Happy Easter!

Warning:  This is a kind-of serious post with no pictures.  I am very, very sorry.  I like words, a lot.

If the Facebook updates or "#eastersundayselfie's" haven't informed you by now, let me do the honour.  Today is Easter Sunday.  Easter, a word that has a random flurry of connotations stuck along with it.  Brightly coloured eggs, chocolate, bunnies? Crosses?  I mean, really what does this all have in common?  What is Easter all about?

When I questioned my four year old little sister, asking her what Easter was all about, she told me, "I don't know.  I've never done these things before!"  I'm not going to lie, that kid kind of cracks me up.  Obviously, her three previous Easters hadn't left a lasting impression and she still wasn't quite sure what this whole holiday thing signified.

We all know there's more to Easter than letting ourselves go and having a few extra pieces of chocolate along with our tea.  More than just a new dress to wear.  More than a nice, little excuse for a couple of weeks off school.  More, more, more.

I think for some reason, it's uncomfortable for us all to think that somebody actually died for us and there's nothing we can possibly do to repay them.  It's very uncomfortable in fact.  We all like to feel self-sufficent.  Independent.  The realisation, that our future is dependent on someone who we can't manipulate, is well, kind of scary.  Not only are we faced with this fact on a regular basis but there is an entire holiday in celebration of it.

So, in light of this, we try to make Easter a little more 'comfortable' by spending our time instagramming our easter eggs, taking selfies in our new clothes, or proclaiming the Easter bunny the face of Easter.  Either that, or we adorn ourselves in our Sunday best and go to church, so we can enjoy a guilt free Easter season.

The truth of the matter is, there is no reason to feel guilty on Easter, or any other day on the calender because, someone did die for us and we can not repay that person but that person did not die, so we could feel awkward once or twice a year around Christmas and Easter.  This person died so we could live GUILT-FREE lives full of purpose, joy and hope.  Just to clarify this person's name is Jesus.

As I write this post in my new Easter dress, whilst listening to the Civil Wars using the little red pair of headphones I found laying in my Easter basket, I'm thankful for the Easter surprise that beats Cadbury's Easter eggs hands down!  Happy Easter!

The Netherlands

I am a travel addict.  It's true.  I find myself gazing at the travel section on pineterest far too often.  Airplane's and boats are my favourite modes of transportation, and I find myself smiling at strangers in airports because every time I find myself in one, I'm genuinely happy to be there.

Earlier this week, I found myself pulling along a bright red carry-on and awkwardly making my way through an airport- completely unaccompanied.  That's right.  No, big deal but I flew by myself, for the first time ever.  Straight to Amsterdam.  Can you tell I was excited?

As I stumbled through security (after dropping many items) and browsed overpriced magazines before boarding my plane, my mind was busy mulling over what was to be of the journey ahead.

1 hour and 10 minutes after boarding I felt my suede boots hitting Dutch soil (well not really soil, more Asphalt, but that just doesn't have the same ring to it, does it?).  It didn't take long to fall in love with the country.

The friends I was staying with quickly introduced me to the beauty of Dutch culture.  Here's a few things I loved about Holland

1.  Bicycles.
 It seems everyone in the Netherlands is jetting off on bikes in every colour under the sun.  While in the Netherlands I spotted an older couple holding hands whilst cycling side by side.  (That's the kind of cool stuff you see, in the Netherlands).  Also it's not just the sport ones who cycle.  In the Netherlands practically everyone does. While I was roaming a street in Haarlem I spotted a woman in a dress coat and tights followed by a man with a cigarette in his mouth, both cycling.  It's cool to see so many different people on bikes.  Businessmen in suit coats and young children alike.

2.  The Food
While in Holland, I had amazing food.  From ribs, to Turkish pizza but one thing I found especially interesting was their frites (chips/fries).  We stopped at a little food place which sold chips wrapped into a cone of sorts.  The chips by themselves were lovely, but what made them particularly interesting was there topping.  A common topping for chips is mayo and peanut sauce.  Actually quite nice.

