Let's Blog {You & I}!

I never thought I’d be a blogger. Really. It wasn’t on my bucket list or even on my radar until I first stumbled upon someone’s charming blog & it got me hankering for one of my own. So I took the plunge almost 5 years ago. I don’t claim to be a blogging genius or HTML whiz – in fact, sometimes it amazes me that I’ve even got this little ole’ blog. Social media is such a time taker in this age, so I try to be extra careful & choosy with it. I’m not on Twitter or Instagram & I’ve never played Candy Crush {cause I know I’d probably become an addict with rotten techno-sweet-tooth brain} + I’ve never had a sip or taste of anything from Starbucks & I don’t have an iPhone & rarely text, so I’m basically this crazy twenty-something that goes against all that society says is good & decent… but I like it that way. I like being the girl God made me to be. So what if the world doesn’t get it? =)

Lately I’ve been wondering about shaking things up here on the blog. A new design, a new name…? I’d l-o-v-e your input/advice/wisdom.

Perhaps you’ve thought about starting up a blog yourself? Say a prayer, take some time, & then take that first step. I’d be happy to help you in any way I can, just drop me a line {er, comment} & let me know! Blogging is a journey; it’s work; it’s therapy; it’s a mini community that spans the globe… It’s many things & many peoples, maybe one of those people should be you.

Blogging Love,
-Bess-

Guest Post with "Inside Charlotte's Mind"

Good day everyone. I am taking time out from posting on my blog today and posting for Bess. I have to admit this whole guest blog idea makes me feel rather like a rockstar...I feel as though I should be making some diva-style demands! But I won't do that...well not today at least.

I found this Blogtember Challenge truly wonderful, I have come across so many people that I have a lot in common with. A wonderful long distance friendship will now be in place between Bess and I, and for this I am so very thankful.

She is a lovely lady. So very kind and sweet.

But onto the task at hand eh?! Go forth into the breach so they say.

I thought I would share some things with you all that I have on my mind of late.

There was a prompt a week or so ago about what inspires us, and at the time all my brain focused on was in a blogging sense. But after having time to meditate on it so to speak, I would like to share with you about my late father.

Stephen James Ward - died February 17th 1990 aged 30.

I was 4 when my father died.

Whenever people used to ask me what happened to him, they always assume it was an illness..this is not so.

I remember pieces from that day.

But to be honest I have repressed quite a lot.

On that day my dad, mum 2 brothers and I were travelling home on the motorway.

Whilst doing so an accident occurred between several cars. Without thinking dad stopped and went to help.

There were 2 women and a baby stuck in a vehicle.

What I remember is my mum coming to the car to retrieve a blanket, I remember seeing blue flashing lights.

I remember being driven away in a police car.

My father inspires me for many reasons.

He is a hero to me and always will be.

He gave his life to save others.

I may have lost dad, but others got to live.

There are some things about me that people assume when they meet me.

They assume that I want pity - this is not so, all I want is for people to understand that although there may be a lot of hatred in the world, there is always a diamond shining in the darkness.

I have talked on numerous occasions about the pain that comes with bullying and depression - again people think I want attention. This is not so. I personally feel that both of these topics have a stigma and need to be talked about. Children and adults alike need to understand and believe that they are not worthless. They are loved. If nobody else will, I will be there for anyone who needs help.

I am a compassionate person. It's safe to say sometimes I may put my emotions into things a tad too much. but do you know what, sometimes it is ok to do this.

Yes, I am british. Yes, I have emotions! We are not all about the stiff upper lip :-)

Although I may not feel like being cheerful sometimes, I would rather make someone else happy. Other peoples joy and happiness is so important to me.

I am one of those people who can hide their feelings and emotions very well when I need too. But if someone is in pain, I need to help.

"I wear my heart on my sleeve," thank you Shakespeare!

Lets end in a cheery fashion shall we - check this out -

only 2% of the world has red hair so I am basically a majestic unicorn!!

Thank you all for reading today. I hope you get a chance to check out the rest of my blog, when you pop on over to see Bess' post.

Have a therapeutic Thursday...and remember it's Friday tomorrow!!

So have a dance around and get that Friday feeling lovely people.

Visit Inside Charlotte's Mind here!

5 Blogs I ♥

A Beautiful Mess
Who doesn't love sisters Elsie & Emma?  They're super crafty in every since of the word.  Ever since I moved into my own space I've grown a deep love for decorating & setting up my place - these girls inspire me to do just that!

