"And by chance did you know that the wind when it blows it is older than Rome?"

Here are pictures of my first adventure this spring. It was actually a little nippy out this day but it was still beautiful!  Enjoy! :)

Blueberry lemonade anyone?

I am thirsty. So I was inspired to look up fun drinks to make and I came across blueberry lemonade. Nothing too exciting, but the combination of the two in liquid form sounds interesting--- I think I'll give a try the next hot day we have. :)

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 cups water

• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 10 big lemons, including pulp but not seeds)

Instructions

1. First make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the mixture boils. Lower the heat and allow the syrup to simmer for another minute. Remove from heat and let cool. In a blender or food processor, puree the blueberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. In a pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice and blueberry puree. To serve, pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of base into a glass and fill with water. Makes base for 12 servings.
   
   
   OH! Today it rained. I spent a large part of the day listening to Bon Iver. When I wasn't, I was making cookies, dancing around the house with friends, playing the piano, or jumping in puddles. :) It was wonderful!
   
   
   And, Today I invested in my hammock:
   
   I'm planning a trip to Coolidge to try it out very soon!
   
   
   Oh, and here is a video my cousin just shared with me.  There's not much to it but it's peaceful and all. Sounds like spring:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruBtR0TbRvE
   Check it out. :)
   
   
   Alright. It's raining and I'm ready to go listen to the rain hit my roof and window as I fall asleep. :)
   Goodbye all! 

"For the dreams that came to you when so young, told of a life, when spring is sprung"

Spring. Is. Here. :)

A loverly 72 degrees today and completely sunny. If only I had been able to be outside all day. *sigh*

But, riding with the windows down while driving and singing at the top of my lungs was pretty incredible. 

Pictures from the day:

Welcome back little dandelion, welcome back. 

I only had a few minutes before the sun set this evening, so I grabbed my bike and headed down the road. Nothing spectacular, but it was a very pleasant ride after a long day.

More to write about tomorrow I'm sure. :)

Until next time, adios! 

Road trip?

My dream car:

I've wanted a 1960's red, bug, convertible for years. Maybe one day I'll actually get one. *sigh*

"Last night I had the strangest dream...."

Today did not begin well. I ran out of gas in my car on my way to school while the reader said it was only on 1/4 of a tank of gas left. Oh well. Needless to say I missed class which I didn't want to do at all but I obviously had no choice. I spent an hour in the car parked outside of an abondoned school in the below freezing temperatures and snow (yes, snow in Spring and yes it was just 70 on Saturday----welcome to Chattanooga).

Anyway, after a nice long sauna and swim, I came home and did rainy day activities such as:

1.) Work on my Things To Do Before I Die list..... It's long....

2.) I practiced a piece by Muczynski which I originally couldn't stand.... but now I kinda like it.

3.) Changed the scripture on my window and mirror. I like to write little reminders around my room. :)

4.) take pictures of the Christmas lights hanging in my bedroom. I like interesting lighting like that (only when natural daylight isn't enough). Lamp light and Christmas lights are ever so much more inviting than overhead lights.

5.) Enjoy cheese and crackers with hot tea. mmm :)

And of course all of this was accompanied by music. Surprisingly I had a fairly productive day. Hm. If only everyday could be a Monday (weird I know....). :)

Alright, it's back to homework for me.

-SBA

"Cause blue skies are calling"

Noah and the Whale's entire album fits the last couple of days. Springs arrived today in full glory! :) It was 70 and sunny. It was sooo beautiful! I wanted to soak it all in but couldn't because I was working. But, for the first time ever I enjoyed my job. *gasp* I know.... That'll probably never happen again. hehe

Oh! And this evening I was finally able to see West Side Story at Covenant. They all did a "fabtastic" (hahahaha) job!!!!! :)

Anyway, it's late again and I'm sleepy.

Rain and cold weather the next two days.

Chattanooga, quit being bipolar. *long dramatic sigh*

Sincerely,

Sara Bethany

Trying to "remember winter swaps snow for leaves"

I'm feeling creative but I don't know what to do.

