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life ~ a photostory

  ~ a life update in the form of a photostory ~ this is truly Julia's aesthetic, entirely by accident, most of her closet is blue and white stripes. she's always either wearing her airplane propeller necklace or her dream necklace, wearing double dutch braids.  Once upon a time, there was a girl named Julia. She was a dreamer, one with a good imagination and wide horizons. Some of her happiest days as a teenager were spent taking photos of dolls, lying in the street to get the perfect angle. Her dolls were like built in friends, companions wherever she went, on trips and vacations and outings.  As she grew up, Julia grew busier and busier, and high school was a lot of work. But she had goals and she did everything she could to reach them. One of them was graduating two years early, which took up a lot of time and energy. After hours upon hours of studying, she finally graduated.  Taking a gap year beginning in 2020, the weirdest year of the century, she had no lack of other thi

My First EVER Awards! (and a little secret surprise)

I'm pretty excited. 'Cause... after nearly two years of blogging I JUST got nominated this month for my first award(s)... and somehow I ended up with (hehe) three  four five... but one I got nominated for three times! Well, I'm going to get started. If you're bored, skip this post and go to another one. I'm pretty much waiting for those pictures *scowls* of Madi to upload.
Now, to proceed.
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 The Sunshine Blogger

 
I was nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award by Madison of Delightful World of Dolls! I REALLY appreciate this, Madi! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I was also nominated by Taryn of Life of a Farm Doll! Thank you so much!
Now, from what I understand... here are the rules:
 
The rules:
1. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator.
2. Nominate 11 blogs.
3. Ask them 11 questions
 
I'm going to answer Madi's first, since she nominated me several months ago -they're really great ones! This should be a lot of fun... :D

 

What inspired you to start your blog?

Well... my sister was blogging first. I thought it looked fun and tried out my own personal blog (and.. I'm not going to tell you the link. It's pretty awful.) and it kinda failed. *laughs* But I found Lissie & Lilly first, while looking for Lea leaks. And then, of course, there was Loren from Happy House of AG. I found several more (including Small Dolls in a Big World, Doll Days, Delightful World of Dolls)
Yeah, so I was inspired to start my own doll blog, since I had three dolls then and my sister had two. My first post was on July 18, 2015. I don't remember when I actually started, so I consider that my blogiversary. I'm pretty sure I posted that the day I started though. My first few were just fun facts of stock photos *cringes*. And then... I discovered the fun of photography. That explains everything!
 

How well do you like the design of your blog?

I'm actually really proud of it. I love the photo that I had made into the header, and I needed one with seven dolls in it after Madi came, so I just added the caption. And here's a rather funny fact: Madi's not in that picture. From left to right:
Amy, Elly, Grace, Josie, Katie, Sam, Julie
I also love the background. I think the font is pretty fun too! I mean, it's not the best of all bloggers (obviously!), but it's the best I can do.

What are your blogging goals for 2017?

Ooohh... *laughs evil-ly* Well, there are a lot. The one I want to hit the most is... 100 followers, and 100 subscribers. It kidna makes me feel bad when I see all these 100 followers posts on blogs that just started a few months ago. I always feel like there's something I'm not doing right and I stress over it. I wanna hit three hundred posts this year. And get a lot of photostories and photoshoots in. I'd also like to actually start a photoseries that I actually continue. *shamefacedly looks at ground when remembers all the ones started* I have several: The Last Hope (which.. I 'm getting a custom made dress for that one), The Hidden Diary Series, Kathryn's Story. Get the idea yet? I'm also planning on spending my summer on three things: spending time with my family, Bible Bee, and um... pictures of dolls. Doll blogging. Photography. That sort of thing!
 

What was your favorite blogging memory of 2016?

Wow, really? THAT is hard. I have like, three off the top of my head:
1. Bringing Katie home
2. The Craft Collab with Madison
3. Welcoming Madi to Dolls N' All

 

How do you come up with inspiration for a blog post?

My dolls, other bloggers, my imagination, my family & friends. That's pretty much it.

Which blog post of yours is your favorite?

Another hard one! How about a list?
The Ice Princess is most likely my favorite photoshoot ever.
The Ultimate Hide and Seek is probably my favorite photostory to shoot.
Golden Days is my next favorite photoshoot.
Do you need CitruslyGood Lemorange? is one of my favorites for some odd reason... :D  

What is your favorite thing to blog on – computer, phone, laptop, etc.?

Most definitely a computer. I can do it on a laptop if I'm on vacation or someone is using the home computer, but I would MUCH rather use a computer.... though if the laptop has a mouse, I'll take it for sure 'cause I can carry it around!

