Thankful November - Days 11, 12, and 13!

Back again for Part Two of catch-up lol :) Without further ado....

Monday, November 11, 2013:
Monday I chose to be thankful for legs, especially my legs. I may have problems with my hips and knees from the RA, but I have been able to continue to build the strength in my legs through walking. My legs allow me to walk between 6-7 miles a day right now. Without my legs, life would be so much harder. I think we should all take the time to be thankful for what our bodies DO allow us to do, even if they are not perfect.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013:
Yesterday, I chose to be thankful for television. Now before you chew me out.....we all need to relax and unwind. I love watching my favorite shows and movies, it helps me relax at the end of the day. Life wouldn't be very enjoyable without time for ourselves, would it!? Well, I think we all would agree that TV is one of those things :) What are your favorite shows? Here are some of mine....

Grey's Anatomy - They celebrated their 200th episode this season!

This is......THE VOICE! Lol

Wednesday, November 13, 2013:
Today, I choose to be so, so thankful for my kitchen! Mine, well it's my mom's truth be told lol but it's in our house, so it's mine too :P Anyway, especially since the beginning of this year, I have kind of taken over the majority of the cooking. I get to cook up all sorts of stuff! Usually things turn out yummy.....sometimes we have our flops lol. Today I made Stuffed Pepper Soup courtesy of Gina at Skinnytaste.com. I don't have any pictures yet, but I'll have to show you maybe tomorrow. Some of my favorites recently have been Chicken Pot Pie Soup, Rosemary and Olive Oil Quinoa with grilled chicken and carrots, and Ground Turkey, Black Bean, and Sweet Potato Chili - YUM :D Lol

Until tomorrow!!
Hannah

Thankful November - Playing Catch-up!

Yes, yes, I know, I know. I've been bad :/ What can I say? I'm a busy college student who's had quite a bit due recently. Feeling frazzled, so I had to set this aside for a bit. Back now with a vengeance though bwahaha ;) On that note.....

Tuesday, November 5, 2013:
Though it stresses me out, frustrates me, sends me running around looking like a chicken with my head cut off.....I love school. I love learning. I have a great appreciation for the human mind and its' potential. I think probably that's one of the baseline reasons I want to become a teacher. As the story goes, I knew that I wanted to teach as soon as I started preschool. From there, I wanted to teach whatever grade level I was in up until middle school. As soon as I went to 6th grade, I knew I wanted to teach elementary school!

Though my college experience has not been normal by any means at all and I've truly struggled with it, I am grateful for the journey I have been on. I spent two years at Colby-Sawyer College which were good only because it pushed me to find something that re-lit my fire for teaching. Also because I met, who I anticipate will be a life-long friend, Cat and I'm eternally grateful for that friendship. However, moving to the Community College of Vermont was the best decision for me. I absolutely loved it! Now, I'm getting by just fine at Granite State and I know that I will fulfill my goals within the next couple of years. I am thankful for my education.

If you haven't, you need to learn about Malala Yousafzai. Malala is a young girl who believes in women's education. Last year on October 9, the Taliban stormed the bus she was riding to school and shot her in the head in an attempt to stop her campaign. We are so fortunate to live in a place where education is a priority for all people alike. I encourage you to read about Malala's courageous actions today.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013:

Maddie

Today I choose to be thankful for animals, pets! Growing up on my grandparent's dairy farm, we were surrounded by cows, cats, dogs, oxen, fish, etc. So I think it's only natural that I would feel so comfortable around animals. We currently only have our dog, Maddie, because we had to put our cat down almost two months ago. It's amazing how much animals become a part of the family. They're so important :)

Mostly Buster, but Maddie in top left too

Thursday, November 7, 2013:
The seasons. I love, love, love living in New England because we get to experience every single season. How lucky are we? I guess I feel like each season is so special and unique, we should appreciate it. People always ask what's your favorite season and I find that difficult to answer....Spring is a fresh start. Every is new! Summer is usually too hot for my taste, but it brings around it's own taste of relaxation. Next comes Fall which just has change in the air. The trees are a wonderful example of the beauty of New England as well! Lastly, Winter (dun Dun DUN! Ha!) which though cold....is once again fresh. That perfect beautiful layer of snow seems to recreate the world. I love it :) Then right back into spring. When everyone is standing around complaining about the seasons.....how about we try to see the unique beauty in all of them because they are!