Here are some ideas that are currently brewing in my head:

- photo adventure with Emily. Starting at Aretha Frankensteins for breakfast, take pictures all around Chattanooga, walk through the old neighborhoods, singing and walking, being ourselves, and conclude by basking in the sun in hammocks at Coolidge while listening to music. Be jealous. It's going to be fun! :)

- splatter pain keds. No, Emily didn't wait on me. *sigh* I'll just make my own. :)

- Redo my room. I've talked about it forever but I really really want to! And I want to get creative. I have some ideas I might share at a later time. :)

- Buy a few small canvases and paint. I have a cool idea in mind that I will show once I do it.

- Learn to sew. Okay, so I know how and I used to. But I'm always scared to actually hem or take something in. But I don't want to be scared to any longer! I think I will relearn. hm.... this could be interesting.

- Frolic in a field. When DOESN'T that sound nice?

- Learn to use the vintage camera I've had forever. I'm not exactly sure how to load film in it but I think I should learn because it it far too cool to be left sitting on my desk!

- Take Hugh for a cleaning (no, this isn't creative but I added it to my list to remember to do it).

- Learn the piano and guitar basics over the summer. I know the piano basics and can play the bare minimum, but I'd like to learn more. I should consider getting it tuned first and one of the E flats fixed----right now everything sounds like an Elliott Smith song. Not that that's bad! I like Elliott ever so much!!!! But Amelie and Regina don't have the same-----style. Hm.

My room currently smells of roses which I received for playing in one of my friend's senior recitals the other day. She was amazing! GO KARI! :)

Oh. Guess what?! Six weeks till summer! :) I couldn't be more thrilled than I am now! My Covenant deposit is payed, scholarships have been accepted, it was 70 and sunny today, I spent the evening hanging out with a friend whom I rarely see anymore, and tomorrow I will be attending West Side Story at Covenant. :)

:)

It's late and I'm super ubber sleepy.

It's been a long week full of events I would like to forget. Some I wouldn't. Others like ripping the entire front of my car off can perish in the abyss for all I care.

My bed sounds delightful.

Goodbye for the 100th time in one post.

-Sara Nade

"Oh my name is gone again, gone again, I'm gone again"

Mmm. Courtney. Her music always makes me smile. :) This song always remind me of a rainy Spring day that should be spent sitting in a room with 2 dear friends listening to music with just the comforting shadowed daylight of the window as our only source of light. That sounds depressing now that I read it----but it also sounds pleasant---- as long as there aren't thunderstorms.

Well, life begins back in full swing Monday. Actually, sort of tomorrow. I have entirely too much homework to do between now and Thursday and I don't know WHY I always pick my busiest moments to blog. Goodness. I need better working skills.

Between now and Thursday I have:

2 art projects to do

2 weeks worth of history

play for a friends senior recital (which I haven't even practiced for)

play a concert Wednesday

a ton of Spanish

and some pre cal

I know that doesn't sound like much, but it will be. Gr. I didn't even procrastinate! This is the LAST time I EVER take online classes of ANY sort. Some teachers ought to be sued. I'm not even kidding.

OH! Good news! Sorta.... I didn't get into Northeastern.... Which honestly, I'm totally okay with. Yeah, I really wanted in but I prayed from a direct sign from God telling me where I should go and He gave me just that. So, this Fall, I will be attending Covenant College. :) I have to call and talk to my rep on Monday to clear a couple things up but I will be accepting my scholarships and sending in my deposit this week. I never thought I'd be so excited. :D

Anyway, I have ookoodles to do before bed and I'm going to the early service so I can meet a friend for breakfast before she heads back to college tomorrow. :/ I can't stand saying bye to friends. BUT! Next time I see her it'll be Summer break!!!! :D

Goodbye for now!

-Sara

"The Warm, warm songs of wind and sun blowing perfect rings"

Mmm. I really like The Seedy Seeds. Actually, I like a lot bands..... but the Seedy Seeds are a new find thanks to my dear friend Peri. :) I have taken about 3 trips to McKays in the last 3 weeks (which is very dangerous for me.... hehe). New music is such a good thing. :) mmhmm

Today is the first day of Spring Break. I'm free---- for a week. Today two of my best friends come home from college! :) Unfortunately I'm leaving Sunday for Florida and I won't be back till Friday. But that still gives me a few days to hangout with them. I'm very excited!

This week it snowed again. A lot actually. I heard the mountain received 7" and we got about 3 or 4" in the valley. Not a bad snow for March in the south, huh? :) Today was much different----50's and sunny. It was gorgeous. I've definitely been exasperating the use of my sunroof and windows.

