Where Would you Live?

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Would it be on the warm sunny beach or the cold Alaska Tundra? Would it be somewhere remote or heavily populated? Would you live in a big Victorian mansion or a condo 20 stories up?

For me so many places appeal to my wandering heart. I like so many different things it's hard to pick just one area in this world and I'm hoping to have the chance to live in them all. You never know what opportunities lie in the next location or who you will meet along the way. Here are a few of the places I'd be happy living at.

I want to live in a cabin deep in the Alaskan Bush, at the top of the world in Barrow, or in the 24/7 Christmas town of North Pole, underneath the Northern Lights or midnight sun. I would travel by bush plane or sled dogs and fish and hunt for all of my food. I would visit all of the old gold mining towns and snap hundreds of photographs of wild animals in Denali.

I want to live in Montana in the Bitterroot Valley with mountains as the backdrop to rolling hills and valleys. I'd spend my winters trapping and hunting and honing in on my Mountain Man skills.

I want to live in New Mexico in the desert. Surrounded by beautiful red and orange sandstone and adobe houses. I would indulge in local Mexican cuisine and learn about the history and culture of the Native Americans of the area.

I want to live in Wyoming among the gentle rolling hills where I have my cattle out on the open range. Take in the cowboy culture and history of the state and take in a rodeo in Cody or Cheyenne. Visit the land my family homesteaded over 100 years ago.

I want to live in Idaho surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, rivers, and endless sea of green. Live in a town that has the majestic mountains as a backdrop.

I want to live in Texas where you have the beach, hill country, and deserty plains all wrapped up in one state. Where you have bluebonnets, BBQ, and an Antique Week. Cutting horses are king and ranching roots run deep.

I want to live in Maine on the coast or in an old farm house. Take in the beauty of the coastal villages and all the trees in the fall. Live among the moose, bears, and wild turkey's and enjoy the fresh seafood and local farmers markets.

I want to live in Louisiana in the Bayou and live off the swamp. Hunt alligators and trap craw fish and enjoy Cajun food every day! Admire the locals with their thick accents and embrace the NOLA culture.

I want to live in Scotland in a castle in the beautiful green highlands. Where the men have beautiful accents and wear kilts on special occasion. Where I can golf in the founding country and raise bright red/orange highlander cattle.

I want to live in France where they don't just eat food but rather embrace it and love it. I want to live in a little country town and cook and enjoy the music, wine, language and culture all day long. I want to be able to dress up and go to Paris to visit the Eiffel tower, the art museums, and dine on sophisticated cuisine.

I want to live in an Airstream and just travel and live where the wind takes me. Visit every 50 state and all the National Parks and just take in the beauty and uniqueness of this wonderful country.

Again I ask where would you live?

What Fall Means to Me

It's that time of year again. Fall!! You know that season that stores often forget as we transition from summer to Christmas!! 2 weeks ago I already saw Christmas stuff in stores. Can't we just wait a minute and take in all the beautiful perks of FALL!!! Here are a few pictures I've taken that describe what Fall means to me. 

The Food!! Pies, turkey, pumpkin, jams and jellies from harvested fruits, potatoes and noodles, and lots of colorful goodies!

 

Honey! For us honey harvest begins at the end of summer very beginning of fall. This is where we extract the honey that the bees have been working all summer to make. This also means bottling and selling and making all sorts of goodies with the honey. 

The scenery! I am blessed to live in a place surrounded by corn and bean fields and lots of trees that turn all sorts of beautiful golden browns, oranges, and yellow. 

 Hunting and trapping season. I have never been hunting but have done some light trapping (coons and mice mostly) but love both of them!! Learning about them and hearing stories from trappers and hunters is always a high light.