Friday, November 8, 2013:
Similarly, I am grateful for the flowers of the world. My gramma has always had gorgeous gardens. She passed that green thumb down to my mom. I have so many memories spending hours and hours out in the garden, weeding, planting, even plant shopping! Plants are one of the amazing things that our Earth provides us that can actually soothe the soul. It's not the best time of year for them now, but when you can, take the time to appreciate flowers. I guarantee you'd miss them, if they were all gone.

Saturday, November 9, 2013:
I am thankful for modern transportation. This may seem kind of strange lol but I spent a ton of time in my car this past weekend. Friday I drove to pick-up my sister at school in Burlington. Saturday we drove to Barre for our dad's family's Thanksgiving dinner and to Waterbury to the Ben & Jerry's factory before driving home. Sunday we drove Alicia back to school and this coming weekend we will be doing the back and forth from Burlington PLUS driving to Manchester. If we still had to go by horse and buggy.....we wouldn't.

Alicia and I joke that planes are our second home. No matter if it's an updated form of transportation like trains, cars, even planes or something new like the Chunnel in France, I appreciate all of it. We are so lucky to have access to these resources!

Sunday, November 10, 2013:
I am grateful for photographs. They keep all memories alive. As you've heard, a picture's worth a thousand words. What is better to be thankful for than that??

Now, I am going to leave you with this for today because I think that's enough! Lol almost  caught up :) If you're doing Thankful November, please let me know, I'd love to see!
Thanks for reading, beautiful people!
Hannah

Thankful November - Days 2, 3, and 4

Welcome back!
How was everyone's weekend? Hopefully good. I was working hard on a couple big projects that were due so I didn't end up getting to write my posts. Instead I'll catch up on the two I missed and complete the daily one for today as well!

Saturday, November 2, 2013 - Day 2:
I have been incredibly blessed with two wonderful grandparents. They are both 87 years old and keep on truckin'! Lol I love it. My gramma will always be one of my greatest influences and inspirations. Likewise, my grampa has been the best grampa/dad I could've ever imagined having. My memories stem from a very young age of helping Grampa milk the cows at the barn or plant the tiny pink corn seeds for the garden and helping Gramma bake up something scrumptious in the kitchen! From pool parties and afternoons spent playing Rummy and Trouble to travelling the world and having afternoon coffee dates, my grandparents are one of the best things in my life. I will forever be grateful for the experiences they've provided, hard times they've comforted me, and lessons they have taught me.

(L to R: Great aunt Alice and Margaret, Gramma, Grampa)

Sunday, November 3, 2013 - Day 3:
It would only be fitting to stay along with the family theme and recognize my mom. She's a little crazy lol....I have to be honest! We certainly have our moments when we butt heads and I'll never completely understand her ways lol, but regardless she's my mom. She's done the work of two parents for the majority of my life and has done the best she could. For being a single mom working full time as a teacher and part time for a catering company, she has provided Alicia and I amazing opportunities, experiences, and memories that will certainly last us a lifetime. Though we never know what the future holds, I expect many more wonderful things to happen for her. I appreciate all that she does for both of us and can't imagine life without having the one stable parent still in it. Thank you so much, Mom.

Oh and as a side note, she gave up being able to join Weight Watchers because she wanted to pay for me and couldn't pay for both of us. Nonetheless, she has still joined me at home both with our healthy eating and walking and has lost 25lbs so far! Super proud of her for being strong enough to do that :)

Mom and I in Times Square, NYC January 2013

Monday, November 4, 2013 - Day 4:

Today, I am choosing to be thankful for books.

Books can be your best friend when no one else is there. The alluring look of so many words on a page woven together creating a story like no other. They carry you to magical lands far, far away or maybe the small, old New England town reminiscent of so many you've passed through before. Accompanied with a hero and heroine, imaginations take flight while romance blooms.

Ever since I was young, books were my escape from reality. My love for it is what sparked the premise for Hannah's READ Program which is how I started this blog. I believe that, especially for low socioeconomic children, reading can bring them to places they will never be fortunate enough to see. I am proud and feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to bring this theory to life with so many children at my elementary school. Anyway, books really do bring us to new heights. I think they are critical to so many things and it deeply saddens me to know how many people just don't even care about reading. I am thankful that my family finds reading important and my mom read to me since I was a baby fostering my love for this past time.

