*slips into the empty Square and takes a seat at the fountain, sipping hot orange & spice tea* Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you all are doing well. *is feeling grand, due to the weekend and the oh-so-wonderful hope of sleeping in* Fall has hit Michigan in full force. Our two maples in the front lawn have already turned color - reading under them is my favorite pastime, as long as the weather isn't too cold out.

*rummages around for a nice autumn avatar*

Oooh, you have Elanor? Three cheers for you! I'll keep your list of favorites in mind. Who knows, I might end up enjoying some of Dickens' other works.
I wish I could do NaNo as well! I wish you the best with your writing. I'm sure you'll do well.

*was hoping for a view of the Northern Nights, but alas -- it was cloudy*

Come to the Hobbit Line Party next year and I'll try to make you and Jo some. And of course anyone else who shows up as well.

Yes, yes! This sounds like a good plan.

*sends some cool weather down to Ben*

The Peru trip sounds like fun! As they say, there's nothing like learning the language with locals. My sister traveled to Spain when she was in highschool, and it was an incredible experience. And yep, it's been finalized! I'll be going to Puerto Rico in June! Even though it isn't Spain, I know it will be a fantastic experience. There's nothing like traveling with friends.

*waves to QS and sends some autumn cheer her way*

True, AC. I was thinking of running for a class office this year; then I realized that everyone else who was running knew each other and I didn't. I was the odd one out. I chickened out at the last minute and didn't sign up.

I like crowds in the way everyone is passing by and I can blend in. But too many people all in one place for an extended amount of time makes me and my brain go rather wonky.

*will be around for a bit*

*enters the Square on a lovely frosty morning with the sun just peeping over the horizon*

Good morning! I hope that you are all feeling fine on this fine Saturday.
It is a lovely day out! I got up before sunrise this morning and I went walking on our friend's property here in Louisiana, it was chilly but awesome, I walked down to a field that has a few oaks in it and I sat on a stump of an oak and watched the sun twinkle over the horizon it was lovely so I just had to come and share it with you all.
It is great waking up early! I used to sleep in till 8ish when I could but I find getting up early (especially on a day like today) is much better.

Now for catch up....

*waves back to Queen Susan* Hey there! How are you this autumn?

Yup... hopefully I'll be able to enjoy it more in the summer months - right now we're anticipating/dreading the snow.

But snow can be great as well, if your a snowy type of person. But I guess summer in Ireland would probably be more beautiful.

Ooh, really? What part were you? I'm not actually in it, I'm playing in the orchestra.

Oh what do you play? *Is always interested in musical thingies*

*enjoys reading all of Ruby's "Eeek's"*

Well, well...is that BENJAMIN!!?? Eeek! *GLOMPS* Where have you been? Of course we were all destitute and ill in your absence! Actually, we were very happy. But it is nice having you around on the Square.

Tis me alright! *is not sure what "GLOMPS" is and not sure if he should like it or not*
Well I have been doing lots of different things this summer and life has been pretty busy! Not that I'm making excuses for my naughty absence
Lol Well it is nice to know that you all have not been dying since I left Good to hear about the happiness of my friends!
Thanks

Wow, nice! You and Kingskid (wish we could Tag folks here, lol) should connect. Remember what an avid hunter he is?

I have never heard of his hunting abilities, or hunting passion should I say, since I don't know about his abilities

*climbs gingerly up the chocolate tree to nab a few Mini Eggs, then scoots away, pockets jammed packed full*

*tries to suppress a laugh, so as not be thought a crazy man by others, but when the whistle face comes he can't*

*slips into the empty Square and takes a seat at the fountain, sipping hot orange & spice tea* Happy Friday, everyone! I hope you all are doing well. *is feeling grand, due to the weekend and the oh-so-wonderful hope of sleeping in* Fall has hit Michigan in full force. Our two maples in the front lawn have already turned color - reading under them is my favorite pastime, as long as the weather isn't too cold out.

That is always supposing of course that it is Friday and then you have to put into consideration that it is a great one for you and then on top of all that you must find out if it is great for others and if it is not, then you must make it so for them, that way you can truly enjoy it, for who can enjoy it when others are not, but then some could enjoy it I guess, even though others are not, though who would want to enjoy a day that is not enjoyable for all? SO, once you have all the pieces in place and you step back and take a look at it, is it a good day?
When I look at all the pieces myself I find that I must agree with you that it is a Happy Friday, so maybe I should have just said "Ditto" instead of rambling on so? But what would be the fun of that because..... Oh just caught myself before I started again!
Autumn is grand! Here is Louisiana where I'm visiting it is quite lovely weather. Though back in Florida it is starting to warm up again, after the cold spell we had and so mosquitoes were biting, EHH!
Sleeping in can be wonderful but on a day like today I find waking up early more lovely as I said above.