Skunkboy
Don't let the name fool you {there isn't a skunk (unless maybe a stuffed one) & there isn't a boy (unless you count her husband)}... All I know is I just like having a peek into Katie & her sweet family's life - their vintage-ness & quirky creativity is inspiring & just plain fun {in my honest opinion}.  

Holley Gerth {Coffee for Your ♥}
She's not only an absolutely fabulous author of Christian books about dreaming God-sized dreams, she's a sweet encourager through her blog writings, too.  She brings the caffeine for your heart {Holley, if by some minute chance you're reading this, you can steal that tagline!}.  

P.S. - I Made This
This blog is a DIY dream land!  Plus, it's got super easy instructions with bright photos {& some videos, too}, so you can totally recreate the ideas yourself.  Whether it's nifty fashion crafts, recipes, or decorating ideas P.S. - I Made This is the place to be!  {P.S.: I ♥ their inspiration boards, too.} 

Ruffles & Stuff
This is {I think} the first ever blog I found back in the day that became my first ever favorite!  Disney is a Jesus-loving mom & foster-mom, preacher's wife, & general cool crafter girl.  She is strong in Jesus {the most important thing in this crazy broken world}.

Blog Loving,

-Bess-

P.S.: What are some of your favorite blogs?

An Announcement!

You know how I was sort of soul-searching a few posts back about blogging in general?  Well, I’ve gone & done it – I’ve started a new blog.  Don’t worry, I’ll still be blogging here at the Bag!  I’ve just decided at this point in my life I’d like to create a blog devoted to my life right now as a single girl {waiting on God’s perfect timing}.  This “diary” is a little more geared to young adult women {college age & beyond}, but as always everyone is welcome.  I just want a space to be honest & real about the challenges & achievements of the single life.  So, without further ado, click here to visit Diary of a Single Girl!

Love,

-Bess-

Plan A Visit To "Novel Pretender" - Blog Interview!

Jane is certainly not plain! Don’t know Jane? She’s the super cool girl behind the blog “Novel Pretender.” I like to think of her as my pal! =) (Hope you feel the same, Jane.) As you may have deducted from her title, she’s got bookish ambitions (she’s christened her laptop “Maud,” after L.M. Montgomery=), but you’ll find lots more than writing projects, poetry, & sundry other “novel”ties on her blog! She’s a college girl with a job at a library (my first job was in a library – perfect place for scribbling writers – we definitely are kindred spirits, Jane =), & a love for her Heavenly Father that always shines through! We sat down “cyber-ly” for a chat a couple weeks ago, & if you promise to visit her blog we’ll give you a peek. Promise? Okay, now pinkie -swear! Good.
Here it is…

THE INTERVIEW:
Bess: Why did you choose to create & keep a blog?

Jane: Because I love to write! I started it very casually last year, for my friends & family to read. I never ever expected to get other readers. Recently I started reading some other blogs, & they inspired me to start keeping mine consistently again. Since then I’ve gotten seven more followers! [Bess: Now you’ve got even more – 20 at last count! Yippee!] I’m really enjoying the experience of keeping a blog, & I hope to continue it for a long time.

Bess: What’s a reader likely to find on your blog?

Jane: Bible verse, sewing projects, the occasional tutorial, book reviews, poetry, fashion, historical costumes, my thoughts, & more!

Bess: Fill us in on some of your hobbies.

Jane: Reading, writing, occasionally sewing, geo-caching with friends, drinking coffee, singing, making up treasure hunts, Tae Kwon Do, making movies, playing with my siblings…

Bess: Take the first letter of your name & create 1 word (that starts with that 1st letter) to describe you! What’s the word?

Jane: Joyful

Bess: Tell us about your relationship to Christ. =)

Jane: I have considered myself a Christian almost my entire life. I grew up in a Christian home & accepted Christ into my life when I was young… but recently it has become more to me. God has been working in my life & making my faith a personal thing. I was apathetic about my faith before because I had always taken it for granted. One thing I’ve been working on lately is making God my hiding place, instead of hiding from the things in this world that I’m afraid of. My biggest fear is probably what other people think of me. I have always felt the need to have the approval of others. What I am trying to learn is that all I need is God’s approval & that I can do all things…even hard things…through Christ who strengthens me. : )

"Novel Pretender" LINK: http://novelpretender.blogspot.com/

I feel like I should say “Amen” after that last part! Amen, girls! =) So, you know you want to check out Jane’s blog now… What are you waiting for? Visit “Novel Pretender”! (P.S.: Tell her, Bess sent you! =)

Plan A Visit To "Iradessa" - Blog Interview!

