My favorite book....

I love to read fiction.  It's such a great escape from reality.  Reading, to me, is like therapy and I love how it's endlessly at my constant disposal. : )

When I thought about what my "favorite" book is...I had a few in mind, but in the end, I chose the one that truly moved me the most.

  The book I chose doesn't stand alone...infact, it's probably the most anticipated book I've ever read.  I decided Breaking Dawn is, no doubt, my favorite book.  It's the fourth and last book from the Twilight Saga, and it tremendously 100% delivered, in my opinion!  I've never read a book that had me so invested.  I give a lot of credit to the 3 books before it, but Breaking Dawn was like a fascinating, live story in my head....and not at all like I was reading.  The author, Stephenie Meyer, has an incredible way of making the reader fall into the book, into the lives and world that she created...and almost hypnotizes you with the soulful, artistic imagination she shares.  People can judge all they want about this fictional book, but I will never be ashamed to admit that I fell in love with it.  Here's a few lines from my favorite chapter.

"All I really saw was Edward's face; it filled my vision and overwhelmed my mind. His eyes were a buttery, burning gold; his perfect face was almost severe with the depths of his emotion.  And then, as he met my awed gaze, he broke into a breathtaking smile of exultation."

I've read many, many books and have enjoyed most of them, but Breaking Dawn had everything I want from a book.....artful writing, an epic romance....and a strong heartbeat.

This is my song....

Without music...I don't know what I'd do.  So, that makes today's challenge both extremely easy and hard at the same time!  I do have a favorite song, however, I also have a close second.  I feel it absolutely necessary to write about both...as they are both songs that deserve the highest praise. 

1.  Carolina In My Mind-James Taylor
This song truly made me care about music in a way I never had before. James Taylor's musical influence has put such an effect on my life, and changed my heart forever.  To me, this song is so haunting, but so, so beautiful.  He's away and meets a beautful girl...he experiences wonderful adventure, but still longs for home.  Sometimes life can offer you the world, but all you really want is a place to let your guard down, a feeling that everything is going to be ok, a place you are undconditionally loved.....and for him (and I think for most of us)...it's home.  He sings.."Ain't no doubt in no one's mind that love's the finest thing around."  I think he means that love comes from a familiar place and as long as that place is in your heart..you should explore what life throws at you and know that the love will stay with you.  This song can make you feel alone and make you feel sad but it also brings a certain warmth and comfort, too.


2.  Useless Desires-Patty Griffin
Patty Griffin....the greatest musician of all time, in my opinion!  Like James Taylor, Patty is an amazing folk singer/songwriter.  I could go on and on about her, but I will try and keep this about the song!  Useless Desires....well, even though this song taught me that a single verse can break your heart...I still love it.  To me, it's not as much about moving on from a person in your life as it is about facing where you are in your life and coming to terms with who you are now.  This song really hits home with me in the way I interpret it.  I'm not who I used to be...I'm who I am now, whether or not I'm happy about it. I can't go back in time and fix the relationships I had taken for granted, or choose the career that would have made me the person I want to be.  I can't help the obstacles I face that are out of my control.  There comes a time where I just have to face that it may not happen for me.  I think she wrote the song about someone being at a place in their life where they feel their dreams slipping away.  My favorite line from the song is.."Everyday I take a bitter pill, it gets me on my way, for the little aches and pains, the ones I have from day to day....to help me think a little less, about the things I've missed, to help me not to wonder how I ended up like this.."  There's just certain parts of my own life that I relate to in this song.  Even though Patty sings about love and love lost...I still feel inspired by her.  She's the reason I picked up a guitar and came to adore folk music and she will forever be the one who has helped me find my true self.

~7 Facts Award~

Thanks to the most adorable blogger ever...Robin, for my "Award!"

Her blog is like a breath of fresh air in my life! Everyone should check it out at.....

*7 Facts Award*

~Rules, Rules, Rules~

1: Link the person who awarded you!

2: Post 7 random facts about yourself.

3: Pass this award along to 15 other bloggers!