*was hoping for a view of the Northern Nights, but alas -- it was cloudy*

*would love to have a peep at the lights himself* Have you ever seen them?

*sends some cool weather down to Ben*

Why danks, I do hope that the weather will change a bit back in Florida by the time I get back

The Peru trip sounds like fun! As they say, there's nothing like learning the language with locals. My sister traveled to Spain when she was in highschool, and it was an incredible experience. And yep, it's been finalized! I'll be going to Puerto Rico in June! Even though it isn't Spain, I know it will be a fantastic experience. There's nothing like traveling with friends.

Very true, what "they" say is.
I hope that it is not too long before I make a trip to Europe, I'd love that.
Yes it is always a blast!

I like crowds in the way everyone is passing by and I can blend in. But too many people all in one place for an extended amount of time makes me and my brain go rather wonky.

Ditto

*skims over his post before he posts, hoping to submit before his computer dies*

So long, farewell, people of the Square!

--Benjamin

Good morning! I hope that you are all feeling fine on this fine Saturday.
It is a lovely day out! I got up before sunrise this morning and I went walking on our friend's property here in Louisiana, it was chilly but awesome, I walked down to a field that has a few oaks in it and I sat on a stump of an oak and watched the sun twinkle over the horizon it was lovely so I just had to come and share it with you all.
It is great waking up early! I used to sleep in till 8ish when I could but I find getting up early (especially on a day like today) is much better.

Mm, that sounds lovely! Dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day. I used to love the early mornings - the world is so crisp and fresh then, peaceful and undisturbed by the business the day brings. My routine was to take a morning jog and then sit out and watch the sun rise (preferably with my camera). Then I quit homeschool, went to a "real school", and everything changed. Now my schedule is just sleep-sleep-sleep. *sigh*

That is always supposing of course that it is Friday and then you have to put into consideration that it is a great one for you and then on top of all that you must find out if it is great for others and if it is not, then you must make it so for them, that way you can truly enjoy it, for who can enjoy it when others are not, but then some could enjoy it I guess, even though others are not, though who would want to enjoy a day that is not enjoyable for all? SO, once you have all the pieces in place and you step back and take a look at it, is it a good day?
When I look at all the pieces myself I find that I must agree with you that it is a Happy Friday, so maybe I should have just said "Ditto" instead of rambling on so? But what would be the fun of that because..... Oh just caught myself before I started again!
Autumn is grand! Here is Louisiana where I'm visiting it is quite lovely weather. Though back in Florida it is starting to warm up again, after the cold spell we had and so mosquitoes were biting, EHH!
Sleeping in can be wonderful but on a day like today I find waking up early more lovely as I said above.

My oh my. I had to read that first paragraph through three times, and it still mixes me up. I'm glad you would agree about it being a good day, after all of that thinking and pondering. *dittoes as to how fun rambling is*

Glad to hear! How long are you going to be in Louisiana? Eep about the mosquitos though. Those things are such pests!

My parents inform me that I viewed the Northern Lights when two years old. Heh. So... obviously I don't remember them at all. I'd love to see them again, definitely!! What about you? Have you seen them before?

Autumn is revealing its colors and the world is looking beauitful right now! For a while, what with getting no rain and all, it looked like all the leaves would be gone before they had a chance to turn. But such is not the case, apparently. Aaaah.

Nothing like a Saturday. Sleep in until 9:30, wake up to he sound of the my two youngest siblings making pancakes for breakfast...and now the mower hums outside across the green grass. Life is good.

I majored in piano performance at university and highly recommend it. It can be utterly nerve-wracking but so rewarding. What I would like to take, if I ever go back to school, which I don't think I shall, but that's beside the point , is Music Therapy. A friend of mine is graduating next year from this and it sounds fascinating! It's a great way of helping others in their struggles. Music is a language far deeper than words. ♥ That's why I've always felt that no matter how great PJ's LotR films are (aside from a few scenes), Shore's depiction of Middle-earth in his glorious score capture the essence of M-e even more. ♥

Wow, really!? That's awesome! I was thinking that about performance. I know it will be really hard, but that's what's making me want to do it! I want to be pushed to my limits! And I have a really awesome piano teacher who I'm already taking lessons with at the University I'm going to go to. She's really critical, but nice.

Music therapy does sound fascinating! It is really mysterious how music ignites not only feelings, but memories, scenes, imagination...even classical or romantic music where the lyrics are in a foreign language still depict a story. By the movements of the piece, you can sense anxiety, romance, anger, trouble, danger...etc.

