california outtakes, take two {and take six}

so this is day two of my california outtakes. and for those of you who say peter pan is yours, you're referring to the cartoon version. mr. live-action-real-life peter pan is mine. and all. mine. and i am not afraid to dispose of you if you say different. and another thing, this doesn't mean that peter pevensie is free. touch him by accident and i will still dispose of you. same goes for alex pettyfer. gotta' protect the backups! 

okay, i should start now. 

8.26.11
At the HOTEL in Cali, Disneyland. Lounging before going to the pool. That's right, a hotel. Aunt Mary surprised me last night with a hotel reservation at the Grand Californian for one night. Which means extra perks = MORE FUN STUFF!! Aunt Mary announced that it was my first time at Disneyland and in Cali, so basically it's my California/Disneyland birthday. They gave me balloons and a special birthday pin and I've gotten about a million happy birthdays from the workers AND Peter Pan {who is *totally* cute, by the way} and Mary Poppins and a chimney sweep. The first ride we went on was the Indiana Jones Adventure, and it was totally scary. But totally worth it. And then we went to the Jungle Cruise. Would you consider me blonde if I said I thought the animals were going to be real? 
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride was spectacular. For the record, I have no clue how they do it. It's magic. And then we went to the Haunted Mansion. A ghost sat on my lap. I kicked him, but I don't think he noticed. Since we're staying at the hotel, we get these special fast passes. Basically, you get to cut to the front of the line. We used one of our passes on the Star Tours ride {it's based off of Star Wars}. And can I just say one thing: WARPING. IS. BEAST. 
For dinner, we ate at Ralph Brennan's Jazz kitchen, which serves Cajun food. I had New York steak with Pommes Frites {first person who tells me what this is WITHOUT googling it get's to tag along with Peter Pan and I to Neverland!} with a special topping: garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. I ordered it well done but it came out medium well and super moist which was even better! We ordered the Key Lime Pie for dessert, and it was my "birthday" I got special New Orleans Beignet on the house. Google it. 
Since we stayed on the Concierge floor, they had a big book of Disney Dvd's for rent. But by the we got back, the Dvd's were all put away so Uncle Q & I went to Tomorrowland and rode the Finding Nemo ride, which is underwater. It you want me to get into specifics, we were in a submarine. It's not like *actually*( went scuba diving. 
Oh! I forgot to tell you guys: I went to get ice cream with Aunt Mary at this parlor called "Gibson Girls". It was on Main Street Disney -or something like that- and everytime we walked by there, it smelled like lovely in ice cream form. I got Nestle Tollhouse Cookie Swirl, and she got Mint Chocolate Chip. There's sweet shops everywhere and it smells like lovely in cupcake form. 
We saw some fireworks, and we even saw one that turned into a shooting star. I bet you I think I know what you think I wished for! But...you don't. Guess. I dare you. 

This is Peter Pan, by the way. Isn't he just darling? Yes, yes he is. And you can't have him. So go find your own Disney boy. Yes, yes I said it. Now, if you'll excuse me, how about that trip to Neverland, Peter?

california outtakes, take one {and take five}

whilst {i love that word} i'm writing this post i'm listening to my brand new iPod that my parents surprised me with when i got home. all summer long my church had this development program, where every week you write about something you did, and what you learned, and how it will help you in the long run. did i mention there were prizes, too? the winners got a prize equilavent to $100. and guess who won!! one of my life-long friends {who just turned seven} won for the littler kids group, and i won for the big kids group!! i won a pink 2GB iPod shuffle, and $50 gift card to Barnes & Noble!! {i love how it smells in there} so you might be able to guess what i'll be doing for the next few weeks. 

okay, now for my california outtakes. scene one, take one, and action! 

8.25.11

At the airport. Checking bags and security took 15min, and I'm now waiting for my dad to stop watching football in one of those bars they have at the airport. Awkward, since I can't go in there. Not like I want to, though. My dad got this special pass so he can accompany me to the gate. They don't let you go without a pass anymore, you have to request one. Yay for me! I would've gotten so lost. It's been years since I've been on a plane.

We're now sitting at the Terminal-type-thingy. It's exactly 6:16pm, and there's a thin later of clouds in the sky. If you want to get into specifics, the sky is a pretty grayish-non-depressing-blue, with a hint of peach in the distance. The beginnings of sunset.

I'm guess Aunt Mary is at the ariport now. Since she's at LAX, there's probably alot of security, and she's getting that special pass to meet me at the gate, too. I just realized the month-old nail polish one my fingers doesn't look as attractive as it used to, so maybe I should just take it off and start all over again. The nail polish on my toes with stay on for atleast four more months, and it's chip resistant, so I'm going to have a blast trying to get that off.

On the plane now. They're playing an instruction video. I can write and listen at the same time. There's a sound that you when you're at the movie outside. You know, that special logo music? Yeah it sounds like that. It's almost in perfect harmony with the other sounds. We're speeding/slowing down now, about to take off. They're teasing us. When are we going to take off? Now. Can see the skyline. The sky is a collage of colors. Peach, orange, light blue, merging together in perfect coordination. According to my pinky, I'm sitting on top of the Texas Capital! Lifting off now. Wow, this thing is going fast!

We have a perfect view of the sunset. It is glorious. Everything looks like it has a blue fog. Goodness, the trees are really small. My city looks like a miniature used for play. I can see my neighborhood from here! 

Above a layer of clouds. It's all so beautiful up here! There's a bunch of rain clouds, I like to think there are Narnians inside. It almost looks like if I walk outside, I'll be able to flout. It all looks like different flavors of cotton candy. Blue, pink and orange. There's a big portion of clouds near us. It looks like a whole world over there! Huh. That would make a good storyline. Suggestions?

We're flying over the cloud world now, as I like to call it, and I'm waving at Mr. Tumnus. There's mountains and a rumbling sea, and a valley. It looks like the sea is covered in a sheet of ice. More clouds are billowing on top. Looks like Mr. Tumnus will be getting a snowstorm. Not like he hasn't had enough. 

