My Favorite Christmas Movies

I am an avid movie watcher, and I absolutely love watching Christmas movies. 

Watching Christmas movies always gets me in the holiday mood, which makes me look forward to the season each year.

In no particular order, here are my favorite Christmas movies.

• A Christmas Carol
  There are 3 versions that I love: Disney's version with Jim Carrey, the one with George C. Scott, and the Muppets version
  
  
• A Christmas Story
  
  
• The Polar Express
  
  
• A Charlie Brown Christmas
  
  
• The Grinch
  
  
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  
  
• The Santa Clause trilogy
  
  
• Santa Claus is Comin' To Town
  
  
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
  
  
• Arthur Christmas
  
  
• Home Alone
  
  
• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
  
  
• The Year Without a Santa Claus
  
  
• Miracle on 34th Street (the original)
  
  
• Frosty the Snowman

If you celebrate Christmas, what are your favorite holiday movies?

My Winter 2021/2022 Bucket List

I can't believe it's almost winter! And that it is the end of 2021. Where has the time gone?!

As always, I have decided to make a winter bucket list, of things I would like to do this winter. I hope to be able to accomplish as many of these as I can.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to do this winter:

• Go sledding
• Go ice skating
• Make a snowman
• Have a snowball fight
• Watch Christmas movies
• Drink hot chocolate
• Go to a Christmas market
• Donate toys to children in need
• Make and send out Christmas cards
• Crochet a blanket
• Practice playing violin 3-4x a week
• Make Christmas cookies
• Work on cleaning up bedroom
• Work on writing a book
• Have spa days
• Make a gingerbread house
• Put Downton Abbey puzzle together
• Make paper snowflakes
• Build a fort
• Bake a loaf of bread
• Attend a Christmas concert
• Visit a far-away friend
• Spend a day (or more) in the city
• Decorate my bedroom for Christmas/winter
• Decorate our Christmas tree
• Celebrate my birthday with friends
• Put together and decorate a gingerbread house
• Paint my nails
• Host a game night
• Dye my hair purple
• Take winter pictures
• Make a snow globe
• Color in a coloring book
• Paint
• Binge watch one of these shows: Call The Midwife, Outlander
• Develop an indoor exercise routine (and stick to it)
• See a play or musical
• Buy a new pair of pajamas
• Write and send letters to friends
• Take a photo with Santa
• 
  

What are things you would to do this winter? 

My 2021 Christmas Wishlist

I can't believe it's the holiday season again. Where has the time gone?!

I thought I would share what is on my wishlist this year. I love hearing/reading about what is on other peoples' lists, so I figured I would do the same for those who are like me!

I do not expect to get all of these things. These are just things I would like to get. I will be happy with whatever I get.

In no particular order, here is what I would like to get for Christmas:

• Once Upon a Time Season 2 on DVD
• Bonanza Season 4 on DVD
• The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 on DVD
• Outlander Season 1 on DVD
• Downton Abbey Season 6 on DVD
• ChristmasLand by Jonathan Antoine (CD)
• Smartphone tripod
• Stylus pen for Microsoft Surface Go
• Paint brushes
• Paint palette
• Acrylic paints
• Canvas boards
• LEGO The Hobbit game for PS4
• How to Read Music in 30 Days: Music Theory for Beginners--With Exercises & Online Audio by Matthew Ellul
• Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
• Wrebbit 3D Hagrid's Hut 3D Jigsaw Puzzle
• UNO Flip! game
• UNO Attack! game
• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza game
• Bike lights
• Lanyard keychain

I am looking forward to Christmas, and spending time with my family. 

If you celebrate Christmas, what is on your wishlist?

My Favorite Andrea Bocelli Songs

I first found out about Andrea Bocelli about 12 years ago, sort of on accident. 

I was at home one day, bored, and flipping channels on TV. I came across his most current concert at the time, and I thought it seemed interesting, so I decided to watch it. I have been a fan ever since.

Since I was able to see him live in concert last month, I have decided to share my favorite songs of his.

In no particular order, here are my favorite songs:

• Because We Believe
  
  
• God Bless Us Everyone
  
  
• Go Where Love Goes
  
  
• Cuando Me Enamoro
  
  
• When a Child is Born
  
  
• Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
  
  
• Resta Qui
  
  
• Funiculi Funicula
  
  
• Mamma
  
  
• Can't Help Falling in Love
  
  
• I Believe

My favorite Andrea Bocelli versions of Christmas songs:

• Santa Claus is Coming to Town
  
  
• Jingle Bells
  
  
• Adeste Fidelis
  
  
• O Tannenbaum
  
  
• God Bless Us Everyone (this song was in Disney's A Christmas Carol)
  
  
• Angels We Have Heard on High
  
  
• Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)

He has such an amazing voice, and I still can't believe I got to go to one of his concerts!

