::Just a Wee Phantom Ramble::

Life's been itself here lately. Nothing to huge, nothing to dramatic. Just itself. I'm currently listing two new items at my Etsy Shop, and Listening to 'Phantom of the Opera'. I must tell you, I have been captured by Erik yet again. It happens about once a month. I'll be going my little, own way, and I'll see a POTO pic, or hear a song....and I'm rehooked. For 2 weeks, I'll not be able to think of anything else. Erik will dwell in my dreams, and It's all I can do to not break out singing "You'll give your love to me, for Love is blind".

And the trigger point this time, was ^that^. Ohmigoshbubbles. Let me repeat that, Ohmigoshbubbles. All I can sing sing is "Look with your Heart" and "The Beauty Underneath". The story is sad, ubber ubber sad. I mean, REALLY REALLY sad. I do like, however, Raoul's portayal. Drunk, pitiful, annoying, Worthless Raoul? Bless you ALW. Bless You.{Getting off topic} Hearing the song "All I Ask of You" when Raoul and Christine are singing it brings tears to me eyes. But, as Christine says, "Tears of Hate". And then when Erik sings it to Christine, What does the brat do? Rips his mask off, and reveals him to the whole Opera. More Tears of hate.  {Back to LND}. 

The Fact that Erik and Christine have a son is a bit, OK, more then a bit, disturbing. First off, its pretty much impossible. and Second off, its pretty immoral. It DID provide a nice little plot twist. I somehow knew it the whole time, though. Somehow. I just don't know how.  People may slur Love Never Dies as they wish though, they can call it cheap and cheesy. They can call it boring, I still like it. It will never be the same as the original, but it is still pretty good.

At the end of the school year, our homeschool group does this little performance/speech/thingamajig
 that we grandly call 'The End of the Year Party'. We are SO ingenious.  Anyway, Me and Evan have decided what we will do next year. He shall play 'Think of Me' on the piano, and I shall debut in my Broadway career, and sing it! And I'm gonna try to get my hair and a dress as alike to Christine's as a I can. naturally, I'll want mine to be a little more modest, but I'll still face the small 20-30 person crowd, and pretend I'm singing in the Paris Opera house, as I someday wish to do.



Ok. Probably boring all you non Phans out there.

Sorry.

I'm such Phangirl, so, you must just put up with me.

Tootles, and may the Music of the Night never be done,

Small Southern Doin's.

This Saturday was a little bit busy this Saturday. First off, Evan participated in a 5K. He has really gotten into doing them, and since My Dad's friend, My Photography Mentor, and our Town's Fire-chief (all the same guy, BTW) is also into them, our little bitty town has more then it's fair share if them. He keeps Evan updated on upcoming runs, Where they will be, and how much the entry fee is.

Evan, pre-race.

This was Evan's second 5K,and the first one I got to watch, The first one Evan did was really early, and I had a garage sale going on. He got a free shirt, Backpack, and some other random stuff sponsors put in the backpack. (My family's Catering was a sponsor. Thought you needed to know. ^.^)

Don't mind the shirtless idiots in the front, please.

Evan started off at a good pace, and since his first race was finished at 20 something minutes (thats like, unheard of for a first timer) we fully expected much of him. The first runner came in at 17 something minutes. THAT guy got a GRANDE applause. 17 minutes is, just wow. Then 20 minutes came and went...22...23..26..28..29.....

At 30 Minutes, 9 seconds, he came in, yelling, "I'm gonna Puke!!". Which stirred some laughter. We learned that along the trail, he HAD gotten thrown up, due to way to much Gatorade before the run. And THAT is slowed him down. Even so, we were proud of him, since that was a pretty good timing still, and he was about in the middle.

But, Zack also deserves some hooray. I think he was the youngest runner, and the little brother of my Bestie.   He did REALLY good.