Can't see the ground. We're passing the heavens of the cloud world, now we're in another. Rocky hills and mountains here. Assuming this is where the Archenlanders live. A few more mountains, and even dunes. I think we're at the tombs near Tashbaan. Shasta slept there, you know. I can see Tashbaan, still in the desert. I wonder if Thor is paying a visit to the cloud world. I'm not sure where we are now. We passed Calormen, Archenland and Narnia, and now everything is a mass of mountains.

Above the cloud world. The flight attendants are coming by with drinks, I'm getting Sprite. Parks & Recreation is on. I can't heart anything so I'm just going to drink my soda in happy silence. The pilot said it was going to get bumpy. Apparently it's possible to get bumpy in an area where there's nothing to get bumpy with.

Sprite tastes funny up in the air. I can see the cloud world again. I have no idea where we are. Maybe they'll announce it when we reach a different state.

There's a random red dot in the sky. I think it's another plane. Hi, there! There's a curtain separating normal people from First Class. Why does this remind me of that episode in Victorious? There's a magazine called "Sky Mall". Really weird gifts. "Monet Cowboy Rain Boots". They look like a hippie truck, only they're boots. "Orbitwheels". A cross between a skate board, and inline skates. I still don't see Cat's obsession to buy this stuff.

Still watching that noiseless episode of Parks & Recreation. The cloud world is gone for now. There are alot of circle fields on the ground. A new show is on. I can actually hear it. I don't know what it's - it's Community. Helen from Drake & Josh is in it. I don't know where we are, but there are alot of light on, on the ground. Maybe we're flying over Las Vegas or something! No, probably not.

I can't hear the TV anymore. Actually, I can't hear anything at all. Oh weyall {well}. It's getting darker outside. Community is so. weird. Makes no sense. We're currently flying inside a cloud, and I can't see anything. I hope the pilot can see.

Would it be weird to say there's a kleptomaniac monkey on the television? Just looked out the window. Whoa. Jocee, we aren't is Texas anymore!

I think we're in California now. The sky is a deep orange, then it grows lighter until it reaches blue, then it grows darker until it reaches azure blue. Wow. Our God is amazing. The sky has the most vivid colors I've ever seen. No description will do them justice.

We've begun out descend. I think. But I know we're in California. How do I know? The captain just announced it :) Wow. It's really big. There are alot of light. And big building. I know the Staples Center is down there somewhere ;) The sky is now magenta in color.

Ohmylipsgloss. HUGE!!!! Sorry. But you should see the city from here!! Did I mention I'm wearing a sweater? Well...I'm wearing a sweater. It's 70 degrees! The captain said prepare for landing. Ahhh!!! Alot of mountains in the distance.

I wonder how much it costs for all these lights to be on. Alot. Of course. The ground is getting bigger. I can almost swear I saw the Staples Center. Someone is gagging behind me. Gross. Actually, I think they snorted. Gross.

GASP! I. Can. See. TRAFFIC! This is. SO. COOL!!! There's a big screen playing ads on it. Oooh! Coca Cola! ~open happiness~ :P

Getting lower. Where's the Hollywood sign? I can see the palm trees. They actually don't look out of place here!! The ground is getting bigger. Whoa. Way bigger. WAY bigger. Ohkay...it's hard to write now that we're landing.

We landed. There's a baby in the back who's bawling. We're here.

I'm in LA. 8:21pm.

So that was day one of my California outtakes. You can still do your outtakes! I think I'm going to extend them. And now, please excuse me whilst {there's that word again} I download music onto my rockin' awesome iPod. 

staying calm

celebrity sightings {including the john williams concert}:

reese witherspoon

johnny galecki 

vanessa hudgens

rachel bilson

becki newton

john williams

james taylor
brittany ishibashi

and one more whose name i do not know. 

and now i'm leaving for home again, so i'll edit this post and include for fun stuff later, you guys!! bye!! 

hi. remember me? yeah. jocee. well, i'm home now, and i'm really tired, even though i'm not tired. did that make any sense? okay. well, i tried. but, even though i'm tired, i'd like you all to know that i did have alot of fun. it doesn't sound like it because i'm too lazy to capitalize things and add the proper puncuation...blahblahblah. you know what? i'm going to continue this post in tuesday's post. it's just easier that way. 

you never know if J-Lo might show up

Last day of visit. Leaving late today. I was going hiking with my aunt but I can't now, since I'm going on a tour at the Warner Brothers Studios and that starts at 8:40am. And then *another* awesome thing happens that I'll leaving you in suspense about. Hahahahaha!!! 

So far no William Moseley sightings. But we did see this guy at Trader Joe's who is famous...I just don't know who he is, so to me that doesn't count. Wouldn't it be terrible if I came all the way out to California and saw no one for but him? Well...guess what...I didn't. Yesterday, we were in Malibu, and for lunch we stopped at the Reel Inn {best. calamari. EVER.} and guess who I saw!! Reese Witherspoon. She said hi to me!! She's VERY petite. And when I say VERY, I mean VERY. She was leaving so we didn't get a chance to take a picture, and after that we went to the beach for awhile. Lots of rocks since the tide was down, and tons and tons of seaweed. But it was fun! Before that we went to a Polo Match {google it} and we had lots of water and vegan cookies. As you can imagine I was the camera person. You know me! 

We had gone to the farmer's market that morning and picked up some food, and came home and had yogurt parfaits with yellow raspberries, golden {RARE} raspberries, and blackberries. And we also had this maple pecan granola. We bought heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella and basil for tomato Caprese salad, and we bought this special lobster mushroom {google it} and we had a fantastic dinner with Uncle Q, Aunt Mary, her ah-MAZING friend Paria, and Grace. We had toasted almond gelato and berries for dessert. 

Now I have to shower for the Studio, so I'll talk to you guys again tomorrow.
{pee ess: breakfast: broccoli & cheese quiche, hashbrowns, vegan sausage, leftover tomato & caprese salad + mango fruit juice = beastness}

{pee pee ess: our scheduled outtakes post will start again soon, guys!}

my cousin's tongue is warm...