“Iradessa” – the name just sounds magical & full of wonder, doesn’t it? It’s one of those words that is even more wonderful when you say it out loud… & it happens to be the title of a blog created by a lovely needle-&-thread-loving girl named Celine. On my first “visit” to “Iradessa,” I discovered the needle-&-thread-loving Celine also loves her Heavenly Father, poetry, & Scotland. Since the moment of those three revelations I have been certain that I have found a kindred spirit! Celine & I recently had a “cyber conversation” about her blog, & we’re allowing you in on our little chat…

--Bess’ Bag News (BBN) interrupts your regularly scheduled Interview to announce a new upcoming challenge to soon hit the blog world! Our sources tell us this “event” has something to do with girlhood companions, but these “companions” are utterly silent & won’t share a single peep about the future festivities. Sources tell us you should visit “Iradessa” for updates! We now return to your scheduled program featured in its entirety. BBN signing off.--

THE INTERVIEW:
Bess: Why did you choose to create & keep a blog?

Celine: Well, I was very fond of the “Thoughts of a Shield-Maiden” blog (which now is a Wordpress blog) & I’ve always been a “blogging” sort of person; I have that sort of “journalism” in me, my dad says.

Bess: What’s a reader likely to find on your blog?

Celine: Lots & lots of posts about possible sewing projects! It’s more fun to dream about a dress you could make than actually making it sometimes. : )

Bess: Fill us in on some of your hobbies.

Celine: reading, writing, illustrating fairy tales, water color painting, having picnics or doing yard work outside with my littlest sister, drafting my own patterns, buying fabric, playing the piano, cooking with Mom or by myself, hiking, swimming in the creek…oh! One other thing: SEWING!!!

Bess: Take the first letter of your name & create 1 word (that starts with that 1st letter) to describe you! What’s the word?

Celine: A word that would describe me is…creative. : )

Bess: Tell us about your relationship to Christ. =)

Celine: I became a Christian when I was very young, & I’m still growing. I struggle with certain sins constantly, but God is helping me through them. : ) I can’t imagine what life would be like if I didn’t know Him.

"Iradessa" LINK:

http://iradessa.blogspot.com/

So, take a wondrous visit & meet Celine at “Iradessa!” See what all the fuss is about! (P.S.: Tell her, Bess sent you! =)

Plan A Visit To "Grace's Garden Walk" - Blog Interview!

I’m not sure exactly how I stumbled upon “Grace’s Garden Walk” (that’s usually how friendships start, I’ve noticed, at some unnamable moment), but I’m so glad I did. Grace is a newbie to the blog world (I know how that feels =), & if you follow me (& her link =) to her lovely garden path you will find the musings, dreams, & thoughts of a lovely Daughter of the King. I had a little “cyber chat” with Grace about her blog, & we’re kindly lending you a peek…

THE INTERVIEW:
Bess: Why did you choose to create & keep a blog?

Grace: I decided to create a blog because…I thought it would be really fun! In the past, I had read a lot of other people’s blogs & it inspired me to start one of my own. It really encouraged me to see so many Christian ladies sharing their blogs.

Bess: What’s a reader likely to find on your blog?

Grace: Readers are likely to find my…sewing projects, stories, & daily activities.

Bess: Fill us in on some of your hobbies.

Grace: I have a lot of hobbies including: sewing, writing, reading, lettering friends, blogging, card making, cooking... You can find more of my pastimes at my blog.

Bess: Take the first letter of your name & create 1 word (that starts with that 1st letter) to describe you! What’s the word?

Grace: A word that would describe me is…grateful.

Bess: Tell us about your relationship to Christ.

Grace: I want to please & serve the Lord in all I do, & want Him to direct my path in life.

"Grace’s Garden Walk" LINK:

http://gracesgardenwalk.blogspot.com/

So, take the path less traveled & visit Grace’s blog for a perfect garden stroll. Spring is in the air, & it’s a lovely time to be in the garden! (P.S.: Tell her Bess sent you! =)