Who is your favorite band/artist? What are your favorite songs of theirs? Have you been to any of their concerts?

My Wardrobe Wishlist

I have been going through my wardrobe to see what I want to add or replace, and have made a list of what I would like to get.

I am slowly figuring out what my style is, and what I like and don't like. It has definitely been trial and error figuring it out, but I believe I know what it is that I like, and want.

So, in no particular order, here is my wardrobe wishlist.

• Plaid/flannel long sleeve
  I love plaid/flannel clothing, and had a plaid long sleeve button-up in high school, which I wore a lot in the fall. I don't think I have it anymore, and I would love to have another one.
  
  
• Denim jacket
  Denim clothing is always a classic staple, and I would love to have a denim jacket (or two).
  
  
• Denim shorts
  
  
  
• Sundresses
  I'm not big on dressing up, but I think it's always a good thing to have at least a couple sundresses in my closet. I haven't had one in years, so I think it's about time I got another one.
  
  
• Classic white sneakers
  What can I say? White sneakers go with everything. I prefer sneakers over heels, so these would be perfect for me.
  
  
• Overalls
  I love overalls, yet I haven't had a pair in years.
  
  
• Paper bag shorts
  I had a paper bag pair of shorts that I loved, and I wore it out, so I would like to get another one someday.
  
  
• Newsboy cap(s)
  
  
  
• Initial necklaces
  I've never had any jewelry with my initials on them, and have always loved the way they look.
  
  
• Initial rings
  
  
  
• Birthstone rings
  My mom wore a ring with the birthstones of us kids, and I love the idea of birthstone jewelry.
  
  
• Abstract art rings
  
  
  
• Shacket(s)
  I recently heard about shackets, which is a combination of a shirt and a jacket. It seems like it would be very comfy, and I love comfy clothes.

What is on your wardrobe wishlist?

My Top 20 Favorite Christian Songs

I like and listen to a few different genres of music, but lately, I have been mainly listening to Christian music.

I started listening to Christian music in 2010, when I was having a hard time, and needed something to help get me through every day. 

There are many songs that I like, but there are some that are my absolute favorite.

So, in no particular order, here are my top twenty favorite Christian songs.

1. Truth Be Told by Matthew West
   
   
2. Scars in Heaven by Casting Crowns
   
   
3. Talking to Jesus by Elevation Worship, Maverick City Music
   
   
4. Free to be Me by Francesca Battistelli
   
   
5. Mean Girls by Leanna Crawford
   
   
6. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe
   
   
7. The Father's House by Cory Asbury
   
   
8. Nobody by Casting Crowns featuring Matthew West
   
   
9. Revolutionary by Josh Wilson
   
   
10. There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton
    
    
11. No Hopeless Soul by Stephen Stanley
    
    
12. One Day by Cochran & Co.
    
    
13. When We Fall Apart by Ryan Stevenson
    
    
14. Come As You Are by Crowder
    
    
15. Love Moved First by Casting Crowns
    
    
16. In the House by Crowder
    
    
17. This is Amazing Grace by Phil Whickam
    
    
18. Truth I'm Standing On by Leanna Crawford
    
    
19. What If by Matthew West
    
    
20. Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

Basically, all these songs are saying that God is there for you all the time, no matter what. That He will always love you, and will always come through for you, no matter what you do, or what happens in life.

He knows what is on our hearts and minds, and He will help you, if you just ask. 

Speaking the truth is always the best thing to do, even if it is hard. Especially if it is hard. And that is what God does. He speaks the truth.

The songs are saying that no matter what other people say or think, God says you are beautiful, that you are worthy, that you are His. That you can be who and what you were created to be, and not to let what others say and think to determine who you are, or what you are worth.

God doesn't break or go back on His promises, and he will do what he says, if you trust and believe in Him.

I am so thankful to have made the decision to listen to Christian rock, as it has helped me get through some difficult times. And I enjoy listening to it, even when I'm having a good day.

If you listen to Christian music, what are your favorite songs?

11 Years

It is 11 years today since my mom died, and I miss her more than ever.

We didn't have the best relationship, but I loved her very much (and still do), and never imagined she would have been gone as soon as she did.

It has been hard not having her here these eleven years, as she was the one I always went to to talk. If I needed to vent, or a shoulder to cry on, or just wanted to talk about whatever, she was the one I would go to.

Since she died, I have had a very hard time opening up to people, even family members. I'm not having quite as hard a time talking now, as I have people that I trust with speaking up, but this experience still brings up pain and sadness.

She was in the hospital for the last 5 weeks of her life, being so sick, and it took a toll on the family. While she was there, we spent most of our time either at the hospital, or at a hotel so we could get a break from the hospital.

As much as I want her alive, though, I'm glad she isn't sick anymore, and that she doesn't have to deal with the things she had to deal with.

