RIP JULY 2K17 WE SHALL MISS YOU DREADFULLY // join me in my long post of silly stuffs i did (that includes nano)

M Y  B R A I N :

gardening and listening to Sarah plain and tall audio drama and being like "woah this sounds like Glenn Close" and then reading back of case to see IT IS GLENN CLOSE

thinking the eggs were going bad soon so I made like a lot a lot then seeing the expiration date was was for the end of July hahaa

i cracked up so hard over that cactus ^

I really really thought the librarian left the H off of "through" on the Break Out event for a reason but really it was a typo

being in Walmart and a guy just jumping on a bike then riding off

okay so apparently I can't pump ketchup at Wendy's hahahha

my dad asked me to get wrapping paper when I went out that day - I wrote down this note to remember. then I read the note that afternoon at the store and knew to get wrapping paper. I just now realize what it actually says. ^

*am walking* *am thinking* *is thinking oh boy I feel like I know this lady* *isnt watching my feet* BAM *trips over large cement object* *lady glares at me*
me - "I didn't see that."

so I was at a restaurant the other day. I helped clear the table cuz the waitress was really tired - after I did that this guy came over to me and was like "Miss, could you get me a fork?"
-me "I, um, don't work here? *laughs*"
like I wasn't even closely dressed as an employee and no name tag uhhh?

M E M O R A B L E  S T U F F S :

having a campfire for the 4th with hot dogs and smores and kit kats and peanut butter cups

okay so I went to goodwill, found this skirt I loved, but didn't wanna spend the money. For some reason I slipped my hand into the pocket AND FOUND A $5 NO JOKE. Needless to say, that skirt is now in my closet.

cars 3 idk what to say i'm slightly affected by this growing up with disney thing

my dad coming into my room to say goodnight and then ends up practicing with my nerf gun legit #guysnevergrowup

going to Starbucks for the first time this month!!! (No I didn't get coffee haha)

running into your friends at the library and hanging out until the event

so i looked out my bedroom window and am like "ah it's so pretty." Then I see something in tree WAY WAY UP and realize it's a jump rope #lifewithbrothers

*phone rings in car*
"Its yours grandpa!"
*grunts* "it'll be a nobody. Oh wait it's Wards boat shop."

running into Wendy's and getting frostys for my siblings - they were so excited <3


W H A T  T H E  S I B L I N G S  S A Y :

Me - "how was your nap?"
Little sis - "nice. Except everyone had to wake me up. *huff*"

"We are getting out of the pool in 3 minutes okay??" -  me
"Aww man I don't want to! 5 minutes?" - sister
"2 minutes?" -me (with pretend threatening tone)
"Fine! 3!" - little sis

*my dad to my little bro who was complaining of some minor/made-up pain*
"Everything hurts more at bedtime. It's a well known fact of parenting" #omwtruth

*me sitting at table and suddenly feels a hand on my face* "WHA?!"
- little sis "you had paint on your face!!"

*picking up sticks* *little bro runs up* "here, let me do that. Let the man do it."

*sister in restaurant* *picks up kids menu* "how does she know I'm under 11?"

"Julia is a crazy driver. She killed an ogre on the way to the library." - little sis
"No way! Is that true?" - little bro
"*laughs* no...but we did see a squirrel!"- sister
(Oh. My. Word. Siblings)

"Does your eye hurt?" - me
"Yeah when I blink. But. Well. I have to do it. Can't exactly stand there with my eyes open that would be creepy." - sister

"I don't trust the washer. IT EATS SOCKS." -sarah

P O S T S  T O  B E  P R A I S E D : 

JANE MAREE DID A WHOLE POST ABOUT MY POETRY BOOK THIS GIRL DESERVES PIZZA

JON ACTUALLY PULLED OFF A LIFESTYLE POST

SARE'S PHOTOS ARE LEGIT GOALS + SHE IS POETIC K

AUDREY IS AADDOOORRAABLLLE

JESSICA BASICALLY BROKE MY HEART INTO A MILLION PIECES

AUDREY ALSO SPOKE TO ME IN THIS POST (hehe good blogging this month girl)

MY BESTIE I AM SOBBING THIS POST IS SO REAL

T H I N G S  T O  B E  N O T E D : 