Oh and something that I never thought i'd say in my life time but BASEBALL!!!!! Incase you haven't heard the KANSAS CITY ROYALS are going to the WORLD SERIES!!!!! It has been great watching them excel in post season play!! My very first and only MLB game was in Kansas City and they were playing the Baltimore Oreiols. It was a great experience my dad caught a ball and I caught a t-shirt. It was a great experience and i'm so happy they are doing so well! 

21 things I've learned from my 21 years of Life

Wow 21 years!! It's hard to believe that I'm 21, it really hasn't sank in yet. But hey it's been what only 7 hours? Over the past 21 years I've experienced and learned a lot of things. Here are 21 pieces of advice that I offer to you. I hope that it helps someone work through something in their lives. And yes I feel that as the years go on I am becoming a better person!!

Dream Big- I am a person of many dreams! I have huge dreams many of which seem crazy and very unattainable. But you know what those lofty dreams keep me going each and every day. I feel that in life if you don't have anything to work toward than you will live a boring life full of dullness. 

Travel- Now I haven't gotten to travel as much as I'd like to but over the years I have had many opportunities to travel to some very neat places. By traveling I've been able to meet some amazing people, see some very interesting sites, and try some great foods. Even if it's just a couple hours down the road the opportunity to take in something new is very good for the soul!

If you don't ask the answer is always no- This is a quote I think I heard from my dad first. I remember many times him telling me this when I've been to scared to ask someone about something. I have to say that this advice has really paid off. I've met some really great people and have learned tremendously. 

Learn about your family history- I have been very blessed to have several people in my family so invested in genealogy. I have been able to learn a tremendous amount of information about my family and who I am. I have walked many a cemetery, looked at countless photos, traveled hundreds of miles just to take in and learn about my roots and I am a better person because of it. Knowing where I come from helps me know where I want to go. It makes me sad to hear about people who don't want to know about their history and who don't even want to have gravestones themselves. How do you know that 100 years from now your decedents won't want to find you and learn about you.  

Know how to cook- One of the most sincere things you can do for someone is cook for them. Food heals, food triggers memories, food makes people happy, and food brings people together. I try to take note of what my friends and family members like and on special occasions or for the fun of it make them something special.

Learn to accept Failure- I hate to break this to you but you will fail at something at least once in your life. What I've learned from failure is that you can cry about it, be mad, and sad but only for a day or two. But it can't consume you. MOVE ON! You can't change the past but you can plan for the future and can take what you've learned and do better the next time around. But don't ever give up just get back up brush yourself off and yes get back on that horse. 

Never be afraid to show your Faith-  Matthew 10:32-33 says it best "Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." This was shared to me by someone I look up to and really respect and It really opened my eyes and gave me that nudge to not be afraid to show my faith and to be proud of it. I know that I would't be where I am today without God and I am more than happy to let others know that!!

Have a hobby- Hobbies help us meet new people who share our interests and allows us to do something that we love!! I have many hobbies ranging from baking to bees. Both of which make me extremely happy and have allowed me to meet some amazing people and better myself! Also you can't be afraid to share your hobby with others. They may think it's a little odd but you never know who you can reach and inspire by sharing your passions. 

Take the time to talk to an Elderly person- As a person who works in a nursing home I'm always talking with the residents about themselves. They love that someone wants to know and will take the time to talk with them. I have learned some amazing things and have heard some really neat stories. Many of the elderly today have lived through soooo much. The great depression, many wars, not having electricity and plumbing, the technology revolution, and so much more. Please sit down with an elderly person I grantee you will walk away with more than you would ever imagine. 

Have someone to look up to- Now I don't mean go and find someone and copy everything they do but it's great to have people who inspire you and will help you become the best person you can be. I have many people, several whom I've met through blogging, who I look up to. They share their struggles and successes and it encourages me to do better and be better and know that we all have our struggles. It's also great to have someone to go to who's willing to tell you how it is and who can give you advise when you don't know what to do.