Oh Spring: I'm very ready for you! hehe :)

Chattanooga: Quite having bipolar weather. As much as I love my scarves and hats, I'm looking forward to my sun dresses again. :)

Alright..... Cleaning and packing beckon. Not really sure what the rest of the day holds for me. We'll see. :)

Adios for now!

-Sara

Answered prayers and decisions

Goodness. I rarely ever post things anymore! During the summer I did all the time! This needs to change.....

Anyway, this week has by far been one of the best weeks in a long time for a few different reasons. Prayer requests have been answered one after another this week. Some I was even doubtful would ever be answered but God came through and answered them quickly in ways I didn't even expect! I've pretty much been in awe of God all week. The ways He has proved faithful have been amazing. Words cannot express how He has been working in my life and those around me.

Alright.... here are a few things that have happened this week that have been incredible!

1.) One of my dearest friends, Melissa, has an amazing testimony. But let me back up, the last few years Melissa and I have been "friends" but we never hung out. We only talked when two of our other best friends, Abby and Peri, were around. Not that we didn't like each other, but just weren't that close of friends. Long story short, Peri and Abby now have a lot of their attention elsewhere (hehe :) ), so Melissa and I have become really close. God knew I needed a friend who could really encourage me in what I have happening in my life. I had been praying for another friend who would help me in these specific areas of my life. That was the first prayer request answered.

2.) Melissa was asked to giver her testimony in church on Wednesday which originally she was hesitant to do because of the number of people and her fear of public speaking. But, she accepted the request and spoke. I wish I could have been there but she says it went really well which I'm so happy with! Her testimony is one you'd never expect her to have and I'm sure it spoke to several people in her church. She had been looking for ways for God to use her, and I think that was a definite way. :)

3.) So now Melissa and I are good friends. In the matter of just a couple of weeks. Another thing is little did I know that Melissa had been praying since the summer for my relationship with Christ to be set on fire. She didn't know why she was praying for that and I didn't know she even was. If you read back in my blog to the summer, God really began opening my eyes to all that was missing my life in April last year. It wasn't necessarily major things, but small things that had added up over time. I realized that and began to try to straighten things out. My friends, Emily and Micah, both encouraged me a lot this past summer whether they realize it or not. I remember a few conversations with each of them where we talked about our relationships with Christ and our beliefs and all. Back then I really wanted to have a spiritual revival within myself but nothing drastic happened. I did see major differences but not like I am now. My relationship with Christ seems to be growing by leaps and bounds right now. He's speaking to me so clearly and so many requests have been answered----not only in my life though, in my friends' lives too! I want to do something for Him but I still DON'T KNOW WHAT! With prayer maybe I'll come up with something. :)

4.) College. Oh dear. That has been a popular topic of my blogging lately. This week on a very busy Wednesday, I walked in my house and found a letter sitting on my dresser where my parents had left it for me. It was addressed to me from Covenant College with "Financial Aid Award Enclosed" stamped across the front. I said a quick prayer then ripped it open. Inside I found a letter stating I had been awarded WAYYYY more money than I had thought I would receive! I almost started crying. I jumped up and down and ran out of the house to find my dad then quickly called my mom. So, as of now, I'm going to be attending Covenant College in the Fall. I can't believe it. I feel this is where God really wants me and I'm soooo excited! That evening I spent about 4 hours on the phone talking to Covenant friends and various other friends who I thought would like to know the news. :) Needless to say, I hardly got any homework done that evening. I was soooo excited about the news. I won't hear from Northeastern for a little bit longer, but even if I do get in I don't think God wants me there----unless He wants to completely change my mind (which He has done for Covenant before haha).

5.) Another prayer request involving a friend of mine was answered too this week. I don't want to say what because I don't it's my place to share it with the world. It was something I had been praying about for a long time and I had no idea they were even considering what I was praying about. I actually wasn't praying for anything in particular, but God knew what was best and answered it in the way that was best! :)

6.) I am now a lifeguard. Thank goodness. I was actually worried I wouldn't pass the test but I did fine! haha :)

Well, I must be going. I'm off to write letters to friends, do homework, and practice for my senior recital (oh dear....).

-Saranade

2 Corinthians 2:14-17