kitchen, singing, screaming, yelling, and laughing, and just being each others.

As I sit here, reminiscing the morning, I realized that my sister has always been my Valentines. Morgan has been my best friend, my confidant, my helper, and my "goozshum" and I'm her "berry" *just an endearing name that we made up and use for each other* That sounds strange to a lot of people as we're six years apart and she's being only eight years old. Eight and a half- do excuse me. But it's every bit true. We've always been close and this year more than ever.

Morgan knows me like no one else does. She knows everything I am and never has asked me for more than that. We do get into tiffys sometimes but we usually get over it within little time and forgive each other without having to say anything much.

I grin as I happily realized that she's my Valentines. And always has been.

Love,
Gabby

Silent and Happy

2012-02-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Up on my little perch (which happens to be my dear old wooden desk) I see a slow falling world of white. These delicate and powdery snowflakes fly daintily down out of no where and up above, is a light gray sky quickly to fade into utter darkness. Slowly, tiny drifts of snow build up on leaves, branches, the ground, and long dead blades of grass.

Opera plays softly in the background, and children in the next room laugh and giggle at some mysterious joke. The wonderful smell of a homemade supper finds its way into my little corner of the world. My southern mama can cook like nobody's business and I'm so lucky to have her. It's warm here in the cottage and I gaze out the cold window to see a world of a delicate, frosty white.

I like the spontaneous nature of these prairies... The fact that snow can come so very mysteriously out of no where. It takes you by surprise and increases the beauty of it. It made my day pleasantly special.

Gabby

p.s. excuse my "little" break from blogging. It was so very refreshing and inspiring to be on the computer less. I loved every minute of it but am so happy to be back.

I got tagged. Twice.

2012-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

From Emily:

What is your favorite quote?

probably "Look at me... Look back at me." from North and South

Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

sunrises. Definitely

What is your favorite dessert?

Umm... probably my Nana's strawberry cake from scratch.

Do you have a favorite subject in school?

Algebra and History

Did you have snow on Christmas day?

Technically yes, but we spent Christmas in Louisiana so while it snowed in Texas, we were down there with my grandparents. :-P

Do you have a favorite Jane Austen book/movie adaption?

Pride and Prejudice! And Emma.

Do you prefer patterned socks, solid colored socks, or bare feet?

Bare feet.

Do you make your bed every morning?

Mostly... It's rather messy as of now but that's just 'cause it's the weekend!

What color is your bedroom wall?

Haha! I'm not sure... kind of a skin toned, tanish, pinkish color.

What are your top five favorite colors?

Right now, a dusty pink, sandy brown, light LIGHT green, gray, and a light sea green blue.

Do you prefer sandals, sneakers, boots, or high heels?

Rubber boots. They are awesome .

From Willa "Nickel"

1. What is your favorite color?

That's hard. Umm... LIGHT light green.

2. What is your favorite flower?

Green Zinnias

3. What hobbies do you have?

Heavens preserve us- that is tough... Knitting, writing, blogging to say a few.

4. Do you like raisins in your cinnamon rolls?

No. No. No. Cinnamon rolls (and oatmeal cookies) should never ever have raisins in them. Just sayin'...

5. Pants or skirt?

Skirt!

6. Boots or sandals?

Boots.

7. Hot weather or cold weather?

Hot.

8. If you HAD to die by hanging, guillotine, drowning, the stake, stabbing, sucked up by a tornado, shot (arrow or a bullet, your choice), crushed, eating too much, or struck by lightning, which would you choose?

I'd be shot in the back (just for the novelty of it).

9. Which do you like better: Poke-o-dots, Plaid, or Stripes? And which do you where most often?

Plaids.

10. If you could choose the color of your eyes, what color would they be?

Green

11. What inspires you (the answer should be over three things)?

My family, colors, pinterest, and... nature.

Okay, and I'm just going to post 11 things about myself:

I don't like coconut
My bed actually happens to be messy today... But I already said that. Oh well.
I've been listening to the same song over and over again for the last 2 days
Morgan is sitting right next to me, correcting my spelling and dictating mostly everything I say
I want to write a very long letter to a certain friend right now but can't seem to find the time
I've finally found a good granola recipe
I like sharpie fine point pins. A lot.
I've just finished writing a newspaper :-)
I am very glad I made myself armwarmers because they are very helpful during winter.
I'd like to go to Paris and climb the Eifel Tower. I would NOT take the elevator to get to the top.
I really, really, really want to have a bunch of kids. When I am married.

Now, you must answer these questions (people I tag)

City or country?
Favorite color?
Do you like to read?
Favorite song?
Do you randomly break out in song?
Do you like being tagged?
Confederates or yankees?
Do you care at all for opera?
Do you like getting handwritten letters?
What are you wearing?
who. will. you. tag?

Okay, I'm gonna tag...

Rachel

Rosi

Katie

You three are wonderful and I appreciate all your sweet comments. As well as the rest of y'all.

Ta da! Now you know a little bit more about,

yours truly

February

2012-02-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

I happen to like February. It has a lovely mixture of my favorites, which give me something something to look forward to and anticipate... Like my birthday :-) And the way you can visibly see winter fading and giving away to the inevitable spring. I love being able to savor the last few times I can possibly sip a mug of hot tea before it get's hot and take pictures of that winter sky. I'm not going to lie though, I never really miss winter but I do enjoy it when it's around.

Looking out from my window, I see the gorgeous promise of a full spring in the seemingly dead brown branches of the silent trees. It's that in between time. It's not that cold anymore but it still looks like winter.

So with that, I'll leave you... but with a poem I finished today. Thoughts?

