So Long, Blog-tember

It’s bittersweet, this farewell to Bailey Jean’s “Blog-tember Challenge.” I’m so glad I participated &, yes, it was definitely a challenge at times to post each & every day & come up with snazzy {or semi-snazzy (cause I just can’t be snazzy ALWAYS)} =) thoughts on the different topics Ms. Bailey created for us {an uber thanks to Bailey Jean for hosting this}.

For the end I thought I’d share my top 5 fave posts from this month. Do I really have to choose? Okay, here goes…

1. Day 4 {Fashion Trending}

2. Day 5 {A Pen & Paper Passion}

3. Day 19 {"Don't Be Like the Rest of Them...}

4. Day 25 {Guest Post: DIY Word Art Pillow}

5. Day 26 {Not Who I Am (But Perpetually Becoming)}

Blog-tember Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Tomorrow is October!!!

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-

Highs & Lows {Sept.}

Highs:

+overcoming fears & enjoying moonlight swims

+substitute teaching jobs {one little girl gave me a post-it note declaring my awesomeness (I don't know about that, but it's now displayed on my fridge)}

+antique shopping & playing video games with my mom {a strange combo, but that's how we roll} =)

+being able to take my nephew home after school some days {I've been able to sub at his school lots}
+my nephew's 6th b-day {can't believe it}

+connecting with new blogging sisters for Bailey Jean's "Blog-tember Challenge"

+creating my 1st {albeit completely imperfect} vlog 
+loving teaching my preschoolers at church
+enjoying the fallish weather out-of-doors

Lows:

+applying for full time work with no doors opening {God seems to be saying "wait," I suppose}

+struggling with fears

+struggling with comparing my story-thus-far to others'

Weirds:

+getting locked in a swimming pool {read more about it here}

September's almost done, my dear.  Here's to a bright {be good to me} October!  {I wish I was typing this post up wearing a high-low skirt!  It just seems fitting...  Sorry, I'm beginning to ramble.}

Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: What were some of your highs & lows this month?  I'd love to hear in a comment!  

P.P.S.: Any prayer requests?

Even More Fall Favorites {'The Circle' Link Up}

1. Favorite fall fashion/clothing item?
Boots!  I love to wear em with tights & a dress/skirt.

2. Favorite fall drink?
I love caramel hot chocolate this time of year.  

3. What's something on your fall bucket list?
Go on an autumn picnic.  You can view my full fall bucket list here {It's in video form!}. =)

4. Favorite fall recipe?
I'm no Julia Child {not by a long shot (but maybe I will be, cause she actually never learned to cook until she was 32 - so I have a few years yet {i.e.: there's hope} - but I digress)}.  The most fallish thing I've made is probably rice krispies treats made with pumpkin flavored marshmallows.  In spite of my lack in cookery talents, I'm hoping to try my hand at some comfort food recipes this fall.

5. Halloween candy or Pumpkin Spice Latte? 
I have to be honest, I've only ever stepped into a Starbucks once {shocking, I know}, & then I didn't even get anything!  So, needless to say I've never had a PSL.  I am, however, a perpetual fan of chocolate!  {Need I say more?}

6. Favorite fall scent?
Pumpkin!  I'm itching to buy a Bath & Body Works wallflower refill to fill my apt. with the yummy autumn scent!  They have so many pumpkin choices, it's going to be hard to choose!

7. Favorite fall holiday?  
I'm an autumn birthday girl - so there's that, but I also love the comfort, tradition, & gratitude-attitude of Thanksgiving!  Plus, the feeling of being cozy with my family, watching parades, playing games, & the smells of deliciousness wafting from the kitchen! 

8. What is fall weather like where you live?
Typically, autumn is sweet relief from the humid southern summer in my neck of the woods.  The air feels coolish, crisp, & some days down right chilly.

Autumn Love,

-Bess-

Bess' Autumn Wishlist

throw / ring / hat / lotion / mug set

Wishlist Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: A girl can wish, can't she?

P.P.S.: What's on your list?

Not Who I Was {But Perpetually Becoming}

I know this much: I’m not who I am when I first began. Do you ever wonder if you are growing better or worse – as if it’s something you can measure like skinny pencil lines slowly traveling up the wall each year to mark the growth? I’ve learned - & I keep relearning in my foolish humanity style – that so many of life’s lessons are lessons that take a lifetime. I don’t know why they don’t stick… things like God is faithful; He will take care of you, so fear not; Jesus’ blood is enough to wash away your sins; He has a good plan. Even though these utter Truths are memorized & head-knowledge, when illness comes & jobs are lost; when families fall apart & natural disasters take lives; when evil seems to triumph & aloneness stifles the heart; when mistakes are made for the umpteenth time & the devil prowls… we forget what we know & have to relearn. I pray that I can grow steadfast & make these Truths more “heart” knowledge, & that when I forget I will be gently reminded through opening The Word & uttering the tiny prayer of, “Father, help me.” It is only through His strength. He knows the unbelief of His people since Adam & Eve & the grumbling Israelites & to today when I forget. He has always been faithful & He does not change. He is steadfast. Keep learning the Truths that the world tries to dilute & wash away – they will remain, whether you choose to believe or not. Though I pray you believe, dear one, & remember the Truth that has won the victory! I am not who I was a year ago, but I’m seeking to grow in the lessons that take a lifetime to be lived out unto the glory of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Truth & Love,
-Bess-

P.S.:

Guest Posting Today! {DIY Word Art Pillow}

Hello all!  I'm guest posting today over at sweet Charlotte's blog {Inside Charlotte's Mind}.  Stop by & learn how to make the pillow shown above, won't you?  Be sure to explore the brand new Inside Charlotte's Mind, too!

DIY Love,

-Bess-

P.S.: Can you believe October is almost here?!