October 6th, 2013: Links I Love

FOOD52

Welcome to October 6th's Links I Love! Let's get started...

1. Homemade croissants. Need I say more? (FOOD52)
2. If croissants are too hard, how about some Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread? (PASTRY AFFAIR)
3. What do you do with all your left-over herbs? Make vinegar! (THE YELLOW HOUSE)
4. How to use a whole ear of corn - no wasting here! (FOOD52)
5. Two words: Ramen Burger. I know, right? (REFINERY29)
6. The perfect summer recipe (even if it's Fall) - Watermelon-Lime Ice Pops (GREATIST)
7. Just because this is super pretty...No, but this Squid Ink Pasta with Stilton Blue and Fresh Eggs is gorgeous and super yummy! (TARTELLETE)
8. 5 Comfort Foods for a Rainy Day! (EVERyDAY FOOD BLOG)
9. The perfect recipe for today - Bacon Macaroni and Cheese! (EVERYDAY FOOD BLOG)
10. A wonderful blog that will have you starving in seconds. (MUDPIES AND MINSTRONE)
11. Good to the Core Stuffed Apple Dessert - try saying that ten times fast. Sorry, I'm too busy mentalling eating this. (HEALTHFUL PURSUIT)
12. Cupcakes and more... (KITCHEN MUSINGS)
13. Vanilla tarts... thank you very much! (KITCHEN MUSINGS)

Thanks, and see you tomorrow for more! 

October 3rd, 2013: Picture Post

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http://fotoimagepics.info/2013/05/laugh-love-live-quotes/

ThemesCompany

Graphicsheat

Keep Calm and Love

Polyvore

Dreamer

Polyvore

Stylopics

Rob Rock Rule

Writing is My Life

An Intro to Writing

If someone asked me what was the most important part of my life, I would probably say writing. I love to write. I would write even if everyone hated my writing. I would write if I was penniless, and I would write if I was unbelievably rich. I write about everything and anything, if you can't already tell.

So, why do I love writing?

I love writing because it gives me a way to express myself. Writing allows me unlimited possibilities. There will always be a word I don't know, and there will always be that one perfect word for my emotions.
I love to write to get my thoughts on paper. I love making characters and stories come to life. I love making an impact on other's lives through my writing. Most of all, I love putting a little bit of me into my writing.

What does writing mean to me? 

To me, writing is everything. Writing is my emotional outlet. I write short stories, poems, blog posts, rants... Writing means being able to let go. I let my fingers go. All I do is sit back and watch. 

When did I first begin loving to write?

Ever since I was young, I have loved to write. I read non-stop, so writing just came naturally to me. While words didn't always come to me easily, I loved finally having that breakthrough moment, like a lightbulb going off in my head. 

How do you write well? 

Write constantly. Even if you don't have anything to write about, just write. Oh, and read! Reading is the best tool for writing. 

How do you come up with story ideas?

Carry a notebook around with you and write down whatever comes to mind. The best ideas come at the most random times. Trust me. And when all else fails, have a nap. 

Helpful Hint: If you have a character idea, but can't think of a problem, try asking yourself, "What's the worse thing that could happen to this character?" Try being as original in your answer as possible, and maybe you'll think of something. 

Have fun, and go writing! 

October 2nd, 2013: Time

Time - such a strange concept, yes? Running out of time - what does that even mean? Are we trying to get out of time? If one thinks beyond the common usage of the phrase, it's actually a little interesting.

At the moment, I am multitasking. I'm realizing now, that time can't exactly be shared between multiple activities. Let's just say the more interesting one is taking my attention. I'm not sure which is more interesting: NCIS: LA or this blog post. So, I apologize if this post is a little strange.

Sometimes I feel as if life is too short. Sometimes I just want life to end. Can't this suffering be over? It's all too painful...And yet, within the smallest interval of time, I don't want the moment to end. Then the pain enters, hazing the edges. The burning from the scars, dulled for a moment, reappears. Then I have to ask myself, does it ever end?

I can't give you an answer.

The answer is for you to find and discover. I'm here to help guide you. I'm here to raise questions - for you and myself. Because I'm not perfect. Let's be honest; I'm in no shape to be helping someone. So I won't try to be like that. I'm just here to write, listen, and whatever else I feel like being.

So, what can I be for you in this time we have today?

