Visit from a Friend, Blog Party, and I WROTE ANOTHER BOOK // OctoberRecap

Hey frens! Look who it is, back with the traditionally-late monthly recap. In my defense, last month I was one time. So there. xD 

What's with the graphic, you asked? I honestly don't know...except that bell peppers are apparently really aesthetic. 

\\ Life. \\ 

>> We dug potatoes. I know, that sounds really boring and weird, but it's kinda a family tradition. Out comes the old hand plow and the not-so-old tractor. It's like a generation clash. ;) 

>> Crazy convos with my fam... 

Me: *sitting in my room and trying to write*

Tucker: *in the next room* Dad, how many eyes does it look like I have? 

Dad:.....two.

Tucker: Ya know, if you get really close to a mirror it looks like you only have one. 

Me: *laughing so hard I can't breathe*

Tucker: *starts playing a Trace Adkins song*

Me: Ooooo, I like this one! It's on the Wounded Warrior commercials.

*quiet*

Me: Don't ask how I know that. Or how many I've seen. 

Mom:......don't worry, we won't.

>> The amazing, sweet, beautiful, darling Jesseca from Whimsical Writings for His Glory visited me! Much love for this dear. <3 We read books, plotted books, bought books, hiked up mountains, drink coffee, watched movies, roamed town, and stayed up late every.single.night. 

While she was here, I snuck pictures of her looking majestic basically all the time. Which she despised. And of course there's pics of us together. Plus a hilarious text convo from the day Dad took us fishing. So here we go, photo overload. xD 

>> In the way of books, Dandelion Dust got its first 2-star review. Faith is currently learning humility. (Slightly joking, here.) 

>> Went to a Casting Crowns concert! "All churches are like snickers bars. Sooner or later you're going to run into a nut." --Mark Hall 

\\ Books. \\ 

So much good bookishness this month!! :D 

Angel Unaware by Dale Evans Rogers -- 5 stars

The Key to the Chains by Allison Tebo -- 3.5 stars 

Our Town by Thornton Wilder -- 4 stars 

Too Long a Stranger by Janette Oke -- 4.5 stars 

Love Letters from Cowboy by Lacy Williams -- 4.5 stars 

Sweet Remembrance by Emily Ann Putzke -- 5 stars 

A Beautiful Disaster by Daisy Paquet -- 3.5 stars 

Millie's Grand Adventure by Martha Finley/Kersten Hamilton -- 5 stars 

Exodus -- 5 stars 

Kirsten Saves the Day by Janet Beeler Shaw -- 4 stars 

Changes for Kirsten by Janet Beeler Shaw -- 4 stars 

Veteran's Way by Robin Lee Hatcher -- 4 stars 

Red Like Crimson by Janice A. Thompson -- 5 stars 

Write Well: A Grammar Guide by Rachelle Rea Cobb -- 4 stars 

Millie's Reluctant Sacrifice by Martha Finley/Kersten Hamilton -- 5 stars 

Millie's Fiery Trial by Martha Finley/Kersten Hamilton -- 5 stars 

The epicness of da book haul.... :D (From used bookstores unless otherwise indicated.) I got lots of goodies, including some books to add to/complete series I already have. :) 

The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis 

First Date by Krista McGee

When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin 

War Letters complied by Andrew Carroll 

Veteran's Way by Robin Lee Hatcher 

Betsy's Return by Wanda E. Brunstetter 

A Home at Trail's End by Melody Carlson

The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado

I bought Andi Lassos Trouble and Andi to the Rescue by Susan K. Marlow as soon as they were available on the author's site. This is one of the only authors that I always immediately buy new. xD 

\\ Writing. \\ 

Word count: 19,529

People...people... *weird noises of Faith trying not to hyperventilate* GUYS I FINISHED WRITING MY PRECIOUS NOVEL!!!! <3 

Compliments of this child <33 

A Soldier's Freedom (previously known as A Soldier's Story) was finished on October 30th, coming out at about 63,000 words. *squeals* This is the third first draft I've finished this year – also, the third book I've finished ever. 

I spent a day or two going "um, so, what am I going to write now?!" When 2017 began, I had three novella/novel length stories started. Now I've finished them all. Granted, I have oodles more ideas, but...those...those are my babies!! <3 

So. Yeah. I'm now planning sequels for Dandelion Dust, War Tears, and A Soldier's Freedom. I probably need a life. xD 

\\ Music & Movies. \\ 

Oh my GOODNESS, so much love right here, y'all. Oodles of these were watched while the Most Fabulous Fren was here. xD 

~ finished When Calls the Heart S4

~ finished re-watching The Waltons S9 

~ re-watched most of Signed, Sealed, Delivered 

~ Anchors Aweigh 

~ all three Anne of Green Gables movies 

~ Shenadoah 

~ Old-Fashioned 

~ National Treasure 

~ Journey back to Christmas 

~ Home for Christmas Day 

YES, Christmas movies! And now that it's November I can listen to the music and read the books....right? 

\\ Blogging. \\ 

>> Because I was really lame and didn't write many posts this month, the biggest happening was the Five Fall Favorites party! Click here to read my posts. 

>> I guest-posted on Ashley Nicole's blog! Click here to read the post. 

>> I gained lots of followers this month. I think part of that was due to the party, sooo...thanks, y'all! :D

>> Favorites of the Month

October // Silver Horizons

Be Overwhelmed by God // A Purpose and a Promise

There is Purpose in the Pain // Ordinary Girl Extrordinary Father

\\ Goals. \\ 

~ October Goals 

>> Read 8 books.          Nailed it. 

>> Finish A Soldier's Story, first draft.        *fistbump*

>> Join Ivie's October Writing Challenge.       Yes, and it was epic!! :D 

>> Stay caught up with emails.         ....I did good for like the first week, okay?! 

>> Take part in the Five Fall Favorites party.       *nods rapidly* 

>> Have an absolute blast when this awesome gal comes to visit!     Soooo amazing!! :D 

~ November Goals 

>> Read 10 books. 

>> Edit pt.1 of War Tears. 

>> Write a short Christmas story.

>> Catch back up with emails. 

>> Start planning this year's 12 Days of Christmas link-up. (Anyone interested?!) 

How was your October? 

~Faith