Hello There!

Hello there my lovely friends! I am indeed, alive! *Sends you all really big virtual hugs*

It's been awhile! A year and 18 days to be exact. Whew. I'm afraid I took a rather unintentional and unplanned hiatus. Life, frens.

But I've been really missing the bloggy life, and it is high time I came back! To start, a little housekeeping was long overdue. The blog needed a little face lift, some page updating, and some overall touch-ups. So that was fun to play around with :) Pray, what do you think of the new look?

I've got sooooo many new post ideas, and several posts coming up, and I'm literally so excited to get back into the flow of things! I've missed the blogging community so much!!

So, without further ado, welcome back to Notes From a Hartfield Girl!

How have you all been? I'd love to chat in the comments!

Yours Truly, Miss Woodhouse

Summer 2018

Salutations everybody!!

Well, I have officially started school...

Has anyone else's summer gone by ridiculously fast!?

This summer has been different than most summers I've had. For starters, I got my first ever REAL JOB at the end of the school year, so a lot of these three months I spent working.

Secondly, my friends and I have all reached the ages where everyone is starting to head off for college. About 1/2 of my friends are leaving for college this year, several of them going to colleges that are really really far away. 

I'm still taking classes at our community college, so moving away isn't quite here yet. It will probably several years more for me. It's still weird though, to see a lot of really great friends head off.   

But all that aside, here is a basic summer recap :)

//Enjoying//

All the lovely things of Summer that there are to enjoy :)

Swimming with friends, backpacking trips, frozen yogurt stops, starry nights, bike rides, church picnics, and swing dances

Also, kinda been going nuts over aesthetics lately, especially aesthetic pictures. I don't know why, but they just make me unreasonable happy ^.^

//Watching//

Downton Abbey

So my sister and I are watching this series for the first time, and OH GOODNESS I LOVE IT!!!

It tends to be dramatic, and I definitely would not recommend it for younger viewers, but that aside, it is a lovely, lovely period drama!!! 

The costumes are stunning, the houses are gorgeous, and I love the characters, save for the nasty few *throws very large version of the dictionary at Miss O'Brien and Thomas* (I despise those two sooooo much)

We are halfway through season two now. And I must know, but does anyone ship Sybil and Branson as stinkin' hard as I do?? I mean, the two of them are just.... just...aslkjghsejrhglw!!!! I LOVES THEM AND I WISH THEY WOULD JUST GET MARRIED ALREADY AND THAT SYBIL'S FAMILY WOULDN'T DISOWN HER IF THEY DID!!!!! *sobs*

Christopher Robin

I just saw this in the theaters and may I saw that it is one of the cutest movies I have ever seen!!! I absolutely loved it!! It was sweet, it was endearing, and who doesn't love Winnie the Pooh?! If you haven't already seen it, then you should!

(also Haley Atwell is gorgeous and was born to play a woman of the 40's!)

//Writing//

So I'm super excited to say that I am a chapter away from finishing my first ever novel!! 

I'm still working on my Peter Pan WIP that I mentioned awhile back, and it's come so far since the beginning, and I couldn't be more excited, though rather sad at the same time, to be nearly done with it!

When it's finished I definitely will be doing a post about it, and perhaps I'll share some excerpts :)

//Listening to//

Thought I might as well provide the links to a few of my favorites!

For You to Be Here; Tom Rosenthal

Thiiiis sooooong!!! It's so lovely, do listen to it!!

Rain; Simply Three

Anything instrumental is lovely, and I love the sound of rain in the background.

This is Why I Need You; Jess Rubin

Such a sweet song!!

Also lots of Owl City, Ed Sheeran, Lindsey Stirling, Sleeping at Last, The Chainsmokers, The Piano Guys, and Coldplay.

So there you have it!! A basic recap of my Summer!! 

And so school begins. Despite being sad to have to leave the laziness of Summer behind, I'm actually excited about this new school year! I have friends in many of my classes, which is always a blessing, and it will be nice to see school friends whom I haven't seen in awhile.