In choir practice we're learning a lot about how singing something certain way tells the audience what is going on. It's so complicated! And yet it can be so simplistic and still beautiful. One time at a church conference, our youth group was singing Psalms in a big auditorium. And someone who didn't go to our church, but was on staff in the building we were using, thought we were some professional choir! No, we're just a group of Christians who like to sing in four-part harmony. It's kind of sad how fewer and fewer people take the time to simply sing together. There's so much music on the market, but less music from the community it seems.

Tis me alright! *is not sure what "GLOMPS" is and not sure if he should like it or not*
Well I have been doing lots of different things this summer and life has been pretty busy! Not that I'm making excuses for my naughty absence
Lol Well it is nice to know that you all have not been dying since I left Good to hear about the happiness of my friends!
Thanks

I've always imagined a *glomp* as something between a tackle and a hug. Like after one of the football players scores a touchdown and everyone dog piles him. It's painful excitement I guess?

No, we weren't dying. But things were kind of dragging slowly along for a while. How have you been, by the way?

*waves to Miss R* I like your shiny avatar, by the way.

Well, I want to spend a bit more time on the piano today before calling it quits. See you all later!

*enters after reading about the zeal of Stephen, who laid down His life for Jesus' name*

Mm, that sounds lovely! Dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day. I used to love the early mornings - the world is so crisp and fresh then, peaceful and undisturbed by the business the day brings. My routine was to take a morning jog and then sit out and watch the sun rise (preferably with my camera). Then I quit homeschool, went to a "real school", and everything changed. Now my schedule is just sleep-sleep-sleep. *sigh*

That sounds like a great routine!
Real school ay? What made you do that switch? I must say that you can learn a lot more homeschooling if you have a dedicated teacher (parent). Which I had for a while and then with moving all over the place we kinda slacked... Which I liked at that moment in time but now I wish we had done more. But hey I can spoke and red just fiine no-ow day;s, so I duess I.m good'da goe. And I knoe that 2+2=4!
Sleep can be great for sure! But sunrises can be better

My oh my. I had to read that first paragraph through three times, and it still mixes me up. I'm glad you would agree about it being a good day, after all of that thinking and pondering. *dittoes as to how fun rambling is*

Glad to hear! How long are you going to be in Louisiana? Eep about the mosquitos though. Those things are such pests!

My parents inform me that I viewed the Northern Lights when two years old. Heh. So... obviously I don't remember them at all. I'd love to see them again, definitely!! What about you? Have you seen them before?

*dittoes Rose's dittoes bout rambling*

We are actually going to be headed back home in a couple hours, we have to get back to our business in Florida. Your tellin' me.....

I have not seen them before First times are always great, unless you are too young to remember, then second times are greatest

I've always imagined a *glomp* as something between a tackle and a hug. Like after one of the football players scores a touchdown and everyone dog piles him. It's painful excitement I guess?

No, we weren't dying. But things were kind of dragging slowly along for a while. How have you been, by the way?

That is what I was thinking it meant but was not sure. Yes very painful!

Yes as I saw when I returned! Few pages had turned in the month of my absence!
I have been doing excellent! Life is definitely good, as you said in your post. God is great! And there is something amazing to live for, and that is Christ! He died that I might live so I plan on living as long as He wants me to here on earth and then I'll go to my true home and live for eternity. Not quite the answer you were looking for probably

Toodles all!

--Benjamin

I always enjoy reading your posts, Ruby. Your writing is so descriptive and evocative, especially the bit about autumn. Such a beautiful time of year!

*waves to Miss R* I like your shiny avatar, by the way.

*waves back* Why thank you! I like it too, though I changed it again this morning. I'm in a strange change-my-avatar-every-day mood. Perhaps it's due to all of these gorgeous avatars that just are too good to pass by, or my indecisive nature. Or both.

Real school ay? What made you do that switch? I must say that you can learn a lot more homeschooling if you have a dedicated teacher (parent). Which I had for a while and then with moving all over the place we kinda slacked... Which I liked at that moment in time but now I wish we had done more. But hey I can spoke and red just fiine no-ow day;s, so I duess I.m good'da goe. And I knoe that 2+2=4!

I felt isolated and bored at home. My social life was seriously lacking, and my tiny circle of friends revolved around people from church, people from homeschooling activities, and people from music. I felt like it was time for a change, so I switched to real school. Homeschooling definitely gave me a solid foundation, especially in writing, which real school seems to overlook. I wouldn't take my homeschooling years for anything, because they prepared me more then real school every would have. But I'm happy and content with where I am now, though it definitely has its pros and cons. (Pros being that I now have a social life and get out and do things more, cons being that I'm far more stressed out and sleep-deprived then I ever was at home. Also, homeschooling gave me the opportunity of having a flexible schedule. Being in real school, I've had to quit my music. I really miss that.)