How long does it usually take you to make a blog post?

It depends on what kind of post (photostory, photoshoot, update, etc) , how long of a post, how many pictures, and how long it takes for the pictures to upload. I try to upload pictures in the morning 'cause it's faster, but it still takes a while sometimes. I enjoy the writing, but it takes me a while sometimes since I often get interrupted. 

What do you think is the hardest part of blogging?

Ugh, definitely finding time. The only reason I'm actually doing this right now is because I'm holding my little sister while she watches Beethoven's fifth symphony and I'm typing with one hand (so excuse any grammatical or spelling errors). My parents don't give huge approval of me doll blogging. Yes, they let me and sometimes my mom helps me with ideas, but most of the time, if I really want to blog I have to wake up early and upload pics before the internet turns into a turtle and everyone has their laptops on.... around 9. I cannot WAIT until summer. I am so. sick. of. school! Even though I'm two years ahead of my grade on my own accord and by my own decision and doubled-up work, I still get told to finish lots of school. It stresses me out.
Alright, rant over. Next question!

What is your favorite part about blogging?

I LOVE the amazing blogging family out here! I don't have many friends IRL that like dolls (Sarah, Jaimie, and Anna are pretty much the ones my age), but there are TONS out here in the blogosphere! I also enjoy reading comments (hint. hint.) and replying, and following and reading other blogs. Seeing myself improve in writing and photography is pretty fun too... :D 
 
I get to nominate 11 blogs now! How fun!
- All Things Doll

And... my eleven questions (this should be even more fun):
1. If you could meet anyone (from any time period, fictional or non-fiction, alive or dead) anywhere in the world, who and where would it be?
2. What would your dream job be?
3. Why did you start blogging?
4. What's a blogging tip for others?
5. Who is your favorite blogger that you look up to?
6. If you could turn any book into a movie, which book would it be?
7. What is the best birthday gift you've ever gotten?
8. This or that: typing a story or writing it down. And why?
9. Chocolate or candy? And what's your favorite?
10. How much time do you spend on your blog per week (approx.)?
11. What is your favorite thing to see on a blog?

Now for Taryn's!
What is your Beforever? If Nanea was out, she's the top. But since she's not, I'd have to go with Maryellen. She's adorable! And then of course, Melody. That is, if I don't count the ones I have.
Favorite animal?
Alright, ready? Horses, dolphins, Hawaiian monk seals (the baby ones are SO. SO. CUTE!), chipmunks
Favorite emoji?
The smirk. :D And the cute smiley ones...
Favorite sport?
Figure skating! I love watching it and figure skating *sighs*. We were supposed to go skiing this weekend but because of the crazy weather *scowls*, we're going ice skating instead.
Do you like horses?
I LOVE horses! Are you kidding?!! I have a sign in my room that says 'Life without horses.. I don't think so."
Do you like blogging?
Is that a serious question?! Blogging is like part of me! I absolutely love blogging! It's another outlet for my creativity. :)
Do you have any allergies?
Nope, except the seasonal ones like pollen and dust. *gags* Nasty pollen.
 What are the first 3 word you think of when you hear 'sleep' ?
amazing, wonderful, relief
I'll explain. (side note - not all of these awards were written at one single time, so it's like two weeks after the above ones...) I woke up at like, 5 this morning and had allergies (pollen in February is just NOT right. It's a super high count right now), so I didn't go back to sleep but instead did an hour of math.
 What was the first doll blog you read?
I really think it was Lissie and Lilly, actually!
 What is your favorite book? (Dun dun dun!)
Easy. :) Normally, I'd be like "AUGH! NO! NOT THIS QUESTION!" but you're lucky, 'cause I have a favorite that's stayed at the top of my list -
Light of the Last by Chuck Black. It's the last in a trilogy called Wars of the Realm - BEST. BOOK. EVER. And believe me, I've read at least a thousand in my life. And I 'm not exaggerating... in summer of 2013 alone, I read like, 13,134 pages. Almost 100 books...

I already nominated the above... :D
 
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Now, for the...

One Lovely Blogger Award

The rules:
Thank the person who nominated you and give a link to their blog
Write a post about this award
Share 7 facts about yourself
Nominate at most 15 people
Tell the nominees the good news!
 