Btw, in case you haven't already noticed, I've changed my blog look! I actually changed it at the beginning of summer, But I haven't posted at all since changing it, so I thought I might as well give it a mention ;)

I promise that I will try to be better about posting!! I've been terribly absent lately, but I hope to be more present here in my little corner of the Internet :)

But for now, I hope you are all having a fabulous school year so far!! Good luck to all of you who are heading off to brave college!!

Tell me what you've been up to!! How was your Summer? How is school going?

Liebster Award!!

Yoohaloo Ladies! The lovely Elanor just tagged me with the Liebster Award, which is my first ever award!! I decided it was high time I pop in and answer the questions!

Acknowledge the blog that gave it to you and display the award.

Thank you so much Elanor!!! :D <3

Answer the 11 questions that the blogger gives you.

1. What is one thing you have in excess?

Ohh let's see...

Unwritten book ideas...? Does that count, cause I got plenty of those! 

2. How do you spend a lazy day?

Ooo I like lazy days. Usually I spend them writing, or occasionally drawing.

3.Who is your favorite author?

L.M. Montgomery hands down. I love her books to little bits <3

4. Are you more like your mother or your father?  Explain.

Hmm... a little of both I think? I think I've got a lot of my mom's mannerisms. My dad is a people person, and I AM NOT. AT ALL. But other than that, a pretty good mix of both I think.

5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Well this is kind of a silly one, but if I have my music on shuffle, and someone walks in and messes with my music and stops my shuffle, it drives me crazy!! Because then I have to start it again, and it will replay songs I've already heard, and it will just drive me nuts!!

  

6. If you could spend a day with a celebrity, who would it be and what would you do?

THAT'S SUCH A HARD ONE!! Just one celebrity? Couldn't we make it like a celebrity get together...? 

Hmm...

I think I'll go with Lily James. We would walk around London together, and she would show me all the cool places. Then we would visit old bookshops, and have tea, and just do all sorts of fun, silly stuff :)

(my second choice would definitely be Tom Holland. 'Cause he's awesome <3 And the English accent gives him extra points ;))

7. What is one thing you hate that most people love?

Stranger Things. I don't get why everyone is so obsessed with it (sorry Stranger Things fans)

I've just never been a fan of scary movies in general, so yeah... not exactly my thing...

8. Give three words that best describe you.

Quiet, Adventruous, and Sweet. 

9. Which genre of music is your go-to?

I like several different kinds of music. From period drama soundtracks, to the occasional One Direction song (don't judge, they do have few good ones XD), to a lot of instrumental things like Piano Guys and Taylor Davis, to a little bit of Owl City. Yep. *nods head* I like a lot of different genres...

10. What is a little known talent of yours?

I sing, which I don't think very many people know.

11. If you could bring one fictional character to life, who would it be and why?

AGAIN THIS IS TOO HARD!! JUST ONE!! HOW COULD I EVER CHOOSE!?!?

UMMMM....

UMMMMMMMM......

*begins to hyperventilate*

I guess...

I think I'll go with... I guess Gilbert Blythe cause he's an absolute sweetheart, and I love him lots... 

Moving on before I suffer a heart attack!!

Give 11 random facts about yourself.

1.) I am one of those people who will burst into song if you say something that even vaguely sounds like a song lyric

2.) I am also one of those people who can leave the room singing along to a song I have playing, and when I come back to the room, find myself still right on time with the song

3.) I am a hardcore Pantser when it comes to writing, and it's not always to my benefit :P

4.) I have never been to Europe, but I really, really, reeeeally want to go someday

5.) I should be asleep right now, but I'm writing this instead XD

6.) I've never been to a concert of a music artist that I really admire, but I'm working on that ;)

7.) I am not a morning person at all...

8.) I am running out of facts...

9.) I am a slave to aesthetics. They make me happy :)

10.) I'm reading the Penderwicks right now and I love it!!

11.) It's not easy to type while laying down. I know because that is what I am doing right now

Nominate 11 blogs.

Let's see... I nominate

- Olivia @ Meanwhile in Rivendale

- Amaris @ The Storybook Journal

- Catherine @ The Rebelling Muse

- Cordy @ Any Merry Little Thought

- Tessa @ This Great Adventure

- Natalie @ Ramblings of a Redheaded Girl

- Kat N Lia @ The Singing Writer

- Katherine and Grace @ The Maidens of Green Gables

- Madeline Joy @ Tower of Joy

- Anna Holmberg @ Bookends and Bwopper-Eels

- MiddleEarthMusiscian @ Music, Mystery, Middle Earth, and Mitochondria

 Give them 11 questions to answer.