My favorite memories with her, are her and I making rice krispies treats every year, laying on her bed talking about whatever was on our minds, and when my dad surprised her for one of their wedding anniversaries, by having us kids come on a trip with them.

I very much miss the little things like these, that I got to do with my mom, and I hope she is proud of us, for how far we've come these last 11 years.

I miss my mom more and more every day, and I am very thankful to have had her in my life for as long as I did.

Thankful in November

I can't believe it's November already. How did that happen?!

Now that Halloween is over, and Thanksgiving is on it's way, I have thought about things that I am thankful for this year. 

There is so much I am thankful for, but I will be listing 30 things here, since there are 30 days in November.

In no particular order, here is what I am thankful for this year:

1. Family and friends
2. My cats
3. My home
4. Having my own room
5. Music
6. My job
7. Books (especially if they are in audiobook form)
8. Clothing
9. Clean running water
10. Journaling/writing/blogging
11. Weighted blankets
12. My faith
13. Instruments (I am in the process of re-learning how to play the violin)
14. Living close to shops and grocery stores
15. Baking
16. Photography
17. Arts and crafts supplies
18. Joni and Friends
19. Movies
20. Games (board, card, video)
21. The opportunity to work from home if needed
22. Being alive for another year
23. Going to my first big concert
24. My local library's home delivery program
25. Being able to connect with friends and family through text, calls, email, etc.
26. My bike
27. Puzzles
28. The power of prayer (yes, prayer really does work!)
29. Traditions
30. YouTube

What are you thankful for? If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a happy, healthy holiday with your loved ones!

My First Big Concert

This past Thursday, I got to go to my very first big concert, which was Andrea Bocelli's Believe Tour.

I am still on a concert high, and may be for a while!!

Back in August, a friend of mine had invited me to go to the concert with her and her husband. I immediately said yes, as I have been wanting to see Andrea Bocelli in concert for years.

For those of you who don't know, Andrea Bocelli is an Italian opera/pop singer.

I first heard of him about 12 years ago, while I was bored at home one day. I was flipped through the channels on TV, looking for something interesting to watch.

The concert he was doing at the time was on, and it interested me, so I decided to watch it, and I have been a fan ever since.

I was able to get some photos and video from the concert, although they aren't the greatest, as I was not very close to the stage.

Here are the best pictures from what I took.

For the Hallelujah song (the one by Leonard Cohen), his daughter sang with him. She has such an amazing voice, and is only 9 years old!!!

For the last 4 or 5 songs, he would start to leave the stage as the crowd clapped and cheered, then would go back and sing another song. Which everyone loved!

I recognized about half of the songs he sang, and loved every minute of the concert.

He was amazing, as always!!

I am so grateful to my friend for inviting me, and for giving me the opportunity to go to my first concert.

Now that I have been to my first concert, I am already itching to go to more.

Not just by Andrea Bocelli, but by other artists as well.

I am so happy right now, and will never forget this!!!

My Fall 2021 Bucket/Goals List

Since Fall is almost here, I have been thinking of things I would like to do during the season. 

I spend my time doing the same few things, and would like to mix it up a bit. Ok, maybe more than a bit!

So, in no particular order, here is my bucket/goals list for Fall 2021:

• Get my bedroom cleaned up
• Repaint bedroom walls
• Get a new bed
• Carve/decorate a pumpkin
• Go to a fall festival
• Watch Halloween movies
• Practice playing the violin at least 3x a week
• Decorate my bedroom for Halloween/Fall
• Go on walks 3x a week
• Bake pumpkin pie
• Cook Thanksgiving dinner
• Roast pumpkin seeds
• Make a Fall wreath
• Crochet a blanket
• Knit or crochet a sweater for myself
• Bake something at least once a week
• Make chili
• Have a Fall photo shoot done
• Visit the farmer's market
• Build a blanket fort
• Put together at least 2 puzzles
• Dye my hair purple
• Visit at least one museum
• Go to the movies
• Paint
• Host a game night with friends
• Make a pizza from scratch (or mostly from scratch)
• Write letters to friends
• Make hot chocolate
• Make brookies
• Take up yoga
• Learn how to sew
• Make caramel apples
• Purchase and light Fall candles
• Go on a nature hike
• Spend a day (or two) in the city
• Finish craft projects that are nearly done
• Start my own YouTube channel
• Get my driving permit, and practice driving
• Have a girls night out/in
• Visit a friend in another state
• Visit a corn or hay maze
• Drink apple cider
• Visit a pumpkin patch
• Make a scarecrow
• Go thrift shopping
• Go to the Andrea Bocelli concert
• Learn sign language
• Learn Spanish
• Purchase a new pair of pajamas
• Create a vision board

I know this is a long list, and I don't expect to do everything on it. These are just things I would like to do. 

Hopefully I can get out of my comfort zone, and do as many of these as I can.

What do you want to do this Fall?