Don't Judge- I have to admit that I am guilty of being quick to judge someone or something but I have also learned that there are so many beautifully special people in the world and that I will give anyone a chance. I have been lucky enough to meet some very special people who others are quick to judge and pass of as someone who's different. Well let me tell you I've been judged many times and it sucks when people refuse to get to know me and just cast me aside. 

Take the time to enjoy Nature- The good Lord has taken some serious time in creating the beautiful outdoors and it's a shame not to spend time out in it. Weather it being enjoying a nice sunrise or sunset or a star filled night sky, the beautiful mountains or the rolling seas. This world is filled with so much beauty and wonder that it must be explored and experienced!! So put down the phone and get off the computer and go take a walk or just sit out side and watch the sky! 

Indulge in good food- In today's world we are all about eating healthy and clean which is great and something I should take a little more seriously. BUT I am one who loves to eat delicious foods. Eat those mashed potatoes and noodles that your grandma makes, splurge on a big juicy burger from that famous burger joint, and eat that big ol' slice of pecan pie and not feel bad about doing so!! Food was made to enjoy so go out and enjoy it!!  

Don't worry about fitting in- This world is rough! No matter where you go in life or what you do someone's going to be criticizing you or pressuring you to do this rather than that. But always stay true to yourself and do what you love and feel is right for yourself. I know that when I quit caring what others thought about myself I became free and really was able to live life and am a whole lot happier!! 

Wake up Early- Ahh the morning is probably my favorite time of day. Being awake when everyone else is still asleep is just such a peaceful time. I fell more at peace with myself and with the Lord at this time. Plus you can watch some beautiful sunrises. 

Read- Books allow us to travel all over the world and even back in time. They also allow us to forget about the world around us and just get lost withing the pages. The characters feel like friends and you will often find yourself laughing, crying, or celebrating with them. So read often and if you have young kids start reading to them as soon as possible to spark that interest in books. 

Listen to others when they talk about their passions- There are certain things that you enjoy more than others but if someone is sharing their passions with you listen to them and try to take an interest. I know that it makes me feel great and on top of the world when someone seems interested in something that i'm talking about and so I've tried to listen to others when they talk about theirs. I know that by having an open mind I have learned so much about so many things that I never in a million years thought I would. 

It's OK to say No- I love being involved with many different organizations and helping people out but I have had many days where I've wore myself thin and have just become overwhelmed. It's OK to tell people no once in a while and to take some time for yourself. People will always be asking you to do this and that and It's OK to help when ever you can but don't get bogged down to where it becomes a chore rather than fun. 

Recognize your true friends- Many people today are so concerned with how many friends they have on Facebook or how many followers they have on Twitter or Instagram. They want to fit in and be liked and are willing to do anything to get that attention. I have to say that I have been one of those people who have just tried to fit in and hid who I really was. But the longer I lived that lie the more and more unhappy I became and it really wasn't until my Junior year in high school that I realized that I deserved to live the life I wanted and that what I was interested in mattered. So I cut a lot of people out of my life and just focused on the people who truly mattered. Boy was that freeing and let me tell you I am a whole lot happier because of it. So don't change yourself or do things that you feel uncomfortable doing because your happiness matters more than a dozen unhealthy or unsafe friendships. 

Know that you're not alone in the world- Growing up in a small school and in a small town definitely has its perks and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But it also means that there isn't much adversity and sometimes you find yourself the only person who believes in something or likes something. For me I enjoyed showing livestock, raising bees, and loved watching rodeos and much more. I had almost no one to share my passions with and it really brought me down  at times knowing that no one cared about those things and I often hid that I enjoyed those things just because I knew no one cared. It really wasn't until I got into college and into blogging that I found people who shared my interests. Many of my blog friends have become some very important friends because they share the same values and interests as I and its refreshing to have someone to talk to about those things.