*ramblerambleramble*

You have a point. The best sunrises, in my opinion, are viewed on the beach. Or, even better yet, at Rosario! *contented sigh*

*Enters joyously on the account that she is beginning a week off school*

*Contented sigh* Oh, and NaNo is beginning in 2 days! Panic/anticipation.

I've been sitting here planning, and finding that I can't get any inspiration for the details of one particular plot point, without which the story is going to seem rather empty. I hope actually writing this isn't too complicated for me.

*waves back to Ruby* Hi. How are you doing? I haven't *seen* you in foreverrr.

I'm the opposite : actually, the older I get, the more I dislike being around a lot of people, unless I'm very comfy with them. Just the noise and 'crowdedness' of a large group of human beings makes me .

You see, that's what I would expect introverted people like myself to be like. Yet somehow... I really like being with a large group of strangers.

True, AC. I was thinking of running for a class office this year; then I realized that everyone else who was running knew each other and I didn't. I was the odd one out. I chickened out at the last minute and didn't sign up.

It's good to know there are other people like this around.

I like crowds in the way everyone is passing by and I can blend in.

Exactly.

But snow can be great as well, if your a snowy type of person. But I guess summer in Ireland would probably be more beautiful.

Yeah, I'm actually looking forward to it, since we never got much in Tokyo. It's just that everyone here is dreading it, because last winter was really bad. It's so bizarre, because when we were here even 4 years ago, it only snowed for a few days. And yet now it's due to snow anytime from this month to, like, April. I suspect I will enjoy it for a spell, but I can imagine that it could become rather tiresome after awhile. Especially as we're living in the country on the top of a hill.
Anyway, that was probably a far more lengthly response that you were expecting.

Oh what do you play? *Is always interested in musical thingies*

I play the French Horn. Also (and more dedicated-ly ) the Piano. What do you play? (I'm assuming it's something ) The unicycle comes to mind from memory, but that's slightly irrelevant for this conversation *Is also interested in musical thingies*

Well, that was rather shorter than I was intending... but also fortunate, because my mum needs the computer now. Hope everyone is finishing a nice weekend.

Hello, everyone!
I'm awfully sorry for not writing - but I'm afraid I won't for exactly 1 month and 1 day. xD Unless I get REALLY ahead with NaNo. I won't be on here (except for chat, of course) hardly at all, and I'll miss you guys so much!!

Ellie

*enters the Square with puzzle pieces floating whirling about his head, due to spending over much time putting together a 1000 piece puzzle with pieces the size of his middle finger's nail*
I have too much fun doing puzzles, only problem is that they are time consuming and I don't always have the time so throw around. Though today I did; since we just got back from Louisiana this morning and having no work today. I guess I could have done more profitable things but it's just so fun, especially if you have a good audio book to listen to. Which I did; it was Pilgrim's Progress audio drama.
If you all have never read Pilgrim's Progress (or listened to it) then that is definitely a must! It is so encouraging in a person's spiritual walk, showing us: How important it is to have the word of God in us so well, that when we come across a temptation or if the enemy confronts us, we can always have the word of God to throw back at him, which being sharper than a two edged sword can defeat any argument of Satan's. Or when times grow dark and we can not see we can wholly put our trust in our Father and Lord for He has proved faithful in times past.

Anyway!
Hello my Narnian neighbors! I hope that you are all doing great! God is always good no matter what! Always trust in Him! His name be praised forever and ever...

Catchup:

I felt isolated and bored at home. My social life was seriously lacking, and my tiny circle of friends revolved around people from church, people from homeschooling activities, and people from music. I felt like it was time for a change, so I switched to real school. Homeschooling definitely gave me a solid foundation, especially in writing, which real school seems to overlook. I wouldn't take my homeschooling years for anything, because they prepared me more then real school every would have. But I'm happy and content with where I am now, though it definitely has its pros and cons. (Pros being that I now have a social life and get out and do things more, cons being that I'm far more stressed out and sleep-deprived then I ever was at home. Also, homeschooling gave me the opportunity of having a flexible schedule. Being in real school, I've had to quit my music. I really miss that.)

*ramblerambleramble*

You have a point. The best sunrises, in my opinion, are viewed on the beach. Or, even better yet, at Rosario! *contented sigh*

Ah yes, I can understand that. When we lived in Oregon for three years we did not have hardly any friends except for family and a few people we saw at church. So by the time we moved back to Florida I was ready for some friends again!
I do like the freer (<--is that even a word? ) schedule of a homeschooler.
Oh that is too bad, do you get to do anything with music during spring or summer break?

