Christmas Tree Campout

My family has this tradition, of camping out under the Christmas tree. It's something I haven't done in a while.

But, yesterday I put up the Christmas tree and we decided to camp out under the tree.

So, now it's night two of the Christmas tree campout.

Here are some of my Christmas tree campout necessities.

a tree or is that kind of a no-brainer?

my bible good time as any to do some reading


my notebook ah to write of course


ipod music, Christmas-y and Enya of course


a good book My literary companions:





The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths
Rather reminiscent of my favorite TV show Bones the Ruth Galloway mysteries have a strong, scientist heroine. Though where Dr. Brennan (Bones) is an anthropologist, Dr. Galloway is an archaeologist. Also, this series is set in the UK, Norfolk to be exact, and focuses heavily on Celtic mythology and history a lot. LOVE. I finished the first book in a few days, very good.


Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
I'm something of  Meg Cabot fan. While I don't like all her books, I've read all the YA series' and she never fails to make me laugh. Since I desired something funnier than the crime novels of late I decided to take crime and comedy and see how Meg did.

 
The exciting Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
Discovered this talented author when I read the first book in her fae series Lament. Her newest book is definitely exciting, have barely been able to put it down!

And of course, some comfy warm blankets and pillows.

What is one of your Christmas traditions?

Have a Laugh

This is cute, and adorable and so, so, so very funny.

If have cats, have had cats or even are a dog person, you're sure to laugh. Hilarious.

This is what one of my older cats was like when we got kittens years ago. Ah memories.

life.is.sweet

10 things that make my life all the sweeter because they exist

1. lip balm - complete and total lip-saver! particularly Burts Bees replenishing pomegranate.
   
2. laughter - rather self explanatory
   
3. blog design - something I enjoy doing...usually there is a challenge to present itself. Thinking about doing something winter-y. what does everyone think? vote here
   
4. photography - I haven't taken pictures in so long. I mean good pictures, with a real camera, not Instagram on my iPod which tides me over. I currently have no good camera to take pictures with. Sure we have a little family camera but everyone hates using it it's temperamental and takes rubbish pictures. I long for a good digital camera. My mom gave me her old film camera though. I really want to learn how to use it. I have to wait until I have some money though, for film and developing. Expensive stuff.
   
5. gel pens - I used to have a lot of those, used them for all kinds of stuff. I've be rediscovering the use of them lately, for use on Christmas cards and the like. Fun stuff.
   
6. To Write Love On Her Arms - I've posted about it before, but I love TWLOHA. And I have something really cool to tell you! Remember last week when I posted asking everyone to vote? Well, To Write Love On Her Arms was  in the running to win a million dollar grant, something they could do so much with. I'm extremely happy to say that all the voting paid off (and some praying on my part ;) and TWLOHA won!!
   
7. books - I tend to count this one a lot. books and writing. a story is a powerful thing.
   
8. my job - thankful. so thankful.
   
9. Christmas music! - 'tis the season!
   
10. The Greatest Love Story Ever Told - I'm not one for Romeo & Juliet. Depressing. Twilight? Pathetic. But the Bible? Now there is a love story. The story of Gods love for us. Yeah, I know, us.

reading: the crossing places by elly griffiths & the scorpio races by maggie stiefvater ---- listening: barlowgirl Christmas album & enya