Wow, dear beans. Can you believe we are halfway through October??
Seriously, I cannot. And my baby just passed the seven week mark last Monday. . . #WHUT O___________O He's growing so fast! He weighs a little over ten pounds now from his 6 lb. 14 oz. birth weight. I just want him to please stay little!
In regards to the lovely quote above, my mother is hosting a Bible study/book club on Thursdays and we're going through the book Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. It studies the Scripture of Titus 2 and just what it means to be a woman of God---for the older to teach the younger---and the how and why of living adorned.
Essentially, we are to adorn Christ and live out the beauty of the gospel. How does one do that? Well, I don't have an answer just yet, but I'm working on it. :]
It's so lovely just to get together with other ladies of all ages and to simply study the Word. I've really missed that the past year.
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As to other goings on, my new job as a mama is certainly FULL TIME. And let me tell ya, there is NOTHING like it in all the world. It's difficult, to be frank, but when I see my little boy's tiny hands and feet or watch as his face cracks in a wide smile, it is soooooooooo darn worth it.
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| BATH TIME || Instagram || @sarahpenmaiden |
The Silmarillion
by J.R.R. Tolkien
Currently on a back-burner. . . It's a little dryer reading than I'm used to (although I'm loving it), so I'm reading a little at a time whilst going back and forth on a couple of the following books:
Raising Dragons
(Dragons in Our Midst #1)
by Brian Davis
This is the first re-read I've read in I don't know how long. I found the copy at McKay's and had to add to my personal library (how I didn't have the whole series ages ago is a mystery). And it is JUST AS GOOD AS I REMEMBER.
Burning Thorns
A Retelling of Beauty & the Beast
{BETA READ}
Technically, this one is not yet published---I'm currently a beta reader for it---but I'm TOTALLY counting it cuz it'll be on your shelves soon, BELIEVE ME. I'm SOOOOOOOO proud of dear Christine for making it this far in her steps to be published, and I've no doubt she'll do just that.
The Assassin's Daughter #2
{BETA READ}
Another beta read!! I'm ECSTATIC, y'all---I'm a beta reader for TWO novels. So blessed to have this opportunity. And SOOOOOOOOO proud of this girl as well! She's already published one novel and she's preparing this sequel now. I'm really enjoying the continuation of Kat and Ed's story.
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NEXT ON THE TBR LIST
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Fawkes by Nadine Brandes
Both of those were bargain finds at a couple different bookstores! I'd been looking for them since they've been all over social media---SO HAPPY. Can't wait to get into them. xD
Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly
MERMAIDS, y'all. MERMAIDS.
Been attempting to catch up on all of my bloggy friends blogs today, and I've seen some fun link-ups I may try to tackle. I love those things because they challenge you on your characters' make-up and storyworld. My stories have been gathering a bit too much dust lately, I'm hoping to grab the shop-vac of my brain and hit 'em hard these next couple weeks.
Also, NANOWRIMO.
I'm afraid I have not the time to properly take on NaNo this November, but I may try to do it my own way. I won't have the word goal, but I may set a time goal of, say, ten minutes a day, and see where it goes from there. I've been wanting to look at a couple of my concept story ideas, which are set in different genre from my fantasy WIP. Noya's tale seems to be kinda stuck, so I was thinking I'd work in a different world before coming back to it---a fresh start.
What do you think?
How do you keep your stories fresh and going?
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Well, happy Wednesday, all. I'll be back Friday for a link-up. :] *waves*
Have a lovely evening!
Loved getting this update! But how IS it halfway through October???? I think there's a time conspiracy going on. >.>
ReplyDeleteThat picture of Gabe is too much for my soul. HIS LITTLE SMILE. I can't stop looking at it. <333
Your words about my story. *HAPPY FLAIL* You are too precious, Sarah!
Would you believe I've never read The Silmarillion??? And I call myself a Tolkien fan. It's so shameful! But I do know it's a heavier read and I keep putting it off. I must get to it. But EEEE!!! Raising Dragons! I've been wanting to reread that entire series so very much. It's my happy place! <3 Can't wait for you to read Fawkes! It's so, so good! And Caravel is one I've been wanting to read myself!
I like that you're going to do your own mini NaNo and set some small goals. That sounds absolutely perfect for your season in life. I do hope it goes wonderfully!
Hope you have a beautiful rest of October, m'dear! <3
I would have to agree about the conspiracy...
DeleteAwww, thank you! That's gotta be one of my absolute fave photos of him. *^ - ^* EEP! Having you say that makes me feel better about not having read it before myself! And because it is a heavier read, I'm reading bits of it between my other TBRs. :D
Thanks, girlie! I feel a little better about NaNo this year because I'm determined to have MY own goals and I'm not stressing out about reaching theirs. Best wishes to you! 'your story sounds absolutely AMAZING. Ditto to you too, dahling!
MEEEP - Gabriel looks SO DARN CUTE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you on the Simillarion - I found it really fascinating but could only read a little at a time.
I jump around WIPs and keep them stewing in the back of my head - crazy how little everyday things can really influence them, LOL.
Wonderful post, Sarah!!!
Catherine <3
Thanks so much!! And so glad you think so too. I love the details he puts in, but it certainly makes for a harder read. YESSSS. That's what makes good stories, if you ask me---the little everyday things you add in. :] Thanks, dearie!
DeleteGoodness, your little one is totes adorbs!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd man, your reading list is awesome! The Sil is pretty slow in comparison to most books, but it is really helpful in understanding Tolkien's works. It took me over a year to complete, but I walked away feeling a bit more knowledgeable.
AND YOU MUST READ FAWKES!!!! *shoves down your throat* *cough* Yeah, I love it very much. So amaze.
Have an excellent end of October and a wonderful November!
Awww, thanks! He's such a cute and good baby. *^ - ^* I would totally agree with you! I LOVE the detail he puts into the storyworld, but it does make it a little dryer in reading...
DeleteYESSSSS. I've heard SOOO much about that book, I just had to pick it up when I found it. So glad you give it such high praise!
Thanks, dearie, you also!!
Thanks for sharing the goings on updates! It's so nice to see what you are up to and a little of how you (and Baby Gabe!) are faring. Gabe is SO adorable! His pictures bring such happy smiles to my face. :)
ReplyDeleteYour mom's women's Bible study sounds like a wonderful opportunity to dig into God's word and fellowship/mentor/mentee with other ladies.
Looks like you have some great reads going and a functional, low-stress goal for some November writing too!
P.S. Just gotta add on here that your blog skills are superb. I, of course, would enjoy reading ANYTHING from you, especially about your life! But your posts are neatly organized, well-written, and entertaining. They are truly as pleasure to read. :) Just throwing that out there- you're a very talented, hard-working blogger, my dear. ;)
P.P.S. Sorry for being so late in my comments. I read these all as they showed up on my feed, but as per usual I terribly slow in my responses. Good thing you like me anyway, right? XD