Guardian Angel

When Leaves Start to Fall

      When leaves start to fall, I find myself in a very thoughtful state of mind; curled up in my chair with a blanket and a steaming mug of coffee, journal open in front of me.
      I woke up this morning to the sound of rain, the draft of cold Autumn air seeping in through my window.
      The are the kind of days I love.
      The days where I stop to think about people that are special to me, where I smile as I go through the memories I have of them and flip through the well-worn pages of my journal to read about them.
      The days where I stop to do a lot of praying about anything that comes to mind. Where I go outside onto the porch as it rains and just talk to God about everything.
      Everything seems to slow down and breathe a little, and when it does, I have to as well.
      I have to take a small step back and look everything over and try to piece things together, wondering what happens next in this crazy, wild plot of a story.
     This kind of weather makes me want to write. To weave some fantastic scene and bring characters to life.
     I'm a writer at heart, even when I feel like I'm doing a terrible job and no inspiration comes.
     But, I'm a writer nonetheless. Of all things I thought I'd be, it was never that.
     Not long ago, someone said five simple words to me that inspired me to keep writing. Just those five words made a difference.
     "I think Cafe will publish."
     That was it. It made me so happy to hear that. Five words that pushed me to keep going.
     Kind words from a friend are the most beautiful things to hear. Even small words. Even just a smile.
     It uplifts like nothing else.
     God commands us to speak kindly to one another; to uplift and encourage.
     One small word can completely change a person's day, so find something kind to say to a family member or friend today - it'll make a big difference.

    
    Autumn is my favorite time of year - it gives me this feeling inside of being alive and knowing that exciting things are going to happen. I just have to wait for them to start unfolding.
   Pour your favorite cup of coffee today (after all, it IS National Coffee Day,) and open a book or your journal - dive in write, your thoughts down.
   Enjoy every moment of it, because every moment, you're still alive.


- hannah

P.S. This is a mini-video I put together yesterday on a whim. Nothing fancy; just trying to capture the feeling I have when writing. :) Enjoy!

We're Featured on GMM!!!

Nathan and I were featured on Rhett and Link's GOOD MYTHICAL MORNING! AAAH! I'm totally freaked out right now! IT HAPPENED SO FAST! We just sent it in LAST WEEK!

Thank you Rhett and Link for posting us! GOOD MYTHICAL MORNIIIIIING!!!!

- a totally freaked out girl

20 Things to do with that Special Someone (Fall Edition)

   
 Hello, world!
    It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm sorry I've been MIA for so long - too many things to do, too little time!
    Time has kept ticking while I've been away, and so has my brain, thankfully. I've come up with more things to do with that poor person that'll spend the rest of his life with such an emotional odd-ball as myself. ^_^ (I hope he's patient and not easily fazed by a girl's breakdown teary reaction to dropping a glass in the kitchen floor, crying like a soul had just been lost... >.<) Yes... I have those days.

   ANYWAY - I've done two other posts regarding "20 Things", so this shouldn't be much of a surprise to you. I established my thoughts in the first one, so I won't repeat them here again.
   Autumn is quickly approaching. In fact, there's already leaves beginning to turn - it's really beautiful. You probably already know that Fall is my favorite time of year - absolute FAVORITE! I adore it... therefore, I want to be able to share that favorite time with my Special Someone in all sorts of ways.

1. Make homemade hot chocolate and put lots of whipped cream on top
2. Go for evening walks in the cold and wrap my arms around him
3. Listen to music together
4. Pull an all-nighter... ON THE WEEKEND. ^_^
5. Steal his hoodie and be wearing it when he comes back from work >.<
6. Dance to One Direction's Forever Young... this is my newest favorite song right now; it's SO PRETTY. T_T (I also don't know a *whole* lot about this group, so don't think I completely support them or anything;)