Until tomorrow, my friends,
Hannah

Thankful November - Day One

I know, I know, you're all thinking *grooooooan* another one of these things?? Well, I've never done one before. I'm thinking it might be fun to do. I also think that, you know, it could really be worthwhile to recognize thirty things I am truly thankful for. So....here goes nothing! :)

Friday, November 1, 2013.
Today I am extremely thankful for my friends. Near and far, I have friends all over the country and even in other countries! I hold them all very close to my heart, but some I admit that I hold just a little bit closer. These people have been to Hell and back with me, know me at not only my best but my worst and have stayed by my side nonetheless. I love them to pieces and would do anything for them. My beautiful, talented, amusing, magical friends :)

Kelsey

I've known her since 6th grade. We've had our moments, boy, have we! But we always come back as if we couldn't imagine life without each other lol. She has excelled at college and will be graduating early this year - I'm so proud of her! Beautiful from the inside out, she is one of the best tennis players I know and a great confidante too. She's moving to Texas after graduation, which even though we don't see each other often, will be really hard. I definitely cherish all our time spent together.

Brittany

We were best friends from kindergarten on! Where one was, the other couldn't have been far. Brittany and I have been through so much together, both the good times and the bad times. We're both a little....erm....hard headed lol and I can remember a couple times where neither of us wanted to back down to the other so we just wouldn't speak to one another! We always found our way back though. A part of me has always admired her undying faith in God. We aren't as close since college, but I'll always love her and she's always got a very special place reserved in my heart.

Guibers!

Boy, I miss this kid. I really and truly do! He was so good for Alicia and I appreciate everyday that he was sent our way. She's lucky to have seen him a few times since he left here. I know she's his best friend, but that doesn't mean that I don't miss him too lol Gui has a magical way of making you forget your worries for awhile. He's laid back, easy to talk to, funny, and sincerely kind. He taught me to remember to RELAX.

Mallory

Man, I know that you spend all the time behind the camera, Mallory, but you could easily be a model yourself. You're gorgeous! You're a gorgeous person as well. It seems to come so easily for you too, I've always envied and admired that quality of yours. I could probably write a short novel and still not be able to quite put into words what your friendship means to me nor all you have done for me. I am certainly lucky to call this strong woman my friend. We've been through the wringer together, though we've never met in person, and someday we owe it to ourselves to at the very least give each other a hug lol! I am so, so very thankful for you from the bottom of my heart.

Laura, Alicia, Hannah

LOL I love this picture of us!! Describes the three of us perfectly. I'm really pointing out Laura in this. She was always "Alicia's friend", but somewhere along the way she became our sister as well. Laura hasn't necessarily done much for me, but I love that kid just the same and I'm glad to have her in my life. Sometimes it helps just knowing that someone is there.

Cateroni and Bananer

Last, but certainly not least is my lil Cateroni! I know I've shown this picture before and for some reason....I just love it. It reminds me of all the fun we used to have at school together, I miss that. In all honesty, I miss my friend a lot! We don't keep in great contact because it's just hard when you're not actually together. It's no excuse from my end, but it is hard. Cat and I have had many late nights, laughing so hard we were crying, intense conversations. She gets me. I like to think we get each other. We've been through some of the same things that both of us know others wouldn't necessarily understand. I will always appreciate her constant support and though I tell her this sometimes....I am eternally grateful for her friendship! Forever and always <3 p="">

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same. - Elbert Hubbard

When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. - Henri Nouwen

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. - Albert Schweitzer

Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies. - Aristotle

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. - Charles R. Swindoll

Rare as is true love, true friendship is rarer. - Jean de la Fontaine

Until tomorrow,

Hannah

Feeling.....Stressed

You know that feeling when everything seems to be going for too good for too long almost? You just feel it lol. I feel like I hit a high and then I know SOMETHING will come crumbling down on me. I've been trying to get my positive thinking better than before since before I kind of scoffed at that type of thinking....now I know there's something to be said about it.