I forgetted (<-- love that word ) what Rosario was like, I believe you have explained it somewhat to me before but do refresh my memory, if you don't mind

Yeah, I'm actually looking forward to it, since we never got much in Tokyo. It's just that everyone here is dreading it, because last winter was really bad. It's so bizarre, because when we were here even 4 years ago, it only snowed for a few days. And yet now it's due to snow anytime from this month to, like, April. I suspect I will enjoy it for a spell, but I can imagine that it could become rather tiresome after awhile. Especially as we're living in the country on the top of a hill.
Anyway, that was probably a far more lengthly response that you were expecting.

Oh well I can see how that is, I guess since I'm not in it for long periods of times it's harder to get tired of it. But if I was in it for months who knows what I'd say then.... probably: .
Oh no worries, I like lengthy responses (most of the time ).

I play the French Horn. Also (and more dedicated-ly ) the Piano. What do you play? (I'm assuming it's something ) The unicycle comes to mind from memory, but that's slightly irrelevant for this conversation *Is also interested in musical thingies*

Oh sweet! And of course "SWEET!" on the piano also! I play the piano as well, I do know a few chords on the guitar but piano is definitely my favorite.
*loves the randomness of a unicycle in an instrument conversation*

Do have a fun time with NaNo Elanor, one of these years I'll have to do NaNo. Seems like a lot of fun, tiresome, annoying and stressful, but fun all the same

Well well time for me to "hit the sack" as the mysterious "they" say.

--Benjamin

P.S Forgive typos, I don't feel like reading back over

Mortereve, all! I have four and a half pages to catch up on! What a feat.

I know that something called NaNoWriMo is tomorrow, and I have not planned for my individual novel very much. I really should be doing that now, but I don't feel very inspired. I feel like I do better when I just swing it, but I feel like I will be totally incapable of conjuring a good idea tomorrow and I feel that planning will be something revolutionary for me to do, so I'll go plan at like 11:59 while the more zealous of NaNoers will be writing.
My sister and I have planned a really exciting amound for our joint novel, so I'm very excited for that. She gave me a good idea for my individual one. I just don't know how I'll be able to edure the cheese and corn my novel has potential for. Before I bore you all too much...

Today is Reformation Day! and Halloween, I guess... One person knocked on our door and then we decided that we'd put a sign kindly asking not to be trick-or-treated to (which was good because there were a whole bunch of people, quite unusually.), and everyone respected that, thankfully. I wish that caroling was not a tradition of yesterday; it would be so nice if people swaddled in coates, earwarmers, and scarfs lined the snowy sidewalks and sung door-to-door with candles, and perhaps get nice, warm cookies or cocoa; the whole idea is lighter, sweeter, and very wholesome, in my opinon at least.

I'm going to put that in my NaNo book to compensate for my heart's greviances for loss of it in our modern culture. *sob* [/drama]

Ruby, delightful to see you in the Square! How is your tendon doing? And, overall, how are you doing?

Poggy! I have not seen you in forever. *hugs* I'm doing well for the most part, thanks! Btw, I wanted to tell you - I got the chance to try the sweet tea at Chick-Fil-A a little while ago. Oh my word! *heart* I wuved it. And best of all, free refills! How are you?

Queen S, (I know this post was like forever, so sorry for the belated responses. ) How exciting about the Family Camp! And I'm so sorry about your dog passing: losing an animal who was precious to us is really something very painful.
Conga-rats on winning first place for the short story! Wowz!

You are correct. I'm older than Ara by about 5 years and we have a brother in between us, but he's not the forum type.

Ah, okay!

I don't know that they're terribly knowledgeable so much as just babbling on about how I do things. I'm the sort of person who learns by trying things out myself usually with some semblance of an idea on what I'm doing. If it doesn't work out, I know for next time. My husband and I are currently tackling the project of how to keep our greenhouse warm enough over the winter so we could not only keep a couple pepper and tomato plants alive, but also have them continue to produce. It's a bit overwhelming.

The pictures give us a peek of how neat it must look. Good luck on keeping the greenhouse warm! Did you build it? And I hope your grape plants are abundant and fruitful. On gardening, we found a $1.25 strawberry plant at WalMart and picked it up. There are surprisingly two growing strawberries, even though the plant is out of season, so we might get a little smackarel of it. *is excited, but just waiting for frost to come and keel it*

Sooo..once I was scrolling around NW, and my sister and I saw you used the phrase "phat lootz" and were really inexpressibly amused at it.. and we were wondering, what does it mean? Is it just, um, "fat loots"? [/random question. ]

*anticipates Ara's interrupting-proposal narration*

*waves to DotK* How do you do? =] Btw, I really like your avatar! It's so dreamy and pretty.