7. Go to the mall one day and just goof off and do silly things
8. Spend a late afternoon in a coffee shop, asking questions, getting to know each other even better. I want to marry my best friend (NOT the female best friend, haha:P), and it's hard to know someone truly unless you aren't.
9. Watch a looong movie and fall asleep on the couch
10. Take pictures of him - lots of pictures. >:)
11. Take him clothes shopping and be his stylist for the day! *grin*
12. Throw an armful of leaves at him and then run away giggling >.<
13. Take turns on a "boss" date-night - one night he gets to decide what I wear, everything from shoes to jewelry; another night I get to do the same. Either can pick themes, and the other has to stick exactly to what he or she has said. I know what theme I'M picking. >:)
14. Buy him an expensive cologne
15. Buy a box of assorted chocolates and take turns trying different ones to figure out what we like and what we don't
16. Go outside one night and talk about anything and everything and have a prayer time for each other
17. Play a furious game of hide-and-seek in the dark
18. I hope he keeps a journal, because one afternoon I want to break out the journals and go through them just for fun. It'd be nothing but hilarious embarrassment. ^_^
19. Go through old memories or funny stories, remembering the silly things we used to do
20. Make a list of each other's quirks and habits that we find endearing.

  

The Gang - 2012

 

      I put together a tribute for 'The Gang' - I hope you like it! Please comment! (Set the quality on the highest HD - it'll be better.)

From the Fourth

This video was taken by Caroline's mom (I think... it may have been Caroline! ^_^) on the fourth this week. They've gotten so good! Keep it up, Nathan and Christopher! I figured I'd put it up for you guys to enjoy.

- hannah

Fourth of July 2012

        Last night was *amazing*!
We invited practically everyone from church to come to our house and celebrate with us; and most of them came. ^_^ We had about 31 people! The fireworks was fantastic, the air humid, the lightening bugs all over the place, the food satisfying, and the sweaty hugs in plenty.
        I'm convinced my dad is a pyromaniac; setting off those explosions in the sky is his absolute favorite thing to do.
        The boys had their army man battle once again this year, setting off their own mini works in that poor, little destroyed town that is constructed over our late goat's grave. =.= But it's cute. ^_^
        God was good, and He kept the rain at bay! Thank You!

 Avery's standing there with a satisfied grin on his face.

Burn, baby - BURN.

 The town decimated by the smoke of the smurf...

           We had such a good time; I enjoyed listening to the conversations, the laughs and the faces. Here's just a few of those faces that are special to me...

The Fireworks

And here's a few videos from our amazing time... enjoy, and please comment!

This is from the Army Man battle - I *love* this!

Nathan and Christopher quoting the movie Gladiator... you'd have to see the film. ^_^

This is the 'cup dance' that Megan and Christopher taught us... best video of the night. ^_^

ANOTHER Sweet Tea Commercial...

Ahem. We made another one.
... and it's not that great. --.--
Oh well. Life will go on. ^_^ We kinda did it spur of the moment up on the parkway the other day, so, sorry about the bad plot. :P It's just for fun.

Enjoy!
- hannah

P.S. Comments... Please.... leave.... COMMENTS. 0_o Let me know you're out there! *wails*

=D

Life is good lately!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agenda: Grinding America Down

This is honestly very, very scary. We watched it last night, and as I result, I had an emotional meltdown by myself in the bathroom. It's depressing... but it *must* be watched. If you haven't seen this, get out there and buy it. We *have* to do something. We have to.
   If you have seen it, post it on your blogs and spread it to everyone. This isn't just another conspiracy theory film - this is real. It's completely in plain sight. Please, please, PLEASE watch this. Even if it's uncomfortable and disturbing... it's what's happening in the nation we *live* in.

I won't be at all surprised if my blog is eventually taken down because of the things I say, because I cannot, and I will not remain silent. This is *my* country. I *live* here, and I simply can't just watch it go down. Don't think that you're not being monitored by our government - everything we say and do is watched closely.

Go buy this movie. I can't urge you enough.

The Agenda: Grinding America Down by Curtis Bowers

The Dark

This morning, my little sister scared me to *death* in the shower. I went to take one, and when I opened the door, the first thing I did was look at the mirror; there she stood, jaw dropped open and eyes wide in the look that she knows CREEPS. ME. OUT. 

      It was *hilarious*, so I decided to put together a short, 55 second video. I don't own the music, of course. ^_^ 

      Enjoy our insanity!!

