Why am I awake?

Actually, the title of this post is a rhetorical question. I now exactly why I'm awake. I think. Mostly... Let me explain.

I'm still up now because my cinnamon bread is about to go in the oven. I was still up before because, at about 2:30, I decided: hey, since I'm up, why don't I make bread for bible study and puppets? (puppeteers, actually, but whatever) Before that, though? I'm not really sure. I was probably up because everyone one else was, but I don't think that's really reason enough. Is it?

Lately, this has been happening alarmingly often. It's like I have second hand insomnia, which I must say is quite annoying. It's one thing to stay up when no one else is awake, to listen to the house creak and the wind blow, to let my imagination run wild. On nights like those, I write like a madmen; although, sometimes I clean and brood. But when EVERYONE stays up late... Then I end up sitting around eavesdropping, or listening to music by myself; either way, I'm not doing much productive. (I think I may be over using semi-colons here? I don't even know anymore. It seems the tireder (Is that even a word?) I get, the sloppier my sentence structuring becomes. Or maybe that's just my imagination.) This actually how I seem to be whenever I'm in the presence of people: I lurk in the background—doing general lurky things—whilst trying not to be noticed. At times, it's extremely frustrating. Especially when I'm actually trying to interact, but failing…

And that paragraph got away from me. It should probably be broken up. Or cut up. My internal editor isn't on the clock this late—probably one of the reasons writing is so productive when I'm up by myself.

Anyway, the fact is I am awake, and I am baking. In fact, if you'll excuse me one scend… There, bread is in the oven! Mmmm, if only you could smell what I'm smelling.

What else? 3 more hours and church starts!

Is there even a point to this post?

Methinks not.

Good morning—or night, as the case may be.

Go mbeannaí Dia duit,
M. S.

Taking Time

So obviously I'm not very good at this blogging thing, especially keeping to a schedule. (Which might be why I have so few readers, most of whom are probably family—if they even bother with it.) But that isn't discouraging. I know the best way to get at something is to practice.

Anyway, IT'S SNOWING!!!!!!  ALL THE FEELS!!! Yes, I know I just used all caps and multiple exclamation points, and I know it's annoying(at least to me), but there was no other way to express my excitement. I've been waiting for this snow forever, so: thanks, God!!!!

This day has actually been double delight awesome. Square-tailed cat awesome (shh, It's a thing.) The hustle bustle and wonderful joy of Advent and Christmas have been slightly subdued, but are still lingering. And new years is fast approaching. So, I needed to recharge my batteries. I didn't realize this consciously, of course, but I needed to nonetheless. I've been working, I haven't been writing, I haven't been exercising, I haven't been reading the Bible as often as I should… Life was spinning out of control, and I was in the backseat.

So, when fifth brother asked if I wanted to take a walk, I agreed. He went to his girlfriend's house, and I carried on to the park just down the street. I'd never been there before, and new parks awesome to explore.

There was a barely visible foot path leading into the woods, a fallen tree that led over a small gully. I spent an hour or so there, trudging around in the woods searching for clues, dodging patrols, reconning, and talking to Sí—the imagination games I used to play often, but don't have much time for anymore. I climbed trees. I acted like a complete madman, and loved it.

I discovered the magic I'd been missing for so long.

After I was too tired to carry on(and someone else showed up at the park), I started the long walk back. As I was going, I got to thinking about how blessed my life really is. How I've been taking everything for granted, especially the wonderful gift that Christ is to this world. I haven't let life get in the way of my joy—that's just an excuse. I've merely forgotten the reason I'm alive.

If you're like me, then the holiday season is almost as stressful as it is joyful. And throughout the merrymaking, you might forget the reason for merrymaking. It's not gifts, it's not family, it's not holiday vacation; although, all those are good reasons to be happy. No, it's God. God was born into this world as a man. He died on cross, rising from the dead so that our sins would be forgiven. He is why we are joyful this holiday season. He is the reason for gift-giving and getting together with friends and family. So I suggest you take a moment out of all the festivities, sit back, and give thanks privately. Count your blessings, and see what God has done for you. And have fun.