THE SILENT SONG

Was it the song in a dream
That haunts you in your sleep?
Or the melody you caught one day
From some place far away?

It's the silent song that follows you
In your mind alone it plays
You always try to grasp it's tune
But it's always too late

Because like a ship in a tempest
The silent song must vanish
Leaving you haunted and breathless
Pale, shaken but somehow fearless

You can only faintly recall
The instense rise and fall
And the eerie fading throng
Of your ever silent song.

Gabby

p.s. poem inspired by this song

Simple Beauty

2012-01-29T13:21:00.000-08:00

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

A very wise person once said. And it is so true. Beauty- when you come to it with the right attitude and a listening with an opening heart- it can overwhelm you. Just like truth, true pure beauty speaks and radiates- at least to the person listening to it.

Finding this beauty is rather hard because it's in small insignificant things- like a mama's smile, a spool of thread, a basket with story, or even a sewing bobbin. These things manage to be pure and authentic because they are the small and insignificant. They are so true because they are simply themselves without imitating anything else. They are simply beautiful because they are what they were created to be and that's where true beauty lies. You just have to be open to see it and let it speak to you in it's simple, truthful way.

It's been a happy, quiet sort of weekend- the kind I love most- with coffee with Mama and Morgan, writing poems, drawing, and peace. How's was your weekend?

Love,
Gabby

Cookie love

2012-01-25T10:05:00.000-08:00

I like cookies. A good deal, apparently. Who wouldn't? After all, the smooth, thick aroma gliding around the kitchen, beckons for love, and the slightly salty/buttery outside that compliments a warm nutty interior calls "put-your-name-here."

Cookies have to be perfect, too. If they can manage to all be eaten within ten minutes, last a life time in the family's favorite recipes box, and be addicting then they are pronounced trustworthy. It's usually hard to find the perfect recipe because well, admit it, chocolate chip cookies may be the best thing since Jane Austen, but eventually you'll...

*whispers*

want to try something new. And there happens to be a paraphernalia of cookies recipes all saying the same thing in bold print "I am a 5 star, 347 people rater, most amazing cookie that ever lived." It's intimidating and you know it. I know you know it because I go through the same thing when I want to try something new. I've gone through it lately actually. And I was lucky enough to bump into the most amazing cookie recipe I've ever used. And the cookies were ravishing and my family and friends loved them.

PEANUT BUTTER & OATMEAL COOKIES
original recipe from Tasty Kitchens

:INGREDIENTS:

1 stick Unsalted Butter, Softened
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Brown Sugar, Packed
3 whole Eggs
1 teaspoon Vanilla
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1-½ cup Peanut Butter
4 cups Oatmeal

:TO DO:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Cream butter and sugars, add eggs and vanilla mix until combined, then remaining ingredients and mix until combined.
Line a baking sheet with a silpat or parchment then scoop out cookies using a medium cookie scoop.
Bake for 15 min until done then let sit for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.
Makes 3 dozen cookies
Enjoy!

Love,
Gabby

A prairie sunrise

2012-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

Peering out the car window, I see to the back of me a multitude of clouds. They are a rosy pink. To the left of me, a blue sky sits contentedly awaiting dawn. To my right, the vast prairie stretches farther than my eye can see. But at the end, where the sky touches the cold dark ground, a hazy gold lights the background. It's like a gold rim complimenting the black. And it keeps spreading all around.

Realizing what's happening, I grab my camera and video awaiting the inevitable. I video and wait.

Then like a golden jewel a diamond of pure liquid light erupts. I find myself breathless. It's more precious than any jewel! I watch the sun mount and grow wider, the horizon brighter, the sky a bit brighter, the stars gone and the moon fading away, honoring the sun's majesty. And as I watch the sun's glory as it begins it's rule over the sky, I thank God for creating sunrises.

Love,

Gabby

Little man

2012-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

He came in while I was studying biology. Little man tiptoed over giving me the most adorable eye expressions. The lighting was wonderful, so, for thirty minutes biology was neglected. Yeah, I love homeschooling.

"My" little man is so photogenic, yes? How can one little man have such beautiful, clear green eyes, and the most adorable voice that simply melts my heart? I love him. I'll always cherish this time I have with little man because, before long, he's not going to be just a little man any more.

I found him later in his cowboy attire- it's rare to find him without it-. He, not I, asked if I wanted to go take pictures. See? I got him trained. He tends to goof off and make silly faces- I used to hate that I could never get him to just smile and look angelic... but I realized today that I'm not taking pictures of a photographer's dream kid- the one who irresistibly smiles with the most priceless expressions. I'm taking pictures of Aidan. The silly, goofy little boy I call baby brother and little man. And he lives up to that name... and much more.

Love you Aidan,
Big sis.

Slower

2012-01-14T16:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a hurricane of papers, ideas, baking, writing, school, friends, newspapers, and prayers this week. I finish the week off breathless and ever so thankful for the weekend. It seems hard just to take life slowly anymore - it's like it's one big race and we need to get through it and grow up as soon, and as fast as possible. While I watch my life spin by at a frightening pace, I recap and wonder why I'm so eager to get to the end of this marathon. Why can't I just take each moment, a second at a time, and live each with a fulfillment and brim to the top with love?

I don't really have many answers to and of life's questions... but I comfort myself in knowing I can still do something about it. So here I am, wondering how to take life slower, and I find myself returning to the same answer: simply live sincerely and take life at it comes, and while you're at it, find the beauty and goodness that God put in it.