Ela, how could I forget that eventful evening! I'm beyond touched you kept the poem. I hope we catch each other sometime in chat--maybe during NaNo! Btw, I'm so sorry I haven't responded to your PM in like, forever. O.O I will get to it asap.
I'm glad you've been doing well. Ah, yes, I've enjoyed seeing your lovely contributions to the photography thread! Unfortunately, no, our camera stopped working after one week of perfectness, so I haven't been able to take many pictures, which is kind of sad since autumn is in full swing now... Oh wells. What've you been upto of late?

I hope school has been treating you well, dear Miss R! I've loved your avatars in your avatar-spree; they're all lovely. How have you been doing?

Jo, it's lovely to see you in here! Thank-you for your comment on what I wrote! That turkey picture tickles one like nothing else does. xD
That is so neat you majored in piano perfomance! I would never have guessed! *would love to hear you play*

AC!! You have been missed very much. (I must confess...I recall your nickname was Katharine/Kate/something like that? It's at the tip of my brain cells but agh, I'm so embarrassed--I'm so sorry!) Anywho, I've been lurking around here, and I've been thinking about you I'm sorry you moved from the country you loved very much, and I hope that you can find yourself adjusted to Northern Ireland. On Japan... I told my sister, who is very fascinated with Japan, Japanese culture, etc, that you grew up in Japan, and she was so excited. I'm going to have to talk her into coming in here to meet you. I think that it's so neat that you have lived in many various places: Japan would be so lovely to visit, and from what I've learnt about Northern Ireland, it is definitely on my "to-visit" list, as well. How have you been doing lately?

*waves to stargazer* How is NaNo going for you? (or, at least, currently. ) All the best!

Ela, I love the new NaNo site so much, too.

*skimskimskims*

Miss R is very right: I love jelly beans very, very much. However, in this chocolate vs. jelly beans case... I must say that I love them both, and really like them in different fields, because chocolate is not merely candy to me but a whole other food group vital for life... so I have to say, if I was told to pick between them both, definitely chocolate.

PP, I read a bit of A Tale of Two Cities and did like what I read, although I did have to push myself to cultivate some interest over the other more exciting pile of books. I haven't gotten the chance to finish A Christmas Carol but plan to this year, and I've read Oliver Twist and liked it fairly... Anywho. How are you doing?

*skim, skim, skims but stops just slow enough to nab some of that celestial apple crisp* nomnomnom

Ben! It's great to see you. How are you doing?

Hmm...when were the Northern Lights? I remember going for a walk one night and the sky was so brilliantly light. It was cloudy, but some parts of the sky were so distinct that it was definitely different than normal.

I believe that concludes catch up!!

I'll be around for a little bit, trying to plan, etc. Ach, well, this post inspired me some. I love the Square, the Squareonions: just talking to you all uplifts me.

Have a wonderful night/day!

*sits by the chocolate tree and eats some delightful looking early Christmas chocolates* I was looking at a catalog with christmas candy and about died with glee. I'm having fun planning Christmas gifts.

*listens as CSLN is finding past over-played KLOVE songs on Youtube* .... I can sing to these things by heart. Ahh, happiness, she found one that I loved! A hard, rock-like, constant guitar-beat that thrills your soul in an ecstatic and a well, kind of cheesy way, well cheesy at least for me with this song. xD

Sorry I've been delinquent of late, SquareOnions! A few days ago I composed a rather lengthy post, only to lose it thanks to a couple of accidental keystroke shortcuts I blame on an unfamiliar keyboard.

I was at my parents' house over the weekend, helping them prepare for a yard sale in which they sold a few more things from their old house. The weather was all over the place during the sale: snowflakes, sleet, wind, clear but cool skies...you name it.

A bit of catch-up:

*waves to Mr Gazer* And how are you my fellow Avatarian?

I'm doing well, thanks! How are you?

As my new siggie attests, I'm looking forward to The Legend of Korra. I'm curious how they'll stay true to the spirit of the original series in this "Next Generation" sort of show.

How was your Halloween weather, jo? Seasonal, or rainy? And did you get lots of little trick-or-treaters at your house?

Dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day.

Ditto here - especially dusk. All that promise of the coming night, including stargazing should the sky be clear.

I do like dawn as well but truth be told I'm not often awake for it (especially in summer, when it comes just waaaay too early )

Autumn is revealing its colors and the world is looking beauitful right now!

Sounds lovely! Enjoy the colors!

The trees are mostly bare here, but I was surprised at all the color still visible in my parents' town. Still lots of golds and oranges. Amazing what traveling 120 miles south can do.

*waves to stargazer* How is NaNo going for you? (or, at least, currently. ) All the best!

Thanks! We're in the first hour of November here, so I'm off and running. Up to 337 words or so. But lots more are on the way!