Anyway, I try to reason with myself. In the grand scheme of things.....is this going to matter in a month? A year? 10 years? No, not really probably. There are millions of people in the world, don't let that ONE person get the best of you. They're not worth your time. Everything happens for a reason. Every little thing....is gonna be alright. Okay, so why doesn't it always help? Lol who knows....who knows!?
So I try to take deep breaths (it really does work!).....

immerse myself in a good book (currently reading a Julie Lessman. 'Nuff said.)....

and probably throw myself further into my Grey's obsession.

I admittedly love my Calzona girls :)

Basically at this stage in the game, I try to do anything other than eat because that's all I really want to do when I stress! Lol yes, old habits die hard. This week has certainly been one to write in the books and I'm struggling on keeping on my good eating train. But I'm trying, I'm not giving up, and I've accepted the fact that 60lbs is not going to just hop back onto my body in one week's time. 

Tonight has been an exceptionally emotionally tough night so I turned to YouTube of course. I think you've heard the story before of the Song for Sarajevo, but I'll summarize again. I was fortunate enough to sing it with Judy Collins at our local opera house in a children's chorus I sang in. I remember it moving me then and it still has to somehow be a favorite of mine because I find myself craving the dramatic, sweeping notes and heartbreaking lyrics. So I dug it out yet again for another time.

Anyway, at the end of the day, sometimes you just need something that's going to make you laugh. In that case, I visited Colleen Ballinger's YouTube site today and luckily....she did Colleen's Corner today! She's funny, gorgeous, plays Miranda Sings whom I adore. Love it. So enjoy :)




On that note.....good night!

Seriously though....don't tell me they don't make THE perfect little TV family <3 td="">

Hello World!

Hello....hello? Anyone there?

Anyway, hello! I've decided to tiptoe back into blogging, shall we say? Not sure how it's going to go, but I have high hopes to start journaling of some sort again and honestly? Blogging is my all-time favorite way to journal. So here goes!

How the heck have you all been? It's been almost a year since I've even logged into my blog, looked at it at all, and even thought about it really. Occasionally it crossed my mind, but it's a sore spot. I'm so disappointed I let it go, but I wasn't feeling the creativity or passion for it that I had. Really that wasn't even the blog (sorry blog), it was all me, stuff I was going through. Now though, I think it's really important for me to get back to this :)

The blog needed a facelift, so I gave it one! She's looking pretty spiffy, if I do say so myself LOL I like the freshness of this new background. And....and.....AND I GOT THE BANNER CENTERED!!! The anal part of me is doing a super happy dance today baha.

So a whole year basically huh? Let's see.....what have been some highlights?
~ Gave my sister the best Christmas present ever - trip to NYC.....it was awesome!
~ Saw The Book of Mormon for my birthday (hysterical!) and Wicked this past August in Boston :)
~ Saw THE Sir Paul McCartney in July. Felt like I was seeing a legend, no regrets about the money.
~ Had some pretty serious elbow surgery about three months ago.
~ Graduated from CCV! I now have an official Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education!
~ Started at Granite State College, the next step to have my Bachelor's in both ECE and Early Special Education.

The biggest decision I've had this year was the recommitment to myself I made in February 2013. That was when I officially chose to take back control of my life and truly become the me I have always known I could be. I now know that I definitely owe myself that much. So I joined Weight Watchers, yes, I really did lol :P it's been the greatest roller coaster I've ever been on so far!

June 2012 - October 2013

January 2013 - August 2013

The numbers on the scale say I've lost just under 60lbs (maybe this is the week I'll hit it!) in the last eight months. In the last six months, I've shed over 40 inches from all over my body. I'm healthier, I'm definitely happier, I feel stronger, more capable, more confident. I feel like who I always thought I was and yet....wasn't. In January (right after that picture above was taken actually), my PCP gave me last chance hope to try to do something about my weight because I was basically already diabetic. However, I hadn't been offically diagnosed and I know the next time I saw her, my status would have changed. Now though, I'm happy to report that I am no longer even "At Risk" at all for diabetes! I am SO proud of that!!! My dad was diagnosed with diabetes a few years ago because he's overweight. He chooses to do nothing about it and I do mean nothing. He's to the point where he has feet problems and yet, he still doesn't even see a doctor about it. I am in control of me, I am in control of my health, I am in control of this body! I didn't want to be another statistic, so I changed something.