Random Facts about Me:

1. I hate airports, and I'm terrified to fly.

2. I was inducted into the NAIA Softball Hall of Fame in 2002... for my career batting average.

3. I want babies....and soon.

4. A boy named Brady has my heart. : )

5. To me, a great song is more about the lyrics than the melody.

6. I met my best friends in the world in college. It's like we were all meant to meet and help each other get through those years with constant support from one another. We live in 3 different states now, but visit each other at least once a year and every time, it's like we were never apart. It's more than friendship.....it is and always will be...a sisterhood.

7. I'm still searching for my place in this world...one day at a time.

I Award.....

Oh...um...I need some blog friends first. : (

30 Day Challenge...

So one of my very best friends, Robin, has this on her blog...and it looks really fun!  So, since I'm back to blogging...I'm gonna do it!  Here's what it's all about....I'll start tomorrow!
Day 1: A favorite song.
Day 2: A favorite book.
Day 3: A favorite movie.
Day 4: A favorite television program.
Day 5: A favorite quote.
Day 6: A moment you wish you could relive.
Day 7: Five things you couldn’t possibly live without
Day 8: A thank you letter to someone who has changed your life
Day 9: A photo you took
Day 10: A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11: A photo of you taken recently
Day 12: A song that you want played at your wedding (Or was played)
Day 13: A guilty Pleasure.
Day 14: A vacation you would like to take
Day 15: A person you admire
Day 16: A song that makes you cry.
Day 17: An Art Piece.
Day 18: A time when you felt passionate and alive.
Day 19: A talent of yours.
Day 20: A hobby of yours.
Day 21: Something you know you did differently than most people.
Day 22. A website
Day 23: A way in which you want to be remembered.
Day 24: A movie no one would expect you to love
Day 25: A recipe
Day 26: A childhood memory.
Day 27: A physical feature you love
Day 28: A scar you have and it’s story.
Day 29: Hopes, dreams, and plans you have for the next 365 days
Day 30: A motto or philosophy

Oh my dear sweet Saturday...

"Scrumptious Saturday"...that is how I am going to start referring to that day I long for each week!  I spend my whole week working and being on weight watchers....watching what I eat and going to the gym. Blah.  Saturday is my day!  It usually consists of brunch with the girls (the girls being my mom and sisters) and then bargain shopping, being crafty...or baking!  All of these things feed my soul, and that's why I look forward to this day every week!  I watch what I eat all week long, so Saturday is the day for those extra-special, full fat recipes!  I decided to share tomorrow's recipe with you!  ENJOY!

Cheesy Eggs and Blueberry Scones
This recipe is delicious...and yes, very rich!  It makes the creamiest, cheesiest eggs on the planet, and nothing better to go with them than, sweet, buttery blueberry scones! Here's the recipe...

Serves 2 people

Cheesy Eggs
6 eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter
4 slices of American cheese (yes...the processed kind!)
dash of hot sauce
salt and pepper

Instructions:  Crack the 6 eggs into a mixing bowl.  Add the heavy cream.  Poke the yokes and begin to whisk the eggs and cream together until fully combined.  Add salt and pepper and a dash of hot sauce.
Heat a non-stick skillet on low and add the butter.  When the butter is melted, pour the eggs into the skillet.  With a wooden spoon, start in the center and stir the eggs from the middle of the pan working your way out for about 30 seconds.  Next, add the 4 slices of cheese and continue to stir until the eggs are fluffy and creamy!  Sprinkle on some salt and serve!

Blueberry Scones
Preheat the oven at 425

1 cup baking mix (I use Bisquick)
3 Tbs sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons.
1 cup fresh blueberries

Combine baking mix (reserving 2 tablespoons), 1/4 cup of cream, sugar and the egg in a large mixing bowl.  With a wooden spoon, stir the mixture just until it's all combined. (DO NOT OVER STIR!!)  Next, add the 2 tablespoons of reserved biscuit mix in a bowl with the blueberries and toss together.  Then, add the blueberries to the scone mixture.  With your hands, combine the blueberries and form mixture into 4 large size scones. ( The scones will not look perfect...but that's why they're homeade!)  Then, with the remainig heavy cream, brush the top of each scone and sprinkle them with sugar.  Bake at 425 for 11 to 13 minutes.  Serve with butter!

I hope you enjoy these recipes!  I wish everyday was Saturday!

: ) Amber