#honestly super excited for 3.8 IT LOOKS SO FUN

[haunted-xander]

I just HAD to draw Klees new skin LOOK AT HER. SHES THE CUTEST EVER

[greatqueenanna]

Revisiting all the Frozen Novels.

Over the past couple of weeks, I took it upon myself to re-read all of the Frozen Novels and chapter books. I had been meaning to revisit Dangerous Secrets, and then I thought to myself - "Why not revisit them all?!" So here we are.

Keep in mind that these are my personal opinions, and I encourage all of you to read the books for yourselves and give your own thoughts! Also, if you guys read any of these books, which ones were your faves and least faves? Let me know!

*Also, my audience scores are based off of Goodreads. Just in case if anyone was curious about that haha.

______________________________________________________________

Anna and Elsa: Sisterhood is the Strongest Magic

By: Erica David

Released: January 6th, 2015 - January 3rd, 2017

Type: Series

Age Range: 5 - 7 years

Audience Score: Average for whole series 4.9/5

My Score: 3.0/5

Anna and Elsa is an adorable series that tells of fun little adventures that the sisters have. A lot of the adventures seem a bit unoriginal, as the plot lines seem to be similar to that of the Disney Press picture books. I feel that the most original book of the series was Memory and Magic, as it dealt with something not put forward by any other books at the time. Due to its reading level, it might not be all that fun for older fans, but younger fans will more than likely love the stories. I find it a little silly that in book 3, A Warm Welcome, Anna and Elsa apparently don't know what a desert is, but regardless the series is honestly super cute. I also remember how everyone used to ship Queen Marisol and Elsa for a while - what good times haha.

______________________________________________________________

A Frozen Heart

By: Elizabeth Rudnick

Released: October 13, 2015

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 10 - 14 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 2.5/5

This story was supposed to be the backstory for Hans that everyone was excited about. I was also really excited, as a Hans fan. The story is basically a retelling of Frozen through the perspectives of Hans and Anna. It gives us some of Hans' backstory, along with some scenes before the coronation. Rudnick herself is a good writer, and is great at really setting the overall tone and staying true to the characters. However, I feel that Hans' backstory was a bit predictable and cheesy, and Anna's side of the story didn't really offer anything substantial. The contradictions were also really jarring for me. ______________________________________________________________

Frozen Northern Lights: Journey to the Lights

By: Suzanne Francis

Released: July 5, 2016

Type: Stand-alone novel, but part of a Spinoff Series

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 3.0/5

Frozen Northern Lights was a spin off series that released this novel, an Adventure Notebook that works as a companion to the novel, 3 picture books, and a LEGO miniseries. I actually remember this spin off series being foreshadowed by A Year With Anna and Elsa, which was released March of the same year. I honestly thought that this was supposed to be Frozen 2, until we got the full background on the spinoff. The story follows the Frozen gang helping a Troll named Little Rock gain his tracking crystal while looking for Gran Pabbie during the Troll's Northern Lights festival. Overall, I thought this series was actually pretty good for what it was. I liked the idea of exploring more of the Trolls' culture while also teaching kids more about the Northern Lights.

______________________________________________________________

Conceal, Don't Feel: A Twisted Tale

By: Jen Calonita

Released: Oct 1, 2019

Type: Part of a series, but stand alone for the Frozen related story.

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Audience Score: 3.8/5

My Score: 2.8/5

This story follows the original tale of Frozen; but, as the title says, a twist. In this alternate Frozen, Agnarr and Iduna choose to separate Anna and Elsa entirely, giving Anna away to one of Iduna's friends to keep her safe, and erasing both sister's memories of each other. Overall, the novel is written well and the characters were pretty true to their film counterparts. However, I found the set up doesn't really make much sense - I simply don't feel that Iduna and Agnarr would make Elsa forget her powers or give Anna away. That just seems nonsensical to me. I have to say though, it was interesting to see where the story was going and I actually, ahem, really liked the Helsa crack content. Don't kill me haha.

______________________________________________________________

Frozen 2: Forest of Shadows

By: Kamilla Benko

Released: October 4, 2019

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 8 - 12

Audience Score: 4.1/5

My Score: 4.8/5

Honestly, I feel this is the best Frozen novel out there. Forest of Shadows tells a story that happens a few months before Frozen 2, and was meant to help set up Anna's dedication towards Arendelle and her questioning her self-worth. The novel follows the sisters trying to stop a strange sleep disease caused by a Nightmare Wolf. This book honestly strengthens the relationship that the sisters have for their parents, and even *lightly* has the sisters talk about the separation. Other than a few pacing issues and couple inconsistencies here and there (like...where did that ice bear go?), the novel is just fantastic and really does add to Frozen 2 as a whole.

______________________________________________________________

Frozen 2: Dangerous Secrets

By: Mari Mancusi

Released: November 3, 2020

Type: Stand-Alone

Age Range: 12 - 18

Audience Score: 4.4/5

My Score: 4.0/5

Dangerous Secrets explores Iduna and Agnarr's relationship before their marriage and how their love blossomed over the years. I wrote a review for this one late last year, not liking the book too much. However, I was told to give it another chance, and I have to say that I enjoyed it much more the second time, with my biases out of the way. I still strongly feel that there was not enough sensitivity and care put into Iduna's connection to the Northuldra, and if/how she chose to handle the discrimination towards her people as Queen. However, I can't deny that Mancusi delivers in giving Iduna and Agnarr fantastic chemistry, delivers in answering a lot of questions put forth by Frozen 2, and gives an amazing take on Iduna and Agnarr's heartbreaking feelings over the separation.

______________________________________________________________

[wineanddinosaur]

We Asked 15 Brewers: What’s the Most Comforting Beer You’ve Had in Quarantine?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, and bars and brewery taprooms remain closed for on-site consumption as part of concerted efforts to suppress the infection’s spread, you’re likely drinking more than usual at home.

A few weeks ago, we looked at the growing trend of beer enthusiasts digging into their cherished collections and opening special bottles during quarantine. But in these uncertain times, it turns out that many of us — including brewers — are reaching for what’s easy, as well as what comforts us in these uncertain times.

While social distancing, we spoke to 15 brewers about what they’ve been drinking while sheltering in place. It turns out, they’re reaching for everything from bourbon-barrel-aged barleywines to triple-hopped lagers — and yes, hazy IPAs.

“It’s a simple answer: Sante Adarius’ Amongst Friends, a barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation beer with cherries. Featuring soft, subtle acidity, which is rare amongst cherry mixed-ferm beers, this wasn’t bracing in any way. And it was gone from my glass too soon, just like times spent with close friends, cooking up tacos or pizza when general revelry was involved. A beer I wish I had been able to share amongst more friends, but look forward to in the future.” — Zac Ross, Owner and Brewer, Marlowe Artisanal Ales, New Haven, Conn.