1.) Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?

2.) Describe your fashion sense in three words

3.) Who is your current, or most recent, celebrity crush? (Mwahahaha)

4.) Do you like social media, or is it a waste of time in your opinion?

5.) Are you a Planner, or a Pantser, (or mayber a Plantser) when it comes to writing?

6.) Do you prefer milk chocolate, or dark chocolate (And if you say you don't like chocolate, I shall think you very odd indeed)

7.) If you could do anything you wanted for a career, without having to worry about money or anything like that, what would you do?

8.) What's the most recent book you read and what was your opinion of it?

9.) Do you prefer skirts/dresses, or jeans?

10.) Current favorite singer?

11.) If you could trade places with a fictional character for a day, who would it be and why?

So that's that!! Thanks so much for tagging me Elanor :D 

IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!! + Lately

It's that time of year again guys!!!

Only four days till Christmas!!! 

*Runs around like crazy in front of the Christmas tree belting White Christmas!!!*

Actually I am half super stressed, half super excited. Stressed cause after finals were over, Christmas just snuck up on me and so I'm still last minute scrambling to get presents for everyone, excited cause ONLY FOUR DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone else feel the same way?

So I thought I'd give ya'll a little Christmassy themed update post! It's so nice to have time to write again, I've missed blogging consistently! *pauses to think if I ever really did that in the first place or if I've always been an inconsistent blogger*

LATELY I'VE BEEN...

// Reading //

Well, I am slowly working through the Fellowship of the Ring for the VERY. FIRST. TIME!! Yep you read correctly. The classically uncultured Miss Woodhouse is reading the Lord of the Rings for the first time ever.  

IT'S SO GOOD!!!!!!!

I'm loving it!!! You will be hearing more about this soon as I make my way through the books, have no doubt ;)

I'm also reading through the book of Romans. If you haven't read it, then DO SO. Just WOW.

// Listening To //

Christmas music of course!! Bing Crosby is playing as I write this (Love his voice sooooo much <3)

I've also listened to a lot of instrumental Christmas Music this year. Ever since my Christmas violin recital I've been singing The Seven Rejoices of Mary and I Wonder as I Wander non-stop.

Photo Credit: Me

  

Plus,  a few non- Christmas songs, mainly being story playlists. Also I just discovered Celtic Woman, and I LOVE their music!! I'm a sucker for anything that sounds remotely Irish or Celtic, so they're right up my alley!

// Watching //

WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!

THIS GOTTA BE THE ULTIMATE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. We watch it every year, know every single song, and speak fluently in WC quotes. My sister and I are also a lot like Betty and Judy (at least we like to think we are) and we love to perform the Sisters Song :) We have long discussions over who's wardrobe is better and we just can't decide! 

Miracle on 34th Street

This movie. It's just so sweet and innocent, and so 1940s!! 

 Also Mrs. Shelhammer is hilarious!! We quote her so often XD ;)

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

I know what you're gonna say. I was naughty for watching the movies before finishing the books, but I couldn't help myself!!

And Wow. Guys my little heart almost couldn't take all of the emotions. I am not a cryer when it comes to movies. I have been called heartless on more than one occasion. But these movies... I just... I mean I just... I pretty much cried my way through The Return of the King. ALL THE FEEEEEELS.

Nevertheless, the movies were a.ma.zing. 

I'm gonna try and write a review soon! (Ignores how many times I've promised a review with no results ;))

I'm also a sucker for Pippin and Merry. Love those two <3 <3

Little Women

We watch this movie pretty much year round, but it really has Christmassy feel to it, making it especially fun to watch this time of year.

This movie makes me feel so cozy and nostalgic. I love it to pieces :)

// Writing //

I've started a new story that I'm super excited about!!! I've been working pretty consistently on it, but I'm a slow writer. I'm hoping for this to be the first story I've ever finished. Yes, I have never ever finished one of my books. I'm up to 6,434 words, which isn't very many, but here's hoping. 