So... I like, got nominated three times, so thank you to the amazing Kiki , Izzy, and Madi! (click on their names to go to their blog!)  It's pretty cool - so like... having not been nominated and then suddenly nominated five times total and THREE times for this!
Hey wait a sec.... *smirks* does this mean I get to share 21 facts?
I'm not sure if I could think up 21 facts!
Why not. :D
1. I play the piano, violin, and the lap harp. I LOVE music! I've been playing the piano since I was like, four, and the violin since I was six or seven. I play in an orchestra (violin). My favorite song on the harp is a six page version of Pachebel's Canon, transposed from piano music!
2. I am a chocoholic. The one of the most clever birthday gifts was from one of my best friends who knows me way. too. well. She gave me doll shoes, a gorgeous doll dress, and washi tape... in a box stuffed with dark chocolate Hershey kisses. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. (Thanks again, Sarah!)
3. I have an adorable, very mischievous, rather odd little sister that I often help babysit. You see, when she's mad, the thing that makes her quiet down is the thirty five minute thirty-five second version of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony in C minor, Opus 67 by Thielman. Yup, all thirty-five minutes. She literally sits in my lap and listens to the entire thing and watches the full orchestra play it. On loop. Three times. (which is precisely what she was doing in the first award... hehe..)
4. One day I'd like to be a missionary doctor and have my pilot's license. People think that's lofty, but I'm already getting started! My homeschool science course is specifically for students who would like to go into the medical field!
5. I don't have my own laptop, tablet, or phone. EOS. (end of story)
6. I take piano lessons from a concert pianist who travels to Europe frequently. Cool, huh?
7. I got to Skype with Madison from DWOD! HOW COOL IS THAT?!?! Yup, for my birthday!
8. I've co-written three books, and written two on my own. It's pretty fun. I'm also working on my own short story to dollitize for one of DNA's 2017 specials!
9. One of my Christmas gifts is a custom made AG doll outfit. I can't wait (hint, think Narnia Susan's green dress...).
10. This one will most likely shock most of you...


I've never read or watched any of the following: Harry Potter, LOTR, The Hunger Games, or Star Wars.... and here's the shocking part - I've never really wanted to. Believe it or not...

11. I am currently in danger of being shot with a gun. A Nerf gun... by my younger brothers (is that considered a fact?!).
12. I have made waffles so many times since Christmas with our new waffle maker that I'm not even hungry for waffles anymore. Think like, seven times?
13. I'm an Irish dancer! Well... actually, I had to stop several years ago, but I still dance - I LOVE hard shoe!
14. Okay, so... here's the downside to the above: I pulled/ partially tore part of my hamstring in OCTOBER and it STILL hasn't healed. It's quite annoying because of the next fact - ready?
15. I. LOVE. ICE. SKATING. It's like, one of the best sports EVER! And also, I rollerblade, so (hehe) by the end of the first hour of the first time in my LIFE of ice skating (which was last year), I was spinning, gliding on one foot, and skating backwards. Of course, I can't do any of that right now because of this CRAZY hamstring.
16. I also really enjoy snow skiing! But I live where it's so warm that the ONLY two sports I can decently play/do are so RARE that we have to travel several states to go snow skiing. *scowls* And the resort is currently closed down because it's so warm. Which means, no snow skiing... yet. *evil laugh*
17. Ha, here's an obvious one! Ready for it? PREPARE YOURSELF.
I love dolls!
Kinda idiotic, eh? If you're even here at this blog... haha... you might be able to tell from even the title.
18. Is this already halfway over? I'm just getting started. *thought comes to self* Wait... if I'm doing twenty one facts... does that mean... I HAVE TO NOMINATE FORTYFIVE PEOPLE?!?!?! I'll think about that... later!
Oh yeah. That's ^ not a fact... so..
I sponsor a little girl named Rose in the Philippines. It's so neat to receive handwritten letters and drawings from her! Sometimes I want to spend my money on a doll instead (it's enough for one doll a year since I split it with my mom and sister), but right about then I get another letter. How perfect?!
19. I'm two grades ahead of the grade I'm supposed to be because of my age.
AND NO I DID NOT SKIP A GRADE! I am SO sick of people saying I've skipped grades! I DIDN'T!! I PROMISE! I did the right amount of work, it just didn't take me as long because school isn't too hard for me. So I finished two grades in one year, and one grade between last August-November, and now I'm two grades ahead. Well, technically, 1 1/2, but I will be if I finish sooner. But the way things are looking, it looks like I'll be taking up the rest of 2017 with this school year. I'm not terribly motivated.
20. I love this award! I love rambling! I love telling about me instead of my dolls (sorry, girls). Is that considered a fact? If not, here's another: I look a lot like Kaya, Josefina, #66, #49, #29 (in the summer, haha!), #59 (not so many layers). Oh, and uh, with braces. XD
21. Last one. *sobs* Actually. What was I going to say? Uh....
Okay, let's see. Ah, I thought of one! My biggest goal this year....
is....
 