“The most comforting beer I’ve had during quarantine is easily the All Together IPA, a worldwide collaboration spearheaded by Other Half that’s supporting hospitality professionals. Since I’ve been self-isolating down in Miami the past month, I picked up the version brewed by Tripping Animals, and wow, did this beer have me missing Brooklyn more than ever. It immediately reminded me of riding the G train all the way to the Smith & 9th Streets stop, and taking a routine photo of the Manhattan skyline before taking the short walk over to Other Half. I’m looking forward to the day that I can get back to the city, but until then I‘ll bide my time in Florida and watch people make bread.” — Kyle Gonzales, NYC Field Marketing, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn

“I’m drinking some funk right now, because that’s what we like and focus on. We had a couple of collaborations that we had to shelve the first week of shutdown in Minnesota. One of those collaborations was with Branch & Bone Artisan Ales. A few weeks prior, their team sent us their house yeast culture along with a few of their bottles. One was Silence Mill, a gin-barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation saison with local honey. I had this beer in Chicago at FOBAB, where it medaled, and then had one last night after a long day of delivering beer, doing what we can to keep the doors open. The beer reminded me of simpler and less chaotic times.” — Jason Sandquist, Co-founder, Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis

“I’ve had a love affair with Oxbow’s Italian-style pilsner Luppolo since my first sip, and it’s everything I want in a beer: crisp, citrusy, floral, malty, and dry AF. The head’s incredibly pillowy and fluffy, which always makes me smile. With a lot more free time on my hands, Luppolo is perfect at 5 percent ABV because I need to treat each day like a marathon, not a sprint. It’s my safety beer even when the world isn’t turned upside down.” — Jen Wyllie, Director of Marketing and Events, Austin Street Brewery, Portland, Me.

“Jarl by Scotland’s Fyne Ales is a session blonde ale hopped with Citra that you can drink throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. However, don’t be fooled by it’s low 3.8 percent ABV; Jarl is packed full of citrus flavors and a really clean, refreshing finish. And what has elevated it into my top lockdown tipple is its availability in 5-liter mini-casks, meaning you can pour yourself a full pint (remember them?) within the comfort of your own home! Which, if you’re like me and you’re missing pubs and well-kept cask beer, this really will provide you with some comfort.” — Harriet Edgar, Brand Development, 71 Brewing, Dundee, Scotland

“You would think that drinking during quarantine would mean a beer you can crush throughout the day, but I’m a hophead at heart. My usual go-to is a clean, crisp, refreshing West Coast IPA. Yet during this lockdown, my faith in hazy IPAs has been restored with Equilibrium’s scientific approach to the fundamental process of brewing. Its dHop series, for example, is a perfect display of how hops can change a beer, and I feel it keeps redefining the New England style with each release. Right now, I’m drinking a collaboration with Arkane Aleworks: For Every Action Is A Reaction. This triple IPA is bursting with tropical mango, papaya, and guava hop flavors, complemented by a creamy, pillowy, soft mouthfeel that keeps me coming back for more.” — Kyle MacDonald, Head Brewer, Inu Island Ales, Kaneohe, Hawaii

“Sierra Nevada and Bitburger’s collaboration, Triple Hop’d Lager. It’s perfectly balanced and endlessly drinkable with an incredible hop profile that lets you know you’re drinking a German beer. But it still flashes with a lot of Sierra Nevada character. Pilsner or hoppy lager has been a mainstay for me lately, and I think that’s just reflective of my current state of mind: trying to stay simple and balanced, but kinda freaking out too!” — Brett Smith, Founder and Head Brewer, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales, Dayton, Ohio

“That’s a super-easy one for me to answer: NYS Pils from Big aLICe in Queens [New York]. It’s super crisp and clean, soft and delicate; everything you would want from a pilsner. It’s a beer we love to drink and share with friends around a fire, which I am so looking forward to doing again!” — Liz DeSousa, Co-owner, Kismet Brewing Company, Westfield, Mass.

“Things are getting kind of crazy out there, and drinking Temporal Artisan Ales’ Ruby Continuum is a great distraction from the stress and pressures of our current environment. Ruby is a heavily fruited, oak-aged wild ale with raspberries and tayberries. The beer is a blend from wine and port barrels, giving it a layered complexity that takes my mind away from the here and now. It’s jammy. It’s bright. It’s tart. It’s what I want to drink right now.” — Kent Courtice, Founder and Brewer, Boombox Brewing Company, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

“Hitchhiker’s Bane of Existence hazy IPA has been my go-to comfort beer during this quarantine, which, as an extrovert, has been the bane of my existence, though I know it is 100 percent necessary. Brewed with flaked wheat and oats, and liberally hopped with Simcoe and Citra, Bane has an approachable hop bitterness and medium-full mouthfeel. Top notes of candied tangerine, mango, and passion fruit are supported by a resinous fresh-pine undertone, with citrus pith carrying through the finish. At 6.6 percent ABV, it’s quaffable and explains why I just finished the last of my stash. Hitchhiker was the last brewery I visited before the world shutdown, so I’m holding on tightly to those memories of sitting in its Sharpsburg taproom with some of my dearest friends, laughing, and being able to actually clink glasses in person instead of over Zoom.” — Hannah Gohde, Brewer, Free Will Brewing Company, Perkasie, Penn.

“The Lost Abbey’s Angel Share that I drank out of my cellar. The bourbon-barrel-aged version. I believe a 2009, when it was still in the 750-milliliter bottle. One of my favorite barleywines of all time. The dark fruit and bourbon characteristics that come across are amazing. Lost Abbey nailed that beer, in my opinion.” — Johnathan Wakefield, Owner and Head Brewer, J. Wakefield Brewing, Miami

“I’ve been drinking a ton of Silver City’s Ride the Spiral. I love Silver City for a ton of reasons, but it’s really heartwarming because my husband and I sat at their bar while we decided to buy our house in Bremerton, Wash., where we’re currently quarantined at. The beer is strong, sweet, and pretty tropical so it makes going on hikes in the woods behind my house a joy and is usually the only thing that gets me back!” — Sarah Flora, Owner, Flora Brewing, Los Angeles

“I’ve been trying to keep the drinking light during these times, so I‘ve been leaning toward lagers. Indoctrination is a great collaboration from Threes [Brewing of Brooklyn] and Hudson Valley [Brewery in Beacon, N.Y.]. This hopped-up pilsner is crispy AF and has a great body, created by aging in foudres. Also, it uses the super-fun Zuper Saazer hop. I’ve been drinking this one on my stoop daily. Cheers to everyone, stay home and stay safe.” — Geriz Rameriz, General Manager, Other Half Brewing, Brooklyn

“It’s hard not to go drink Triple Hop’d Lager with friends because it seems that’s what it’s made for. Consistency and creativity from two amazing breweries such as Sierra Nevada and Bitburger is what makes this a comforting beer to me during this dreary time. It’s crisp, clean, and perfect for porch sittin’.” — Matt Denham, Head of Brewing Operations, American Solera, Tulsa, Okla.