I'm finally able to say I am proud of myself. I feel I've done something in my life that's truly commendable lol and I'm proud! I'm going to just keep on chugging until I get where I need to be. I'm becoming the best me I can be because the world deserves to know her like I do! So in the meantime, I'd like to officially reintroduce you to me, Hannah!

Until next time,
Hannah

Reading Challenges 2013

Happy Saturday!
I have a side note from our regularly scheduled Christmas posts haha I wasn't planning on participating in any reading challenges again this year because well....they're A LOT of work. However, I had a few that really caught my eye and I just can't pass them up. So here we go, my list of reading challenges for 2013:

Auntie Spinelli is hosting the 2013 Sequel Challenge on her BLOG this year. It really convenient because you get to set your own goal for this one! I'm not exactly how many to do....I'm thinking I might set my goal at FIVE for right now, I can always add to it!

You can read the official rules and sign up HERE.

Isn't this one cool looking? Reminds me of all the museums I've been to lol :) I'm going to plan on doing the Victorian Reader level: 5 books. Once again, aiming low to make sure I make my quota! I don't get nearly as much reading time in college as I did before.

You can read all the guidelines and sign up HERE.

This button is GORGEOUS!!! Isn't it beautiful? I read Casey's list of her top 10 books read this year and I believe three were from debut authors so it pushed me to do this one :) Once again, you get to choose your goal for this one. The host has 59 books on her list :O Crazy, right!? I think I'm going to put down a simple 6, just to change things up ;) 

Read the official rules and sign up for this challenge HERE. 

I AM PSYCHED FOR THIS CHALLENGE!!!! I have to admit that this sounds absolutely terrific! There are so many books that are being made into movies right around now and many good ones that have recently been turned over. I'm choosing Movie Lover: 9 books and movies which will include:

~ The Hobbit

~ Anna Karenina

~ The Help

~ Eat, Pray, Love

~ The Perks of Being a Wallflower

~ Beautiful Creatures

And I'm not sure the rest yet, but I very well may go over my 9 quota! I hope some of you may join me on this one because we could have some fun comparing :)

Read the official rules and sign up HERE.

This one looks like something a few of you would love to participate in :) The first thing I thought of was Melanie Dickerson's newest book, The Fairest Beauty! This is the PERFECT excuse to read it ;D Lol I'm choosing the Lady in Waiting level: 4-6 books because I'm not aware of that many books like this. Will have to do my research.

Find out all the details and sign up HERE.

Okay, I think that is PLENTY to be trying to take on, at least for now :P Heading to update the Reading Challenge tab right after posting this, so you will be able to find all my updates in one concise spot there until this time next year :) 

Are any of you participating in any reading challenges this year? I'd love to know which ones!
Hannah

Celebrating Our Favorite Holiday Together + Second Giveaway!

Howdy folks!
Yes, it's that time again. Monday....booooo :( But if we spend it together, it'll be better I think! This Monday I'm taking my last final of the semester and I'll be blissfully headed into my Christmas vacation (well.....after Christmas is over it'll be blissful :P). How about you? What are you doing on this Monday?

On a Christmas-y note, we got snow yesterday!! Not a ton, but just enough to cover the ground (and my car haha) and make everything look a lil better.

Who's dreaming of a white Christmas this year?

Now on another Christmas-y note, we have a special guest! Kellie Coates Gilbert is a dear friend of mine that I met this year. She just so happens to be an author as well! Her debut book, Mother of Pearl, released this past September and I have to recommend this well written, riveting page-turner! If you stay tuned to the end, you'll even have a chance to win your very own copy :) I feel very lucky to have met her and say she is amongst my friends! Please say a warm welcome to Miss Kellie!

The Interview:
Hannah: Miss Kellie!! You're actually on my blog - woohoo!! I seriously hope this isn't the last time :) But we'll get right into it, hm? When does the Christmas season officially start in your household? What is the first thing done that marks the start (i.e. putting up Christmas tree, baking first gingerbread men, etc)?

Kellie: Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday, with Independence Day a close second.  Our family begins the weekend after Thanksgiving by putting up the tree and house decorations.  The Christmas carols play and the scented candles burn. I stock the refrigerator with eggnog and spiced cider, and we’re off and running!