Smile- During one of my clinical rotations last year a patient told me to always have a smile on my face when I walk into a room. She told me and another student this after we had taken the time to talk with her and were very friendly. She said that so many people she comes into contact with including other nurses and doctors always seem angry or unhappy and that in turns brings them unhappiness so to see us being happy brightened her day. So I now try to smile at everyone I meet even though I'm having a rough day because you never know who needs to see a smile to brighten their day! I defiantly believe the old saying that a smile is contagious.

A Grateful Heart

I came across this link-up, with ember grey, through another blogger & thought it was a great idea. I believe that a person should take the time each week to share what they are grateful for. I know that I myself take so much for granted & don't give proper gratitude when needed. So here's what I'm grateful for this week:

-Netflix and Books: The past month has been kind of difficult and watching Netflix and reading have let me just get immersed in a story and just forget for a minute.

-My dog Duke: Today was National Dog Day and I have to say i have a great dog.He is very loving and always keeps us laughing!

-My Kitchen Window: I guess I should say the view from my kitchen window. Last night I was making supper and I looked up out our window and it was a beautiful evening. Our nice and fat cows were grazing on some beautiful green grass. Such a beautiful site.

-Honeybees: Lately I have been reflecting on my year as Honey Princess and I have to say that if you would have told me many years a go a little bitty bug would change my life I would have told you that you're nuts! I've spent my year advocating for that little insect and have met some amazing people and have traveled to some great places. Also that little bug is important to us in many ways. It brings us a food and it helps pollinate our world. 

Catch Up

Wow is it really almost July????? Where the heck has this year gone. I've had a couple of people mention that I haven't blogged in awhile so I thought I could catch everyone up on the last 3 months!!

The last time that I blogged was towards the middle of April. I was starting to feel the heat of the end of the spring semester and I was entirely to busy to do anything. We finished the first week of May and on May 10th I kind of "Graduated". Now I mean "graduated" because we had to walk across stage in cap and gown but in reality we were far from done. At that point we still had 2 months of school left!!

The empty Diploma we got with a nice little note saying Ha Ha you're not done!

Towards the end of April I had the opportunity to get away for a couple of days and so I took a wild vacation to Iowa! A whole 2.5 hours away from home! LOL It was nice to just get away for a few days. I didn't have to work, didn't worry about school, and I was alone for the most part. I went up and saw my grandma and aunt and got to do a little sight seeing and some antique shopping. All of which was good for the soul! 

The antiques I got 

The stove I wished I got :(

My aunt and I also took a little road trip and visited Eldon, Iowa. I'm sure most of you have seen the famous painting the American Gothic. Well the house that the painting is based off of is in Eldon. So we got to go see the house and visit the little museum about it. I also got to take a picture with a pitch fork and overalls!

We also learned that there is a lady who lives in the house and guess what she's famous for.....PIE!!! She makes pies and sells them! She wasn't there when we went in April because she was on her book signing tour for the new cookbook she wrote. I bought one of course!! We did however come back over memorial day weekend when she had her pie stand open. We got to go into the house and buy pie! I got a Chess pie and peanut butter. Both were delicious. And I also got my cookbook signed by her. 

          Inside the American Gothic House                               Me, my pie, and Cookbook

Easter was good we had our usual family dinner at my great aunts house. Each year we take a group picture with all of the cousins and I found a picture from long ago and then this years and put them together. We also went to sunrise service at church. This year myself and our minister decorated the church. I did the board out in our lobby and the tables where we ate. 

Most of May was uneventful. We were off from school from the 2nd week of may until June 2nd. I worked and did some cooking and just was lazy. It went by entirely to fast.  Now Memorial weekend was a blast! 

`

One of my many jobs was cleaning and helping at a lumber yard. They had their Garden Shed's open house so I helped get everything ready for it.

One fun and kind of sad thing I got to do was go to my Ag teachers final banquet. He is retiring this year and so I wanted to go to his last banquet. He is a great man who made a huge impact on my life for sure. While we were there I got a picture with him and then 4 of the past 5 presidents (myself included) were there so we snapped a picture together. 