“Honestly, I wasn’t very excited to celebrate my 30th birthday in the thick of a pandemic, but I was able to hang with some of my best friends, one of whom was gracious enough to open a bottle of Side Project’s coveted stout, Beer: Barrel: Time. To describe it, think bourbon dark chocolate cake batter; silky and full of caramel, while having a touch of roasty bitterness, reminiscent of coffee. It was just a small gathering outside on a patio, but it was relieving to drink beer with a few of my closest friends during these strange times.” — Cameron Owen, Brewer, The Eighth State Brewing Company, Greenville, S.C.

The article We Asked 15 Brewers: What’s the Most Comforting Beer You’ve Had in Quarantine? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/15-comforting-beers-quarantine/

[johnboothus]

We Asked 15 Brewers: Whats the Most Comforting Beer Youve Had in Quarantine?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, and bars and brewery taprooms remain closed for on-site consumption as part of concerted efforts to suppress the infection’s spread, you’re likely drinking more than usual at home.

A few weeks ago, we looked at the growing trend of beer enthusiasts digging into their cherished collections and opening special bottles during quarantine. But in these uncertain times, it turns out that many of us — including brewers — are reaching for what’s easy, as well as what comforts us in these uncertain times.

While social distancing, we spoke to 15 brewers about what they’ve been drinking while sheltering in place. It turns out, they’re reaching for everything from bourbon-barrel-aged barleywines to triple-hopped lagers — and yes, hazy IPAs.

“It’s a simple answer: Sante Adarius’ Amongst Friends, a barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation beer with cherries. Featuring soft, subtle acidity, which is rare amongst cherry mixed-ferm beers, this wasn’t bracing in any way. And it was gone from my glass too soon, just like times spent with close friends, cooking up tacos or pizza when general revelry was involved. A beer I wish I had been able to share amongst more friends, but look forward to in the future.” — Zac Ross, Owner and Brewer, Marlowe Artisanal Ales, New Haven, Conn.

“The most comforting beer I’ve had during quarantine is easily the All Together IPA, a worldwide collaboration spearheaded by Other Half that’s supporting hospitality professionals. Since I’ve been self-isolating down in Miami the past month, I picked up the version brewed by Tripping Animals, and wow, did this beer have me missing Brooklyn more than ever. It immediately reminded me of riding the G train all the way to the Smith & 9th Streets stop, and taking a routine photo of the Manhattan skyline before taking the short walk over to Other Half. I’m looking forward to the day that I can get back to the city, but until then I‘ll bide my time in Florida and watch people make bread.” — Kyle Gonzales, NYC Field Marketing, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn

“I’m drinking some funk right now, because that’s what we like and focus on. We had a couple of collaborations that we had to shelve the first week of shutdown in Minnesota. One of those collaborations was with Branch & Bone Artisan Ales. A few weeks prior, their team sent us their house yeast culture along with a few of their bottles. One was Silence Mill, a gin-barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation saison with local honey. I had this beer in Chicago at FOBAB, where it medaled, and then had one last night after a long day of delivering beer, doing what we can to keep the doors open. The beer reminded me of simpler and less chaotic times.” — Jason Sandquist, Co-founder, Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis

“I’ve had a love affair with Oxbow’s Italian-style pilsner Luppolo since my first sip, and it’s everything I want in a beer: crisp, citrusy, floral, malty, and dry AF. The head’s incredibly pillowy and fluffy, which always makes me smile. With a lot more free time on my hands, Luppolo is perfect at 5 percent ABV because I need to treat each day like a marathon, not a sprint. It’s my safety beer even when the world isn’t turned upside down.” — Jen Wyllie, Director of Marketing and Events, Austin Street Brewery, Portland, Me.

“Jarl by Scotland’s Fyne Ales is a session blonde ale hopped with Citra that you can drink throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. However, don’t be fooled by it’s low 3.8 percent ABV; Jarl is packed full of citrus flavors and a really clean, refreshing finish. And what has elevated it into my top lockdown tipple is its availability in 5-liter mini-casks, meaning you can pour yourself a full pint (remember them?) within the comfort of your own home! Which, if you’re like me and you’re missing pubs and well-kept cask beer, this really will provide you with some comfort.” — Harriet Edgar, Brand Development, 71 Brewing, Dundee, Scotland

“You would think that drinking during quarantine would mean a beer you can crush throughout the day, but I’m a hophead at heart. My usual go-to is a clean, crisp, refreshing West Coast IPA. Yet during this lockdown, my faith in hazy IPAs has been restored with Equilibrium’s scientific approach to the fundamental process of brewing. Its dHop series, for example, is a perfect display of how hops can change a beer, and I feel it keeps redefining the New England style with each release. Right now, I’m drinking a collaboration with Arkane Aleworks: For Every Action Is A Reaction. This triple IPA is bursting with tropical mango, papaya, and guava hop flavors, complemented by a creamy, pillowy, soft mouthfeel that keeps me coming back for more.” — Kyle MacDonald, Head Brewer, Inu Island Ales, Kaneohe, Hawaii

“Sierra Nevada and Bitburger’s collaboration, Triple Hop’d Lager. It’s perfectly balanced and endlessly drinkable with an incredible hop profile that lets you know you’re drinking a German beer. But it still flashes with a lot of Sierra Nevada character. Pilsner or hoppy lager has been a mainstay for me lately, and I think that’s just reflective of my current state of mind: trying to stay simple and balanced, but kinda freaking out too!” — Brett Smith, Founder and Head Brewer, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales, Dayton, Ohio

“That’s a super-easy one for me to answer: NYS Pils from Big aLICe in Queens [New York]. It’s super crisp and clean, soft and delicate; everything you would want from a pilsner. It’s a beer we love to drink and share with friends around a fire, which I am so looking forward to doing again!” — Liz DeSousa, Co-owner, Kismet Brewing Company, Westfield, Mass.

“Things are getting kind of crazy out there, and drinking Temporal Artisan Ales’ Ruby Continuum is a great distraction from the stress and pressures of our current environment. Ruby is a heavily fruited, oak-aged wild ale with raspberries and tayberries. The beer is a blend from wine and port barrels, giving it a layered complexity that takes my mind away from the here and now. It’s jammy. It’s bright. It’s tart. It’s what I want to drink right now.” — Kent Courtice, Founder and Brewer, Boombox Brewing Company, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

“Hitchhiker’s Bane of Existence hazy IPA has been my go-to comfort beer during this quarantine, which, as an extrovert, has been the bane of my existence, though I know it is 100 percent necessary. Brewed with flaked wheat and oats, and liberally hopped with Simcoe and Citra, Bane has an approachable hop bitterness and medium-full mouthfeel. Top notes of candied tangerine, mango, and passion fruit are supported by a resinous fresh-pine undertone, with citrus pith carrying through the finish. At 6.6 percent ABV, it’s quaffable and explains why I just finished the last of my stash. Hitchhiker was the last brewery I visited before the world shutdown, so I’m holding on tightly to those memories of sitting in its Sharpsburg taproom with some of my dearest friends, laughing, and being able to actually clink glasses in person instead of over Zoom.” — Hannah Gohde, Brewer, Free Will Brewing Company, Perkasie, Penn.