Just got home from Disneyland. We stayed the night at the Grand Californian hotel, and we're now lounging about before heading to Hollywood/Hollywood Bowl for the John Williams concert. Grace {my cousin} is getting her nails painted since she's so tired. She was at doggie day care all day yesterday and all morning today and we just picked her up after going to Trader Joe's to pick up dinner. I'm having vegan cookies tonight!! 

Uncle Q and Aunt Mary convinced me to go on the California Screamin' Roller Coaster at Disneyland today. Well, I didn't really have much of a choice...

 As you can see from the picture they got...yes. I gave the true meaning of the roller coaster. 

Did I mention I have a new crush? Yeah. Peter Pan. We were at the parade yesterday, and since it was my Disneyland Birthday {that's what I call it} He wished me a happy birthday and then started talking about typical pirates. Hook was being a bully. As usual. Anyway, Peter Pan is REALLY cute. Aunt Mary will *never* stop teasing me about it. Never. By the way, this is what my cousin looks like:

 Making a video of my experiences here. We even have some "OTF" {on the fly} interviews that we made...it's kinda like what they have in the reality shows. 

Right now I'm eating Babybell cheese. Because I'm awesome like that. 

{pee ess: anyone have some good songs about California? Particularly songs with some lyric breaks? if you do let me know!!}

the outtakes, take four

this is more of a "i'm so excited for california" post than an outtakes post, but i decided to write it up anyway. 

Morning. Today's the day. Finally, today's the day. Usually on mornings like this I wake up very early, and anticipate the days events with excitement. But today, I decided that I would sleep until 3:30pm, so that the flight would come sooner. I slept and awoke repeatedly in time frames of 25-40min, and finally got out of bed at 9:30am, seeing it wasn't going to work. I showered and dressed, emerging from my room smelling like strawberries, and heard the garage door opening, see my mom's car exit the driveway. Yes! I can get on the computer. Not that I wanted to get rid of my mom, no. Just....I value my computer time. Is that wrong?

I do my hair in fishtail braids. Again. I know I'm obsessed, but it's really efficient for travel! Teal slouchy hat on top. My mom says I look like my best friend {and future Best Actress winner}, Jessica. Picking out what book to read. Pity I don't actually own an Jane Austen novels. Thinking about buying Jane Eyre at the last minute. No, I'm sure a Nancy Drew novel will sustain me on the three hour flight to Los Angeles. Thinking about the burgers we're eating for dinner tonight. Yum-yum. 

Packing my last few bags. My makeup bag, if you want to get into specifics. Imagining that at this time tomorrow it will be 1:04pm {do the math} and I will be living it up at Disney Land, praying for God to give me courage so I can ride on the roller coasters. I need some hair style ideas. One that would stay in place. Suggestions? 

Hoping I'll get to use my aunt & uncle's DSLR to photograph and video the trip. I'm not the best with DSLR's, but I try, I really do. You should've seen me at my grandparent's anniversary!

T-minus 1hr, 16min. Have to double check my suitcases. Pick out a book. Shoes. Praying security will go well. I haven't been on a plane in years. I have an aisle seat. I wanted a window seat, but, oh well! I can always glance in the window's direction. 

Made grilled cheese and applesauce for lunch. Making a "currently into" {also known as: obsessed with} diary. First entry: macaroons, nikon film cameras, vintage coca~cola bottles, fishtail braids, cupcakes, Bible, dicionary, Ted Dekker, and Jane Austen, A Fine Frenzy's album: Bomb In A Birdcage. Thinking about making fashion sketches on the plane instead of reading. Must finish packing my makeup. 

Today is a beautiful day. 

{pee ess: If I'm not able to squeeze in some short posts about my vacation, then here's my official twitter. @whitelily16.}

{pee pee ess: When you click my twitter and see someone whose name is Sandra E. Taylor, that's me. Yes, Sandra E. Taylor and I are one and the same. And yes, Sandra has a blog: Barefoot Duchess. Yes, I fooled you all. And yes, there was an important reason.}

No more pee pee esses. I'm off to California. And boy am I excited :D

the outtakes, take 3

kind of "stole" the "take 3" idea from a blogger who decided to join the Outtakes crew. hope she doesn't mind. her idea was BEAST. {that's a good thing, by the way}

I'm posting this really late. Ooops.

Morning. Wasn't pounced on by my sister, hallelujah. But I was woken up at around 7:30am, since my mom, sister and I were going to spend the day at the Capital of Texas for a homeschoolers tour-type-thingy. My mom becomes aggravated after calling my name three times, but honestly, the first two times I couldn't hear her. I finally get dressed in my Delia's Mona Lisa tee and purple skinny jeans, and my mom says "Oh no, honey. This is important. I know you've been to the Capital a million and billion times, but we are dressing to impress. Represent." So, I had to change clothes, and I put on my "business casual", and I peek into my mom's office to find her not even dressed. Honestly, it kind of annoys me. She rushed us to get out the door, but in the long run we're sitting in the car, waiting for her to finish getting ready. You have no idea how many times it's happened since I've been alive. Alot. It's insane. 

Mom started on a breakfast of waffles and bacon, and all I could think of was "we could've survived on cereal and milk. And you're not ready. Really, mom?" We ate our food, with me cleaning out the dishwasher {I HATE THAT JOB} and I was assigned to making sandwiches for all of us. Turkey for me and mom, strawberry jelly for my ssiter. I rush to get my Ted Dekker novel and get in the car, refreshed my the air conditioning. They say if it's hot in the kitchen, then get out of the kitchen. It's not like I had a choice. 

Finally, we arrived at the Capital, and I saw many of my homeschool friends from back-in-the-stone-age. I was called "old" by a nine year old girl. At noon, we went to the cafeteria, and I was immediately stricken with jealousy because everyone else was getting burgers and fries and I....wasn't. {I love burgers and fries, by the way} And can I just say one thing: never, EVER put mustard on a turkey sandwich unless it's going to be eaten immediately. Or lettuce. Stale mustard and lettuce does NOT make a good lunch. Luckily my best friend, Lani Elizabeth, shared her food {as well as her seven siblings} and root beer, so I didn't starve. She even let me to her hair in fishtail braids!! Sorry. Obsessed. 