*ponders the dilemma of more writing, or more sleep*

'Ello. NaNo begins today! But I've got a reasonable amount of words in so I don't feel too guilty about doing other things around the internet.

Ellie, I'll miss you! And I could never be that dedicated. Although once school starts again next week... I may not be around either, really. Still, hope to see you around NaNoland.

I forgetted (<-- love that word )

It's doing my head in trying to figure out if this would at all be correct grammar if it was a word.

Oh sweet! And of course "SWEET!" on the piano also! I play the piano as well, I do know a few chords on the guitar but piano is definitely my favorite.
*loves the randomness of a unicycle in an instrument conversation*

Same here, I do love playing the French Horn and it has a beautiful sound, but I can do so much more on the piano, and am also a more dedicated practicer(?) on that one.
Yes, well, I remembered that you rode the unicycle... and it seemed relevant in an irrelevant way. My unicycle sadly had to be thrown away in the move here, although it was already far to small for me to ride. Do you still ride?

AC!! You have been missed very much. (I must confess...I recall your nickname was Katharine/Kate/something like that? It's at the tip of my brain cells but agh, I'm so embarrassed--I'm so sorry!) Anywho, I've been lurking around here, and I've been thinking about you I'm sorry you moved from the country you loved very much, and I hope that you can find yourself adjusted to Northern Ireland. On Japan... I told my sister, who is very fascinated with Japan, Japanese culture, etc, that you grew up in Japan, and she was so excited. I'm going to have to talk her into coming in here to meet you. I think that it's so neat that you have lived in many various places: Japan would be so lovely to visit, and from what I've learnt about Northern Ireland, it is definitely on my "to-visit" list, as well. How have you been doing lately?

* back* (Don't worry, it took me a moment to remember that you were called Bella, and I've seen that one around the forums. I couldn't even remember my own nickname for awhile, although I'm pretty sure it was Kathy. But stick with AC, or whatever, I'm not picky. )
Thanks, I'm sure I'll adapt, somewhat, eventually.
Oh, really? Is your sister CSLN? (Well, I know she is your sister, but I'm not sure if you have other sisters that I'm unaware of... is what I mean. ) Either way, I'd love to meet her.
I'm all right, still getting used to everything here. To be honest it's still difficult, three months on, but I'm trying to look towards the future, not the past. And yourself? I hope you got some NaNo planning in and now have a firm base on which to start writing with.

*waves to stargazer, and wishes a fellow NaNo-er the best*

I'm off to go iceskating with cousins. Freezing! But fun. Have a good day, everyone.

Hey ho, all ye SquareOnions! I remember how we tried to find a photo of square onion online over the years, but failed. All we found was a picture of square watermelons.

EDIT: First of all, a wonderfully Happy Birthday to Tiana, who we reeeaally miss in the Square. A treat for your birthday. Dare I?

(Sorry, I ate a piece already. ) *END EDIT*

Hey, Ben, how was your time in Louisiana? I hope the wedding was lovely. Mmm, that sunrise sounds glorious! And how cool all that God's been teaching you about Himself!

Our two maples in the front lawn have already turned color - reading under them is my favorite pastime,

Sounds absolutely lovely. What kind of maples do you have? Our large crimson maple in the front yard has only just begun turning. But, then, it's later than most every year.

Hurrah for your Puerto Rico trip in June, Louise!

Dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day. I used to love the early mornings - the world is so crisp and fresh then, peaceful and undisturbed by the business the day brings.

Mmmm, DITTO!

Ruby, that's great you have such an awesome piano teacher. One can almost go through any of the challenging musical hurdles if you have a great teacher.

It's kind of sad how fewer and fewer people take the time to simply sing together. There's so much music on the market, but less music from the community it seems.

Very, very true (and sad), and well said!

*loves Ben's answer to Ruby's "how have you been" question*

The best sunrises, in my opinion, are viewed on the beach.

Yes, yes! Here is a progression of the sun rising over the Atlantic Ocean. Got up quite early for these shots. Well worth it though.

One
Two
Three
Four

The mountains are also gorgeous for sunrises and sunsets, where it may be more hidden, but the effect on the sky behind the majestic towering peaks is amazing.

*waves cheerily to Elanor and AC*

*dittos Ben's solid recommendation of Pilgrim's Progress.

I wish that caroling was not a tradition of yesterday; it would be so nice if people swaddled in coats, earwarmers, and scarfs lined the snowy sidewalks and sung door-to-door with candles,

Love, LoVe, LOVE!

Actually, Bella, I've lost much of my piano playing prowess, as it's been hard to keep up the very intricate technique over the years, so I'm not much to listen to now. Yet, one never really loses the love of the instrument, and I do sit down and play for pleasure periodically, which I so enjoy.