H: Aha! I KNEW there must be another reason we get along so well - another Christmas nut :P In a Christmas fantasy land – who would be the famous figures, past and/or present, at your dinner table and why?

K: Oh, that one’s easy!  I’d have Joseph, Mary, the innkeeper, the shepherds and wise men….and of course, Jesus.  (I happen to believe He already sits at my Christmas table, but what a rush if my eyes could see His physical form stabbing a piece of prime rib with one of my mother’s silver forks in His nail scarred hand.  Whoo!  Just close your eyes and think on THAT one a minute!

H: I love how descriptive and enthusiastic you are, Miss Kellie. Your passion shines through :) Do you have specific traditions for Christmas Eve?

K: Our family traditions have morphed over the years.  Our two boys are raised now, but when they were little, Christmas eve was a busy evening ending with trying to get two excited little guys calmed down to go to sleep so Santa could come in the middle of the night and leave gifts.

Currently, we spend the afternoon with extended family and then go to Christmas Eve service with our boys and their families.  My husband and I return home and enjoy a few quiet moments in front of the tree before we head to bed.

This year, our little grandson is two.  He will add a whole new layer of enjoyment to our season.  His reaction to the tree lights was precious!

H: Oh wow :) You're so lucky to have all of them! Sounds festive. I can't imagine having a little one, but soon we'll have not one, but TWO! My cousin is expecting twins! The first great grandchildren ;) Exciting times! What did you ask Santa for this year? *wink*

K: I have two lists. One holds the wishes of my heart – the important things I hope for family and friends.  The more superficial list always holds the same item.  Gift cards to Barnes and Noble! (or Starbucks).  I think my husband may have purchased a Dyson vacuum though.  I accidently got a peek at the box in the garage….okay, maybe not so accidently.  Smiles.

H: Hahahahaha you crack me up!! I HATE to peek, never have liked it honestly. I'd rather just be surprised. For me, it's not about getting presents, it's about giving them that's important. How does it feel to know you’re a published author that has eager “fans” awaiting a new book?

K: Blessed.  Very, very blessed.

I started on this journey to publication and learning to write novels almost seven years ago.  I let myself dream a little and conjure what it would be like if I got published, but the pictures in my head never equated to the reality of opening my email box to so many daily messages from readers telling me they loved MOTHER OF PEARL.  I get a little teary thinking about it.

H: I'm so happy for you, you deserve every bit of praise. It's truly a magnificent book! One of my friends is going to borrow my copy once life settles down a bit for her lol! She saw my review and said she was completely intrigued. What can expect from you next? Any Christmas themed books!?

K: Well, to answer part one of your question:  I can’t give details until the ink is dry on the contract, but a major CBA publisher has just picked me up for another four books, a collection of stand alone novels that will focus on women and what matters to our hearts.  To say I’m thrilled is an understatement.

About a Christmas themed book – I’d love too if the opportunity ever presents.

H: Eeeeek! That's SO exciting!! I had no idea, congratulations! You heard it here first, ladies and gentlemen. Kellie Coates Gilbert SIGNED for FOUR more books! Your heard me right.....FOUR MORE BOOKS to come from this fantastic author *said in my best broadcaster voice* ;) What have been some of the highlights of 2012 for you?

K: By far – no question – hands down, the highlight of 2012 will always be the release of my debut novel and how God answered the whispered prayers of my heart.

I am a former legal investigator and trial paralegal, and loved that work.  But, in the quiet recesses of my soul I longed to write stories that allow women to feel they are not alone in their journey. Especially when life gets messy.

H: Once again, congratulations, Miss Kellie. Of course it seems only fit that 2012 would mark the start of your (hopefully) long lasting writing career :) 

These are some “short answer” questions. You can answer them in as few words as possible – even simply one word.

Ha, you are asking a writer to shorten her words?  Good luck with that!

Favorite Christmas book read this year? Movie seen?

The last Christmas book I read was Julie Cannon’s I’ll Be Home For Christmas (Summerside Press).

My favorite movie this year was Hope Springs, starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. The story reflects the fiction I love to write  . . . and read.

Last Christmas song you heard?

Ha – I’m listening to Christmas music now.  I’m playing Vince Guaradi’s ACharlie Brown Christmas CD.