Latte Love

Candy in Korea

I thought this was *adorable* ^_^
Watch how he makes the candy - wow! It's so amazing! It's kinda like watching a guy make the dough for the pizza, right? ;)

Just thought I'd put it up for laughs -

Fighting! =D
- hannah

P.S. - LIFE'S GOOD! As always, He's very good to me...

Where I'd Be...

A rainy day in Seoul...
      the streets still move, the cars still hum by, but there's something different when it rains. Things change. Suddenly, the lights inside buildings seem warmer, more inviting. You begin to wonder, just what are other people thinking as they walk by, umbrellas in hand? The water slips away, pools in the roads; a car sprays it against the sidewalk - maybe against you. Rain. Beautiful, thoughtful rain...

This video is very beautiful if you turn down the volume on it a little, and pick a thoughtful piece of music from the playlist on my sidebar.

a rainy day.
a rainy day in Seoul.

What are you doing today?

National Cappuccino Day!

It's National Cappuccino Day!
Cappuccinos are some of the best coffee drinks out there - and for today, I'd like to have a special person explain it to you. I happen to have Na Jungsu here with me; he's been working at the Cafe in my story, and came for a visit. He's 20 years old, and has been working at the Cafe for about three weeks now; he catches on to things very quickly, and is now teaching a new employee about how things work. Without further ado, I'll let him have the seat. If he messes up on his English... don't worry... he'll continue his grammar lessons shortly. ^.^ *smiles at his insulted shout*
Alright, Jung Su - the computer is yours!

Um... hi. Okay, so, cappuccinos. The secret to making the perfect one is the correct ratio of milk to espresso - the classic recipe calls for three equal parts of espresso, milk and froth, but NEVER cream. (nasty stuff...) It is the milk froth that sits on top like a cap - thus the name, CAPpuccino. The froth needs to be firm enough to support the sugar for a moment before it descends into the cup, much in the way as good crema functions in an espresso. Don't EVER burn the steamed milk - you have to be gentle with it. Cappuccinos are the best thing to have on a cold Autumn day (or Winter, if you prefer...) Sad enough, a lot of people don't know how 2 make good coffees - here is a video I found this morning that does it the RIGHT way. The only complaint I have about it is the steaming - you need to move the pitcher around a little and it makes it much more foamy. (Hannah let me borrow the computer at like, 3:50 this morning; could not sleep!)
A really good top for it is shaved chocolate or cinnamon on the foam. Good stuff.

So now I'm off to make one - enjoy yourself a cappuccino; settle down somewhere and read a book. Or browse the Internet... in my opinion. ^_^

Bringing You Love from the Cafe,
- NA Jungsu

  Cafe Excerpt

(When characters are speaking Korean, it's in italics.)

Dae Hyun was standing quietly by the door, glancing around the streets outside. When he heard them come out, he turned to face them, nodding his head in acknowledgment. Jung Su leaned against the counter across from him, pointing a thumb over his shoulder at Erica, who began making a list of the things she needed from the store.

"Alright. So, I'm you're help for today. I'll show you what to do. It is not hard to learn."

He handed him the apron, pulling it out of the pack.

"So," he continued, tossing the bag in the trash. "Over here – first thing's first."

Dae Hyun followed him, tying the apron. He listened quietly as Jung Su explained how the brewers worked, and took him through the steps of making the different coffees.

"The filter comes off like this. When you make the espresso shots, you pack the grounds into it tightly with this tamper at a 90 degree angle in a circular motion, like this..."

He took the small silver tamper and rolled it around in the packed filter basket in a swift movement. "Use your wrist," he explained.

"When steaming milk for whatever you're making, you use this pitcher," he said, picking up a stainless steel container. He bent down and got a jug of milk from the fridge.

"Say I'm going to make a cappuccino," he continued, picking up the filter basket and attaching it to the brewer.

"I'd fit the filter to its holder and turn it on. The water needed is already in the container there, so it's ready to go. While that's brewing, I'm going to froth the milk."

He filled the pitcher with just the right ammount, and inserted the steam outlet just under the surface of the liquid, turning it on. It whirred loudly, and he moved the pitcher up and down in small circular movements; the milk began to foam and encrease.

"Make sure the container is not so hot you cannot touch it," Jung Su said over the noise. Once it was sufficiantly frothy, he turned it off, setting that pitcher aside.