So, what have you been thinking about?
xo,
Gabby

paper heart garland

2012-01-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

This has been my most recent <3 as of this week :-) And as promised, a tutorial:

cut out hearts from newspaper or whatever paper you like. And, if you want your garland exactly like mine, then cut out 10 hearts
thread some embroidery floss {as long as you'll want your garland} through a medium sized needle.
make a large stitch right through the middle of a heart. See above ^
Tape the back of the heart and floss so the heart doesn't slip down the floss. Repeat steps 3 and four until you have a total of 3 hearts on your string. Repeat again on another string the same size as your first string. Repeat again on a longer string and have 4 hearts on it
tie the top of each of your strings to a twig (of about 12 inches of length, evenly spacing each string of hearts.
cut a very long piece of string (about 20 inches or so) and tie ends to twig sides.
hang your heart garland wherever you like and you are through!

Pleaseeeee tell me if you have any problems or need help!

xo,
Gabby

To simply listen.

2012-01-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

Throughout the whirlwind of today- you know- the fast paced lives, everything must be perfect to a "t," that feeling of insignificance it has become so difficult to simply listen. Reading something without just scanning it over, listening to a story and hanging on every word, saying something and really being sincere. To look at a picture and really, just be in awe of the beauty inside it. To simply listen to the beauty inside of everything. Not just looking... but seeing too. It's hard, I know. But know this: there is a uniqueness in everything and it's beautiful. You just have to find it and acknowledge the beauty.

How many times have I missed out on advice, inspiration, a wonderful memory to be cherished because I simply did not want to stop and listen? I didn't take time to find the good or the beauty in what was before me.

So now, I listen as I hear the whisper in the tree tops outside my window, the sincerity in my little sister's talking as she tries to voice her thoughts, I look for the good in a grainy picture and find, it's not how the picture comes that makes it inspirational... It's what it is that matters.

I've been busy redoing my bulletin board and making the heart garland this week. Twas what kept me busy with the good old hammer and such. It was lots of fun and I *should* have a tutorial for the heart garland coming up soon.

Love,
Gabby

Authentic Blogging

2012-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

The end of the day hits, it's night out, and I sit, listening to a rustle in the trees and slowly, carefully, record my life into my journal. The pencil (mechanical, thank you very much) scratches away and words are chosen then written. My day is all summed up, every night, with pencil and 2 pages of paper

Just like then, I find myself wondering what to write. How do I begin? What pictures should I post? Will people like what I write? Is it good? Is it sincere? Is it me? Is it true? Or am I just trying to be like "place-popular-girl's-name-here."

I've said before, I've trouble not wishing to be someone else. The girl who has the wonderfully likeable disposition, the funny, pleasing way of speaking, the capability to make anyone smile... and who has brains to write a brilliant post every time she blogs.

I see girls' blogs brushed over and scarcely paid any attention to because they don't have the perfect blog style or look. They don't write quite as fluently as some. Or maybe people are just prejudiced against them because they haven't got many followers. Maybe I'm one of those girls- who knows. I'd like to encourage every girl that reads this that

please don't worry if your blog isn't "up to date" or popular, or hasn't got many followers.

It's okay because that's what God wants for you. And the last thing you need to do is to start styling your writing to look like "put-fantasy-girl's-name-here." Nothing should be written by you if it's not pure inspiration and completely yours. Whatever else you write, whether it's based off a post from someone's blog months back, or a chapter in a book, it's being dishonest.

>> linking up to Grace's Garden Walk... click the picture to learn more <<

Be yourself because that's who God has picked for you.

Love,

Gabby

Here it is!

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

Is it already 2012? It can't be- I won't allow it. But alas, here it is and here I am twirling my pencil in my fingers wondering what this year's resolution is. But this year, I really don't want to make a neat little list of resolutions, hang them on the wall and cross them out when happily accomplished. But don't get me wrong, I love resolutions and goals just as much as anybody... but this time, I want to put my focus on one thing. Just one. I want my life, my goals, my heart and mind, my wishes and dreams to revolve around King Jesus. I can't really accomplish anything satisfactorily unless He's my first goal. If I can be completely content in Him, then everything else is just "extra." So, come what may and whatever happens this year, other than living for Jesus, is a bonus :-)

I've been having a hammer, nails, saw, knifes, and duct tape in my hand for the last few days... I've been re-decorating generally anything I want to improve :-) But more on that later!

Have a lovely day!

Gabby

under my tree

2012-01-02T07:04:00.000-08:00

It's quiet under here, under "my" tree. A breeze circles and re-circles around me and runs her hand through the roof of leaves above me. It's peaceful under here. The sun jumps in and out of the leaves, one moment there's a flash of light on my face, the next it plays on my neck or my feet. The grass glistens with a million drops of dew, and the sun makes each one a crystal gem- worth more than any jewel. It's gorgeous under here. Kumquats and satsumas and oranges hang gracefully above creating a roof of orange. The only sounds are of the wind making the trees roar and the hoof beats of horses in a neighboring field. It's perfect under here. Who knows, maybe that's why I like it.

I push open a rusty metal cattle gate and slip away to a big gray barn, old and beautiful, weary from a long life and happy with the memories that came with it. The hay loft hasn't got stairs or a ladder so one must climb to enjoy the soft hazy light that streams in and touches the bed of hay.

After climbing up, it's heavenly to simply flop down (creating a dust storm, of course) in the middle of the hay and stare up at the red- from-rust poles supporting the barn, listen to the faint thunder and drizzling rain outside, run your hands through the sweet smelling hay, and think about how lucky of a life you've got. Maybe read a novel and journal while you're at it. Hey! Don't forget to bring up a big thick blanket to curl up with!