My mom and I took off work and went to my grandmas house for 5 days!! It was a much needed break for both of us. While we were there we put flowers on graves, visited my grandma, went to Eldon and ate some pie, brought grandma to her church/house from the nursing home, sorted through some of her stuff and cleaned some closets, and enjoyed a meal with family. It was such a great weekend and I learned a TON of family history that I didn't and I got to see the graves of 5 different sets of my 3 time great grandparents!! 3 of which were in the same cemetery! How neat is that. We also got to travel the back roads visiting the areas where my grandparents grew up and lived. The house and barn my Great grandpa built is still standing and we drove by the house like 4 times and I took many pictures of it all while the lady who currently lives in it was out on her porch. :) Here are just a few of the bazillion pictures I took!

Our trunk full of flowers!

My grandpa

A church some of my relatives help establish (not this exact building but the original church that was here)

One of my 3X Great Grandparents (my 3x great grandfather was a wood cutter) 

Now on to the blur which was June! 

We started the last semester of LPN school on June 2nd. The first week we had class Mon-Thursday and had 2 tests!! What a great start. HA :( The next week I'm entirely surprised I even survived. Saturday the 7th I got to go to Lawrence, Kansas to do a Honey Princess thing. I did a presentation for kids and got to help with the swarm demonstration and handle bees with my bare hands!! Monday I got to go to Camp Quality which is a camp for kids with cancer who can forget their disease and just be kids. I got to fish with them and help them pick out costumes for a dance they were having. Tuesday I had to go to clinicals about an hour from my house. It was a great day and I drew blood 2 times successfully. Wednesday I had to go to Jefferson City which is 4.5 hrs away to watch the bad nurses get in trouble. Then Thursday I had to give a presentation about bees to a local organization at 7:00 am! All in all in those 5 days I traveled over 1000 miles! 

Me Next to the swarm. You can see the many bees flying around my head. No one got stung that day!

The past couple weeks have been uneventful. More school and more work the same old boring tune. Mom and I did help out with VBS last week which was fun. I helped with the snacks and the carnival and mom helped with the music. 

The theme for the night was Jesus Lives. we made tombs with the stone out of doughnuts and doughnut holes

The theme was Jesus Loves so I came up with Jesus' Love bubbles over for you so we had Root beer floats

I've decided i'm gonna quit the nursing gig to be a carney!!! Ha! we had a carnival and the kids got to play games and win tickets.

We just got the schedule of tests for the next few weeks and I might go crazy. We are having tests each week and with being in class only 2 days a week they informed us that they aren't teaching us much and we have to learn it on our own. Then we will have clinicals 2 days a week. But hey guess what 4 weeks left!!!!!!! Then I will be done with the school part but then can't forget boards! Study, study, study, cram, cram, cram, and pray, pray, pray!!!! 

So there is my life in a nutshell for the past 3 months!! Here's to hoping I make it through the next month!

30DOB Day 14: Pet Peeves

Not a hard one. Lot's of things bother me or tick me off.

1. Being Late. I try to be early everywhere I go. Everyday for class i'm there around an hour early. I feel that if i'm not rushed I can get all my stuff out and go over that day's agenda. If I wake up late or get anywhere late it just throws off my whole day. I also don't like late people. I mean if I tell you that i'm going to be somewhere at a certain time you best be there too. I have probably 1000 other things to be doing and I chose you so don't waste my time!
2. Fake Country/farm people. Ugg don't get me started. There are so many girls and boys who are so fake and claim they are country and it just makes me mad. Sure I get the appeal to want to put off the country image of a hard working, honest, family oriented person but so many people don't. They wear their fake boots, hats, and shorty shorts and go out and say their country. I bet none of them would last a day on the farm. 
3. When people tell me what to do. I am the type of person who likes to do something by myself. If anyone tries to butt in and tell me to do something else I hate it. I'd rather make the mistakes on my own than have someone tell me "your gonna do that wrong, here do this". Just leave me alone! 
4. Drama. YUCK! When people intentionally try to start crap and start hating on other people it just disgusts me. I just wished everyone got along. 
5. When people burp in public. I do not need to hear your bottle functions thank you very much. Go to a different room or outside if you are going to burp. I know some of the most disgusting people who burp and fart constantly in places I really don't think are very appropriate. 