"Alright," he said, getting out another container. "Your turn."

Dae Hyun took the pitcher from him, pouring milk into it.

"How much?" he asked, glancing over at him. Jung Su noticed he was using formal Korean, but let it slip, thinking it was from his nervousness.

"Uh, about six inches for this one. We'll make a latte with it."

He watched him closely, re-pointing to what to do.

"Nah, it goes in like that, see?" he said, adjusting the position of the pitcher. "Now turn it on, that button there."

Dae Hyun flicked it on, and once again it began to whir. Jung Su guided his hand a little, showing him how to move it.

"How long do you do it for?" he asked, watching the milk begin to foam. There was that formal Korean again...

"Depends on how foamy you want it," Jung Su glanced over at him. "For this one, just enough until it is thick."

From her position at the other end of the counter, Erica listened quietly to what was said, smiling to herself as she wrote out her grocery list. Dae Hyun was so nervous, but was trying his best to do things right. She shook her head slowly, a small smile still on her face, wondering just when Jung Su would say something about the formal Korean. She knew very well that it wasn't because her new employee was nervous. 

 

Gentle Giants

"Have you given the horse his might, or have you clothed his neck with strength?"

Job 39:19

The Time of Coats, Hot Chocolate, and Flying Leaves

Photo from Google Images - Seoul Tower, South Korea

 

Yes, it's that time of year... again. 
      Autumn has come so quickly this year! In the next few weeks, the leaves will be almost gone; and it's only October 1st.

Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. The time to pull out those stylish, wonderful coats, sip at hot chocolate like I did last night, sitting by the fire, listen to the wind blow outside. It's the time to watch those fiery leaves let go with a last sigh, drifting to the ground; to let the cold wind kiss your face and fill your heart. It's the time to snuggle down in your favorite hoodie and crack open that journal, write away.
     These are the days I want to walk down a sidewalk with Eric (my Prince Charming - don't ask. I just call him that! ^.^) and go to a quiet cafe; savor wrapping my arm around him and share a soft moment. Yes - I'm being romantic - I'm in the mood. ^.^

These Autumn days.

I love them.

It's the best time to enjoy the warmth of your house, the place God has given you to rest. I was laying in my bed last night, looking down on my room (because of my elevated position on the loft bed...) and was thinking, "My room is so great. I love having this little heaven of my own."

I'm convinced that God's favorite colors are green, blue and brown - but He likes a change; thus the seasons. Fiery reds, yellows and oranges, white blankets when the snows come. Yes, we can see what His favorite colors are.

And friends.

Tomorrow, friends come over after Life Chain Sunday. I get to share warmth with them and a cold Autumn day.

Yes, friends. Near the end of this month, I'll share an amazing time with my Best Friend in Georgia. Indeed.

Autumn: warmth, hoodies, socks, cracking fires, hot chocolate, bright leaves, biting winds, journals, and spilled ink.

Life is good.

Fighting!
- Hannah

P.S. Since tomorrow is Life Chain Sunday, I'm posting this video... they can't defend themselves - we'll do it for them.

National Coffee Day!!!

photo from Google Images

 

Yes, you read that right.
It's National Coffee Day! For all you coffee lovers - you'd better get out there and take a hand in this great deal.
The stores:

 

7-Eleven convenience stores: The deal lasts until 11 a.m., but many locations have free coffee, while supplies last. The deal at 7-Eleven gives customers a free medium coffee, cappuccino or latte between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Krispy Kreme retail stores: Head to Krispy Kreme and get a free 12-ounce cup of House Blend Coffee. And get this -- no purchase necessary. The offer is good all day, while supplies last. 

Caribou Coffee stores:  The national coffee house chain offers a "buy one, get one free" deal all day. The offer is valid at participating stores, one per person.

Don't miss your chance! Sadly... though I'd love to... I won't be getting a free coffee 'cause there's none of those stores around here! *pout* I s'pose I'll just have to make my own... *sniff*
Oh well.

Alright, Loyal Coffee Drinkers! Get out there and get yourself a brewed cup of heaven! If it's as Fall-ish as it is up here right now, take a moment to watch it steam - that's gotta be one of the best parts. ^.^
And - FALL IS HERE! Tomorrow's the last day of September - ALREADY! *dead faint* The leaves are flying from the trees here; it's absolutely gorgeous. God creates such beautiful artwork for us to see - enjoy it! 