Usually here at Nana's and Pappaw's, everyday is like the one described above. Just add multiple person solitaire (an age old family game that's well loved), photoshoots, country music on an old radio, made-from-scratch meals (believe me, you just can't beat that quality), gorgeous sunrises every morning, and lots of laughter. Loads of the stuff. And there is always coffee brewing, neighbors dropping by, old jokes being brought up again and again, funny stories that make you laugh until your sides ache, and to sit down most every evening on the patio listening to my Nana's stories in her southern drawl. It's a gorgeous life here.

Take a deep breath in of that country air and smile while you watch a blood red sunset sink past sight and find for the hundredth time, that you're incredibly blessed.

Happy 2012, y'all

Gabby

in with the new

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

And out with the old. I've been turning in my mind all the things that have happened this year. So many new changes that are now fading into life- becoming part of life. So many lessons learned, so many memories made. I've made a new friend who is absolutely my twin, got my camera exactly a year ago, learned how to accept things I don't want, and found out how to just let God handle things and not rear my head back about it.

Morgan and I took a long walk around the little grounds of our grandparents' house. There is so much nature and beauty in everything. It's like a world dripping with gorgeous color and life. The brown nest nestled into a tree againts a white, cloudy sky; a heart made out of Morgan's hands shimmering in the water; berries literally a cherry red, drooping gracefully off delicate brown branches; children riding the well beloved John Tractor all around the yard... this is Louisiana life!

I've been thinking on this a lot lately... It's incredibly easy to want to be this girl or this gal over here or the popular blogger who has umpteen followers. I suffer through wanting to be something I'm not. Really, when I see a lovely blog that's well liked and the girl respected my first impulse is to say "write posts like hers!" or "design my blog to look like hers!... cause' it'll help... right?" I think we've all gone through something like that, yes?
But I've sort of made up my mind to just write. I simply need to be sincere with what I say and make sure whatever I write comes right from my heart and not off of someone else's post. It's that simple.
Also... I'd like to post less. Just maybe once ir twice a week. It'll be good for me not to post everyother day, I suspect.

Have a good week!
Love,

Gabby

of lately.

2011-12-25T19:12:00.000-08:00

A sunny ray caressed the whole room and it touched the two girls sleeping under their Christmas tree. The older girl woke up, smiled and whispered to her little sister "Merry Christmas, Morgan." The little girl ventured to peep out from under several afghans and returned the oh! so delightful good-morning welcome. They eventually, after much giggling, planning and general excitement, got out of bed and the day proceeded.

The Christmas tree stood all arrayed in a corner, little lights shone everywhere off of it, and the presents, nestled under a roof of branches. A fire roared and whistled, firelight flickered, carols sang in the background, a dance of rain drops was heard on the roof throughtout Christmas day.

Presents were given and the smiles from all the children must have been the most beautiful thank you ever. I love every little present and every little card and every little look of love. And I thank my wonderful, bestest family in the world for everything. Every little thing.

I hope you have a wonderful week, m'dears.

Merry, merry, merry Christmas.

Love,

Gabby

it's coming

2011-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

I awake to a winter wonderland. The winds spins with the snow making a merry dance full of celebration. Our little red brick house it covered in snow. The ivy which creeps up our little house's wall are burdened with a million crystal-clear icicles that hang and look as dainty and graceful as ballerinas. Branches are decorated with snow which little snow birds sit and sing a merry tune on. I love the way snow- as cold and harsh as it is- can make such a happy place.
I won't be able to wake up Christmas morning and see the snow as we'll be down in Louisiana... But I'm glad I saw it. It's gorgeous and beautiful and really just magical.

^^ my friends and I taking a little walk through the snow^^

As of now, we are down in Louisiana with my dear grandparents and aunt. It's been loads of fun and I hope to share some pictures of it soon! It won't be a white Christmas I'm guessing but that's okay because up home in Texas, I know our little house is snuggled under a bundle of snow.

*squeals* I am so excited! Christmas is nearly here! It's a-coming! Merry Christmas Eve.
xoxo,
Gabby

p.s this is my 100th post!!!

food and thoughts

2011-12-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

As I peer out my little perch, I see a brown little world out my window. It's not beautiful. It's nor graceful or eye pleasing, but it's home. Leaves have found rest for themselves in the grave to which they all eventually fly, the sun plays behind the clouds leaving not a mark of her happy face to grace us, and the sky is sullen and white.

Tea is a must and a staple now. Did you know you can (and rather ought if you want my opinion) put cream in tea? It makes really good... Try it. you might like it.

Morgan and I have been making breakfast every morning for all. It's definitely good for the both of us and we've already learned quite a few things... It's hard finding trustworthy recipes but we've been lucky so far :-)

CINNAMON ROLL SCONES

1 c. whole wheat pastry flour
1 c. all-purpose Flour
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. sea salt
¼ c. brown sugar, packed
¼ c. sugar
4 tsp. cinnamon, divided
¼ c. butter, cold
⅓ c. milk

FOR THE FROSTING:

½ c. powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 T. milk

TO DO

Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit. Combine the flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugars, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a large bowl and stir well with a whisk. Add in the butter and continue to mix until the mixture begins to crumble. Pour the milk in. Stir the dough just until combined (it will be sticky!) Gently knead the mixture and transfer to the prepared baking sheet and form a large circle, about 8-9 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cinnamon over the dough. Cut into 8 wedges and bake for 15-18 minutes and remove from the oven when done.

TO MAKE FROSTING

In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, vanilla and milk until combined. Drizzle on top of scones for deliciousness.

from my day

2011-12-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

We {meaning Morgan dear and I} hung up some Christmas lights on our windows. They do make a person grin every time you look at them. Snuggling under the covers at night with the faint glow of a hundred happy lights is the best way to go to sleep.