TO PACK 100 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES!
BUT -
Each box WILL AND MUST have a doll in it. That's this:
100 Dolls 4 100 Girls
I am like, super excited about this project. Like, so excited, really really really really excited. I'm even having some friends over tomorrow to make soap for the shoeboxes! Hey, speaking of which, I need to go make cookies and make sure we have all the stuff for the soap. Hmmm... yeah.
Now I can nominate up to 45 people (haha, no. not happening.) Just a few this time..
Heather at Dollightful Dolls
                                       
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I was also nominated for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award - twice!! Yay! Thanks to Natalie and Christian Homeschooler !!!
 
 
- What is you favorite GOTY doll? 
Augh! Don't ask me that!!! Actually, I really like Jess (she looks like me), Mia (she's an ice skater!), Kanani (she's from Hawaii), Saige (artist), and Grace (baker), and Gabby (poet)... but I think my favorite would have to be Lea. She's GORGEOUS! Alright, I'll rank them: Lea, Saige, Kanani, Gabby, Grace, Mia, Jess

 - Which of your dolls is most like you?
Actually, each of their personalities and their favorites is a bit of me! I have to say though, that Madi is the most like me. I don't have blue eyes and blonde hair, but I do have braces and glasses. We're both bloggers, love dolls, enjoy writing, and are photographers.

 - Do you like asparagus?
I don't even remember trying it... and I try not to say that I don't like stuff before I try it. :D Brussel sprouts are neutral. I'll eat them, but they're not my favorite. They're kinda like.. squishy lettuce...

- What color is your favorite shirt?
Teal - that was easy! It's my favorite color, and the color of like a billion things in my closet!

 - If you could get any AG mini doll right now, which one would it be?
Oohhh.. I take it the doll has to be available? I'd probably get Kaya or Samantha.

 - What is your favorite candy?
Rolos! *cheers* And pretty much anything chocolate. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. I love, love, love chocolate! 

 - What do you think of AG releasing a boy doll?
I think he's a pretty neat doll. Out of the 6 2017 dolls released (or to be released) I'll give you a sneak peek of my next release post:
1. Nanea
2. Gabby
3. Logan
4. Tenney
5. Felicity
6. Z Yang
    So yeah, he's third on the list... but I might switch that out with Tenney. I dunno.
     
    Thanks again Natalie!
    Now, I'll answer Christian Homeschoolers, which she said to answer Madison's from DWOD, so yeah. Onto those!

    *************** 
How long have you been blogging?
I've had this blog since July of 2015... but I think I really and truly started loving blogging in the early spring of last year!
 
What is the worst blog post you think you’ve ever done?
Oh. ouch. youch. yikes. uh-oh.
Okay, fine. *cringes* Pretty much all of the 2015 ones.... all six (?!) of them. *gags* I have half a mind to delete them!
What blog post are you the most proud of?
For photostory, it'd have to be A Week in the Life of the DOTM when Madi commentates one day of her life in the family. I'm really really proud of that one!
For a photoshoot, it would most definitely be Ice Princess. I am SO happy with how that turned out!
Which blogs/bloggers inspired you the most when you first started?
Wow! Okay, I think the first blog that I read was Lissie and Lilly, and I really liked those photostories. I found Happy House of AG and then Small Dolls in a Big World and a couple others. The next one that inspired me was Delightful World of Dolls! So yeah, those are the top four...  
Have you ever wanted to quit or take a break from blogging? Why?
Most definitely! I easily get discouraged, especially when I read other blogs that have hundreds of followers and I can't figure out why on earth there are that many...
What motivates you to keep blogging?
Comments, followers, readers, my imagination! I love photography, I love hearing your opinion, I love making new blogging friends, I love my dolls, and I love blogging!
Do you have a least favorite part about blogging?
I hate waiting for pictures to upload!
What is your favorite part about blogging?
Creating the stories, taking the pictures, doing doll hair, and hearing from you guys!
What is the hardest part about having a blog?
Finding time, most definitely!
Share your favorite blogging tip with the world. You rock!
:) Wow... uh.. have fun! Love your dolls!
But, if it's a tip for actual blogging and how to improve, here are a couple:
1. Take the best quality pictures possible. Practice, practice, practice until they are the best EVER. Make sure to have good lighting.
2. Write the best you can. Practice, practice, practice! Use correct grammar...
3. Make sure your dolls look nice. Do their hair, dress them nicely, take the time to stand them up and not just stick them in stands.
 