After the 5K, we had to go to a fish fry hosted by my Daddy's boss.  Ok, ok..I'm hearin' ya..."But what about your Veggie only diet?". WEEELLLLL...it's kinda been altered. ya see, the littles couldn't do it. Basically, we were making them healthy at the risk of starving them. lol. Well, ok. It wasn't THAT extreme. But there weren't getting enough protein.  So, at breakfast, we Juice with 1 boiled egg. Then for lunch, we have Salad with home made Ranch. OH MY GOODNESS. I'm never going back to Hidden Valley!!! and at Dinner we have meat with 2 Veggie sides. But we have cut out ALL Bread stuffs. Which, we think, was pretty much the problem. Our bodies can't process Bread and Carbohydrates. So, out it goes.  Almost. Because, I had Hush Puppies yesterday. I regret nothing.

It's always a little awkward for me when we go to Daddy's work gatherings, as I kinda sit there and look pretty while feeling out of place. I'm not good at just 'meshing' with people. lol

But this time wasn't so bad. The food was good (all food cooked with Southern heart is...for the most part). I would take pictures (Apparently, I was the only one who thought about bringing a camera. But then, I promised Camryn to use her more often, so I'm bringing her everywhere with me again) and people would ask to see it, even if they weren't in it. Didn't bother me too much. ^.^. (note...do I use >>>^.^<<<< That smiley face to much?)

 In an effort to be somewhat healthy amongst all the fried stuff, baked beans, and other goodness, I ate ine of these. They had the Kabobs (Oh Mirriam. You hath ruined my with Eristor's Kelbabs, or whatever they are....) stuff in a halved Watermelon. And while it was a pretty neat display idea, my inner frugal, pack rat, waste nothing persona cried out at the wasted Half Watermelon. Oh well. Oh, and Zeb commented, "Those Swiss Roles are the best fruit I have ever eaten". Little brothers. I declare.

It was a really pretty day. A nice breeze, and it wasn't at all hot. Thats a lot, coming from Me, the girl who'd rather stay inside, is a extreme Summer hater, and as white as a Vampire.  The only problem was the Mayflies. Oh ho ho ho. I hate those bugs. I hate bugs period. I've decided, the only 'nice' bug is a Butterfly and Wolf Spider. Outside of that, they can all be put into a capsule, shuttled off to the sun and die for all I care. And if the little pesks FLY. No. I just can't do it. I honestly was freaking out. It took awhile for me to fully calm down to the fact that there were bugs flying around everywhere and that landing on you seemed to be their main goal in life. I went to roll the windows down to the van, as I didn't want them to get in there, When I get into the van, its supposed to be a safe haven. But there was already one in there. I could not get the keys out of the ignition because I was close to hyperventilating. It was silly. and crazy. And awkward. Mama had to come out and do it. yeah.

And then, I did something brave. As you might have noticed from the Mayfly incident, I'm not a very brave person. I like to think I am, but I know I'm not. I get petrified of heights, of bugs, of deep water. and normally, I except that fact, and keep on being my timid self. But, Saturday, I decided to step out and be brave. Maybe the Mayflies helped me get over the deep water, I mean, I had battled these bugs all day and only lost my cool, like, 3 times. Which was really good. Trust me.  Well, My dad's boss had his boat out on the water, and was giving people rides on it if they wanted. All my siblings, except Ruby (she takes after her big sister more then I'd like to admit..lol) wanted to. And I decided, "Ya know what, I'm gonna do this". Now, let me back up to Last 4th of July. I was made to go tubing because I had wanted to at first, then decided it was much to scary for a mouse such as I, but my Mama made me stick to it. I was holding on so tight the whole tubing experience, I had to pry my right hand off of the grips. Honey, I was NOT falling into that 'Eel infested waters'.  So, getting on a boat was a big thing for me. But I did, and while I was terrified the first part, I began actually enjoying it towards the end. But I also had some psychological though going on as to WHY I am scared of boats. And I figured out why. And, My fear of Boats and Ferris Wheels are actually connected. Yes, I have a great fear of those wheels.

When  was little, we went to this theme park called 'Wild Adventures' a lot, and when we got on the Ferris Wheel, I would go on with my brothers and Daddy. And as soon as we got to the top, all 3 of those knuckle heads would start rocking the car while laughing while I cried and pleaded for them to stop all while holding on to the middle pole for dear life.