• twilight to dawn got a makeover!!!!!!! I AM SO SO SO THRILLED wanna see? Jump to this link! 
• I lowered my goal for nano twice...failure yes or no? idk. I mean, in a way, it really really stinks but THATS OKAY. I mean.. I still got 15k done. 
• CAMPING. (I'm actually roughing it at this moment THANK YOU BLOGGER FOR SCHEDULED POSTING)(thats why your comments won't be published right away jsyk)
• my grandparents brought over 4 BOXES OF RECORDS (i didn't count them but THERE ARE A LOT OF GEMS IN THERE) 
• I SURVIVED kayaking for like 4 hours without water or snacks INSANE
• nerf battles. that's it. 
• my garden is actually thriving????? dudes. I'm so excited IVE GOT BABY WATERMELONS so much cuteness i can't handle it 
• i bought this amazingly fluffy soft miracle of a blanket. 

W H A T  I S  N E X T ?????? 

• Wrapping up my novel + designing its cover and printing the first copy THEN SARAH CAN READ IT OMW IM SO NERVOUS 
• realizing that summer is semi ending which means fall is coming and IM GRADUATED (and taking a gap year) SO WHAT IN THE WORLD THIS IS WEIRD 
• my birthday? idk how to even think about this 
• RELAXATION. I'm trying to take this summer thing seriously from now on. 

------------------------------

so here we are. JULY IS GONE. just here is one thing that I've learned this month -- I can do a lot more than I thought on 4 hours of sleep. *nods* 

HOW WAS YOUR JULY??

TELL ME 5 THINGS THAT YOU DID THIS MONTH 

MY HAPPY PLANNER AND HOW IT WAS WORTH THE $23 + tons of pics // how this weekend went and yes i cried

YOU ASKED FOR A POST ON MY PLANNER SO HERE I AM (hope you enjoyed lookingstalking my planner photos hehehe I KNOW YOUR PLANS YOU CANNOT FOOL ME)

basically I have had a couple different planners over the past two years. The first one actually worked pretty fantastically, but legit was gigantic. I don't think I've ever had a notebook so large. Then, I moved on to my bullet journal, which was super small, but I had to make a new week sheet like constantly bc I never had enough time to plan ahead....which was really really hard for me bc I couldn't write down something which would be happening a few months in advance. uhg.

aka I was forgetting birthdays and big things like that SORRY MY FRIENDS.

I finally reached the point after I graduated and I just knew the bullet journal wasn't working anymore. I needed SOMETHING but it couldn't be something that was too small or too big, utterly blank or way too busy, covered in sections which I would never use, etc etc etc. 

I searched and searched and searched -- and found THE HAPPY PLANNER. (it lives up to it's name jsyk)

I first found it on Amazon, which was pretty neat but I was heading to town that day so I was like "okay I'll look at Walmart." THEY HAD IT. but for like $23.00. I cringed and winced and cried and whined and begged people for money (no not really jk) and finally was like "its like $2 a month." so I snapped out of it and calmed down. lol

of course tho I got home and shared about it on my insta story and a girl I know messaged me and was like I GOT THAT AT COSTCO FOR $12 AND ITS 48 MONTHS WITH STICKERS AND MARKERS TOO *crashes and booms and moans and sobs in the background*

nah. I'm fine. really. *groans* 

But, still, no matter what, it's been worth it. I'm able to plan AHEAD which is huge. I'm able to look back -- also there is enough space for me to add different things each month (like right now I am keeping my nano word count at the bottom + what I've written for the day just for my own mental count). I just really really love the freedom of having the planner planned and set for each week. (aka i'm getting lazy or really busy? I'll take the 2nd please) 

also its really cute. *grins* 

THIS WEEKEND GUYS OH GUYS OH GUYS REMEMBER HOW I TOLD YOU I WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT IT gosh. it was like a wonderful thing + a half. so so so memory filled. All I can keep thinking about was the laughs and stories told and the hugs then the saying goodbye and my grandpa telling me to go away bc I was crying. (in a total loving/choking on emotion way) 

well so far today has been the most relaxing of my entire summer. It won't last, sadly. but hey, I would get bored anyway. I'm thinking of doing another boho hair wrap also keep an eye out for my monthly post soon. It's gonna be a good one *grins* 

WHAT DO YOU USE FOR A PLANNER??

HOW BUSY/LAZY IS YOUR SUMMER?