So now, for the bloggers I considered the closest to sisters!
Taryn of Life of a Farm Doll
Izzy of Sew Sweet Dollies
Samantha of AGDollAwesome
Katie of the KitKatStudio
 
If you'll answer Madi's questions, I love hers, and I can't wait to see your answers! 
***************
Thank you so, so, much for reading all of that!
If you were nominated and read that, will you let me know in the comments below so I don't bug you? :) Thanks!
I hope you suffered through, and as a reward....
 

My Secret and Only-Written-In-My-DNA-Journal-And-Memorized-In-My-Head Blogging Schedule

Maybe, maybe, just MAYBE you'd like to see some of my secret plans for the future...
Clue #1: This dress is used in the first part of one of the upcoming photostory series. The initials of this pet project of mine (with a custom made outfit that was my Christmas gift from a dear friend): TLH
Clue #2: The above picture shows a very important part of SOS... 

Clue #3: This is also a clue for SOS... but it's not the same pet project as above... mwhahaha..
Clue #4: A competition...
Clue #5: An aforementioned project that will actually happen this summer with a trip to FL and a very hopeful meet up with one of my favorite bloggers e.v.e.r.
 
 
So, does that help make up for my boring answers? :) Well, I hope you're looking forward to all of these 2017 surprises- look for approx. 1 per month (I've already got the dolls dressed for one of them!)!
~ Light4theLord


 
 
 
 
 


Comments

  1. I LOVE THIS POST [L4TL]!!!! Wow! While I was reading the post I saw so many things I wanted to comment about- but now I'm pretty sure I've forgotten every one of them! :p Sorry!! :/ \

    Even just since I've been reading your blog I've really seen it change quite a bit, and I love how far it's come!!

    Also, thank you for nominating me!! ♥

    ♥Katie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay, I'm glad you like it! haha, that's funny. :)
      Oh, thank you! I really appreciate that! I love blogging!
      You're super welcome, you deserve it!
      ~ Light4theLord

      Delete
  2. Aw, you're welcome, L4TL! You are so inspiring! you know, it's funny, your doll Madi kinda looks like me, except I don't have bangs, and my glasses are blue. I LOVE Jess! I actually have her, but I renamed her Adalyn. And I totally agree with you in the brussels sprouts department-meh. Squishy lettuce indeed. Keep on awesomely blogging!
    -Natalie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm so glad I can inspire others, because I've been inspired by a LOT of bloggers! That's funny! I never noticed that! Jess is gorgeous - I like the name Adalyn! I've had them once in my life... and I haven't had them since.

      Delete
  3. Congratulations on getting nominated! I actually found out that we are WAY more similar than I thought:
    I've never read or watched any of those either.
    I love dolls too. (OK, I already knew that we both love dolls!)
    I am two grades ahead, but actually I did skip those grades. (Are you homeschooled? I am!)
    Those are some of my favorite GOTY dolls too!
    I'm excited for Logan too! ( I actually might get him in a few months!)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I loved reading this! Thank you so much for nominating me!
    I sometimes feel discouraged too about my follower account and comments. Like a doll blogger has like 200 followers and why don't I even have 100? My photos are really good (not trying to brag) and my posts are sometimes better than that bloggers and I post more often then that blogger so why don't I have more followers?? I also don't edit any of the photos I don't think people realize that. :( Sorry for ranting.
    <3Bella

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so very welcome! I feel the EXACT same way! IKR? :) I don't edit either, and I still only have 20... :( Oh well! I have fun blogging anyways! I rant... a lot. :)
      ~ Light4theLord

      Delete
  5. Also you should read at least the Hobbit. The other ones I don't car about/like/believe in them, but Tolkien is an amazing author and the Hobbit isn't hard to read at all. :)
    <3Bella

    ReplyDelete
  6. WHOA WHOA WHOA, YOU'RE 2 YEARS AHEAD OF YOUR CLASS? No way! I was skipped when I was in Kindergarten because I was too smart I was like this (this is an untrue story)

    Teacher: What's 1+1?
    Other kids: 11?
    Me: -sighs- 2, that's easy.. What's next?

    So I went to 1st grade at 5. I'm supposed to be in 4th, but I'm currently in 5th.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now only a year ahead, but yeah. :D XD I didn't do kindergarten either. :) Cool!

      Delete

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