Then, lets go forward some. We are now on a retreat at Orlando FL, and Daddy rented a peddle boat. Him, Me, Evan and Zeb all go out on it. What happens when we get to the middle of the lake? They start rocking. Same story. I'm crying and pleading for them to stop, and they are all having the time of their lives.

Notice the connection?
Thus, i have now placed the blame of my emotional problems on them, and my life will now be cheery. As, 1) I'm never getting on a Ferris Wheel with them. and 2) No more peddle boats. Even by myself. Just sturdy boats.

Signed with a quick nod,

Dear: (First Dear Boys/Girls post)

Dear Greg:
Hey, listen. You might think that wasn't your division, but it totally was. And do you honestly think that if you act this way I'll start paying you more attention? Try again, Tech Boy.
-I'm the Boss, User.

Dear Grey:
You are honestly so boring and so interesting all at once. And I'm glad we are finally understanding each other.
-Listen to your Master, Me.

Dear Erik:
Don't worry. Your not dead. yet.
-Adore-a-doll

Dear Eristor:
"I feel there's something in the wind, that feels like tragedy's at hand" I'm very afraid on how you and Sienna will pan out.
-Loves you, loves your Author.

Dear Sienna:
I'd be confused too.
-Also loves you, Also loves your Author.

Dear Irene:
Me and you are joined at the hip. Almost literally. Greg will never take your place, because he cant Run from weird Monkeys on Temple Run with me. Love you Tech Twin!
-Only I

Dear Camryn:
Hey, listen, I'm really sorry for abandoning you. It is my fault, and has nothing to do with you. I know Irene kinda took your place when she helped me discover Instagram, but I solemnly promise to spend more time with you, because it's only hurting me to not to.
-Namest

Dear Mirriam:
You, YOU are awesome.
-Ashley


And just so I don't freak you out...I shall decode some of that...

Greg>>Computer
Grey>>My Character
Erik>>Phantom of the Opera
Eristor>>Someone else's Character
Sienna>>From same story as Eristor
Irene>>My Iphone
Camryn>>My Camera

And Mirriam is a real person. ^.^

Also, Another sorta Photoshoot (see full shoot HERE). It's a good thing I have so many siblings at different age levels, but at the same time, is it bad for possible clients to see the same faces but different set ups? Anyway. Miss Shiloh May turned 10 Months yesterday. It's simply not nice that she enjoys growing up fast.

Dear Little sister:
Please stop. You're breaking my heart.
-Yours,

A big long post with bunches of pictures

I have rather been slacking in posting about my hectic life, haven't I? Well, here's to making up for it! Mother's Day was pretty eventful in two ways, one of which greatly leans on the other. 1) We were also celebrating my little Sister Kyla's birthday! Even though her actually day of birth was yesterday. 2) The last day we got to eat normal food. Let me explain. My Family has a lot of ailments. I have Bursitis in my knees, my brother Evan has SOMETHING funny going up with his knees. My Dad has Sleep problems, Mama has Gall Bladder issues and Chronic Migraines (I have Migraines 50% of the time my head hurts as well). All my little sisters have headaches at least once a week. Thats not a healthy family, peoples. So, to try to fix these ailments, my Family and I are going through a total diet change. No, we aren't going on a diet, we are CHANGING our diet. But to do so, we have to completely reboot our bodies. So, for 30 days, we'll be eating/consuming nothing but produce. Can you imagine how difficult that is for my family of meat lovers? Hey, we own a BBQ catering business!! I've held up pretty well these 2 days, since I'm not a massive meat lover. But my siblings have been talking amongst themselves: 

"Remember when we used to eat Krispy Kream Donuts?" "How does a McDonald's Cheeseburger with cheese just dripping off of it sound?" 

I try telling them it's not making stomaching the juice any better. The juice? Oh, forgot to tell you about that. Not only are we only consuming produce, but in order for us to get big quantities of it, we are juicing it together, and chugging. fast.  Breakfast. Lunch.  Dinner. Yeah, it's tough, but doable.