THINGS ARE CHANGING - how life is hectic and how i'm SO SO SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS WEEKEND // DIY UPDATE PICS

its just been one of those crazy hectic weeks where you run and run and run around getting so many things done but the gigantic pile of things NEEDED to be done keeps growing and its like HELP.  It's a neat hectic though. I'm learning so much. I'm enjoying so much. Our house project is going fabulously and I'm in love with how the kitchen is turning out. Absolutely in love. (also absolute is my newest and most used word of late) 

Last night I found out that the other library near us is hiring as well, so I quickly applied to there *crosses fingers* also also also today was like 900000 degrees or something -- work was so hot but on the bright side we got baby potatoes and OMW THEY ARE SO CUTE. After work, Sarah and I ran to our library where they were having a meeting. Its like a meeting where the teens can come and talk over ideas for new events....of course I'm like no longer a teen sooooo #whocares

I also got my first 3 slips into the grand prize box today. uhm. don't ask (UHG HOW IS SUMMER READING ALREADY ALMOST DONE?!??!?!)

We went kayaking on the river on the weekend.....totally forgot to bring snacks or water for the 4 hour trip. #badidea BUT WE DID GET ICE CREAM AFTERWARDS. which was actually 100% accurate bc it was national ice cream day and we didn't even know it. *nods* 

I get to maybe volunteer to be the librarian's right hand lady at the summer reading finale party*coughcough* (more like instant rule enforcer and loud speaker) BUT STILL. this growing up thing is hard but I'm working my way into still doing the things I love -- can't stop me hhehehee

I bought a fidget spinner today. #ifell

ALSO THIS WEEKEND GUYS. oh. my. word. okay so my grandparents are coming for a visit (the ones i visited on the east coast) and its like SOO exciting bc now we get to show them our favorite places and idk. I just can't wait to see them again <333333 

I'm so behind in my word count for nano its not even funny...i had to lower my goal I think twice? It's really hard to let myself do that, but at the moment, life is so full and I'm really loving that and it's okay. I'm still writing poetry and keeping conversations going on in my head with my characters. #writers I will finish this novel -- then I have some new ideas (I think I'll do a post on those later k)

btw MY HAPPY PLANNER WAS SO WORTH THE $23 DOLLARS LIKE IM NOT EVEN SORRY I SPENT THAT. (i mean still its expensive *cough*) do you guys want me to do a post on that?? I think I asked but am not sure #mybrainisfried

did you know that Wendy's has $0.50 frostys right now? well, now you do. get one. (or like 55029508629886 like i have)

BYE FOR NOW

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS WEEKEND??

WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW? 

87 POUNDS OF BLUEBERRIES + TAKING A GAP YEAR + FIREWORKS + PAINTING STAIRS // whats new [camp nano day 11]

me: *peacefully listening to music* *realizes its christmas music* *screams and scrambles to turn it off* NO CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN JULY OK

I'm kinda falling behind in a lot of stuff, yet not. Idk how that is possibly a thing, but I just keep on moving the things I didn't get done on the to-do list for the new day and so forth until everything is completed. except, during nano, I would not recommend doing that for your word count. You'll end up having to write 3k in one day or else you'll be so far behind..... totally not speaking from experience. nah. who me? nope. *hyperventilates* 

actual footage of me somedays

but then again, there are so many beautiful moments. Like sporadic adventures such as buying a pop-up camper off of craiglist and playing in moonsand with the little boy there. WHAT IN THE WORLD IS MOONSAND MADE OUT OF. its like moss and sand and uh. idk. its really neat and I'm slightly obsessed. shh.

or I could talk about picking a lot a lot of blueberries. that's basically all I have to say. Just don't expect me to eat much else after picking for two hours straight. One for the bucket, two for me - that's how I roll. *grins* 

My grandpa brought fireworks over on the 4th and yesss that was terrific. We had never really done anything like that before...so it was just one of those things that you'll always remember. Always.

painting stairs on the other hand hahahhahahahahahaaaaaa just isn't the funnest thing to do. (don't ever try painting half at once and then doing the other half like a day or so later. doesn't work. YOU SEE THE LINE VERY CLEARLY. *moans and yanks at hair* #thethingsyoutry)

lets face it this is also me 

and yes, I am taking a gap year. I did orientation and testing for college (yes I survived) but after a lot of thought and prayer and talking and pro vs con lists I was just like "YA KNOW WHAT not right now" and seriously the second after I made that decision, all I felt was relief. I'm still working my summer job + just applied for a job at my library (PRAY PLEASE) and going day by day, writing my novel, gardening, swimming and sibling bonding --- I know this is right.

btw, I am so overwhelmed with jane maree --- she did this amazing post about my poetry book IM JUST SOBBING K

also I'm craving a crazy baking experience. any dessert suggestions???

