Valentine's Day, Editing, & a Blog Party // February Recap

Last day of February? What even?! This is our short month though, so I'm gonna go with that since I legit have no idea where the last 28 days went. (Oh right. They were tirelessly poured into EDITING ACK.) *coughcough* 

// Life. //  

>> I had lots of random conversations this month, so I shall hereby toss all these at y'all with no rhyme or reason whatsoever. *wink* 

Mom: *leaving to go for a walk* 

Dad: Be careful. Watch out for bulldozers. 

(Apparently this is a concern...?) 

Tucker: *walks in with a hammer* *lays it in front of the fireplace*

Me: *eyes him suspiciously* Was your hammer cold? 

Tucker: *silly voice* Yes, sissy.

Me: *talking to myself in the mirror* Hey, my leg hurts. Stop laughing, it's not funny. You were too laughing. Okay, well a grin is practically a laugh. 

Me: This history lesson is entirely too long. 

Mom: How long is it?

Me: umm...like five pages. 

Mom: oh.

Me: *pats brothers arm* dude, what's in your shirt?

Tucker: *eyeing me suspiciously* my arm. 

Tucker: 38.5 tons

Me: see? I was practically right. 

Tucker: what did you say?

Me: 500 tons 

Mom: *laughing*

Tucker: *walks in and hugs Mom*

Mom: *kisses him* 

Tucker: YUCK!!

Dad: Did you make me cookies? 

Me: No, I made ME cookies. 

Dad: *sticks out tongue* 

Me: *thinking* no wonder I'm so mature... 

>> Our youth group had a Valentine's Day party on the prior Wednesday. All the kids made/brought sweets and goodies, and we served refreshments to the church family. It was a lot of fun! :) 

(On a writerly note...More than once that night, I caught myself calling/about to call this one kid 'Ryder'. Like, why brain?! #toomuchediting) 

>> Caught a random picture of my bro in mid-air. It looks like he's jumping off the roof, but he's not...right? 

>> Valentines Day rolled around which resulted in...a lot of jokes. Nazi jokes with two friends, single jokes within my writing group. I played a joke on a friend... *halo-emoji* But then I got a joke played on me by someone who didn't even know about that at the time, so I guess I got payed back. And I laughed terribly hard over all of it... XD 

>> Another joke that happened this month was related to a Goodreads poll and I suspicious answer by me. (If you saw that, no, I'm not engaged. And if you didn't, just ignore this.) 

>> I became I bit obsessed with taking pictures of feet. And shadows. *nods* 

>> I did homework while sitting in the dentist office waiting room and decided I totally had this life thing figured out. *nods* 

>> I took pictures of my pretty doggie. ^_^ 

>> I got told that I look like my Dad more than once. Which isn't exactly a bad thing, I reckon. ;) 

>> I learned how to make a pencil bun and IT WORKS Y'ALL. 

// Cherishing. // 

While still paying attention to cherishing my time by not wasting it on distractions such as social medias, I began consciously cherishing relationships this month. A main theme of Dandelion Dust is cherishing those you love, appreciating them while you can. We're not promised tomorrow. <3 

// Books. //  

I read 11 books this month -- 5 of which I finished in the last two days. :P 

Courageous Love by Susan K. Marlow -- 5 stars 

The Measure of a Heart by Janette Oke -- 5 stars 

Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts (yes, I'm totally counting editing toward this...but I did read it. ;)) 

Sarah, Plain & Tall by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars 

Anna's Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- 4.5 stars 

Waltz into the Waves by Sarah Holman -- 5 stars 

The Newcomer by Suzanne Woods Fisher -- 4 stars -- Review here. 

The Silver Flower by Rebekah Eddy -- 3.5 stars 

Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars 

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan -- 4 stars 

Luke -- 5 stars 

And I acquired eight delightful books this month. Thriftbooks, review copies, lovely signed books from indie-authors... Ya know, the usual. ;) 

Martin Hospitality by Abigayle Claire 

Courageous Love by Susan K. Marlow 

With Love, Wherever You Are by Dandi Daley Mackall 

Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke 

Millie's Remarkable Journey adapted by Kersten Hamilton 

When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke 

Homefront Hero by Allie Pleiter 

After the Dancing Days by Margaret Roskowski 

// Writing. //  

When sitting down to write this, I was going to say that I didn't write much this month. (Heh.) But as it turns out, my month's total word count comes to 16,737. O.O And nearly 15k of that went into Dandelion Dust (YUS ITS NEARLY 50k AHHH). 