The Texas drought is at it's greatest {it's ironic because it's FINALLY starting to storm outside} and we passed some *suffering* roses on our way to the Supreme Court area. I met the Supreme Court Justice. Of Texas. Not the United States. Otherwise, this post probably wouldn't have been titled "the outtakes". We passed by those roses again -poor roses- and into a scavenger hunt. Me and Lani didn't finish it because we didn't feel like it, so instead, we went into this corridor and saw this spiral staircase which looked haunted, and haunted = hilarious. We were about to go down the stairs but these three girls, who were homeschoolers also, but were "special" because they were helping with the event, push past us and went down the stairs. And suddenly this blaring - and I *mean* **blaring** siren like a Police siren/Firefighter siren/FBI-you're-in-trouble siren went off. Lani and I went back into the main room saying "It totally wasn't us. We can swear." And then I started hyperventilating. Seriously. We almost had to call 911. It was bad. And those girls came back up snickering...and we later found out that they made that noise with the bullhorn they brought. Lani wanted to smack them. And I don't want to be mean, but I honestly don't blame her. They were kind of interrupting our conversations and telling us to "walk while we talk" because there was another guest speaker waiting. Yeah, needless to say, after they told us that for the tenth time, Lani was irritated. Emphasis on irritated. 

I'm going to cut it short. We got to the Capital at 9am and left at 4pm. Went home, ate, finally. Browsed blogs, saw a post about a person's favorite things for the day {or week, I guess}. She listed three of her favorite blog posts, and they were all from blogs that had 300 followers or more. Honestly, it's killing me. Why can't you have a favorite post from a less popular blog? While I was eating I was ranting to my mom about the non-perks of being a blogger. I'm sorry, but I've been feeling really jealous lately, and I don't want to be a mean, bitter brat, but that 'you're not good enough' has been playing it's tune all in my head, and it just won't shut up. I can't look at those popular blogs anymore without that feeling of "you're a terrible blogger. you don't deserve to be here. so why don't you just quit?" I've been talking to God about it. Because I know he loves it when we tell him about our lives. Yes, he's God and he knows all, but he still loves you, and wants to know everything about you, from you. Your perspective.

My mind just keeps going and going and going and it won't stop. It's partly because I'm writer. It's partly because there are thoughts that I want to keep away that won't stop knocking on my door. I feel like the third wheel. And yes, I've been referred to as the third wheel. 

Went to church, saw one of my best friends, was scared half to death by my other best friend, hyperventilated again. Came home, finishing up my California packing. Blogging. Dying for a cup of tea. 

And no, my day wasn't bad, I just need to adjust my attitude. This is so not like me. Would you guys include me in your prayers? 

Need to finish packing. So excited for tomorrow. I love you all :))

-kiss, kiss, hug, kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss-

the outtakes, day 2

day two of the outtakes challenge. you can look at the original post here. 

Morning. Another rude awakening. Another yell in Joy's direction. But this time, it was Joy who was apprehended. A sigh of relief. The sheets were all twisted up, and the clock read 8:14am. I had awoken exactly two hours earlier, finding the earth still dark, and proceeded to sleep again. But having been awakened a second time, it was harder to fall back asleep. Darn it. Well, atleast my dream was enjoyable. Insert me and William Moseley walking across a random bridge in the middle of Scotland. No. Ireland. With a red-headed model from Ugly Betty following us. That what I get for listening to that one episode about natural beauty. She walked past, eyeing Will in a way I honestly didn't want to think about. Changing subject. We were talking about time frames, if you want me to get into specifics it was the 40min through 45min range. It all made sense of course. I mean, it had to. You can't just kill the person you're with and then switch to another dream. Especially not if it's William Moseley. 

I finally get up and look over myself in the mirror. Not much sleep in my eyes on this day, but my hair is all over the place. I was too lazy to wrap it last night, oh well. Brushed my teeth. Unimportant details that take their place in life like. I can hear my parents talking. Without even seeing her face I can determine my mom's mood. Focused. Not really up for small talk. Crap. I love it when she laughs at my antics. She announces to me that after I finish my morning chores, I work for her until her first appointment. Which means I'm on her time, and I do whatever she wants me to do. Ugh. But, I'm not on her time yet! Time for my non-chore-included morning routine.

Raspberry Royale tea and a sit-down at the laptop for my morning browsing. Yahoo, Twitter, Facebook, and Blogger, in that order. I normally don't like Facebook, but I love talking to all my friends from camp. Twitter is basically the same concept. I open my Blogger account to find no new comments. Goshbubbles! Are my posts really that bad and rambly?
A visit to Pastor's Girl's Ponderings, and a quick hover over the header because I just love it's little surprise. Thinking about getting one for my new blog design. No, I don't want to be a copycat. But I really, really want one. I clicked on her "daily reads" page, and look over her favorite blogs. Horsefeathers. Of course. The Daybook, yes. Aspire, absolutely. The Pioneer Woman, a must. A click on Aspire. I haven't been on that blog in awhile, and I can't remember if I followed. A sidebar header as well, but this one doesn't change on hover. Suddenly I feel inadequate. Why is it that everyone else seems to be better than I am? Better than me at everything. Winning everything. It seems like someone's singing this song over and over in my head: "Anything you can do I can do better, I can do anything better than you."
It won't shut up, and it's driving me crazy. Can't I just be good at something for once? Do what I want to do without being brought down by people who are calling me a copycat. I try to be the best me I can be, but it's hard because it seems like there are so many versions of me everywhere.
Log out of Blogger. I told myself I'd write my post later. I read some of Ted Dekker's Sinner, I have to finish it before it's due again. Afternoon comes, I eat lunch, and turn on the tv after playing Dawn from the Pride & Prejudice soundtrack, and tune into Giada @ Home. I love her cooking so much.
For some odd reason I start playing with my hair, and after a failed attempt with my sister, I proceed to put a French-style fishtail braid in my hair, which inevitably succeeds. Just a *little-bit* obsessed.