October 1st, 2013: A New Start

It's the first day of the October, and I feel a new beginning in the shadows. Just out of my reach, but I'll get there. I know I will. Even if it takes me to my death bed, I promise I will do my very best to get that new beginning.
From my many moves (32!), I have learned new starts. Sorrowful, but also filled with hope. A new, shiny-fresh slate to start on. No rumors, no reputation...just you. You can make your new life whatever you want to. Pick a new name to go by, be a completely different person. Instead of being the bookworm tucked away in the corner, maybe try being the outgoing person. A move means being able to restart your life. It's a second chance that doesn't come by very often.
Bittersweet endings are never nice. Bittersweet beginnings...aren't better. I'll admit, when I was forced to move to a different country, I was flat-out heartbroken. Now, looking back, I'm not sure why. It's only when one looks back that you see that you were truly alone. My old "friends" weren't really friends, I realize. It's a little frightening - am I always alone in the world? I hope not.

October 1st - Will it be your new start?

September 28th, 2013: Secrets

Secrets. One word can ruin your entire life. Be careful who you trust. That's a lesson I learned the hard way. I hope you don't. Unfortunately, it might be too late. You share your heart, and it gets shattered. Just.like.that. I can't tell you enough. Don't tell others secrets. It will come back to you. A life for a life - that's how this twisted world works. Whispers down the hall, sideways glances, an unwillingness to talk to you... That's how it all starts.

Do you know the hardest part? You want to tell someone what's going on. You want someone to help you, to reach out. You want someone to worry about you - ask why you're so down, why you're getting so skinny, what happened to your arms. Then, the second you tell...it's over. You thought you could trust them. You wanted to be accepted, but look what happened. Things like that, that's what makes life so horrible. It's not keeping secrets; it's having someone betray your trust. It's having someone hear your secret and not look at you with care, but with disgust. It's having someone ridicule you when all you wanted was help. To feel loved. I'm telling you right now...Don't tell. I'm not telling you to not tell your own secrets, but I'm telling you to not tell others secrets. Tell your secrets when you're ready. Tell your secrets when you need help. Tell your secrets - it could be your saving grace. But don't tell others' secrets.

The worst feeling in life is when you tell someone everything...and then they walk away. They reject you in the time you needed them the most. Please, I beg you, don't do it. The pain that gives...it will never leave. Nothing can ever repair that.

Pictures of the Day, since sometimes pictures speak louder than words.

A Place to Speak

I know it's hard. I know it doesn't get much better. I'm not here to offer false encouragement. I'm here to offer a place for you to speak. A place for you to read. A place for you to stay. Understanding is not something that comes quickly. Peace comes gradually, like sakura blossoms floating down, one by one. Count them...1...2...3...4...5... Keep going, if you'd like.

I am not here to accuse. I am not here to speak. I am here to listen. I will speak when I need to. I will listen when you need me to. In this world, all can have a new name. Each and every one is nameless, faceless, with no history. We cannot see your stains in this world. You cannot see mine; I cannot see yours. The smile you force on your face, the shadows you use to cover up your sadness... You have no need for those. Speak, and I will listen.

You are not alone. 

Life - What is important?

The one question I ask myself everyday: What is important?

There is so much in life. But sometimes a person just gets lost. Turning in circles. It may not be because you don't think anything is important, but that you think everything is important. What is important to me? What is important to you? How can one answer that question?

Truth be told, I don't have an answer.

I'm a very list-oriented person. If I could, I would make lists of my entire life. I like the control - knowing exactly what I need, what I don't need, and everything in between. Lists make life seem less daunting. And yet, I just can't answer everything.

Brains are only meant to handle 30 seconds of stress. I'm not joking. We learned that very interesting fact at school. 30 seconds. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty sure I'm over my quota...in the last minute.

Life - what is important? For me, I would have writing, grades, reading, and friends. I could go on - family, friends, music... But I'm sure none of you want to hear me ramble about myself. So why am I writing a post about what's important in life?

Because that's a question you have to ask yourself. When you're feeling lost, ask yourself that. Give yourself something to work for - something to live for. In those dark moments, give yourself a light. Sometimes no one but yourself can help. So, what is important?

September 26th, 2013

Song of the Day - "I Dance" by Ivy ft. Jia (Miss A)

I gotta keep on dancing, 'cause the tears coming down my eyes.

I gotta stop romancing, 'cause I can't let myself cry. 

Book of the Day - Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Quote of the Day - "Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop." -Unknown 

Today, don't be afraid to open up. Change hurts. It's true. Pain grasps at you, never letting you go. But we cling to what we feel is safe, when it really just makes us hurt more. Let go and understand. Don't hide behind your mask - open up and let life out. Make this time yours. Keep on dancing, even with the tears flowing down. 

You are strong.