“The Lost Abbey’s Angel Share that I drank out of my cellar. The bourbon-barrel-aged version. I believe a 2009, when it was still in the 750-milliliter bottle. One of my favorite barleywines of all time. The dark fruit and bourbon characteristics that come across are amazing. Lost Abbey nailed that beer, in my opinion.” — Johnathan Wakefield, Owner and Head Brewer, J. Wakefield Brewing, Miami

“I’ve been drinking a ton of Silver City’s Ride the Spiral. I love Silver City for a ton of reasons, but it’s really heartwarming because my husband and I sat at their bar while we decided to buy our house in Bremerton, Wash., where we’re currently quarantined at. The beer is strong, sweet, and pretty tropical so it makes going on hikes in the woods behind my house a joy and is usually the only thing that gets me back!” — Sarah Flora, Owner, Flora Brewing, Los Angeles

“I’ve been trying to keep the drinking light during these times, so I‘ve been leaning toward lagers. Indoctrination is a great collaboration from Threes [Brewing of Brooklyn] and Hudson Valley [Brewery in Beacon, N.Y.]. This hopped-up pilsner is crispy AF and has a great body, created by aging in foudres. Also, it uses the super-fun Zuper Saazer hop. I’ve been drinking this one on my stoop daily. Cheers to everyone, stay home and stay safe.” — Geriz Rameriz, General Manager, Other Half Brewing, Brooklyn

“It’s hard not to go drink Triple Hop’d Lager with friends because it seems that’s what it’s made for. Consistency and creativity from two amazing breweries such as Sierra Nevada and Bitburger is what makes this a comforting beer to me during this dreary time. It’s crisp, clean, and perfect for porch sittin’.” — Matt Denham, Head of Brewing Operations, American Solera, Tulsa, Okla.

“Honestly, I wasn’t very excited to celebrate my 30th birthday in the thick of a pandemic, but I was able to hang with some of my best friends, one of whom was gracious enough to open a bottle of Side Project’s coveted stout, Beer: Barrel: Time. To describe it, think bourbon dark chocolate cake batter; silky and full of caramel, while having a touch of roasty bitterness, reminiscent of coffee. It was just a small gathering outside on a patio, but it was relieving to drink beer with a few of my closest friends during these strange times.” — Cameron Owen, Brewer, The Eighth State Brewing Company, Greenville, S.C.

The article We Asked 15 Brewers: What’s the Most Comforting Beer You’ve Had in Quarantine? appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/15-comforting-beers-quarantine/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/we-asked-15-brewers-whats-the-most-comforting-beer-youve-had-in-quarantine

[patchworktail]

HI YALL idk if I have??? any followers who still really care abt anything I post BUT I haven’t made a personal post in a LOOONG time so I figured I’d LET YALL KNOW WHATS BEEN GOIN ON!!! :-D this is long tho bc I like to ramble and in all honesty I doubt anyone will Really Care so feel free to skip it LOOOOL I just,,,, I have a problem w oversharing so sometimes it just feels nice to Write Everything Out about my life just to Sate that desire to overshare fksglsggjbli

ANYWAY SO....my senior year is quickly comin to a close!! which is weird to think about because I made my tumblr when I was still in middle school, god???? BUT YEAH IT’S....ALMOST OVER....It’s so weird!! BUT I’M ACTUALLY V EXCITED FOR THE LAST MONTH AND A HALF... 

This wednesday I have my AP gov field trip to DC!! we literally just get to spend a whole day wandering around DC on our own going to whatever museums/monuments we want, which will be fun!! 

Then the week after I have 3 AP exams (AP Lit+Composition on Wednesday, AP US Gov+Politics on Thursday, and I have to submit all my AP Studio Art stuff this week too) and then that Friday is senior prom from 6-10pm and then prom afterball from 11:30pm-4:30am (I’M SO EXCITED FOR AFTERBALL OKAY)

The following Monday (May 8th) I have my last AP exam, AP Bio!!! Which will suck!!! but oh well cause I’LL BE DONE!!! I only took 4 academic classes this year (english, bio, gov, calc) and since I’m taking the AP exams for 3 of them, I won’t have to take those finals AND we’ll be done with our main learning and it’ll be much more relaxed afterwards! So calc will be the only class/final I have to worry about. I’m SO READY to be done honestly

Then on May 17th I have my last field trip of the year!! It’s another one to NYC for AP english, we’re seeing a Broadway musical, The Great Comet of 1812!! I’M EXCITED this will be the 3rd Broadway musical I’ve seen (all 3 have been on school field trips HAHAHA I saw An American in Paris last year on an art trip and I saw Dear Evan Hansen earlier this year in March on this year’s art trip and it was SOOOOO GOOD and it’s super surreal to me seeing DEH starting to become so popular online when I’ve actually seen it LOOOOL)

Then a week later, May 23rd, is my school’s art show!!!!!!!!! :D I’M SOOOOO EXCITED FOR IT all the AP studio art kids get a WHOLE exhibit to themselves to showcase their concentrations and I got really close w almost everyone in my AP studio art class this year (there’s only 12 of us total) and we’re all SUPER excited and we've started staying after school to plan and work on stuff for the art show!! I’m very excited to show off what I’ve been working on all year!!!!

The day after the art show is the senior awards (you only get invited to them if you win an award, and my mom says I’ll proooobably get invited since I was a National Merit finalist bc my older brother got invited for that reason too....aLSO POOOSSIBLY MY GPA? But maybe not, I’ve had it at a 4.0 my whole high school career except 4th quarter last year it dipped to like a 3.95 oops so idk if that’ll Count but oh well I already raised it back up)

Then the day after THAT (Thursday May 25th I think) isn’t anything major but it is the Freddy Awards!! People in my area take high school theater super seriously, enough so that every year, a panel of judges go to every school in the one area’s spring musical and then nominate them in different categories for the Freddys - think Tony awards, but for high schoolers only (it’s even televised live!! You can look it up, it’s super neat, there was a documentary about it too and it focused on 3 of the main schools who take part AND MY SCHOOL WAS ONE OF THE 3 IM CRYIN). But I’m def gonna watch those live bc one of my best friends was the lead in our spring musical (Miss Saigon) and she has a chance to win a Freddy :-D I’m hopin she does (and the rest of the cast ofc!)

