Sad endings and Happy beginnings

2010

You have been a good year. There is so much you have showed me. So much you have taught me. I’ve had happy days. I’ve had sad days. I’ve had busy days. I’ve had not as busy days. I’ve laughed. I’ve cried. I’ve created. I’ve destroyed. I’ve met people who have become important in my life. I’ve rediscovered friends who’ve been there all along. I’ve learned. I’ve taught. I’ve been blessed.

There is something about saying goodbye to a year. You never realize how fast time truly flies until one door is shutting. This time in 2009 I was babysitting two little girls with my best friend. At midnight, we watched the ball drop in NY and then went out back and lit sparklers. We wrote out “2010” in the air and took pictures of it with my camera. 

No, this is not my own work. New computer - misplaced files :)

I cannot believe its been a year since then. Even though 2010 is over, the memories I’ll carry with me are those I will forever be thankful for.

2011

You are going to be a good year. I can see it now. I’m not big into new years resolutions but I will make one this year. This year I will be better. At being a Christian, at being a friend, at being a writer, at being a human being. I will work. I will create. I will laugh. I will cry. I will be happy. I will be sad. I will learn. I will teach. And in the end, I will always be blessed. 

God is giving me the gift of being part of another year. I will not waste it. 

My dear readers, its been an honor having you part of my journey in 2010. I hope you will continue these travels with me in 2011. 

Much love, 

Valia

Fair-wells to 2010....

My dear readers, 

Can you believe it? This is the last Monday of 2010. I cant believe how fast the year has gone by. So much has happened and so much has not. On this last Monday I want to take a journey back to a few happenings of 2010. So read on!

First of all, I started this blog this year. 

I’ve never pictured myself as someone with a blog. Sure, I write. That’s what I do. But at the same time a blog was something weird to me. I want to thank all of my wonderful followers and readers for taking the time to visit with me on my humble “blog-abode.” It means the world to me! 

Second of all, my book was published in 2010. 

I’ve never even imagined that happening! Ever! And yet, here I am, a published author! To all of you who have read my book, I give the biggest thanks! I cannot express how much it means to me to have you hold my words in your hands. 

Third of all, I have met so many wonderful people this year, authors and readers alike. Authors - your support and friendship is the biggest encouragement I could have ever hoped for!

 Readers - you are a blessing to me! I couldn’t do what I do without knowing you will be on the receiving end of things. 

Now, I can go on and on. But I better stop. There might be another post before the end of the week (or two) :) 2010 has truly been an amazing year for me and I cannot wait to see what 2011 has in store for me! 

Have a wonderful day!

Much love, 

Valia

Merry Christmas Eve!!!

Its December 24th!!! Its December 24th!!! I'm truly amazed actually!!! Today was a long and busy day. I had another photo session with a family, and of course went to work. :)
I promised some more Christmas cheer for you, so here is some from my house!

Just a bit of our decorations this year!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve!!!! Love you all!!!

Much love,

Valia

Happy Christmas Eve-Eve!!!!

      I cannot believe it is almost Christmas! Time flies with the speed of a flying bullet.  Well, in honor of the Christmas season, I thought I’d share some Christmas cheer with you! 

First of all, I love this new song by Train! The Coca-Cola commercials are my favorite this holiday season. 

Second of all, this song is one of the most beautiful “reasons for the season” songs I have heard. I think more often than not we forget what Christmas is all about. 

In other news, I’m writing! Well, maybe not exactly news but there it is. I’m thinking of teasers on the blog and twitter in the coming year. What do you say? Anyone interested? 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas Eve - Eve! More Christmas cheer coming your way!

Much love,

Valia

Missing again....and some cute pictures!

Good evening my dear readers. As you have noticed, I have been missing...again. Life, it really gets in the way of things. :)
Well, I must say it has been a bit of a crazy 13 days since you've seen me last. Between two jobs, fighting this ever present sickness, and trying to write, I've been a bit...whats the word....overwhelmed? I've also had a few photography jobs lately. Let me tell you, I've missed those! I forget how much a part of me photography really is when the world spins in chaos around me. But I found a few precious moments to get back to one of my favorite activities and took some pictures. Would you like to see? Oh stop begging, you know I'm going to show you some!

  Isn't he the most adorable baby ever??? He's 9 months old and such a perfect model. Didn't cry a bit! I was a complete stranger to him and yet, look at that big smile.

  I had another photo session today, this time a family who is dear to my heart. I will be posting pictures a bit later. They get them first, people! :)

  Also, a bit of exciting news! Well, exciting for me. My best friend is home for a few weeks!!! I'm actually quite deliriously happy about that particular fact. This weekend we went to see the Star of Wonder put on by Phoenix First Assembly and it was amazing! Especially the fact that I had the privilege of sharing the evening with her! I'm thinking of putting her in a box and keeping her here so she cant go back to school. What do you say? :)

  Well, duty calls. Must go finish a few things up before I can call this day officially over! Hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas week! By the way, anyone watching the Lunar Eclipse tonight? 

  Happy readings and sweet dreams!

  Much love, 

  Valia

One book, two book, red book, blue book...

Title courtesy of Dr. Seuss
          December. How I love thee? There is just something about knowing that Christmas is this month. The winter month. The month of snow, hot chocolate, and candy canes. The month of sitting by a fireplace with a good book (Simplicity-ha, I had to), snuggled under a blanket, with soft Christmas carols playing in the background. 

It has taken me seven days before I can rave about December because, sadly and very painfully, I’ve been sick. Actually, still am sick, but fighting through it. At least I am now mobile. :)

Now, it is December 7th. A book birthday to a few books I’ve been waiting for. First of all, Happy Book Birthday to Richelle Mead and Last Sacrifice! This series is a must read, so if you’ve never read Vampire Academy series, you really should. Just saying...

Lying Game by Sara Shepard

(Come on, admit it. How many of you watch Pretty Little Liars? )

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

(I’ve heard wonders about this book. I know technically it was published on Dec. 2, but not where I'm at :)

Entice by Carrie Jones

Honestly, I know I’m missing a few but I have to stop here and tell you some other awesome news. Well, awesome to me. Recently, I’ve won three books on my TBR list. 

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

(Thanks to Good Choice Reading. Take a look at their blog. Its beautiful!)

Heavenly by Jennifer Laurens

(Thanks to Jennifer! :)

Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

(Thanks to Goodread.com This one came in the mail today. So excited!!)

Yay me! I love cover art and that is why I take the time to post pictures of the book I'm reading. I've notice a lot of you buy books based on the cover, so here ya go, some love for these beautiful books. One problem though, its becoming harder and harder to work on my book when all I want to do is read. I’ve been engrossed in the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa! Starting the Iron Queen today, but hopefully will have the will power to stop and write. 

Since I’ve been sick the writing has been minimal. I miss it like the desert misses the rain, or Pluto misses being a planet. :) But I’ve been outlining on random pieces of paper all day! Cant wait to put it all together. 

I also decided to share my playlist for Simplicity with ya’ll. I posted the first song on twitter today. “Never Alone” by BarlowGirl. Keep checking my twitter for daily updates. I’ll compile a list at the end and post it on the blog (maybe even with a little music). 

Well, I’m off to writer-land. Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Read a book, it’ll make your day brighter!

Much love,

Valia