Favorite food to make or eat during the season?

Whenever I’m asked to bring food to a holiday party, I make my signature onion tart.  I bake phyllo dough on a cookie sheet while sautéing onions in butter and a bit of brown sugar, which I then spread on the baked crust and sprinkle with goat cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese softens.  Yum!

Favorite place to spend Christmas day?

Home.

How can readers connect with you?

My cyber home is www.kelliecoatesgilbert.com.  From there, readers can sign up for my Reader’s Club so they will get first news about upcoming releases and fun promotions.  Readers can purchase books from my website by using the Amazon, Barnes & Noble and CBD buttons.  There are also buttons that will take readers directly to my Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads accounts.  I blog regularly and there is a place to register for the RSS feeds as well.

Anything else you would like to say? J

One of the treasures for novelists is connecting with readers, and making new friends in the process. You are an example, Miss Hannah.  I love our Facebook chats!

Thank you for inviting me to appear on your blog.  I look forward to meeting your followers.

Miss Kellie!! Thank YOU SO much for agreeing to work with me on coming onto the blog :) This was such a fun interview, so glad we got to do it. And I learned more about you as well! 

About Kellie: A former legal investigator and trial paralegal, Kellie Coates Gilbert writes with a sympathetic, intimate knowledge of how people react under pressure.  Her stories are about messy lives, and eternal hope.

Kellie’s upcoming novel, MOTHER OF PEARL, Abingdon Press Sept 2012, tells the emotionally compelling story of a high school counselor who discovers her own teenage daughter had an inappropriate relationship with the football coach . . . and how she risks everything to bring him to justice. 

Giveaway Time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please share with your friends and get the word out :) Good luck! Talk to you tomorrow,
Hannah

Friendship Through the Seasons + First Giveaway!

Hi all,
PHEW! Let me apologize for disappearing this week, definitely wasn't my intention at all. This was my (almost) final week of school! Final full week, I should say lol :) I finished two classes on Tuesday and two today (including my hardest class, yeehaw!!!)! Only one left next Monday and there's a lot to be done in between then haha. Anyway, I just wanted to apologize again for disappearing unplanned. Threw a little kink in our celebrating, huh!? But we're right back with it today!

Happy Friday!!

Today is Friday, December 14, there are only 11 days left for you all to get your shopping done, cookies baked, and pre-Christmas festivities done! Today, for your Friday enjoyment, I want to introduce someone that is very special to me. About 2 1/2 years ago, I met this wonderful lady on a Facebook page called the RA Chicks.  At 25 (26? I lost track!) years old, she has had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for the majority of her life. She suffers fights fiercely her scary health problems like a champion. Now Mallory's health problems do not define her - she doesn't let them. She's made a career for herself out of her love of photography. She is a fabulous photographer (as you'll see in just a short while)!! Just in the short time I've known her, she's overcome so much. I am incredibly happy to say that I know her and SO proud of everything she's done :) She's definitely one of my role models. Please welcome my good friend, Mallory!

Hannah: Mal :D I am so glad we finally got to do this! Actually I'm thankful you had the time to fit me into your busy schedule this holiday season! Now, right onto the interview. When does the Christmas season officially start in your household? What is the first thing done that marks the start (i.e. putting up Christmas tree, baking first gingerbread men, etc)?

 Mallory: The day after Thanksgiving officially marks the Christmas season for us.  Usually that Friday, I decorate the house and by the weekend, our tree is up.  We have a tradition of watching Christmas movies, while the tree goes up; starting with Christmas Vacation is a must though!

H: Ahaha! I remember you telling me that before, I'm not sure honestly if I've ever seen the entire movie Christmas Vacation :O In a Christmas fantasy land – who would be the famous figures, past and/or present, at your dinner table and why?

 M: Oh goodness, this is a hard, but fun, question!  I’d have to say, J.K. Rowling, because she created my most favorite book series of all time, and I’d love to sit and talk with her about how she came up with such an incredible story.

H: What did you ask Santa for this year? *wink*

M: I’m saving up for a second camera body and a specific lens, that I really need to progress in my work.  So, I’ve asked Santa for those, or some help in getting them! J

H: Oh good! I can imagine how exciting that would be to receive that gift :) What have been some highlights of 2012 for you?