Then the end of May/beginning of June will be GRADUATION PREP PROBABLY!!!!! I graduate Sunday June 11th (the Baccalaureate thing is the day beforehand and I think my mom’s makin me go) AND I’M SO. FUCKIN. READY. TO GRADUATE. I’ll get to sit on the stage bc my GPA is above a 3.8 and graduation takes like 3 hours but I am SO SO EXCITED. And then of course the following weeks will probably consist of grad parties and whatnot. (I also think in the first few weeks of June I have a few family events, like a baby shower and a father’s day/birthday celebration for my Grandpa)

SO IT’S LIKE....GONNA BE A BUSY-ISH NEXT FEW WEEKS BUT ONCE AP EXAMS ARE OVER THINGS WILL DIE DOWN (MOSTLY) AND BE ONLY FUN STUFF!!! and then it’s SUMMER!!! and I’ll be DONE W HIGH SCHOOL!!!! it’s so surreal to me GOSH

and then this summer I have my camp counselor job again and I’m gonna have to look for a second job to save up money for college. and for college, I’m going to SCAD to major in animation and I’M STILL SO EXCITED ABT THAT I was unsure where I’d end up for a long time bc money issues (we’re poor) but we recently figured it out a bit (I’ll have to take out federal+private student loans ofc) AND I’M SO EXCITED BC I....RLY LOVED SCAD WHEN I VISITED....AND THEY HAVE S U C H A GOOD ANIMATION PROGRAM.....SO I’M RLY PUMPED even though it’ll be New and Scary bc I’ll be 13 hours from home and On My Own

BUT YEAH!!!!!! THAT’S BASICALLY....WHERE MY LIFE IS AT NOW...I figured it’d be good for me to write it all down, bc that’s just Who I Am or else I’d shove it in someone’s face in my desire to overshare and I don’t wanna annoy anyone. Kudos if anyone actually read this LOOOOL I’M JUST LIKE....I’M V EXCITED FOR THIS LAST MONTH AND A HALF OF HIGH SCHOOL AND I’M V EXCITED TO START COLLEGE AND AAAAH!!!!!!!

[just-seheun]

bye 2017, hey 2018

I feel like I always get around to writing an end of the year post on tumblr even if i never really even get to use this site during the year.

well I guess it’s that time of the year (or new year I should say) where I try and look back as well as look forward.

let’s see what happened in 2017...

- let’s say, for one, ‘Murica as a whole kinda went through a lot of bullshit (still is honestly) - we’re getting rid of DACA, the tax cut bill was passed (holla @ the rich 10% and say bye to the other 90%), we’re slowly trying to get rid of/fuck up the EPA despite climate change being very real (if category 4-5 hurricanes occurring back to back is what we’d call “real”), and ya know just the firing of members of the HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention council in the government - to name a few (not to mention, continued police brutality, racial discrimination/injustice (tbh just racism as a whole), and dumb ass fucking people who - ugh 

well, moving on to maybe more lighthearted moments...

- I tried to infiltrate the Asian community a little more with (mixed, mostly unsuccessful) efforts. Idk man I tried. I think I did make stronger relationships with the Asian friends I started out with so, I think that’s definitely a major plus. (*insert thumbs up here*)

- also, kinda along with that one, I think I dived into more adventurous food/hangout spots in terms of finding kinda Asian hubs and places I vibe with (an accomplishment of last year too that I think worked and flourished even more in 2017). 

- Kind of cooled down with the whole going out scene. I still go out occasionally and have a pretty good time but it’s definitely dwindled down. We definitely started the year going out more but like I said, definitely calmed down a lot. 

- Went to my first Terp Thon FTK! Started my TTPT journey with the 1 million dollar year - pretty crazy and amazing. It was truly and unreal experience for all those kids and wouldn’t have changed it for anything. Super sad I won’t be there for Terp Thon 2018 though. 

- oh! successfully (kinda) resurrected my GPA from a sad 2.7 (result of getting a 1.7 from failing calc2 and getting a D in bio) to a nice and solid 3.23 which I am tbh very proud of. A 3.8 and 3.88 (technically straight As - woo hooooo) these last two semesters - yay! Just also improving in school as a whole. I’m really starting to enjoy what I’m doing. yeah, spring ‘17 sem was more chill and fall ‘17 sem was more like hell but, overall I’m pretty excited about the work and studies I get to do. (like hell as in 3 2900-3200-word papers in the span of like 2 weeks) 

- Another academic thing, I added Art History (officially) as a Double Major which probably means a winter term here or there but still very exciting. I also feel like I’ve really learned a lot about the fundamentals of art history that I really felt like I was missing this whole time. Just like the basic timeline of movements and key artists from Burgundian Netherlands to Venice to Rococo to Realism to Cubism (and all its various forms) to Der Blauer Reiter to Contemporary and everything in between. All cool stuff - definitely makes you pay attention more to dates and stuff when visiting galleries and museums and just makes me feel more in the know if nothing else. 

- Again, another academic thing, I’m officially in the English Honors Program - woo hoo! This does, however, mean I’ll be writing a 25-page thesis but honestly it’ll be fine, I’m fine, it’s all fine... I mean I don’t really know what I’m gonna write about and I have to skype my professor for like 2 months in the summer but hey, it’s all good and if it’s not I’ll just figure it out (*insert nervous sheepish grin here*)

- Kind of started the process of cutting off 아빠 which take that with a grain of salt. It’s a mess tbh, I don’t even know what to say honestly. 

- Finally left Slaveway for good. It really tbh started becoming too much of a risk and just uncomfortable for me to stay. Not an awful job (despite the shit customers a lot of the time) but I just couldn’t stay longer.

- I feel like there was also definitely a more solidifying of sustained relationships and a distancing in others. I don’t know definitely still a lot just up in the air and a lot of familiar faces but a lot of new things and stronger bonds in 2017. 

(now, post looking at my snapchat memories from the year and realizing how much shit I did this year... lol)

- I went to 2 concerts (kinda); one being 2 Chainz and all of the many acts that came before him at Art Attack 2017 and the other being Khalid’s bomb American Teen Tour concert at the Filmore that I initially just went to because Sam wanted to go and Anh had an extra ticket that ended up being real lit. 

- Had like a little fame after writing an Odyssey Online article about Moco which was kinda cool and kinda ridiculous lol. I also just stopped writing for them all together after like less than one sem rip. 

- Also realizing I went to a lot of really cool exhibits and art-related things this past year which I’m really happy about actually. Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit was crazy amazing and well worth the wait. Artec house was really cool and just visiting the NGA, the PMA, the Hirshorn, the Freer/Sackler with a fresh and more knowledgeable outlook was really nice. Also starting those solo museum trips during the sem was really nice no matter how short-lived they were. 

Honestly this year was very different from 2016 in many many ways. I think there’s been a lot more growth in this past year but I and the community around me definitely went through a lot. 