EVER PICK BLUEBERRIES (or any other fruits?) 

WHAT DECISION HAVE YOU MADE RECENTLY THAT BROUGHT RELIEF? 

WHY IN THE WORLD AREN'T BOOKS RATED LIKE MOVIES ARE?????!!! // encouragement + neat t-shirts [day 6 of nano]

countless times have I picked up a book and put it back down bc I don't really know the content in said book -- like UUHHGGG. Okay, with DVDs you pick it up, flip around the back and read. You get a little bit about the movie, who made it, the actors, and then waaaaaaayyy down in the bottom it'll say "PG" or "PG-13" or "R" and then under those letters it'll be like "for language and brief violence."

WHY OH WHY DOES HOLLYWOOD HAVE THIS BUT THE SIMPLE BOOK PUBLISHERS DONT??

like I get it. People have different standards. Everyone has that line that they don't cross -- of course the line is at various spots for each individual. but if movies can do it why can't books be rated??

I'd love to be able to flip around a book to see "PG for so and so". You get a better picture of whats in the book. It's almost as if publishers DONT want this. Because admit it, reading a book is waaaaaayyy different than watching a movie. yes, actors can do a really good job -- sometimes even the music/film work can make a film JUST SO AMAZING.

yet. yet. yet.

What would you say is valued and cherished? Books. Yes. They have lasted for so long and now what's happening to them? They're becoming dirtier and dirtier (not saying there haven't always been junky books cuz hahaaa yeah they've always been there) and books are slipping farther away.

sooooooooooooo maybe we need to change the way we do book reviews. Often, I see a review and think OH this book is neat! But, rarely do I hear the reviewer point out the negative side (unless its about some cheesy part) and I'm like uuhhg. Because, I would REALLY like to know -- I'd like to save myself from having to slam the book shut and walking away mad and disgusted for days.

WE ARE THE REBELLION.

 

we can change this. we can make a movement. I'm really excited for the day when we will walk into the library and see our friends published books on the shelves. We will be like Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. We will, guys. Don't give up. don't give in.

F I G H T . 

just know this. The faster you give in, the quicker you lower your standards, the less likely you'll have to make an impact. to change the world. 

let's stop raving about a book just bc it's being raved about. Lets stop forgetting about the Lord's name being taken in vain on page 27, just bc of the really good characters + story plot in the end. Lets stop bending and start standing strong. 

Come on, my friends. We've got this.

btw LOOK AT THE SHIRTS MY FRIEND AMANDA MADE FOR ME FOR MY GRADUATION PRESENT AHHHH

ARE YOU WILLING TO FIGHT AND STAY STRONG??

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT YOUR CUSTOM T SHIRT TO SAY?

HATE VS LOVE PERSPECTIVE // a post in which julia shows you the pretty sky + randomness [camp nano day 1]

there is one thing i hate

that i can't eat all the ice cream i want

that i live so far away from so many people i dearly dearly love

that some books are too long and some aren't long enough

the fact that airplane tickets cost so much

also the fact that i can't flap my arms and fly

that i have laughing fits randomly

knowing that winter always comes again

and also there are things i love

that i can eat ice cream often

that i have people that i love so dearly near

that books are books no matter what

yeah airplane tickets aren't cheap if they were nobody would value them as much

that i can't flap my arms and fly that would be weird

the fact that i do laugh a lot

and knowing that summer will also always come again

you see

it isn't really about the thing or how you feel about it

it's about how you look at it 

----------------------------------

btw, I'm entirely apologizing for this post ahead of time. I am on paint fumes (i did the bathroom (was in there all day) BUT YES I AM REALLY REALLY HAPPY WITH HOW IT TURNED OUT AH #chalkedpaint)

#whatiamfeeling 

• am dying over how today is day 1 of camp nano how how how idk
• also am eating filled licorice
• and listening to amazing music -- go look up Emile Pandolfi k and 
• mary poppins is on so i want to go watch it bc i am mary poppins k

try looking at things a little differently tho. I think you'll be surprised.

EVER TRY CHALKED PAINT BEFORE??

WHAT IS YOUR PERSPECTIVE?