M: My business took off really well this year, I had way more bookings than last year, and I already have a bunch of Weddings booked for next year.  I started Wedding photography this year, which is something I originally hadn’t planned on getting into.  I’m so glad I said yes to that first couple (and many more after), because I really had a blast at the Weddings I photographed.  Each and every session I’ve had, I’ve grown in my photography, so the clients who had faith in me capturing their memories, it helped me gain confidence that what I’m doing, and further confirmed this is what I absolute love to do. 

H: Oh you photograph some beautiful brides. Well they're all beautiful, but you know what I mean! Haha everything looks so good through your lenses. What has been a couple of your favorite shoots so far?

M: Oh you had to ask that, ha-ha, I seriously love them all! But, I’d have to say the Wedding I did in October that took place in a converted barn is one.  Their style and personalities were so like mine, that I just had such a blast not only with the couple, but capturing all the little details of the day. 
I’d also have to say, the free session I volunteered for, for this organization known as Inspiration Through Art.  I offered my time and talent to a little boy with Down syndrome, and his family.  I just love helping others when I can, so when I was able to use my talents to help someone, I was thrilled.

H: Of course I had to ask that :P Oh I loved that one too! He was just adorable. Does not having a studio make it more difficult or more fun/creative for you?

M: Honestly, it’s both.  It’s more difficult, because weather can play a huge role in having to reschedule sessions, and the winter is my slow season.  Just now, an engaged couple and I have had to reschedule three times due to bad weather.  If I had a studio, I wouldn’t have to worry about rescheduling, and I could be busier in the winter.
On the other hand, I adore natural light and natural backdrops.  The earth is such a beautiful place, and we have so many different types of areas to do any type of session.  It really gets my creative juices flowing when I see a potential new location. 

H: Very true, on both sides. I think you do fantastic without one, but like you said, that's very discouraging to have to keep rescheduling. I think it shows how much you love shooting in the outside through your pictures though. What advice do you have to entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

M: Never give up.  Seriously.  Everyone has down times, where business is just really slow, it happens even to the most successful.  I would get sad and just hoped for more bookings, but I never put my camera away.  Every day, I went out photographing something, whether it was nature or my cats, or stuff around my house, I always made sure I photographed something, so I’d still be learning and growing.  I started baking a lot more, and then photographing my food using different types of lighting.  I learned a TON about lighting, just by working with it.  I did so well, I gained a fan base on Facebook of people who ask for more of my “food-tography” all the time.  No matter if its photography, cooking, painting, sewing, whatever your business entails, never, ever give up if it’s truly what you love to do.

These are some “short answer” questions. You can answer them in as few words as possible – even simply one word.

Favorite Christmas book read this year? Movie seen?

The Nutcracker and Christmas Vacation (for the 20^th time, haha)

Last Christmas song you heard?

I recently heard “Shake up Christmas” by Train for the first time, LOVE it.

Favorite food to make or eat during the season?

 Oh boy, I love to bake and I especially love to make and eat Pumpkin and Apple Pie.  However, I think my favorite is the week after Christmas my best friend and I get together for a Bake-a-thon and always bake some really fun cupcakes! 

Favorite place to spend Christmas day?

Doesn’t matter where, as long as my loved ones are with me, it’s always an awesome time.

How can interested clients or people interested in following your work connect with you?

Please visit my website: www.photographybymallory.com

Or come by and visit Facebook page, and give it a Like, I enjoy meeting and interacting with new fans: https://www.facebook.com/malloryphotography

Anything else you would like to say? J

 Thank you, Hannah for allowing me to come on the blog!  I had a blast, and look forward to seeing the other interviews you have on this blog. J

Oh this was so fun, Mal!! THANK YOU, again for agreeing to do it! I'm hoping that you get some new "fans" out of this :) She just made it over the 2,000 mark, but she'd love to continue to meet people and spread the word about her business.

Giveaway:

In honor of the busy life Mallory (and I!) lead, I'm giving away a cute snowman notepad with pen (similar to the one shown)! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now, I'm trying Rafflecopter for the first time, so bear with me. I think it should work just fine, but let me know if you run into any problems!

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful Friday! Next week we'll be having more interviews, more giveaways, and more fun! See you soon,
Hannah