- Something I realized this past year in unfortunate circumstances, was the prevalence of loss and losing individuals close to your community. I never thought things like death, loss, grief, and suicide were things that I would ever come across (let alone, this often) at this age. We really did lose a lot of young lives that were filled with so much potential and hope this past year especially in this community, including an old classmate. Things that we always thought to be intangible and far away landed right in front of us and I don’t think a lot of us including myself still know how to grasp all of that. It’s hard to see the people around you, the ones you grew up with and always had by your side whether you knew them well or not, lead such a tragic fate. This year made us think about mental health more and more. You realize in the most unfortunate circumstances that everyone has there own demons that they’re fighting. No one is free from them. Even in regards to Jonghyun, it affects everyone in the darkest of ways. 

This past year really made me think more about how fragile life truly is. I’ve dealt with and still deal with my own demons and the dark thoughts of my past and truly wonder especially in light of all the tragic events from this past year, what things would be like. It would be a lie if I said that they didn’t make me wonder about past thoughts of my own more. 

I think it’s sad to think that even as I wonder about all this, I still feel empty about it in the midst of being unable to process it all. I feel like in a way, whether as a result from school distracting me and my own self protecting or shielding itself, I’ve grown numb. I feel like my own mind is trying to avoid emotions at all cost in a way that’s pushing away emotion and problems by just not dealing with them (which by no means is the right way to deal with things at all bc you’re not dealing with anything). I don’t know, I guess I’m getting by and I’m not as broody as I was in the past but I wouldn’t say I’ve improved, I’ve just kind of paused in a way I guess. 

I want to end this post with a brighter look toward the future though. I think 2018 has a lot of potential waiting to happen with lots of things to look forward to that I think should be highlighted in this post. After all, a new year means moving forward, not burying your past necessarily but, using the past to cast light on the future. 

So with that, things to look forward to in 2018...

- First things first, STUDY ABROAD IN ROME for Spring ‘18 sem! I mean it doesn’t get more exciting and new than this honestly. Yes, I am super stressed and there’s so much stuff to do besides the fact that I’m paranoid and don’t know what to expect at all. I’ve never traveled abroad in my life, let alone lived away from home (ever) so this is just gonna be absolutely nuts tbh. I have lots of hopes though. Do I want a fairytale, movie-like experience? Lowkey, of course. But I also try to be a harsh realist when I can so, we’re staying generally tame about our study abroad fantasies lol. Still, I’m hoping this will be a chance to make new friends and hopefully make some of them in my art history classes as well as in the school in general. It’s been a hard few years in the whole making friends department seeing as how all my past roommates are very antisocial. Yes, I myself am also very much like this but that doesn’t mean my internal self doesn’t want a lot of friends lol. I’m excited to take a class with Evelyn and just experience the city while hopefully staying safe and smart. It’ll be a crazy and hopefully amazing semester with a lot of travel and just a lot of fun before my senior year. I could go on and on about all my thoughts and hopes for this coming semester but, I’ll just leave it at that (your girl really needs to sort her life out/figure out what to pack/pack/schedule the rest of my home excursions/get her documents together/everything else. Bottom line: we’re a mess lol.

- Hopefully a summer internship. Forreal forreal like actually. Your girl was stuck at safeway again this past year and we’re not having that shit again. Nope nuh-uh, not happening. Not this year mm mm, no. We’re gonna find one. We have to - it’s gonna happen. Trust and believe. Trust and believe! 

- Also turning 21 this year (although, this probs won’t be exciting seeing as how I’ll be legal all semester while I’m abroad, then come home and be nonlegal for another like 2 months and then be legal again). Look, I’m just looking forward to getting mimosas and going to bars without memorizing random identity information from Illinois. 

- Also 2018 is really gonna be a year for me to REALLY think about me. In all contexts, really. Academically; figuring out what it is I really want from my education and working toward making the most out of it, finding a real path for myself in terms of grad school and other things school-related. Lifewise; gauging how I’m going to continue my life. Graduation is coming faster than I can think and by this time next year, I’ll be gearing up for my last semester as an undergrad. That is so wild. 2018 is really gonna be me trying to buckle down, I suppose. Trying to cloud out my peers and their success/failures/paths and really try to hone in on myself. It’ll be a challenge but we’ve got to start somewhere, right?

All in all a lot was thrown onto the table in 2017 in a lot of different ways. It’s been a different kind of roller-coaster with much much more to come after this year (my favorite number year really, 2017). 2018 will be a test of time and one of the biggest challenges but, also hopefully a year with a lot of hope and potential for success. Wishing everyone the brightest new year with health, opportunities, growth, and burgeoning happiness! Cheers to all 2018 has to offer all of us and to all the things 2017 gave us! 

[isaiahrippinus]

We Asked 15 Brewers: What’s the Most Comforting Beer You’ve Had in Quarantine?

As the coronavirus pandemic continues, and bars and brewery taprooms remain closed for on-site consumption as part of concerted efforts to suppress the infection’s spread, you’re likely drinking more than usual at home.

A few weeks ago, we looked at the growing trend of beer enthusiasts digging into their cherished collections and opening special bottles during quarantine. But in these uncertain times, it turns out that many of us — including brewers — are reaching for what’s easy, as well as what comforts us in these uncertain times.

While social distancing, we spoke to 15 brewers about what they’ve been drinking while sheltering in place. It turns out, they’re reaching for everything from bourbon-barrel-aged barleywines to triple-hopped lagers — and yes, hazy IPAs.

“It’s a simple answer: Sante Adarius’ Amongst Friends, a barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation beer with cherries. Featuring soft, subtle acidity, which is rare amongst cherry mixed-ferm beers, this wasn’t bracing in any way. And it was gone from my glass too soon, just like times spent with close friends, cooking up tacos or pizza when general revelry was involved. A beer I wish I had been able to share amongst more friends, but look forward to in the future.” — Zac Ross, Owner and Brewer, Marlowe Artisanal Ales, New Haven, Conn.

“The most comforting beer I’ve had during quarantine is easily the All Together IPA, a worldwide collaboration spearheaded by Other Half that’s supporting hospitality professionals. Since I’ve been self-isolating down in Miami the past month, I picked up the version brewed by Tripping Animals, and wow, did this beer have me missing Brooklyn more than ever. It immediately reminded me of riding the G train all the way to the Smith & 9th Streets stop, and taking a routine photo of the Manhattan skyline before taking the short walk over to Other Half. I’m looking forward to the day that I can get back to the city, but until then I‘ll bide my time in Florida and watch people make bread.” — Kyle Gonzales, NYC Field Marketing, Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn

“I’m drinking some funk right now, because that’s what we like and focus on. We had a couple of collaborations that we had to shelve the first week of shutdown in Minnesota. One of those collaborations was with Branch & Bone Artisan Ales. A few weeks prior, their team sent us their house yeast culture along with a few of their bottles. One was Silence Mill, a gin-barrel-aged, mixed-fermentation saison with local honey. I had this beer in Chicago at FOBAB, where it medaled, and then had one last night after a long day of delivering beer, doing what we can to keep the doors open. The beer reminded me of simpler and less chaotic times.” — Jason Sandquist, Co-founder, Wild Mind Artisan Ales, Minneapolis

“I’ve had a love affair with Oxbow’s Italian-style pilsner Luppolo since my first sip, and it’s everything I want in a beer: crisp, citrusy, floral, malty, and dry AF. The head’s incredibly pillowy and fluffy, which always makes me smile. With a lot more free time on my hands, Luppolo is perfect at 5 percent ABV because I need to treat each day like a marathon, not a sprint. It’s my safety beer even when the world isn’t turned upside down.” — Jen Wyllie, Director of Marketing and Events, Austin Street Brewery, Portland, Me.