So, how are all you NaNo-ites faring, now that the official season has begun?

How was your Halloween weather, jo? Seasonal, or rainy? And did you get lots of little trick-or-treaters at your house?

Last week, rain was being forecasted for Hallowe'en evening. Thankfully that changed, and it was very pleasant—cloudy, and around 7C/44.6F. We've never had an abundance of trick-or-treaters, and this year was one of our lowest in number, only 10. We've been in this house for 23 years, and in the earlier times, we had around 30. So, it's really changing. Mind you, that leaves all the leftover candy/chocolates for us here. What a pity. I should probably invite Lady Amalthea over.

Most of the costumes were so cute; thankfully there are not too many worn in our area that are grotesque or wicked ones.

Yes, well, I remembered that you rode the unicycle...

I had totally forgotten that. How cool!

AC, how was your ice-skating?

I've been reading a lot of WWII biographies lately. Man, oh man, they're so hard to stomach. It is mind-numbing/boggling how horrific we human beings will act without love and respect for God and other humans in their lives. One wonders how much a victim of these atrocities can take. So excruciatingly awful. Here are some of the titles:

1) Because of Romek by David Faber
2) Night by Elie Wiesel
3) The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
4) Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (actually, this is historical fiction based on the awful Jewish round-up in Paris, something I hadn't read much about before)
5) Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a large and amazing biography by Eric Metaxas (who I had the privilege of meeting a few weeks back). Metaxas has also written an excellent bio on William Wilberforce, which I am just beginning. Now, you ask, how would I know it's excellent when I haven't yet read it? Well, because of others' reviews and because Metaxas' style of writing is just sooo interesting!

What stood out to me, especially, is the contrast between the Christians and the non-believers who went through this terrifying time period. The latter tended towards such hatred and bitterness (understandably, humanly-speaking), while, even though the circumstances were no less horrific, the former's attitude and submission to God brought me to my knees. Not that they didn't struggle with "why, God?", or fight despair, horror, or terror, but, at the foundation, they knew they were in God's hands, and the longing and thought of heaven became all the dearer. This world was not their true home. Plus, even in those desperate situations, by God's grace, they saw where they were as a ministry (!!), and shone their light for Christ, which helped bring support and hope to others in those terrible death camps. Betsie Ten Boom's now famous and well-loved words ring daily in my heart: "There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still".

Anyway, that's my ramble for today. A lot of heavy thoughts for something that is humanly incomprehensible.

But, to end on a bright note, do have some of our stashed chocolates

and a pleasant and good evening to all!

The pictures were lovely jo.

We've never had an abundance of trick-or-treaters, and this year was one of our lowest in number, only 10. ... Mind you, that leaves all the leftover candy/chocolates for us here. What a pity.

We had ten too. We have enough candy / fruit snacks / marshmallows to last us a loooong time. Our mom bought the candy and we took 1/2 off it and she kept 1/2. I don't know how many trick-or-treaters my parents got. She went a little crazy buying it. Well, time to make dinner.

*tries to find a good entrance into the Square on this fine day, but finding none decides just to walk*
*walks into the Square*

And how are my fair Square onions doing? ..... That's good

*ponders things to say before catchup is started* Well I'm reading Amazing Grace by Steve Turner, the story of John Newton's life and for those who don't know, he is the man who wrote Amazing Grace
So far I'm liking it, I like hearing stories about other folks, especially if they have impacted me somehow and Amazing Grace has always impacted me greatly.
I can see how some could get bored with a book like that but I'm enjoying it.

Now catchup...

Good to see you as well Bella! I am doing great, because God is amazing and His love is great!
How is your NaNo novel coming along?

I'm doing good Stargazer, you?
Oh yes that will be so very fun! I can't wait. And I do hope they stay true, which I think they will.

It's doing my head in trying to figure out if this would at all be correct grammar if it was a word.

Hehe...

Same here, I do love playing the French Horn and it has a beautiful sound, but I can do so much more on the piano, and am also a more dedicated practicer(?) on that one.
Yes, well, I remembered that you rode the unicycle... and it seemed relevant in an irrelevant way. My unicycle sadly had to be thrown away in the move here, although it was already far to small for me to ride. Do you still ride?

I have not actually heard the french horn much at all...
Practicer... Fits in my dictionary (which like forgetted may not be in other dictionaries, but who cares )
Oh that is too bad, they are fun. Well it's been a while since I have, but I still can.... I think...

*would love to have a slice of Jo's Square watermelons* Very interesting it would be, very interesting indeed...

Well shorter than I thought, most likely due to NaNo.
And now I say a fond adieu to you all, till we meet again.

-Benjamin