January 15th – February 15th I joined in on a NaNo makeup hosted by Emily M. and Ivy Rose. It was a lot of fun and a ton of word wars. XD 

So yeah, I did a ton of editing this month. I completed my second draft/first edit and it's much better than the first (in my opinion ^_^). My critique partner read the first draft and she LIKED IT PEOPLE. <3 She compared it to a flower garden that need some weeds pulled...which totally may or may not have made my day. <3 On the day I finished the second draft, I placed my precious first draft copy in Mom's – very capable – hands. And she liked it toooo. *beams* 

Editing requires chocolate... :)

Editing has showed me many things, including how much I don't think about some things while writing. Like, I gave a hospital the working-title of St. Patrick's... ST. PATRICKS. *laughing* 

I'm now currently reading through my book for the fourth (or fifth?) time...and, to be perfectly honest, I'm getting a bit sick of those words. So I'm looking forward to place it in others' hands soon... (MONDAY. *shrieks*) 

All my editing notes...purposely blurred. ;) 

// Movies & Music. //  

So, yup. I saw some good movies this month. A December Bride (in February, how comical) was a cute hallmark movie starring Daniel Lissing (Jack to you WCTH fans) so that was an obvious win. 

Priceless was a great movie, starring one of the Smallbone brothers from for King & Country. (Joel, I think? Can't keep the names straight...) Harsh but real, and I really enjoyed it. ^_^ 

Oh look. Faith got a new journal. Whoops, doesn't belong in this section... :P 

Re-watches included the three Sarah Plain and Tall movies and season three of When Calls the Heart. XD 

Also, I really love this song by Tenth Avenue North. Go listen to the epic-ness! :D 

// Blogging. // 

A major highlight in blogging this month, for me anywho, was the delightfully amazing When Calls the Heart blog party I co-hosted with my friend Rebekah!! :D Have fun hunting through my archives if you missed any of that. 

Favorite Posts... 

>> Rachael posted about editing and gave me the initiative to persevere until the end of draft #2 

>> Emma wrote about prayer in her amazingly-worded way and touched my heart 

>> Abi posted 50 spoiler-free facts from her book which I absolutely adored ^_^

>> Jonathan's post "When All You Want is to Inspire" was super relatable 

>> Jesseca wrote about vulnerability and letting people see your flaws and I just <3 <3 

>> Bethany gave some insight on faith leading to understand which I really enjoyed 

>> And of course all the WCTH posts by RebekahA., Lauren, and Micaiah were fabulous. :D 

// Goals. // 

>> Complete the first (and possible second) edit of Dandelion Dust.    Yup, both! 

>> Read 12+ books.     Close. XD 

>> Read a minimum of 15 chapters during alpha-reading.      Uhh...I think I read three? *hides* Better next month I hope... 

>> Keep up the Chosen Vessels posting schedule of quality posts every Saturday + book reviews throughout the weeks.             Did it! One book review, two quality posts, and the monthly SiC chat. :) 

March Goals. 

>> Send Dandelion Dust to beta-readers (and try not to die in the process). 

>> Catch up on emails (AKA give my inbox some love). 

>> Get caught up and stay caught up on my current two alpha-reading projects. 

>> Read 12 books. 

>> Write 10k in various projects. 

>> Keep up my Chosen Vessels posting schedule. 

Hope y'all enjoyed! How was your month? :D 

~Faith

Bookshelf Tour! ~S, T, & W~

Greetings blog readers! How are you all on this fine Thursday morning? I'm fine, thank you. :) It legit feels like spring here and, although I want more winter, I really can't complain. :D 

Today I bring you another post in the bookshelf tour, this one covering the letters S, T, and W. I have no books that fall under U, V, X, Y, or Z, so this is the last consecutive post. I will be doing one more though, for books I don't keep on my bookshelves and books I don't arrange in alphabetical order. Ready?

Oh! One more thing... A huge thank-you to all you people who've signed up to beta-read. I'm a bit astounded at the number of signups, and like...eeps! Y'all are seriously amazing. :) 

~S~ 

The Princess Adelina by Julie Sutter 

The Sentimental Journey by Kim Vogel Sawyer and various other authors. 

Heidi by Johanna Spyri 

Gentle Annie by Mary Francis Shura 

The Drunkard's Children by Mrs. M.J.P.S. 

At the Little White Cabin by Maria Schoolland 

Revel Knox by Michael Shank 

Sisters in Times series by various authors -- books 1-24 

American Dream 

American Challenge 

American Struggle 

American Rebirth 

American Progress 

American Triumph 

Wings of Glory trilogy by Sarah Sundin 

A Distant Melody 

A Memory Between Us 

Blue Skies Tomorrow 

Wings of a Nightingale trilogy by Sarah Sundin 

With Every Letter 

On Distant Shores 

In Perfect Time 

Waves of Freedom trilogy by Sarah Sundin 

Through Waters Deep

Anchor in the Storm 

~T~ 

Befriending the Beast by Amanda Tero 

Journey to Love by Amanda Tero 

'I Survived' series by Lauren Tarshis 

I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941 

I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944

I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001 

~W~ 

Saved at Sea by O. F. Walton 

The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner #1 

The Haunted Cabin Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner #20

The Red Rag Riddle by Grace Whiteheart 

Dark Storms Rising by Jesseca Wheaton 

Beyond the Horizon by Jesseca Wheaton 

An Amish Christmas by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller, & Barbara Cameron 

No Better Friend by Robert Weintraub (Not pictured.) 

Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Little House Treasury (contains Little House in the Big Woods, Little House on the Prairie, & On the Banks of Plum Creek) 

Farmer Boy 

By the Shores of Silver Lake 

The Long Winter 

Little Town on the Prairie 

These Happy Golden Years 

The First Four Years 

On Top of Concord Hill by Maria D. Wilkes (The Caroline Years) 

The Road from Roxbury by Melissa Wiley (The Charlotte Years) 

Across the Puddingstone Dam by Melissa Wiley (The Charlotte Years) 

Favorite book(s): A Distant Melody, With Every Letter, & Beyond the Horizon 

Books I haven't read: The Princess Adelina, The Sentimental Journey, Heidi, Gentle Annie, Revel Knox, American Struggle, American Rebirth, American Progress, Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, Journey to Love, No Better Friend, The Road from Roxbury, & Across the Puddingstone Dam

Book I've had the longest: Little House series, Laura Years 

Books in this post: 44

Books thus far in the tour: 332

Which of these books have you read? Spot any favorites? Want-to-reads? 

~Faith 

Ignore that stack of books in the background...that's books I've bought/been given or read so far in the month of February... You'll hear about those next Tuesday. xD 

Dandelion Dust // Beta-Readers Signup

Happy Sunday morning to ye all! I know -- Sunday morning posts aren't typical, but I have a special reason for this one (and scheduled it ahead of time, because I'm probably sound asleep right now). :P

So...you've already read the title. You know the purpose of this post. *hyperventilates* *dies* I'm seriously questioning my sanity right now. Like, I'm gonna hand over my darling book who only my eyes (and that of my dear critique partner <3) has seen to others?

Yes. Yes I am.

*tries to figure out what else I need to say here* Um, okay, here's some details and whatnot about the book. So you can see if it even sounds...interesting. ;)


The entire book is written from Charity's point of view – first person, present tense. I guess you could say the 'themes' of the book are...trusting God through the hard times, surviving tragedy and coming out stronger, and cherishing those you love. (Um, yeah, I'm not very good at explaining things. xD)

Word count: just over 47,000
Synopsis: Like a speck of dandelion dust riding the tides of a prairie wind, life is fleeting. Though I never realized just how fragile it was until that day . . .

Charity always had a dream. It was simple, really. Find a guy, fall in love, and get married.

The day she met Ryder, Charity knew he was the man God had chosen for her. But she never expected their relationship to be tested and tried through the fires of a freak accident. Suddenly, her world is thrown into chaos, and the bleak, white walls and sterile smells of a city hospital fill every spare minute. And then there comes the dreaded news. It was likely Ryder would never make it out of the hospital bed.

As her carefully laid plans for the future come crashing down around her and the sun seems to set on her dreams, can Charity still find hope in the dark of night?

Like a dandelion, life is beautiful. But treasure every moment. . . . for one day, the flower will be gone.

As for a deadline, I would like it if you could be done by May 1st (two months. C'mon, you can handle it), but I'm not gonna like get infuriated if it takes ya longer. ;)

And...the signup. As nervous as I am about handing over my first completed book to people, I know y'all will treat it with care. :) If you have any questions, please let me know! I'll be excepting sign-ups through March 5th. :)
Trying to copy in the form is being impossible, so here's the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfSW3U8R8wlSLJEqNu19bH9nhK8DtYxgVM-jyptOfqbibQETQ/viewform


*hides in a corner to stalk the form and see how many people actually want my precious baby*

God bless!! <3
~Faith

When Calls the Heart ~ Blog Party Wrap-up ~ Day Six

Happy Saturday morning to ye! Today is the last day of the WCTH blog party with my dear friend Rebekah. *sigh* I hate to see it go, but it's been sooo much fun. :D 

If you missed any of the posts (Rebekah and I both had one every day), scroll through my blog archives and click here to do the same with Rebekah's. :) Also, Lauren Stoner did the WCTH tag, so click over to her blog and read her fun answers. :D 

Rebekah has some fun, random pictures from the show up today, so make sure you don't miss her post. And I'm going to share some humorous pictures and some off-the-set snapshots. 