“Jarl by Scotland’s Fyne Ales is a session blonde ale hopped with Citra that you can drink throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. However, don’t be fooled by it’s low 3.8 percent ABV; Jarl is packed full of citrus flavors and a really clean, refreshing finish. And what has elevated it into my top lockdown tipple is its availability in 5-liter mini-casks, meaning you can pour yourself a full pint (remember them?) within the comfort of your own home! Which, if you’re like me and you’re missing pubs and well-kept cask beer, this really will provide you with some comfort.” — Harriet Edgar, Brand Development, 71 Brewing, Dundee, Scotland

“You would think that drinking during quarantine would mean a beer you can crush throughout the day, but I’m a hophead at heart. My usual go-to is a clean, crisp, refreshing West Coast IPA. Yet during this lockdown, my faith in hazy IPAs has been restored with Equilibrium’s scientific approach to the fundamental process of brewing. Its dHop series, for example, is a perfect display of how hops can change a beer, and I feel it keeps redefining the New England style with each release. Right now, I’m drinking a collaboration with Arkane Aleworks: For Every Action Is A Reaction. This triple IPA is bursting with tropical mango, papaya, and guava hop flavors, complemented by a creamy, pillowy, soft mouthfeel that keeps me coming back for more.” — Kyle MacDonald, Head Brewer, Inu Island Ales, Kaneohe, Hawaii

“Sierra Nevada and Bitburger’s collaboration, Triple Hop’d Lager. It’s perfectly balanced and endlessly drinkable with an incredible hop profile that lets you know you’re drinking a German beer. But it still flashes with a lot of Sierra Nevada character. Pilsner or hoppy lager has been a mainstay for me lately, and I think that’s just reflective of my current state of mind: trying to stay simple and balanced, but kinda freaking out too!” — Brett Smith, Founder and Head Brewer, Branch & Bone Artisan Ales, Dayton, Ohio

“That’s a super-easy one for me to answer: NYS Pils from Big aLICe in Queens [New York]. It’s super crisp and clean, soft and delicate; everything you would want from a pilsner. It’s a beer we love to drink and share with friends around a fire, which I am so looking forward to doing again!” — Liz DeSousa, Co-owner, Kismet Brewing Company, Westfield, Mass.

“Things are getting kind of crazy out there, and drinking Temporal Artisan Ales’ Ruby Continuum is a great distraction from the stress and pressures of our current environment. Ruby is a heavily fruited, oak-aged wild ale with raspberries and tayberries. The beer is a blend from wine and port barrels, giving it a layered complexity that takes my mind away from the here and now. It’s jammy. It’s bright. It’s tart. It’s what I want to drink right now.” — Kent Courtice, Founder and Brewer, Boombox Brewing Company, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

“Hitchhiker’s Bane of Existence hazy IPA has been my go-to comfort beer during this quarantine, which, as an extrovert, has been the bane of my existence, though I know it is 100 percent necessary. Brewed with flaked wheat and oats, and liberally hopped with Simcoe and Citra, Bane has an approachable hop bitterness and medium-full mouthfeel. Top notes of candied tangerine, mango, and passion fruit are supported by a resinous fresh-pine undertone, with citrus pith carrying through the finish. At 6.6 percent ABV, it’s quaffable and explains why I just finished the last of my stash. Hitchhiker was the last brewery I visited before the world shutdown, so I’m holding on tightly to those memories of sitting in its Sharpsburg taproom with some of my dearest friends, laughing, and being able to actually clink glasses in person instead of over Zoom.” — Hannah Gohde, Brewer, Free Will Brewing Company, Perkasie, Penn.

“The Lost Abbey’s Angel Share that I drank out of my cellar. The bourbon-barrel-aged version. I believe a 2009, when it was still in the 750-milliliter bottle. One of my favorite barleywines of all time. The dark fruit and bourbon characteristics that come across are amazing. Lost Abbey nailed that beer, in my opinion.” — Johnathan Wakefield, Owner and Head Brewer, J. Wakefield Brewing, Miami

“I’ve been drinking a ton of Silver City’s Ride the Spiral. I love Silver City for a ton of reasons, but it’s really heartwarming because my husband and I sat at their bar while we decided to buy our house in Bremerton, Wash., where we’re currently quarantined at. The beer is strong, sweet, and pretty tropical so it makes going on hikes in the woods behind my house a joy and is usually the only thing that gets me back!” — Sarah Flora, Owner, Flora Brewing, Los Angeles

“I’ve been trying to keep the drinking light during these times, so I‘ve been leaning toward lagers. Indoctrination is a great collaboration from Threes [Brewing of Brooklyn] and Hudson Valley [Brewery in Beacon, N.Y.]. This hopped-up pilsner is crispy AF and has a great body, created by aging in foudres. Also, it uses the super-fun Zuper Saazer hop. I’ve been drinking this one on my stoop daily. Cheers to everyone, stay home and stay safe.” — Geriz Rameriz, General Manager, Other Half Brewing, Brooklyn

“It’s hard not to go drink Triple Hop’d Lager with friends because it seems that’s what it’s made for. Consistency and creativity from two amazing breweries such as Sierra Nevada and Bitburger is what makes this a comforting beer to me during this dreary time. It’s crisp, clean, and perfect for porch sittin’.” — Matt Denham, Head of Brewing Operations, American Solera, Tulsa, Okla.

“Honestly, I wasn’t very excited to celebrate my 30th birthday in the thick of a pandemic, but I was able to hang with some of my best friends, one of whom was gracious enough to open a bottle of Side Project’s coveted stout, Beer: Barrel: Time. To describe it, think bourbon dark chocolate cake batter; silky and full of caramel, while having a touch of roasty bitterness, reminiscent of coffee. It was just a small gathering outside on a patio, but it was relieving to drink beer with a few of my closest friends during these strange times.” — Cameron Owen, Brewer, The Eighth State Brewing Company, Greenville, S.C.