Now, lets get on with Mum's day 2012.....

Before heading off to my Grandparent's for the day, We celebrated Kyla's birthday. One thing she requested was an egg war. I politely declined being involved in the actual war. Too messy for me. And I have a bad memory associated with Eggs on my head...But they had fun! As you can ^see^.

While opening her presents, these little cuties were doing what they do best...being the sweetest Titus and Shiloh I know! Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without them.

Kyla's presents! Chapstick from her little sisters (Kyla is a chapstick addict) a Tutu from Mama and Daddy, and WAR HORSE! from Ashley, Evan and Zeb. Can  I be brutally honest? I wanted to watch that movie just as much as she. *thoughts on War Horse coming later!*. Kyla has read the book like 3+ times. It is her favorite book after the Baby Sitter's Club series.

I did the wrapping! Look at her troll face....

And at my Grandparent's. It had rained, and the golden light was TO DIE FOR! I snatched the birthday girl (almost) away, and had fun with a unplanned Photoshoot! You can see the whole lot HERE at my newly opened Photography Blog. Show some love and Follow?

Another lovely thing about M's Day....

I saw this. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. Where have I been my Trekkie life? I need to buy this movie. Now.

Scotty//Spock//Kirk//Nero//TheHumor//Niceguns//NiceWeapons//Bones//Scotty'slittlefriend//Everything.

I loved it!

So, it's 10:06, and I *need* to get to bed.

Nighty night!

-Signed with Phaser Fire,

This giveaway makes the world shiny

No kidding. HONESTLY. If you are a Photographer, check THIS HERE GIVEAWAY out!!!

But nobody enter it. Because I WANT TO WIN IT LIKE SOOOOOOOSOOOOOSOOOO badly!!!

Also, update on the Vlog....

Hang in with me guys. Durn Camera. Durn lighting. Durn youtube.

Phantom of the Opera

So, Ever since I read the novel (by Gaston Leroux) I have loved POTO, and now, I REALLY REALLY want to own the movie. Must. Buy. From. Wal-mart. Soon. And I have listened to ALL the songs. And for awhile, I sang them, without thinking. Well, one day, while singing 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here' with Christine, I made a realization. With a few tweaks and much practice, I could very likely copy her voice. And, so my musical journey began. Ask my family, I sang that song none stop. I sang it in the shower, I sang it while washing dishes, I sang it while working, while playing, all. the. time.  And, with much practice, I now can do a fairly good mimic of Emmy's voice in that particular song. It is, in fact, a very easy song to copy her voice in. High enough to have some practice involved (I naturally used to sing lower notes, but since trying to copy her voice, my voice has actually changed, and I now sing higher), but not terribly high, not at all like 'Phantom of the Opera' is. But, it has been my goal to sing Phantom of the Opera. I had tried, and failed. I couldn't get the last really high notes without cracking and running out of breath.  So, instead I went back to WYWSH. Perfecting it, just singing it.  But, I'd like to one day play Christine Daae in a play (don't talk to me about my hair color...it can be fixed). That would involve singing ALL the songs. And so, I've gotten to work.

And today.

I did it.

I sang it.

All.

High notes, low notes, everything.

I've never felt prouder, and worst at the same time.  Does anybody know how much the song hurts? really, stretching my vocal muscles that much was painful. But, I didn't stop. Like a dancer with bleeding feet, I had to continue.  I gave myself a headache from lack of oxygen, and from the pure pressure on my head from singing so high. My lungs hurt terribly, they felt stretched and pulled (and they probably were). My throat felt tired (if you know what I mean. It didn't *hurt* or feel *stretched* just, tired feeling) And I couldn't catch my breath for a couple of minutes. But I did it. I sang Phantom of the Opera.

I felt so entirely proud, I felt like I had completely something so big.