*notice Morgan's little crooked finger :-) Must be fancy or die*

My siblings and I cut out sugar cookies. Nothing like it! Hearing the giggles of the little ones and the shouts of triumphs as they show all 'round their cookie, makes one so happy to be alive. Ever so happy that Christmas is nearer. Half my joy at Christmas comes from their huge grins and giggles. God bless children.

>> Rosemary and olive oil bread. Delicious. It makes a wonderfully soft loaf and is easily done. The loaf was ravenously eaten up and it compliments Italian food really well.

{originally from- at the very yeast}

here's the recipe:

::ROSEMARY AND OLIVE OIL BREAD::

3 c. flour (I used 1/3 wheat and 2/3 white)
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 T. sugar
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, or 1 7g packet
1 tsp (or more) dried rosemary, freshly chopped

1 c. very warm water
3 T. olive oil

::ALSO::

Some cornmeal for dusting the pan or parchment
1 egg white plus 1 tsp water for the egg wash

rosemary

majoram

::TO DO::

Mix all dry ingredients together except salt in a rather large mixing bowl. In a small bowl, add together water and olive oil. Pour wet ingredients and salt into the dry and mix well. On a floured surface, knead the dough for roughly 3-5 minutes. Grease a big bowl and drizzle olive oil at the bottom. Put the dough in, making sure to cover it with oil so it shan't stick. Let rise for 45-60 minutes in a warm place... like your oven.

Take it out and degas it {degas is simply punching the dough down to let out the alcohol} and shape it into a small rectangle. It doesn't have to be perfect. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

Take it out again and degas it, and shape it into your final loaf of bread. Pinch any open seams, closed. Place dough, seam side down, on a greased and cornmeal floured pan. Let it rise for another 45-60 minutes.

Make 3 long, but not deep, slashes on top of the dough, swipe some of the egg wash all over, and then sprinkle a little bit of marjoram rosemary it. Bake at 375 {yes, Fahrenheit} for 30-40 minutes or until a nice {shan't say "golden brow"- it's too cliche} nutty brown. Cool and enjoy!

xo.

Gabby

christmas time

2011-12-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

Tis' been a week of much preparation. Christmas baking has been put into full throttle, gifts are being wrapped up with so much enthusiasm, lights are being put up, Christmas tree is all decorated... What's not to love about the most wonderful time of the year?

>> brown paper packages all tied up with strings

>> putting up the christmas tree with family

>> writing cards and letters to friends and family

>> a winter wonderland outside, heavy frost on the trees, a white sky

We all came down with a stomach bug this week... which would explain the neglect of my dear little blog. We are quite over it and it's been very homey staying in bed all the time with Christmas lights blinking all over town. It's snug and cozy in our little red brick house and each day is so very full with love and preparation.

How's your last weeks before Christmas been?
xo
Gabby

silent night

2011-12-07T15:39:00.001-08:00

All last evening, the snow rested gently on the ground and twinkling light blinked all across this quiet little prairie town. It was cozy and warm on my bed and I answered various letters, journaled, wrote, thought and prayed and all the while sang in my mind and out loud the Christmas carol Silent Night.

So many rooftops covered with snow, so many houses adorned with Christmas lights... it makes want to savor every drop of December- and then, I want to hurry up with Christmas and see family and give/open gifts... That lovely time of the year when baby Jesus was born will always carry the same magic with it.

xo,

Gabby

living & photographing

2011-12-01T23:29:00.001-08:00

It's amazing, isn't it? How some days are just... black and white? Not that they are just plain dull or morbid... But just every picture is destined to be black and white.

Thanksgiving time, we went to the lake for pictures and of course I took advantage of glorious nature. The grayish white fluff against a pale, so very pale blue sky... The tiny ripples shivering in the water... My dear little sister who is just *so* photogenic walking across the nearest thing we have to a beach here in north Texas.

If I could photography only 2 things in this world... it would be clouds and water. What about you?

p.s. Welcome December!

inspiration...

2011-11-29T09:27:00.001-08:00

... it comes from anywhere, even in the smallest things. That lovely I-wanna-do-that feeling after seeing something rather amazing. When it happens messes follow and life is lived at the fullest. Creativity just flows from your mind and then through your fingertips and then your creativity, your little piece of inspiration is right in front of you looking beautiful. I can't get over it.

From a spool of yarn (that happens to look like baker's twine)

... on a old creaking, wooden bridge surrounded by trees ...

... in a silhouette ....

... Golden fall leaves that are soon to be gone ...

Thanks so much Miss Emily for awarding me the Stylish Blogger Award! It's much appreciated :-)
Okay... so now 7 random things about myself.

I'm going to fly to France or Italy one day. With my mama of course.
In 10 years I hope to be happily married with at LEAST a couple of children and be a farmers wife. :-)
It is exactly 82 more days until my birthday.
My toenails are painted white as of now.
I've moved 9 times, lived in 12 different houses, lived in Louisiana once, Mississippi once, Tennessee once (my personal favorite I'm afraid), Texas 3 times, Arkansas once. I've been everywhere :P
My 3 friends and their younger sister, Morgan and I, have a newspaper which we write up each week on Friday. It's 1 page long {back and front} normally. We all have our "pin" names and mine is Lizzie Alcott. It contains our weekly poems we've written, on-going stories as well as tips, hints, and advertisements. Perhaps a picture or two if we're lucky...

I'm going to tag...
Katie
Rachel
Desiree
Caroline
Willa

Love,
Gabby

Thankful

2011-11-28T11:22:00.001-08:00

I was enjoying a long snooze under a million comforters. And it struck me. I am incredibly lucky. So very lucky and blessed.
Do you ever just count off your blessings to yourself? Now now, I know it brings up those old childhood memories... Remember mama telling you as you look longingly at the expensive put your hearts desire here and then she says crushingly "Count your blessings!"???
Well, I got over my tragically childhood whims and have started to seriously be surprised at how much I already have!