(And as a random PS - go look at the "favorite youtube videos" page - I added one that is hilarious...)

And to participate at least a smidgen in this - since I can't get a coffee - I'll post an excerpt from Cafe, my story that smells like coffee beans when you open the pages...

photo from Google Images

 

The alarm clock buzzed. Jung Su rolled over in the tangle of sheets, moaning as his hand blindly sought for the loud noise. Finally finding it, he silenced it with one brutal pounding. Still half awake, the noise of rain against the window drifted into his senses, and forcing himself to raise his head, he glanced at the glowing numbers – 7:30.

Thwump.

His head hit the pillow again. Suddenly, after a moment, he shot up.

"7:30!?" he shouted in Korean, grabbing the clock from the floor to double check.

"Oh, no, no, no NO!"

He scrambled up off the mattress on the floor and tripped when the sheets wrapped around his legs. Kicking them off, he picked his jeans up from the corner and tugged them on, cursing at himself for sleeping in.

"Aish!" he mumbled, running to the bathroom and splashing water on his face. "Don't sleep in, Jung Su – that's what I told you, idiot!"

Grabbing a towel and burying his face in it, he finger combed his hair quickly, turning around to grab a shirt. Once he'd tugged it on, he turned back around and saw his reflection in the mirror. With a gasp, he grabbed the sink rim, staring at himself.

"Your hair," he hissed, mouth agape. "What the... aaaaish! What amma gonna do with you?!"

Looking around for a solution, he found his comb and tried brushing it down, but it stuck right back up. Growling, he ran to the corner of the room and dug through his bag of clothes, tossing them all over the floor. Finally, he found what he was after; a black and white stripped toboggan. Tugging it over his head, he pulled his jacket and shoes on, shoved a few bracelets on his wrist, and ran out the door. Seconds after it had slammed shut, it flew back open again, and he stumbled in. Grabbing up the wallet on the empty counter, he disappeared once more, the door slamming closed with a bang.

The misty drizzle had now transformed into a light rain, and the fog had abated into a less intense thickness. The ticking clock on the wall read 8:00, Erica noted as she glanced up at it, picking up a rag and walking to a nearby table. She wiped it off, tucking a long strand of hair behind her ear as it fell into her face. Glancing out the window, she watched the people walk by, and couldn't help but put a hand over her mouth to stiffle a laugh when she saw Jung Su. He was standing on the other side of the street, impatiently wishing the light to turn green. Without waiting, he suddenly took off at a reckless jog across the road, narrowly missing a car and doing a fantastic hop skip to keep from getting hit. Erica practically burst into laughter, trying in vain to keep a straight face before he came charging in. She had to turn her head away for laughing so hard as he slowed his pace near the window, glanced in, and regained his composure, tugging his jacket straight and adjusting the toboggan. Taking a breath, he opened the door, and walked in casually.

"Oh, hello," he said with an air of faked surprise when he saw Erica. She managed to keep from laughing as she turned around to face him, playing along.

"Ah! Goodmorning, Jung Su," she smiled. He ducked his head in a brief bow as he came on in, taking off his jacket. Without a word, he slipped to the back and hung it up, replacing it with the apron. As he came back around the corner, tying the strings behind his back, he glanced over at her, obviously blushing.

"I'm... uh... sorry I was late," he said shyly, biting at his lower lip. Erica set some cups out, looking up at him. To his surprise, she laughed, shaking her head.

"It's fine, silly; don't worry about it."

Jung Su gave her a strange look, rubbing the toboggan on his head.

"Uhm... okay. Sure. It's just – I set the alarm wrong; it won't happen again."

Erica smiled, tossing him a rag, narrowly missing his head.

"Forget it! Clean off those tables, would you?"

Slowly, a smile spread across Jung Su's face. He then grinned, waving the rag.

"Yes ma'am!" he saluted, marching over to the tables. She smiled to herself as she turned her back, pouring off the last bit of coffee and starting a new pot.

Hilarious!

Bloopers from one of my favorite shows....
Michael Landon had always been one of my favorites!