True, it wasn't perfect, I slipped up twice where I took longer getting my breath between lines then Emmy did (how does she do it?). I have a lot more practice to do before it is perfect. And I need to perfect my higher notes still.  It just makes my heart happy to know, Emmy had 5 years of Voice lessons, and I've had none. Absolutely none. That doesn't mean I don't want them. I do. I'm just happy I can mostly sing like a 5 year graduate of voice lessons, and Musical singer, and all that goodness.

However, I just tried to sing it, and messed up big time. I think my voice needs more rest then I thought. It cracked out on my early on, poor little vocal muscles, am I working you too hard? GET USED TO IT SUCKERS!

Signed with a white mask,

P.S Does those huge concrete angels give you shivers as well? They look like huge Weeping Angels!! Don't turn your back Christine!!

Perhaps Wheat?

 So, I have finally gotten my lazy self together (These past days have been a headache) and I am now posting the pictures I mentioned, what, 2 posts ago? Boy. I've been a bad blogger. Only 2 posts. Well, here they are now, so, forgive me? I'm trying to do better.

 Miss Joanna A. One of the most beautiful people I know. I'm so blessed to have her as a friend!

 Wow. The first by myself picture of me..and it's not even that attractive. There is a story behind this! I wasn't just being weird. Though, it is in my nature to be so. We were talking about the Wheat, and I (or was it Jo?) wondered what it tasted like, and did it taste like flour? I was the brave one, and tried it first (tasted like straw BTW)...

 .....And then Joanna bit the head...which was probably a better idea.

 This feild was honestly so lovely. The sun was perfect, it wasn't t.o hot, or too cold, perfect day.

 This, honestly, isn't my favorite picture of me...but I had A LOT of people compliment on my eyes in it. So, maybe it is good. I think the reason why it strikes me off is the lack of glasses. The sun was causing some horrid glare on them, so, Mrs. Aleshia asked me to take them off.  Plus, I had always considered my eyes Grey. When people say ask if my eyes are blue, I say I have Grey, I just never realized they were THIS gray.  They look washed of all color.

 THIS is one of my favorites. First off, see our Mad Hatter hats? They are so comfy. Love love love. Second off, it was a lot of fun jumping and stuff. And, for the record, I jump better then Jo. nenernenernana!

 The Hatter Hat again! Ya know, the hat is so comfy, so awesome, and so Wonderland. I'm glad to have it.

 The lighting...♥

 The Old Books were such wonderful prop! And I actually was reading here. If you are going to sit with a book in front of your face, ya might as well read it! It was talking about someone dying...bad omen? lol

 To get high enough above us, Mrs. Aleshia had to sit on her husband's shoulders. But, he was also holding their baby...It was quite comical. And Corbin (her little son) kept giving us weird looks. "These two girls must've cracked" I imagined him thinking in his intelligent baby brain. So, we were honestly laughing here.

 Jo that Hatter.

 Another glasses-less picture. I think my eyes might have a bit more color in this one, but not much.

 I didn't even realize that stalk was there until they pointed it out! Absentminded little ol' me...

 Aren't Joanna's eyes the pretties?!?!

Mrs Aleshia: "Walk with your hand on the wheat like on Gladiator"
Me: "Haven't seen it...."

That jacket was so comfy. Never mind it is actually my little sister's....Its nice having a little sister getting closer to your size so you can borrow her things! lol

And, this is the last. Jo's hand is on the left, mine is on the Right.

Aren't we a pair? My. I don't know what I would do without Joanna!

Just to sum it up,

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles from your nice warm bed
You just remember what your old pal said
Boy you've got a friend in me
Yeah you've got a friend in me

You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You got troubles and I got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together, we can see it through
'Cause you've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be a little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them
Will ever love you the way I do
It's me and you boy

And as the years go by
Our friendship will never die
You're gonna see it's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

-You've got a Friend in Me

you might think i'm crazy
to hang around with you
maybe you think i'm lucky
to have something to do
but i think that you're wild
and inside me is some child
you might think it's foolish
or maybe it's untrue
you might think i'm crazy
but all i want is you

 -You Might Think

Signed with Buzz and Woody,