1. I have a Savior. I already have my prince charming who has saved me- a silly damsel in distress, wallowing in her torment and knargled path of sins. He's saved me from the high tower and I gave him my heart and soul to take care of and I trust him before any other person in this universe. I have all that and his love.

2. My family. Somedays, when I wish I could simply start over again, I find myself comparing my family to this girl's family or this family's shoes. But somehow, when I think about my dear old ducky family... I have to laugh and admit that no one's situation could be any better than mine! And I thank my family for putting up with me all the time. Y'all are the greatest!

3. Letters from friends. Mile long handwritten letters from two very specail young ladies that just overpour with friendship, advice, and jokes. Meg, thank-you for your bouncy-glad-to-be-a-girl letters covered in pictures and quotes and jokes that are being brought up for the 100th time. Thank you, Jane, for your ever sweet, humble, and quiet spirit. It literally rubs off you and glistens everywhere! You are a credit to us silly girls and I love you so much for it.

4. I'm thankful for coffee. And hot chocolate. And tea. Chamomile tea mind you. And all hot drinks in general. Oh you dear mugs, how I love thee with your alluring steam and frothy, creamy goodness! The way you look up at me every morning... What would I do without you?

Yes. I know I am crazy. My relations find it necessary to constantly remind me...

{via}

5. I'm so thankful God has given us humans a natural desire to create. To create, craft, inspire, make... it's God's thumbprint on you and I. He created us with this built in desire to worship and imitate him through creating! That's why there's this urge in you every now and then to create. Without even knowing it, when you long to make something... you're longing to worship God- to imitate him. For he is the ultimate creator and we naturally long to be like him.

^^ my latest projects ^^

a twine covered up-cycled bottle and a few knitted dishcloths for my hope-chest.

That's what I'm thankful for.
what about you?
Gabby

Hello change!

2011-11-26T16:04:00.001-08:00

Winter is slowly settling in this little prairie town. It's like every time I look out the window, it's a little bit grayer. A little more lonely... but peaceful. Every morning I wake up, it's a little bit colder outside, but all that more snugger inside. Every day I see the fading color out of the window which makes home all the more wonderful.

Sweaters, secret smiles and packages show up here and there, coffee with Mama and Daddy every morning, knee high socks, favorite Christmas movies being watched, reading through the gospel of Matthew, and most importantly, family time in abundance seem all that more special as I look out at the cold, windy day.

Thanksgiving was so wonderful. It really does capture all the senses doesn't it? The sounds of laughter from jokes and stories that are being told for the 100th time, smelling pies being baked in all their glorious spicy syrup, warm coffee in mugs just tantalizing those taste buds- extra sugar and cream please! A burnt finger or two from baking... And seeing family all squeezed in the living room together makes one feel safe and all bliss.

How was your Thanksgiving?
Love,
Gabby

Renewal and some change

2011-11-22T11:45:00.001-08:00

I suppose I might as well have it all out at once- to whom it matters. This past week, I've wanted to sort of stop. Just stop. And see what's important to me. What do I love the most? What am I really thankful for? What's my passion in life? I've come to my conclusion.

I am not going to stop blogging- I love doing it! It's so wonderful... but while I plan on staying, I'm afraid there will be some changes. I have felt for a while that if I didn't have a "crafty" something or another, I wasn't living up to the title of my blog. If I didn't write something that didn't reflect my blog title, I wasn't living up to it. I love being an ambitious homemaker SO much- but that doesn't mean my blog should be completely about it... right? Truth be told, it's hard to enjoy blogging when your pressured or cornered into writing only what everyone expects. I can be an ambitious homemaker without my whole blog pointing towards it. To be completely frank, I want to blog about whatever. Not just one thing that falls into an ambitious homemaker category. That may sound strange but I think it's really going to help my blog and my writing- just trust me okay :-)

So... I'm saying good bye to An Ambitious Homemaker and restarting- not anywhere new of course, here in the same old spot. This already soft, tilled field. I want to just reintroduce myself and let y'all know who I am- really, so, take a peek at my "this is me" page.
xo.

Clear as rain, muddy as puddles

2011-11-22T11:33:00.001-08:00

It was a black and white sort of week. Everything was clear as rain, but always ended up in a ~~muddle~~ puddles... It was altogether lovely, but somehow, under the shadow of the clouds, there was something wrong with it. I'm not altogether sure what it is; but I figure I need to let my tight reign on schedules, photography, crafting, blogging et cetera just go. Not for long of course, but I want to clear my mind and just make it up- who am I again? What's my life's purpose? Am I doing any good through my little blog? Do I live up to it's name? Should I change it- or should I change me? Whatever it is, I want to find it out. It shouldn't take too long, so I suppose I'll see you when I next see you!

Love,
Gabby

Those days...

2011-11-18T11:35:00.001-08:00

You know those days where the neighbors dog sticks his head out of the fence? Scaring you have to death while you drop a bucket of water for your chicks? But you're glad it happened anyways because it leaves you grinning for the rest of the day and with more appreciation for dogs...

And then your dear little mp3 needed a snuggie. It now has one. I made it whilst studying Biology definitions. Yeah... Biology took longer than normal...

Then somedays, by the time you've finished "watering" your chicks and finally stop laughing at the dog in the fence, you notice that the trees sure have changed a lot since spring... So you take a million pictures...