I could go on and on but i'll stop there. These are some of the major ones. 

30DOB Days 12&13: Favorite Style of blogging and A Recipe I Recently Tried

OK so this is going to be a couple of posts rolled into one. I feel they are both similar and so they fit well together. I have been so busy this weekend with work, church, and studying so I had absolutely no motivation and really no time to blog.

I think this one is obvious. My favorite thing to blog about is food :) I love posting recipes and photos of food that  I've tried. It's one of my many passions and I love sharing good food with people. 

Here's the latest recipe I've tried. Let me tell you it was AMAZING and also one of my April goals!!

Chocolate Souffle

Ingredients:

3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3/4 cups plus 1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup boiling water

2 egg yolks

2 tspn vanilla

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

8 egg whites- room temp

1/2 tspn cream of tartar

6 peices of dark chocolate candy -I used kisses

2-3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

Position oven rack in bottom 1/3 of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees. Spray the inside of 6 10oz ramekins, or oven proof baking cups, with non stick cooking spray and sprinkle with sugar to coat evenly. 

In large bowl, place chopped chocolate, cocoa, and 3/4 cup sugar. 

Whisk in the boiling water. When chocolate is completely melted, whisk in egg yolks and vanilla. Then stir in the flour. Set aside.

Combine egg whites with cream of tartar in a medium mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add in 1/4 cup sugar and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. 

Fold about 1/3 of the chocolate mixture into the egg whites. Fold in remaining chocolate mixture in 2 additions. Divide batter into prepared ramekins. 

Drop dark chocolates into the middle of each souffle just before baking. 

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the top has formed a nice crust and the sides appear cake-like. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Dig in immediately!!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________ HOSTED BY:

CO-HOSTED BY: ______________________________________________________________________________________________ I'm really excited to see your links of how you workout because maybe I'll find a new way to keep myself motivated and on task more often. Please inform me of what you're doing and how it works for you!! Don't forget to link up with us and tell us what your plans are for the month! We're excited to see your goals and cannot wait to see your daily blog posts about life :) RULES: 1. Follow your hosts Keeping Up With Kelsey & Every Girl Like Me 2. Follow your weekly co-hosts Hopelessly Ever After & Diaries From The Dirt Road (PS- We still have a few spots available for co-hosts) 3. Post the button onto your blog post so others can come link up as well 4. Link up your post below and look around at others blogs! 5. If you use Instagram of Twitter, tag us! #30DoB ______________________________________________________________________________________________ If you need a refresher here is this month's link-up posts:  1. Tuesday- Your Goals For The Month 2. Wednesday- Your Biggest Fear 3. Thursday- What Makes You... You!! 4. Friday- These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things, About Spring 5. Saturday- Share Your Favorite Workout Routines (And Why You Love Them) 6. Sunday- Your Favorite Sunday Routine Or Thing To Do On Sundays 7. Monday- What Do People Not Understand About You? 8. Tuesday- Your Favorite Photograph And Why 9. Wednesday- April Is Poetry Month, Share Your Favorite Poem 10. Thursday- Where Do You See Yourself In 10 Years? (Include Photos As A Challenge) 11. Friday- Did You Ever See Yourself Doing What You Do Today? 12. Saturday- Favorite Style of Blogging (Pictures, Quotes, Tutorials, Recipes) 13. Sunday- Share A Recipe, Book, or Product That You've Recently Tried Keep an eye out, I'm going to create a list for the entire month so you can really get ahead of the game and post them all at once if you really want. Bonus points to the person that does too!!