I LOVE this part! Elizabeth and Jack trying to make Cody laugh is so funny. :D And yes...I have tried this...it's harder than it looks. ;) 

So cute. <3 

Hehe, I was snickering when I came across this picture. Jack, Frank, and Gowen hanging out together? This is obviously not during filming. :P 

Julie, Elizabeth, and Tom are trying to look so serious, and then Jack's just over there like "I didn't get the memo. What are we doing again?" XD 

Another wonderful Lee and Rosemary moment! :)

Haha, love this :D 

The Mounties! 

Awww! I love B&W pics. :) 

And lastly...what we're all hoping for in season 4...am I right? 

Hope everyone enjoyed this blog party as much as I did!! :D 

Also, a quick non-WCTH note for y'all... For anyone who might be interested in beta-reading Dandelion Dust, the signup and details will be posted tomorrow. :) 

~Faith

When Calls the Heart ~ A Word for a Character ~ Day Five

Welcome to day five of the blog party! :) Can you believe tomorrow is the last day?! I'll hate to see it go...but it's been so much fun! 

Remember to...

~ Visit Rebekah's blog for her post for today 

~ Click here for details on how to take part! :D 

Today, I'll be sharing with you all a different kind of post than anything I've did so far this week. Instead of a guest post, a tag, or episode reviews, I'm going to share some pictures of characters and try to sum them up a couple words/phrases. I won't do all the character, just a couple that I especially like. :) Sound like fun? Here goes! :D 

Elizabeth Thatcher is... 

~ The beloved schoolteacher who is kind-hearted to all she meets. 

~ She's truly caring, especially when it comes to her students and other children. 

Constable Jack Thornton is... 

~ A protector to everyone in Hope Valley, particularly in instances like where Elizabeth and Julie were held hostage by outlaws. ;) 

~ The only law the town has, who will insure justice is done at all times. 

Abigail Stanton is... 

~ An adviser who anyone can go to for advice and encouragement. 

~ Despite all she's even through, Abigail remains strong and is a confidant and friend when someone just need a listening ear. 

Lee Coulter is... 

~ A man who wants to build a prosperous business in Hope Valley despite continued opposition by Mayor Henry Gowen, and then later, by a business competitor out to destroy him. 

~ A guy who will do anything to win Rosemary's heart. (Remember when he 'dated' Molly?) 

Rosemary LeVeaux is... 

~ A woman who's bubbly and full of life. She always has a quick word to make you laugh and advice to any problem -- whether you ask for her opinion or not. She doesn't mean to interfere though, it's just part of who she is. 

Clara Stanton is... 

~ A young widow who seems the best in all people -- even young outlaws. *wink* 

~ A character I would like to see get more of the spotlight. 

Which WCTH character do you think YOU are most like? 

~Faith 

When Calls the Heart ~ Guest Post by RebekahAshleigh ~ Day Four

Hey everyone! Today I have an extra special post for y'all -- a guest post by my friend Rebekah. She'll be talking about her favorite couples from the show. Don't forget to check out Rebekah's blog for more WCTH fun! 

Hi everyone! I’m Rebekah and I am doing a fun guest post today here on Faith’s blog. :) She is actually guest posting over on my blog as well! 

Today I will be talking about my favorite couples from When Calls the Heart! When Calls the Heart has some of the cutest couples ever!!

First off, there is Jack and Elizabeth. I’ve liked these two from the very beginning. From when they first met and didn’t really like each other a whole lot until now where I’m still waiting for a proposal. (Propose to her Jack!) They are just one of the cutest couples. 

I really want Jack to propose, I mean he already has the ring!! I personally think they’ve waited long enough and hope for a proposal in season 4. 

Jack and Elizabeth have been through a lot together. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for them next! 

My other favorite couple from this lovely show is Lee and Rosemary. When Rosemary LeVeaux showed up in the end of season 1, I did not like her at all! She was so annoying and kept trying to get between Jack and Elizabeth. I was so hoping she would not be in season 2, but she was. 

Then Lee Coulter showed up. There was something about him that I kind of liked, but I didn’t really know what he was doing in town or anything. Then he and Rosemary started hanging out some. Well, that sure did take Rosemary’s attention away, for the most part, from Jack. So that was nice. ;) 

I loved seeing them get to know each other and fall in love.

Lee and Rosemary are just so cute together! I absolutely love them! 

Then he proposed!!! Yay!! :D Their wedding was so pretty. I can’t wait to see what their married life looks like in season 4. :) 

Frank and Abigail are another favorite of mine. I was a bit disappointed when things didn’t turn out too well with Bill and Abigail, but when Frank came to town and him and Abigail started to get to know each other I was definitely liking them together. Now I just love them! :)

They’ve had their rough times, but things have been going pretty well for them lately. 

So there you have it! My three favorite couples from When Calls the Heart! I’m really looking forward to seeing how each of these relationships progress in season 4! :D

Who’s your favorite couple?

~~~ 

Click here for the tag and other ways to take part in this fabulous blog party! :D