Oh, and your sister and brother comes to join you outside. You are glad you have the above pictures for blackmail when you're siblings are older...

do days get any better?

Gabby

Walks//leaves//fall

2011-11-16T10:50:00.001-08:00

We went on a spontaneous trip to the library. It's probably a mile there and back from our little cottage so we walked. The boys looked like cowboys {as usual} Morgan toted her parasol, and I my camera. It's been a long time since the sky was blue and the sun smiled at us. It would seem that dear winter wants to move in rather soon this year!

I've been thinking much about what I aspire to in life. What is it that I am trying to get to? What's my goal? It's not exactly as easy a question as it seems... There's one thing for certain: grow and grow my relationship with my family, friends, and Creator. If I can do that, plus love my neighbor as myself, there's nothing more I'd want.

There is one more goal I am, and have been, working on. Beginning this August, I've planned to read 200 books by the time I'm 18. In saying that, I must read about 4-5 books a month. It will help in the long run, and it's best I read much while I'm young[er]. I'm almost 15... in case you're wondering :-) February 20th, is my own special date.

Speaking of "growing up," it's so easy, isn't it, to find yourself saying "I deserve more now that I am growing up" or "I should be treated just like a grown up now" and "why can't there be a major distinction between child and young adult?" Part of me wants to grow up with a snap of my fingers. Another part urges me to just stay where I am and take each minute I have in my youth like a precious gift because it will eventually leave. To learn and aspire while the foundation is still visible. If you don't get a good foundation when you're young, it's hard to change when you're older.

Have a lovely week, dears, and do drop a visit over at my dear friend's little craft room. I'm assisting Miss Grace with her handmade Christmas.

Love,

Gabby

So... could I just start again?

2011-11-14T17:09:00.001-08:00

You know those days.
The ones where you wish you could stay in bed.
The ones where you wish you could forget school.
The ones where you wished with all your might that you could just go to sleep again.
You know, the ones that seem to never end?

Maybe you raised your voice higher, edged with stress, a notch or two more than you should have. Why? Oh, because we're females. We hate our lovely-happy-go-lucky world to be shattered. I hate it when the problems of life work me up. {Headaches are caused and aren't fun, you know}. And you're left, at the end of the day, asking "So... could I just start again?"

But it'll be okay. We have a God who loves and forgives. He really does listen. And you know what else? There is only one thing the Bible requires of you. Have faith. Have faith that our God will always take you back because he loves with an everlasting love.

Try this: Would you parents ever not forgive you? For something terrible you've done? Well, God loves you 100, 1000, 1,000,000,000 times as much as they do. Now tell me. Would God ever not forgive you, if you're sorry?

Think on that, will you? A huge burden will be lifted from your shoulders if you just ask him, and believe that he will, take that burden off you.
love,
Gabby

Life as of late

2011-11-13T05:19:00.001-08:00

^^words fail to describe...^^

Dear summer, I miss you. Already? - yes. It was nice when you were around and well, I guess it's lonely and dreary without ya.

I miss you lighting up all the light in my pictures... And dancing on my face to wake me up. I miss the warmness of your rays. Now it's the icy bite of dear old wind...

I'm very much looking forward to your return dear summer! Make it soon, will you?

I normally don't care for bracelets... But these I like because they're soft and stretchy and crocheted :-) If you want to make some yourself, get an old jersey t-shirt, cut it into a long strand (1 foot, maybe?) and about 1-2 inches wide. Also grab a big crochet hook. Chain until you get the circumfrence of your arm and link the ends of the chain together. Viola! A stretchy, thick and pretty bracelet.

Also, just to let you know, Miss Grace is having a crafting week over at her little blog. Go check it out!
xo
Gabby

busyness//ramblings

2011-11-10T12:03:00.001-08:00

Hello lovelies! Yes... I've made slippers. I'm usually not the one to go tottering about wearing a housecoat and fuzzy slippers with curlers in my hair, I enjoy wearing these feet toasters :-)

If you are interested in crocheting a pair yourself (hint- these would make excellent Christmas gifts!) You can find the pattern here.

And hey! Who knew you could use 2 different kinds of yarn to knit a decidedly more chunky and colorful scarf? A dear friend gave me the navy blue yarn- it's so pretty! Thanks dearie!

Mmhmm... this was another exciting-over-the-weekend-project. Silhouettes... They are so intriguing, and at the same time mysterious. I'm keeping my buttons in this jar.

This has been a really fun project- Morgan and I in collaboration :-) What it is, is we've tacked lace onto our wall, and then cut out brown paper into small folded over rectangles. Inside, there's a little something *fun* to do for each day of December as we begin the countdown for you know what. Also, we punched holes in the note slips and hung it to the lace with an ornament hanger. It's pretty cool. We're not quite to December 25th though...

Okay... I think I'm at least caught up posting my projects. I hope you've found some ideas through here! Have a lovely day,
Gabby

do you thrift?

2011-11-06T16:35:00.000-08:00

Big knitting needles are nice... Big and rather fat balls of yarn are splendid... A big, tall mug {of a edible milky white color} filled to the brim with coffee {why yes, I drink coffee- you?} and sitting blissfully on my 2.00 white comforter I'm currently sporting, that I found at a thrift store and am grinning over. Yes. It's been a nice weekend.

I really love garage sales, antique stores, and well, thrifting in general. Because you find things like awesome knitting needles for half the price you find in a store.^ I found 4 pairs! And yes, I did squeal. 1's 2's 5's and 7's... all in gray. Which, by the way, are my favorite color for knitting needles :-)

Also, there happened to be a bag of lace. Vintage lace. Mmm hmm... A dollar is quite a reasonable price don't you think? To be honest, I snatched the bag along with my new loves (above) and paid for them as quickly as possible.