Here I am now, writing my Outtakes post and my Draftless post. Definitely not the best day ever. But still, it's not over yet :) 

{pee ess: I'm serious on thinking about getting a hover-sidebar-header. What do you guys think about this? Also, I'm thinking about getting a frequently asked questions page. What do you guys think about *this*?}

Going to ask my parents if they'll buy some cupcake batter. I have un-used decoration kits waiting for me ;)

the outtakes

outtake - something that is taken out; a take that is not used in an edited version of a film or videotape; a recorded musical selection not included in a record album

Sometimes our life is edited. Dressed-up with the perfect effects and perfect soundtrack that plays in the background. That's what the viewers see. The ideal life with no mistakes. 

But it's not all it's cut out to be. 

Some bloggers seem to have the perfect life. They're always happy, they have the best wardrobe, and they spend their days shopping or photographing sea gulls at the beach. And don't forget that A-plus in chemistry! But in reality, that's not all. It seems like they take what was all cheery and fabulous and mix it up to create a fantastic cupcake, with icing and sprinkles on top. But life's not always a cupcake. Maybe the mix wasn't measured correctly, or the oven was too hot. The cupcake is ruined. So, what do they do? They throw it out. Forget about it. A scene is cut, a blurry photograph is deleted. But why? 

Because some people want you to think that their life is a bowl of ice cream with that extra cherry on top, even though it's not. They want smiles and kind words and nods of agreement. Because if they talk about how hard life is, wouldn't they lose some friends? In this case, followers. They want to be loved so they create an image that seems almost impossible to follow. And hundreds of people admire them. They want to be just like them. 

But why can't you be the best you you can be? Even if the souflee is deflated. Even if you snap the photo a little too late and receive a blur. Yeah, you had a bad day. The take didn't go well, someone forgot their lines, so they deleted it and had to start all over. It's okay. It's not some sort of jinx or bad luck {I don't believe in those anyway}, bad days just happen. 

I have a proposition for you. For the next fourteen days, talk about your life. Talk about you. You know, the unedited version. Without the special effects, without the music, without the makeup. I want to see you. I call it The Outtakes. The movie without the red carpet, the premieres, and fans screaming and the deafening applause. So, here's what we're going to do:

At the end of the day {or whatever time of day} post on what you did. What made it happy, what made it special, and something that didn't happen, that could've made it better. If you had a not-so-good day, post on what made it seem not-so-good, and then make a note of something that didn't happen, that could've made it better. Don't be afraid to stand out. Don't be afraid to be who. you. are. 

<a border="0" href="http://thecupcakedictionary.blogspot.com/2011/08/outtakes.html" target="_blank"><img src=http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x352/RubyRain16/theouttakes.jpg></a>
Here's my first outtake:

I yelled at my sister today. But then again, who doesn't? It was 8:30am, and I knew my dream was ending. I had woken up, but I hadn't opened my eyes yet. Instead, I strained my ears and heard footsteps coming in my direction. Opening my eyes a sliver, I saw my sister's figure next to mine; she was sitting on the bed, playing with my jewelry. 

"Joy, out! I told you not to come in my room!!" 

She scurried away. I felt a little sorry at that moment, but returned to slumber. 

What could've made my morning better? If she hadn't come in my room. No, I'm kidding. If I hadn't yelled at her the way I did. Mom had a talk with me about respecting my siblings. Goodness gracious. Well, that's life. I apologized to her later, and explained the whole "teenagers are cranky when they're tired, and they need their sleep" business. But then again, she's five. What would she get out of that? 

Later on, she started crying out of blue. When I asked her what was wrong, she said she didn't want to be five anymore, and that she didn't the way her adult teeth were coming. She said my teeth were prettier than hers. I told her that she wouldn't be five forever, and that I felt the same way when I was her age. She felt a little better, but then started crying again with mumbles "I miss sister when she goes to California." I consoled her and let her wear my favorite hat. I'm pretty sure she's still wearing it. She says she wants to be just like me when she gets old. I'm not old at all, but I know what she means. That was special. I'm glad I have a sister. 

It sounds like a page out of a storybook, but that's just the way I write. 

And the good news is, the day isn't over. 

So post your outtake. Don't be scared of what people might think of it, but that's there opinion. Yours is what counts. You can take this button and post it on your blog, or in your outtake post, and you can comment giving me the link to your post, so I can check it out. I want to see your outtakes, too. 

So life isn't a perfect cupcake all the time. Whatever, that's cool. It's not the end of the world. 

xoxoxoxoo :)
{pee ess, is it wrong to be starting on my Christmas wishlist already?}

late night musings

fishtail braided hair. i look like a native american hippie. 

dreaming of oxfords. if only i could find more than one pair in my size!

my anticipation for cold weather is growing rapidly. apart from the fact that i get to wear a sweater in cali this thursday {yay!!} it seems like winter is so far away. or fall for that matter. but still, i'm praying for snow this year. i always do, anyway.

kels {darling} and i were talking about fashion. honestly, we're really not fans of the big designers, or magazines like vogue, or magazines at all for that matter. i mean, what they make seems so extravagant and expensive and it's not something that a normal person would wear on a regular daily basis. {to all the fashionistas out there: sorry. this is why i'm a cupcake blogger.} we like simple, neutral, and classy like the 1950's. vintage, mainly. ruche is perfect for that, by the way.

ohmygoshbubblesonpumpernickel boomchalkalloooo {all credit for the boom word goes to Mary. because she's awesome at making up words like that.} he. is. beautiful. can't you tell? {pee ess, if one of you says different, i will personally dispose of you. i'm sorry that's mean but you have to do wha'chu gotta do. hehe. that sounded so slannggg :P}

haley. i. love. haley. i met her at camp, and she's probably my most favorite person in the entire world. she takes care of all of her seven siblings, cooks, cleans, and cleans outside of the house, and on top of that does triathalons and is 118lbs and can beat me at arm wrestling. i'm over 30lbs heavier than her. do the math. whenever she talks, my mom comes out. she's my rolemodel. did i mention she's not even 16? oh. oops.
{no picture so i'm just going to throw up a picture of this strawberry shortcake thing i found}

i'm packing for california already. look, i'm not forgetting ANYTHING. i'm thinking about getting my cousin a present. FYI: my cousin in a dog. an actual dog. her name is grace jonez. and she's a cutie pie! i call her muffin because she's awesome like that. anyway, any presents for cutie pies?