The article We Asked 15 Brewers: What’s the Most Comforting Beer You’ve Had in Quarantine? appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/15-comforting-beers-quarantine/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/617552307896369152

[thegardensstory]

12/9/17

I really don’t keep up much with this thing, and it may be a little pointless to start this now since I will be home in roughly 6 days, but whatever! Here goes the past 4 months of my life...

I am in my junior year at GCU (almost a senior) since I will be graduating early...woop woop! I will be walking that GCU grad stage December 15th of next year. So exciting! But junior year so far has been wild. I have to say that this semester has been one the roughest semesters of my college career. Why, you ask?...

School itself has actually been pretty great. My grades are still awesome (3.8 GPA) I am loving my classes, including my business minor, and I still know for sure that this is the plan and purpose God has for me. The rougher parts are actually aside from school.

This is my second year as an RA and man, have I had a rough semester with it. I had heard that many people start to feel burnt out by their second year, but I did not think it would be this bad. I have a huge lack of motivation with the curriculum and also the passive programming (bulletin boards, small goodie bags gifts, calendar, etc.) My ideas seem to be shot this year. Maybe because of all the other chaos that seems to be my life! I also came into this year with super high expectations from the amazing year I had prior. I had an awesome staff, a great floor of girls, and just a solid year. I loved being here and all the wonderful things that came along with it. Not to say I do not have that this year (to my staff, RD’s, or residents that may be reading this...you are all amazing). But it seems my heart is in different places this year and it has been a challenge to persevere and commit to where God has me right now. And to those whom this challenge in my life right now effects, I apologize with my whole heart. 

I am also a continued intern at my church. As some of you know, I was an intern at my church this past summer. It was definitly an awesome internship, and I had the privilege to continue this PAYED internship throughout the school year under my worship pastor, Jay. My requirements for this internship are to help Jay out with the background work for worship like Ableton, as well as weekly meetings with the staff and also for our DWELL worship conference coming up...WOO! I also am the one who oversees scheduling worship leaders for our student ministries since we had a transition with that. This has been an absolute blessing, but also one of the challenges I have mentioned. I have seen and witnessed the under belly of ministry and it does throw you for a loop if you are not prepared. Luckily I was, but it is still something you need to work through in your own heart. But I have learned a ton, and I still 100% know that this is where God has me and where I belong. 

Living Streams is also hosting our Dwell conference in February! This is a huge deal to me and Living Streams. We had a worship conference last year and we are really looking forward to hosting our next one in February! With this conference, I have the privilege of working with a team that has awesome connections, great innovative ideas, even greater skills, and amazing hearts for what they do. I am so excited to say that (I think) I am helping out with the worship, as well as being able to be a breakout speaker. EECK. All while big name church/worship people will be there as our featured artists. What a crazy crazy thing. God has really been faithful to open doors and continue to prove that I am on the right track. 

Outside of Dwell stuff, I was able to lead our local women’s retreat in early October. I scheduled, put together, and lead a team of 5 for the weekend. It was super fun! I have learned that women are some of those most amazing people. I mean, we make up roughly 50% of the entire population, but if you ever get the chance to talk in depth about their story and where they come from, take that chance. They are powerful, mighty, and full of wisdom.

I also helped out with our winter camp that happened early November. This was up a camp called Tonto Rim up in Payson, AZ. It was nice and chilly and full of life! The kids were Jr. high and high school age, and they were so fun to lead in worship. I loved having the opportunity to travel and go somewhere to lead at a retreat. It is always a pleasure to also lead with the people that were in the band. They are some of the most amazing, talented, heartfelt people I know. I was also blessed to have my boyfriend tag along because he was in Phoenix for an interview that weekend. He was a great help with the sound and tech and just jumped right in and did whatever was asked of him. Which leads me to my last portion of this blog. 

Tad Scritchfield. What a blessing he is. I have known Tad for roughly a year and a half now, and we have been dating 6 months as of yesterday. These past 6 months have been absolute bliss, but also very honestly, an absolute challenge. In a very short description, Tad is from central California, but he also currently lives in the mountains. So not only is it long distance, but it’s some seriously crappy wifi connection calling over Facetime audio. It’s extremely frustrating at times. 

Anyways, our whole relationship has basically been him trying to move to Phoenix. Okay...that’s not the WHOLE relationship, as there is so much depth to what we have that I don’t need to go into, but it has been the biggest topic of prayer on our list of things we pray for. We had no idea the challenge and hardship we would face in this process. From over 100 applications, multiple trips to Phoenix for interviews, hearing roughly 4 “no’s”, many hard conversations and heartbreak...and we finally made it. We knew that the job God had for him would be awesome, it was just so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel of something we prayed SO hard for. If there was one thing that we learned from this experience, is that sometimes God protects you from even GOOD things to give you the BEST thing. There were many times we thought a certain job would be perfect, and then it would fall through. 

But the biggest thing that stood out to me in that whole journey was a man who wanted to fight for me. What a picture of the love of Jesus. Of course, Tad is not perfect and neither is our relationship, but without getting too gross and mushy, this is a man that is truly pursuing me. He is willing to give up everything; his comfort, his childhood home, his friends, etc. to come and create something new and fun with me. I have never met a man who would do what he is doing for me. I am One. Lucky. Gal. Not to mention those trips to Phoenix for him were 9 hour drives one way, coming to stay in the freshman dorms, searching for the business where the interview was held, shaking off the long drive to look and feel presentable, trying to have quality time with me while I continued living my life out here in Phoenix, along with the normal shuffle of typical relationship talk and keeping close. These included long nights, rough talks, many tears (mostly on my end) and constant turning of our heads to the Lord. WHEW. a Whirlwind. But in the end, I wouldn't trade any portion of this process for anything. Tad and I are so close, and we are so excited to grow even closer in the SAME STATE! There is so much yet to learn, but we are learning now to be present, to just enjoy each other, not rush the things yet to come, and lavish in the blessings God is pouring over us. Thank you Jesus. 

Even through all of the daily chaos and craziness of my life, there is something that is obvious and constant, is my calling. I have had many doubts in my years here at GCU and all the goodness that comes along with that, but one thing that has not changed is the unwavering gifting and will that God has placed on my life. It’s almost as if it gets clearer and clearer every step of my journey. Which I think is how it should be. As we draw closer to Him through our studies, quiet times, and even our struggles, he shows us more of who we are in him, and makes our path that much clearer. I hope and pray that whatever journey you are on in your life, that you continue to trust in him. Fight for that job you want, press on in that friendship that is suffering, pray for that impossible thing you want in your life. You never know the amazing, beautiful, crazy things God can do. And to those who feel like there is no excitement or adventure, ask Him for it. Ask God to show you that scary thing. Ask him to push you over the edge to the point where the only place you can be is naked and vulnerable in the presence of God. Get to the point when all you can hold onto is the Word. Do the thing that is most terrifying, and watch God bless you because of your obedience. What is that thing? Try it. 

Love you Michiganders, 

Eden