It's a fantasy novel set in the 1940s, about a girl who is magically swept away to Neverland. I have plans for what happens, but I don't have a definite middle yet, which is a problem. I have beginning and an end, but the middle is slow in coming. *exasperated sigh*

I've been thinking about possibly sharing a few excerpts! What say you?

// Loving //

Christmas Break has been soooooo nice!!! I don't think I've ever enjoyed doing nothing more! These days you can usually find me snuggled up in a blanket in front of the Christmas tree with a mug of either chai tea or hot cocoa, either writing, drawing, or reading.

Wrapping Presents! Depends on what mood I'm in, but I usually really enjoy wrapping presents, square boxes preferably ;)

Making cookies!! At least, I'm looking forward to making cookies, which is probably what tomorrow will be spent doing. Also eating cookies is great. I may like eating cookies best...

If only it would snow!!! We have white Christmas occasionally, but it doesn't look like we will be having one this year :( Oh well.

via Pinterest

But mostly, hopefully without sounding to cliche, I love the reason for the season. This verse really struck a chord with me this morning when I was reading.

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. ~ Romans 5: 18

Ladies, God is so good. And Christmas is such a reminder of that. 

So, that's what I'm up to! Hope you have all been having a wonderful Christmas vacation!! Tell me what you have been up to! What are some of your favorite Christmas movies and songs? 

I'm glad to be posting again, and hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

I'M SO HAPPY

GUESS WHAT GUYS!!!

I DID IT! THE SEMESTER IS OVER!! I'M DONE WITH ALL MY CLASSES AND NOW IT IS TIME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!! HURRAY HURRAY FOR ME!!!

*Bows* Thank you, thank you...

Ahem. But really, this has been such a hard semester for me. I took a lot of hard classes, more than I should have taken, and I'm really, really, happy to be done with them. 

So I thought I'd just pop in to let you know that I will posting much more regularly. I don't actually feel much like writing right now, that's why this post is so short ;) 

I also updated my blog look. It's wintery looking now, but I'm not sure I'm happy with it, cause it's not exactly Christmassy. I may try for something more Christmassy, we'll have to see. 

So that's all! Tood-a-loo for now!

And yes, I stole this gif from Natalie. I couldn't help myself ;)

In All Things Give Thanks

In all things give thanks: 

For this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus concerning you

1 Thessalonians 5:18

I am thankful for my amazing family

I am thankful for those conversations with my sister that continue late into the night

I am thankful for creative moments when exactly the right words come to mind

I am thankful for plaid flannel shirts

I am thankful for that group of crazy boys in my class whom I would never have expected to become friends with 

I am thankful for notebooks full of scribbled nothings

I am thankful for music notes as they march across the page

I am thankful for that random person who somehow brightens your day without realizing it

I am thankful for the chance to learn, but I'm also thankful for Thanksgiving break ;)

I am thankful for the girl with glasses who encouraged me to keep writing

I am thankful for those moments when God answers my prayers in the most unexpected ways

I am thankful for those texts from old friends 

I am thankful for the people that hug you back even tighter

But most of all, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has blessed me in more ways than I could ever count

Happy Thanksgiving all!

~ Fall Things ~

// Crunchy leaves// Smoke in the air// Rainy days by the fire with a book and a cup of tea// Pumpkin Cookies// Fuzzy blankets// Rain on the roof// Cold starry nights// Fluffy Jackets// Dragging your feet through the leaves// Pumpkin Pie// Sweaters with sleeves you can pull down over your hands// Chai Tea Latte's//

// Watching Little Women on a cold day// Picking apples// Apple cake// Apple scones// Apple sauce// All things apple// Nature walks// Good books// Thanksgiving// When the wind blows tons of colorful leaves through the air// Days that are cold, but not to cold// Stomping around in Wellington's// Listening to Colonial and Celtic music// 

// Those little moments when you suddenly feel very thankful for school because it brought you those amazing people that you never expected to become friends with// My birthday!// Building the first fire of the year in the hearth// Scarves// Puddles// The loveliness of the word November//

Yours Truly,

Miss Woodhouse