beauty. real beauty. i came across this episode of ugly betty {note: I DO NOT WATCH UGLY BETTY. it's kinda strange...} and they were talking about this girl who was doing a photoshoot for publicity for this movie she was in. she happened to gain 30lbs for the role and she never lost it, and the magazine people were going to shrink her so she'd look....presentable. well, betty got to talk to the actress, and she said "i don't care if fashion is emaciated girls in painted on dresses" (or something like that) "and for what it's worth, i think you looked beautiful in those untouched photos. i'd kill to look like you." just think about that for a second. think.

sleep. i need to go to bed. nighty-night darlings!!
xoxxxxxooooo

why do i blog?

It's a question that's been filling my time lately, and I think it's time to answer that question. 
I've been hitting publish for nearly eight months now on Cupcake Dictionary. And honestly, this isn't the first blog I've had. I've been hitting publish for years, and in those first attempts of blogging the word "publish" really meant nothing to me. I just posted about random aspects of my life that no one seemed to care about, and by then I wondered why I hit 'create blog' in the first place. But now it's totally different. 

I don't know what people expect when they first come across this blog. Do they want a fashionista with a wardrobe the size of Manhattan? Do they want a chef who has the secrets to making a perfect Creme Brulee? Do they want a photographer who knows how to get the ideal macro shot? I don't know. But instead of getting all those things, they're going to get something totally different. Me. 

Your epic fail of a fashionista who rarely goes shopping due to her mother's instant meltdown. Your chef who has never made a Creme Brulee in her life due to the fact that we don't have a cooking blow torch-type-thingy. Your photographer whose brand new camera broke because of a usb cord mix-up. And yet, I'm still me. 

As much as I blog for you guys, I blog for me, too. I blog because when my friends ridicule me for loving Narnia as much as I do, there's still a place where I can be accepted, and no one can say any different. I blog because when I feel so out of place, I can always sit down and my computer, log-in to Blogger, and feel right at home. I also blog because cupcakes are awesome. Just sayin'. There may be a million blogs out there more popular than mine. There may be over a billion people who dress better than me, or have a better life than me. And yet, I'm still me. 
Hi! I'm Jocee. Short for Jocelyn. Silly, flighty, the blondest brunette you'll ever meet, short attention span, sweet-tooth, forgetful, loud, funny :P, loves cupcakes, dictionaries, and YOU. I blog because I am me. And I want the whole world to know that I always will be. Whether it's good, bad, or possibly even ugly, it's still me. And cupcakes are awesome. Just sayin'. 
xoxxoxooo 

me, at the moment

raspberry tea. five cups, exactly. yes, i am a tea addict, judge me all you like. 

pride & prejudice. i've become a jane austen addict in the course of about 7hrs.
{7hrs = watching both versions of the movie + reading the novel}.  there's something about mr. darcy that can only be explained through emotions.

cookies. i don't know what it is with me and cookies right now, but i just really really want some. no, this will NOT replace my relationship with cupcakes. i'm just saying.

six day. six days until i travel over the great white way into the wild, wild west! 

aka: six days until ca-li-for-ni-a! you know, i think "the great white way" has something to do with broadway. not california. but still! it sounded good, right?

my sister. i always thought that one day we'd walk along hand-in-hand in perfect harmony, but i realized that it would be some interesting harmony because she's a foot shorter than i am. of course, that's going to change. soon. 

vintage. no, for no reason in particular. i just like it. you know?

reading. trying to tackle dear john and ted dekker's sinner before tomorrow when they're both due. that's what you get for going to camp for a week and NOT taking them with you. 

black & white. it's my new obsession, partly because it reminds me of audrey hepburn and her beastly fashion skills. 

food. because i'm famished. 

this post was "stolen" from julia.
because life is a cup of cake, lovelies.

xoxoxoo
{pee ess: notice anything different on this blog?}
{pee pee ess: first person who finds out what's different about this blog and comment about it gets a virtual hug from me :P}
ready....and go! 

the answer to the question {part 3}

And so commences the last part of this Q&A and I will return to my regular posting. Before I start though, I would like to say that it is the anniversary of my marriage to Peter Pevensie/William Moseley, and my trip to California is in just a week {EEKK!!}. So, without further ado (and someone's name is "Ado", by the way) I give you my answers:

{Beth}: Are you and Peter gonna have any pets? Good question. I have a friend who happens to be a dove, her name is Ripple, but she's not necessarily our pet. Since animals in Narnia are smarter than they are on earth, I wouldn't formally label them as my pet. They would be able to fend for themselves. But you never know :) Will you be High Queen? Yes, yes I will. So stoked!! Are you gonna come to Australia on your honeymoon? (If so tell Pete to bring his brother) I don't know. I know New Zealand and a tour of Europe is in order, but I'm not sure about Australia. I can send Edmund to Austrailia for you, if you like ;)

{JesusChick}: Just a quick question: I've almost finished reading ur first book on fanfiction.com and I heard somewhere that u either already have a sequal or u r working on it. If u do have it, where can i find and read it?? First of all: Love your username. That's so awesome!!! I'm a Jesus Chick, too!! Second of all: I do have a sequel and I'm currently writing it, but it isn't on Fanfiction. I will be posting that story when I am finished with the first. And I hope you liked my story!! :))

