10 Things

I've been participating in Bailey Jean's "Blog-tember Challenge" since Sept. 1st {& really enjoying it, by-the-by}!  Today's prompt is  to list 10 things that you love about yourself.  Bailey adds, "Let's kick that negative self-talk outta here!"  I agree, but I have to admit it doesn't come easy sometimes in this world so full of airbrushed falsities & unrealistic ideals.  It helps to remember I was fashioned by the Master Artist & every intricate detail {down to the swirl of our fingerprints} was planned for His purpose.  

Here's my list...

1. my eyes

2. my hair

3. my zany sense of humor

4. my creative spirit

5. my perseverant heart

6. my adventure-loving self

7. the dimple when I smile

8. my playful nature

9. my empathy for my fellow broken humanity

10. my ability to laugh at myself 

"I praise You because I am fearfully & wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalm 139:14

Love,

-Bess-

What's Your Personality Type?

I’m definitely an introvert.  I crave time alone to re-energize from the daily drains of life.  However, living alone the last few years has left me desiring more “people time.”  If you were a fly on the wall, you’d find me talking to myself some {i.e.: most} days {in the confines of my own apt. (mostly)}. =) Yes, I’ve traveled across the pond twice now completely solo {no tour group & not knowing a single soul} – I find something inexpressibly delicious about that {though, believe me, it’s not all glamorous adventure & carefree-ness}. 

I took the test here to find out my "in depth" personality type & this is what I got: INFJ!  Here’s what it all stands for & my percentages: Introvert 67% iNtuitive 25% Feeling 50% & Judging 22%.  Do you know your "type"?  Try the test & see what ya get!

You've got real personality, friend!

Love,
-Bess-

Music Loving

I love music... hearing it, singing it {when no one's around}, experiencing it live, making it.  

I grew up going to classical & big band concerts a lot {my sister plays the viola & I played the violin - so we were even in concerts}.  My dad played trumpet & my mom plays the organ, piano, is a member in a hand-bell choir, & sings beautifully {she even played French horn & the sousaphone back in the day}.  So, it's in my blood big time!  I was never uber-talented at the violin, but I remember in high school finding a blank book for writing music in & I sat for hours & methodically created "songs" with rather interesting titles {one was called The Mermaid's Lament - wish I could play it for ya (quite melancholy)}.  

My favorite music includes contemporary Christian {it's pretty much always on my car radio} & Disney/movie soundtracks {yep, I'm that kinda girl}.  I also enjoy hymns & old school "oldies."

Each month I share the songs I'm currently loving {click here for Sept.'s}!

Musical Love,
-Bess-

P.S.: What music moves you?

P.P.S.: & because I couldn't post about music without a song... 

Song Love {September}

"He Knows My Name" by Francesca Battistelli


"How Can It Be" by Lauren Daigle


"Glorious Unfolding" by Steven Curtis Chapman

Musical Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: That last music video is a tearjerker, but oh so beautiful!

Favorite Reads

Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl 

I don't think I can say it any better, so I'll quote you the inside of the book-jacket for this one: "A book as frothy & fizzy & light as a champagne cocktail - think I Capture the Castle meets Pride & Prejudice!"  A perfect description {though I am a teetotaler}.  Patrice Kindl is one of my favorite authors!

Beauty & the Beast: The Only One Who Didn't Run Away by Wendy Mass

I'm a sucker for well written fairy tale re-creations.  This one was it for me!

The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg 

It's 1896 & an unlikely mother-daughter duo set out to cross the United States on foot.  The fear of losing the family farm paired with the promise of a hefty monetary reward if they make it in 7 months time spurs them on.  This adventurous novel is based on real happenings & the author is actually a descendant of the cross-country walkers, herself!  

More Bookish Links:

For what I'm currently reading click here.

For my past favorite reads click here!

For my book reviews click here.

Bookish Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What are some of your favorite books to recommend?  Leave a comment to share!

Currently {September}

+Reading: Miss Bianca & the Bridesmaid by Margery Sharp.  Why have I never been privy to this delectable {"Miss Bianca"} series before?  Yes, it’s a children’s chapter book, however I don't think it would be fully appreciated unless by older ears {eyes?}.  Remember the Disney movies The Rescuers & The Rescuers Down Under?  These charmingly written stories from the 60s/70s are about those mice!  Okay, so this may not excite the rest of you as it has me, but I have a real fetish for this kind of lit. 

+Listening: to Erin O’Donnell’s No Place So Far CD when driving around.  {Is it terribly old school to listen to CDs now?  I feel like vinyl is back & the old compact discs seem completely old fashioned, strangely instead.  Well, that’s me, anyway: O.F.  Did I mention this CD was around when I was in high school?}

+Enjoying: moonlight swims – I discovered if I go later I can have the whole of my apartment place’s pool to myself {at least it’s worked that way the last 2 nights}.  I can float & look up at the stars!  I’m “soaking” it up while I can; it’s almost time for the pool to close for the season.

+Working: on cleaning up my apt.  I like to be organized, but the creative side of me lends itself to big messes + lately I just haven't felt like it {see below}.

+Praying: for my mom & stepfather.  His cancer has returned.  He sorta shrugs it off, but it's extremely hard on my mom.  If you feel led to, I know they'd appreciate prayers!

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What are you up to lately?

A Pen & Paper Passion

When I was little I wove tales with my tongue & my aunt prophesied that I would be an author. Later, came fat pencil stories of brave girls who owned no fear. Later still, came poems & thoughts ink scribbled on scraps of notebook paper as I jostled about on the city bus - eyes open to all around me: live, breathing stories & mysteries untold & hidden in passengers & buildings passed by.

There is a magic I have found in breathing to life a character unknown to the world until penned down - & weaving a world for her that is not perfect or simple or easy, as real flesh-&-blood worlds never are.

Somewhere along the way, fear gripped my hand & besought me to question the validity of such a hope that I could be published & read & reread.

Today is a dusting off day, for though there are no guarantees in this life, I have come to the realization it is far worse to have the gift & never open it, then to open it & find it unwelcomed. Someone wiser than I once said, "It is better to try & fail, then never to try at all." It is a truth for these trembling hands to pick up the pen once more, for it is a passion that abides deep inside.

Love,
-Bess-

"I wish I knew for sure I could make it as a writer.  Then I could stop dithering about my future & write."

-The Year We Were Famous by Carole Estby Dagg

P.S.: Sometimes you just have to take a blind leap & leave the landing up to God.