Merry Christmas, and a happy new year to you all.

Go mbeanaí Dia duit,
M. S.

Book List 2012

Yes, I am actually back, just not as soon as I thought. My last post wasn't simply me messing with internets (no, really. I promise.). But my poor time management skills have sucked away the time I had originally intended to put towards new posts.

Anyway, explanation is not the purpose of this post. No, this post is about my favorite books read this year (2012, for anyone who doesn't use the gregorian calendrical system.)

So, without further rambling, I present my "Book List, 2012," which may or may not be complete.

1. Thieftaker, by D. B. Jackson. Although this book came out in July, I came to it late (Octoberish?). This is the first book of a new urban historical fantasy series set in pre-revolution colonial boston. Yes, it's as awesome as it sounds. And if it doesn't sound awesome... what's wrong with you? The author, David B. Coe, is stealthily publishing these books under the assumed identity D. B. Jackson. It's called author branding, or something like that (sounds sketchy to me. And Painful.) Anyway, regardless of the name he uses, this book has reaffirmed him as one of my favorite authors.
2. This is actually two books, neither of which  came out in 2012. The Name of the Wind, and The Wise Man's Fear, both by Patrick Rothfuss. These were my september books, which I devoured in the course of two weekends. These two books are absolutely brilliant—fantasy at it's finest. If you like fantasy and somehow haven't read them, pick them up.
3. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. I picked this book up in may, I think, and was quickly disappointed I'd never read it before. Somehow, I'd watched the BBC miniseries twice with my older sister without reading the book. Jane Austen's satire is delicious and, as shown by the fabulous Lizzie Bennet Diaries, can be applied to the 21st century.
4. Bakuman, by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata (authors of Death Note).  Over the span of this year, I have read the first 14 volumes twice. The series follows Moritaka Mashiro and Akito Takagi on their quest to become manga artists. As an aspiring author, this may be may favorite shõnen manga.
5. Miki Falls, by Mark Crilley. Another graphic novel series, this one by the Crill-Master Mark himself. If you haven't already, check out his how to draw videos. I discovered this series at my local library back in January, and read them then. Unfortunately I have not yet had the chance to read Brody's Ghost, but seeing as the world is not ending on friday, I still have time.

And that's all for today. I'm running out of time, so I need to wrap this up There are probably some things I'm forgetting, but these are my top 5 (that I can remember).

In case I don't come back in time, have a Merry Christmas this year.

Go mbeannaí Dia duit,
M. S.

12/12/12

December 12... NaNoWriMo, Thanksgiving, the beginning of Advent, and dozens of other significant happenings all happened without a single peep on this blog. I have been absent longer, and to a greater degree, than I had intended. But that is the way of things: the longer I go without doing something, the harder it is to get back into it.

But back into it I will get, and in time for Christmas, too. :) Yes, I use emoticons. Occasionally. So what? I'm just rambling here because I don't actually have a subject.

Anyway, 12/12/12. Cool…

While I was gone, I realized that I haven't been doing much wondering or wandering, at least,  not on my blog. So I'll try to get back to doing those things.

I've also realized that I could very easily go on doing nothing but music post. In fact, I  could probably do three posts a week. But not on this blog, no. I will start a second blog dedicated to music—which I will link to just as soon as I actually get around to creating it.

What else… Middle sister's back in town! (and now, because I never told you she was gone—or, even, that she exists(if my memory serves me correctly)—you are really confused (and that last sentence was a mess)) She was down in Arkansas helping out our grandmother, but now she is back. This is especially cool because she is my main writing buddy/proof reader.

Anyway. I'm rambling. I should probably stop before I reveal any classified secrets. ;) Yes, I haven't slept very much recently.

So goodnight and farewell (for the time being).

Go mbeannaí Dia duit,
M. S.