{iGirl}: How tall are you? About 5'9. I'm so short. That's not sarcasm :P If you could be named something else what would it be? Well, I personally like Sandra Elizabeth Taylor. That's actually my stage name :P Who's your favorite actor/actress? Actor: William Moseley, Actress: Georgie Henley, Sandra Bullock and Betty White. Classics :D What's your favorite genre of music? SOUNDTRACK FOR THE WIN!!! I love all movie scores. Especially Star Wars and Pride & Prejudice. And Classical is a close second. And then, I don't know what genre it is, but I like the music Brooke Fraser and Alison Sudol {A Fine Frenzy} make. If you saw a pumpkin with legs walking across the road to a dollar store but it stopped and asked you for directions, what would you say? "Hey, aren't you the Great Pumpkin?" or "Running from the Thanksgiving table, I see." or "Are there such thing as pumpkin cupcakes?" Yes, I know, I cruel, but an innocent cruel :P If you could have any talent that you don't have, what would it be? Gosh, that's a hard one. Probably drawing. I can draw, but not like the professionals {duh}. Plus, I really like making fashion designs but it's really hard. I'll keep practicing, though! :)

{Katie}: -what is something you wish you could change about yourself? My nose. I really hate my nose. Although I can breathe, so that's okay. My eye color. No one knows what color my eyes are unless they look really close. I want emerald green eyes or the eyes my friend Haley has, they're a hazel-ish brown. -any boys you're interested in besides mr. moseley?  Alex Pettyfer. Hallelujah, amen, you are dismissed. -your favorite letter of the alphabet? "E" and "J". Of course "J" haha. -your worst fear? butterflies. don't ask.  -what do you want to do as an adult? Be a film composer {person who writes music for movie} and a writer. -what is your favorite animal?  A lion!!! I want one named Aslan. -if you could go anywhere on this planet, where would you go? England, so I could have tea with the queen and stalk the Pevensies -sheepish grin-

{Ashley}: what are your five most favorite: Books, Movies, Stores, blogs? Books: 5. Pride & Prejudice - Jane Austen 4. Saint - Ted Dekker 3. The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis 2. The Horse & His Boy - C.S. Lewis 1. The Bride Collector - Ted Dekker. Movies: 5. Miss Congeniality 4. The Proposal 3. The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe 2. Prince Caspian 1. Voyage of the Dawn Treader Where will you and Peter go on your honeymoon? :-D All around the world {Narnian world} and then come back to earth and tour Europe. How often do you look at dictionaries? Almost everyday :D  Do you like encyclopedias? Yes!! They smell so good :))

{Grace}: Do you take all of your pictures shown on your awesome blog? Or do you find them places like google, and stuff? I don't take all of the pictures. I wish I did, though. That'd be SO. BEAST. I get them from WeHeartIt or Tumblr. Those are my two websites :D

{Talia}: What is your favorite thing about God? Oh, Talia. That is probably the most precious question I've ever gotten. I just love to brag on God, you know? Okay, to answer your question: I love the fact that God is an everything God. He can do anything, he can do everything, and I think it's just rockin' awesome. For example: Say someone has a disorder that's not curable. It's not terminal, but it may effect their developmental process. Say, Autism for instance. What if someone looked at that person and said "Too bad, they're going to have to live with that forever." Well, if God can supernaturally heal Tuberculosis, Cancer, or a Tumor, then he can heal Autism, right? I mean, if he couldn't, then he wouldn't be an "anything and everything" God. Do you understand what I mean? That's what I love best about him. Thank you sooooo much for asking this :)) <3

Thank you all for being curious. And now, before I go, one more random photo!! Yay!! 

Okay, maybe two:

Today is a lovely-happy day. I'm listening to this song. I'm drinking Raspberry tea. I'm watching my sister {pray for me} I'm reading three books, and writing alot more than that. But I just realized I forgot to eat. Ooops. How do you forget to eat, Jocelyn? Really? Yes...really....okay pardon me! I'm going to make some waffles :)) Bye lovely-happys!

{pee ess: Anyone know how to center the post title and date?}

{pee pee ess: I made up a new quote. Do you want me to show you guys?}

{pee pee pee ess: What do you guys think of my playlist? Do you like it? Any song suggestions, should I take off certain songs? Anything?}

Okay, I'm done with the pee pee ess's. See ya' later, alley-gate-or! 

the answer to the question {part 2}

So here is part two of my Q&A! There's still time to ask me a question, just go to this post and submit your comments :)) 
{alaw}: "Ask me about my wedding with Peter Pevensie/William Moseley." Sure! Guess what? I'm engaged with Edmund! :P Okay! I'll be happy to tell you. The dress is all white with loose fitting straps that are off the shoulders, and there is an emerald green sash that wraps around the middle {unless I decide to change the design}. And you should've been there when he proposed! So beautiful. It's a tear jerker. -insert tears jerking here- And congratulations on your engagement with Edmund! Although I must say you're going to have to go through lots of screaming girls to get down the aisle ;)

{Liz Schoonover}: What about your 5 kids Jocee? Well, they were born in the order as follows: Jennette, Olivia, Hayden, Christian, and Hadley. And there's a special part about Olivia: she has green eyes!! It's kinda remarkable and it was totally unexpected.. And Hadley has blue eyes. *sigh* Just like Peter's... Also, what made you so in love with cupcakes, and dictionaries? Hmm...well...I've always loved cupcakes, and I don't know what got me so into dictionaries. I've always liked them, too ;) :P

{Brownie Girl}: Did you ever taste a cupcake then throw it away? From what I can remember, no. Unless....oh wait! Yes. One time. I was at a birthday party and the mom made cupcakes with Peanut butter and nuts in them. Everyone else loved them, but I hate peanut butter...and most nuts, so I spit it out when no one was looking :P Did you ever think about creating a cupcake dictionary? ;-) I have, actually! Mary from Sue-Sue's Stories has even expanded on the idea for me :) I always thought it'd be so cool to have a dictionary full of the different types of cupcakes. I mean, why not? That'd be awesome.