The above^ is a vase from Wal Mart which I think was... like 2.75 maybe? The "knit" part is hot glue that I glued on there. After the glue dried, I spray painted over it with a flat finish, white spray paint. I like the results. It has been assigned the job of holding all my knitting needles, which, I am pleased to see, have amounted to... a lot.

^Mother got a new potholder^

diy

Metal thumb tacks painted with nail polish. I don't like metal gray much on my bulletin board. Or for that matter, plastic clear thumb tacks which are quite disgusting when holding lace for my earrings. The above are nice and easy and sweet.

To be frank, thrifting is just so much more fun than going to a store and buying whatever you want in a plastic, hard-to-get package which are quite ugly to the artistic eye. When there are little goodies tucked away on a shelf, covered in dust, it just makes you want them. Go to a garage sale, or thrift/antique store and tell me you found something you liked.

Alrighty! Although there are about... 10 other projects that y'all don't know about (see above) that are cluttering my room, upstairs, at the moment that I should really post about, but shan't so as to let y'all have a break from my gabbing. Pun intended :-)

Be thrifty. It's worth it.

xo

p.s. i happened to notice Miss Carlotta had a thrifting post also... Just to let y'all know I'd been planning to write this one up for a while :-) Don't copy others... because that's not pure inspiration, am I right?! Not saying you can't borrow ideas, but nothing will ever be yours if it's always borrowed. *smiles*

Pumpkin spice bars ::recipe::

2011-11-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Think:: Moist, sweet, slightly spicy crumbs everywhere. Thick delicious creamy homemade vanilla icing, simply oozing off the thick soft pumkiness.

Yeah, it's that good.

And by the way, you can make it too! Here's the recipe:

{Pumpkin Spice Bars}

Ingredients:
4 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 c. oil
1 16 oz. can of pumpkin
2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 11 x 18 cake pan.
Blend together wet ingredients and the sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, ginger, and cloves. Spread into cake pan gently. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a nice orangish brown. Let it cool completely in it's pan before icing.

{Cream Cheese Icing}

Ingredient:

3 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/3 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. powdered sugar

Cream all the above ingredients together... and spread on cooled pumpkin bars. Cut the cake to make about 40 bars.
*note* make sure the icing is NOT cold when icing the bars!

2011-11-02T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am in love with black and white photography.
I am in love with photography in general.
I am in love with rain and reflections.
I am also in love with this lovely month we call November.
I am in love with paint... and nail polish {who knew! you can paint bobby pins and metal thumb tacks with bobby pins- more on that later).
I am in love with sweet letters that come in the mail from lovely friends. thanks dear- you made my day <3
I am in love with white dresses.
I am very much in love with knitting lace.

I also love my followers,
Gabby

Scarflette:: pattern

2011-11-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Okay... I am not a big fan of "go get this so and so yarn, and this size of so and so knitting needles, and make sure your gauge is so and so size" et cetera, but this time I am going to so y'all don't get mad at me if your project decides to "freak" out :-)

::Materials::

a small ball of Red Heart Yarn
1 pair of knitting needles 6mm
tapestry needle
3 medium sized button

::Pattern::

Cast on about 20 stitches
Knit in double seed stitch until the piece is as long as around your throat.
*Now double seed stitch 5 stitches, yarn over* repeat from *-* until you reach the end of the row. (You should have 3 yarnovers- these will be your button holes)
Next row, double seed stitch until you get to the yarn over. Knit {or purl} as the stitch presents with the yarn over.
Double seed stitch 2 more rows and bind off. With your tapestry needle, sew on buttons to where they are in accordance with the button holes. Weave in ends and enjoy your scarflette!

Many thanks to my dear little sister for being my charming model. Love you dear!
p.s. if anyone needs help with my pattern please tell me! I am more than happy to help.
xo

::Photoshoot:: Morgan

2011-10-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love it when Morgan lets me take a photoshoot of her... This one was all black and white and no smiling. She is so pretty and to be completely truthful, I like pictures of her with no smiles. They look somewhat old-fashioned and sincere. That's the best I can describe them.

So... do y'all like black and white photography? I sure do!

the prairie

2011-10-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

The prairie has a sort of quiet beauty. It doesn't force you to say "wow! that's gorgeous!" But it sort of creeps into your mind and makes you admit that it is truly lovely.
My friend one said that when she goes to a place with tall trees, green grass, flowers everywhere, ivy... it's too much to look at. It's hard to feel as if you're apart of the creation- kind of like you're on the outside looking in. One can feel part of the prairie because of it's vastness and emptiness.

Have a lovely day!
p.s. will you vote on the poll on the sidebar? xo

Tiered basket for yarn

2011-10-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Today is a lovely day. Because our Creator created, designed, and made it perfectly. Not because I just happened to like what happened to me on this particular day but because God gave me this day to enjoy and to learn from. Not so all my senses and mind would be satisfied. Amen!

Anyways, on this fine, glorious day, I've found out that hanging a tiered fruit basket from the ceiling in ones room makes an excellent place for yarn storage. It works really well. I screwed a little screw/hook into the ceiling and hung the tiered basket on it. I found the basket from a garage sale (50 cents- how could I pass it up!)

So... if you are needing a way to store your yarn (in a cute way) then this is the thing for you! I love it already! ...Plus it adds a very personal, characteristic piece of art that sort of defines your room- makes it homier, if you will. Y'all have a good week!

p.s. if you enjoyed this post, because you're a fellow crafter, I'd go to Miss Emily's blog. Or Miss Grace's blog. These lovely ladies always have great lists with craft tutorials et cetera.