The Trip

In lieu of pictures of Twin, since she is still partly anon, you can have the very first picture I took, on our walk to the grocery store.

So, I admit, I totally wanted to do a post while I was with Twin and be all, "We are TOGETHER!" But that failed. I was entirely too busy being with Twin.

I had so much fun with her, guys. She's pretty much just as amazing in real life, which makes her WAY AWESOME.

We rewatched all three Lord of The Ring movies, extended versions, and we agree that neither of us like Frodo, not even one bit. Sam's the real hero. <3<3<3
We went on lovely walks, and drank delicious tea, and even wrote a bit. We painted our nails (mine are colorful! :D) and listened to music we both loved. We made chocolate truffles, and attempted chocolate sauce twice with varying success. We read the same book at the same time. (That was an accident, but interesting.)

After the first awkward moment where her siblings all stared at me, I got along with her family famously. Her little sister, Molly, even declared that she loved me, and wanted to be my best friend. I have the picture she drew and "home steeple" to prove it.

Don't I look mysterious?

One of my favorite moments––which is an inaccurate statement, because the whole trip was my favorite moment––was right at the beginning. When I arrived at the airport, I called Maggie and told her I was there, then I pulled on a lovely hat and my "fake glasses"(reading glasses from the dollar store with the lenses popped out) before heading to the baggage claim. As soon as I saw her and her mom, sitting, I forced myself to keep my eyes off them, and I slowly walked behind the pillar closest to them. It was all I could do to not squeal and launch myself at her. Or collapse on the floor, because my legs go cooked-noodle when I'm nervous, and I was so so so so nervous. Once behind the pillar, I took a moment to not have a meltdown, drew a deep, not-as-calming-as-I-could-hope breath, and walked around behind their seats. I was sure they would see me and Maggie would instantly know it was me.
At least, until I grabbed her shoulders and made her jump.
I am quite proud of myself for successfully sneaking up on her.
Her? Not so much. She was a little ticked.

Another favorite moment was when I went to the bookstore with Maggie, her mom, and her sister. This may not seem so big to you guys, but I've never gone to the bookstore with like-minded readers. It was thrilling. I bought a beautiful copy of Beth Revis's A Million Suns. It's quite lovely. *admires*

So many other things happened. I had balance difficulties once or twice. (In my defense, sliding across hardwood floors in socks is the funnest thing EVER.) We went spelunking. (spelunking = my new love in life <3) I actually finished a pair of fingerless mitts for myself (those in the above photo) and I'm very pleased with them. They fit and they're wonderful and they make me happy. *^_^*

The best of the best, though, was undoubtedly talking to Maggie face to face. Just...being in the same room as her. Knowing beyond doubt she's not a figment of my imagination or––as several family members have suggested––a creepy old man.

But now I'm back in Texas, and aside from being forgotten at the airport, I'm safe and sound. I've just begun the unpacking process, which is the real sign that my trip is over. *tear*

The trip was a blessing. Maggie is wonderful, and her family is unbelievably kind. I admit I was so sad I had to leave that I shed tears while waiting for my plane.

Now back to school and work and daily life. I'm glad to be back home, but I definitely can't wait 'til I get to see Maggie Twin again.

A Package! (And A New Favorite Novel)

Excuse my chipping nail polish...

Guess what the mail man brought me! (Constance: The US postal service is speedy these days!)

Okay, so packages (and letters!) in the mail are among the things in life that never fail to brighten my day. I've been so excited about these amazing arm-warmers a la Constance, that I may or may not have been peeking out the window every day when the mail man comes to see if he brought me the long-awaited package.

Well, he did! And WOW.

I only jokingly said to my Twin that I wanted her to make me some "arm warmers." And lo and behold, she took me seriously Well. You said you wanted some, and I had no other plans for my next project. Why not? and magically produced these beautiful, ocean colored wonders! Just look at them! Okay, you've already seen them, I know... (And they're ten times prettier in person, too!)

Not only am I amazed by how quickly she picked up the knitting thing, but also I'm feeling so special and loved, that she took all that time to bother with something for me, just randomly! And yeah, it was a lot of time. (And frustration, methinks! I don't have the patience for this sort of thing.) It had its frustrating moments, I admit. But methinks you're totally worth it.

I think I owe her a month's supply of chocolate or something. Well, if you insist.

Something.

Okay, enough gushing! On to part two of this post.

I have a New Favorite Novel! And I couldn't resist adding it to my I'm-afraid-of-the-internet friendly picture. In case you can't read it, it's "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys.

It's so up my alley! I just love books like this, and I love this book, and I love her writing and-- yeah. It's a New Favorite Novel. Hands down. I would proudly put it on my book shelf next to Hunger Games if Taryn hadn't lent this particular copy to me (oh so kindly!). I'll definitely buy my own ASAP!

I seriously recommend it! I haven't put it down much since I started. It's that kinda novel for me. Gripping. Emotional. Realistic. Awesome.

I have to resist going to the library RIGHT NOW. Anything you love that much must be good.

On that note, I'm off to finish it.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Best Part of Today: Hangin' out with horses! (a.k.a mucking stalls) I LOVE horses.
Currently Craving: Milk! Okay, ew. A milk-based drink. With vanilla.
Music Pick: "Mon Pays" by Faudel
I'm Reading: "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

WIP: Fire [on hold!] (11,261 words) + Developing To Save Them (NaNo Novel)