{Kels}: How long have you been a Christian? Oh, Kels, thank you so much for asking this question. I love answering this question SO MUCH!! Anywho, I will have been saved 10yrs this upcoming October 31st, so I've been saved 9yrs. Best years of my life, and there will be many more the come :)) What are you planning on doing when you graduate high school? I plan on going to a university and studying to become a film composer {the person who writes the music for movies} and a writer. So nervous for the SAT's next year! :P What would your dream house be? I'm going to have more than one house, mind you, so when I get tired of one I'll live in the other one for awhile :{P But my dream house will be white. Somewhat historical, with tall ceilings and a private library. My backyard will be like any other backyard, with a swimming pool, but it's off the library where there's a porch that you can see what looks exactly like Narnia. You can come over!! Let's have tea and cupcakes :))

{Rachel}: What got you started on blogging? Great question! iCarly got the ball rolling, believe it or not. They have those shirts on their show and they say something that's completely pointless like "angry towel" or something, and I thought to myself, if I had a shirt like that I'd call it "Cupcake Dictionary". And suddenly, I thought it would make a great blog name. Plus, cupcakes and dictionaries make the world go round! I'd blogged before, but those projects were failed attempts because no one liked the blog or responded to it. And then when I met Bleah last fall, I read her blog, and in January of this year, I started Cupcake Dictionary. That was a really long rambling answer, sorry dear :)  If by some obscure chance, things don't work out with William, what are some things you look for in a man? He must be submitted to God, his pastor, his parents and any form of authority. I asked God for him to have a sensational sense of humor, whether it be dry humor or not. And of course, I'm leaving the looks to God. Also, I don't want him living on the streets when I meet him, if you know what I mean ;) Aside from cupcakes, what other sweet things do you like to eat? I love cake. And blueberry muffin doughnuts. It may sound gross, but that's what I have every Sunday. At our church, one of the Sunday school teachers buys doughnuts and I have one and a cup of raspberry tea. Strange combination, but it's so cool. I also LOVE Creme Brulee, and brownies :))

Thank you again for your lovely questions! Part three will be posted tomorrow. And now, for a random photo:

Okay, maybe two :P 

part three coming tomorrow! 

{pee ess before i actually end this post: i'm thinking about not using my signature anymore. i think it would be more genuine to just end with a personal message of love, you know? what do you guys think?}

okay, now i'm done. bye-bye, birdies! 

xooxxooxxxooo 

the answer to the question {part 1}

Y'all remember last week {eight days to be exact} when I presented the Q&A? Well, you submitted the questions and I'll provide the answers. Yay!! So let's get on with it:
{Shelley}: Okay, if you could have anything in the world be named after you, what would it be? Um, that's a hard one. This answer will sound very simple and quite surprising, I would have to say an avenue. A street. But not just anywhere. Somewhere special, maybe where Mr. Darcy lives, or the Bennett's or maybe in a place that resembles the Hobbit's Shire. Somewhere very secluded and serene. Would you rather have the knowledge of a dictionary, or the sweetness of a cupcake? Well, since I have the sweetness of a cupcake already {or atleast I hope so, anyway, no one's perfect :P} I would say the knowledge of a dictionary. I want to be really, really smart. If you could change one thing about Narnia, what would you make different? :) Definitely in The Last Battle that the Pevensies didn't have to die. If I could pick two, I'd say that Susan didn't lose her faith in Narnia. 
{Arianna Marie}: Why do you love vintage stuff so much? (I love it too :)) To be honest, Arianna, I don't know. I think it's because it's a whole different object from the rest of the world. It seems really whimsical and it's the complete opposite of fashion today. To think, vintage was once not vintage at all. It was the norm! But that's also what makes it so special :) What kind of camera do you use? I use a Nikon CoolPix S3100 and it happens to be purple. I loved it, until I broke it. Don't ask :P What is your favorite kind of cupcake (toppings and all!)? Hmm. I'd have to say strawberry, with cream cheese icing and assorted sprinkles. I also love rainbow confetti, red velvet, and vanilla :)) 
{dezzy louise}: What is it about your vintage addiction? Like I told Arianna, it's so different but it's so beautiful and mystical. It's like a part of me that has been missing, but I've finally found it. What about your wedding with Peter Pevensie/William Moseley? It's going to be held in the Grand Hall at Cair Paravel, the same hall the Pevensies were crowned kings and queens in. Mr. Tumnus will be the ring bearer, Lucy my Maid of Honor, and Susan my bridesmaid and Edmund will be Peter's best man. Aslan will be conducting the ceremony and when the reception has finished Peter and I will take a stroll on the beach. What's your five kid's names? I've been doing alot of naming and renaming of this one: Jennette Michelle Arianna, Olivia Renee Isabella, Hayden Douglas, Christian Anthony, Hadley Serena. It's not quite final, but it's a start :) What are your plans on the library your going to have someday? The entrance is going to be a wardrobe like the one used in the Narnia movies, and it the shelves will be dusted with snow and there will be a lamppost, and a section of the library will be located outdoors. There will be a swinging bench on my porch and a one-way mirror where I can see them but they can't see me. And of course a selection of my favorite classical music and movie soundtracks playing the whole time! what are a few of your favorite blogs??? Hmm.. Where Love Abounds {Bleah's blog}, The Inglenook {Abbey's blog}, Through the Looking Glass, and of course Sharing Endless L'amour {your lovely blog :D}, Beauty Like A Kaliedoscope {Katie's blog} , and Lollipops & Cupcakes {Gracie's blog}. 
{Amanda}: What was your wedding with Peter/Will like? My crown is similar to his, and there was a portrait of Peter and I unveiled {everyone adored it} and that cake was good. Man, it was good. What are the names of your five kids? Jennette Michelle Arianna, Olivia Renee Isabella, Hayden Douglas, Christian Anthony, Hadley Serena. What kind of books will you have in your library? You better have the CoN, or I will be sad. ;) All the Ted Dekker books, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and of course C.S. Lewis :) 
{hayley}: how in the world did you get a picture inside the text? it looks amazing. There was a tutorial on Qui's design blog {she just shut it down, though, darn.} I used GIMP. how many hours a day are you online? (: Ha! Alot. Too many that I prefer to say, actually. About five, maybe six. how frequently do you eat cupcakes? At the moment I'm going through a cupcake famine, but usually once every two weeks. It depends. We might get cupcakes this Friday! :D
Since there were fifteen people who asked questions, I'm splitting this up into a three part post. I'll answer five people's questions per day, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow's post! But what would this post be without a picture? 

chow for now! 

xoxooxxxxooooo