3.  Iced tea.
I've always liked iced tea and Holland had lots so, that was kind of perfect.

4.  The history
While in Holland I found myself visiting Rembrandt's Birth place and Corrie Ten Boom's House.  It was lovely to go somewhere with such a cool history.

Rembrandt's birth place

Statue by Rembrandt's birth place

 5. The canals
The Netherlands seems to have an abundance of canals, which makes it ideal for transportation by boat.  Very, very cool.

6.  The architecture

The cities I visited (Leiden and Haarlem) seemed to be full of gorgeous old architecture from centuries ago.  I often caught myself staring in awe at the intricate designs of architects from a time, long before mine.

7.  Flowers
There seemed to be fields of flowers EVERYWHERE, not only tulips but other varieties also.  I don't think I realised how fun it is to walk through fields of flowers until I actually did so.  While strolling flower fields with friends, we even managed to find some kool-aid smelling ones. Who knew flowers could smell so good.  Mind. Blown.  I was glad to "stop and smell the roses", it's not something I do often.

All of these things made it increasingly to march my grey canvas Toms on an plane back home.  As I flew across Europe I was reminded of how fortunate I was to visit a place as beautiful as this.  I do indeed love the Netherlands.

Until next time...

Afscheid!

Dear 10 year old me...

Well, the other day I saw a photo of me at 10 years old, kitted out it knee length denim shorts and a floral coral hoodie.  Being 10, was awkward for everyone, right?  Not to mention the middle parted bob of sorts and crooked teeth.  This photo took me back to a memory of a younger, shorter, more vulnerable version of myself.  10 year old me.  This photo got me thinking, what would I say to myself, if I was given the chance?  What advice would I give?  Soo, I decided to write a list of what advice I would give 10 year old me,

1. Burn all the capris in your wardrobe.

Capri trousers and 3/4 lengths, what is with those?  Seriously.  For seem reason at ages 9, 10, 11 I had an abundance of them.  I'm not sure what it was that drew me to them.  I'm just glad that phase is over!

2.  Lay off the chocolate chip cookies.  

Let's just say I wasn't the thinnest kid around.  I had a real sweet tooth. To make things worse, my mum is an AMAZING baker.  Who can say no to home-made chocolate chip cookies?

3. Sometimes it's better just to shut your mouth and stop arguing (even if the other person is wrong)

I was kind of a stubborn kid.  I learned this the hard way.

4. Unique Style > Paul's Boutique Hoodies

Paul's Boutique Hoodies.  Remember those?  No?  Well, when I was 10 they were all the rage.  What looks better than those 13 letters bedazzled on to the front of a hoodie?  Thankfully over the years my appreciation for brand names in general has decreased.

5. Don't get caught up in pointless dramas, they're not worth your time.

When I was younger I spent way too much time listening to pointless gossip and picking sides between friends who had fallen out.  When I look back on it now, I realise what a waste of energy it was.

There you go, I guess that shows some of what I've learned over the last 6 years.  I've still got lots to learn.  I'm sure when I'm older I'll cringe at the clothes I wear now and shake my head at the stupid things I've done.  That's how life is I guess.

-Madsyroo xx

For the love of writing

Why blog?  This question seems to race across the back of my mind every time my fingers start typing away at a new post.  What's the point Madeline?  No one's going to care about what you write!  Won't having a blog come across as a little vain?  Phrases such as these seem to find themselves, snatched out of my subconsciousness and forced into the front of my mind.

Now, for starters I doubt many people do care about my blog and I would hate to think that I come across as vain for having one.  It's one of my biggest fears when it comes to posting on here.  My reasoning for writing a blog isn't because I'm hungry for recognition or I think everyone must be desperate to read exactly what I'm thinking at any given moment.  It's for the love of writing.  My love of writing.  I love writing.  I'm weird like that.  It's been one of those things I've stuck with, partially due to the occasional English Assignment which would force me to present some form of creative writing.  Everybody has something or a handful of somethings they're passionate about.

Another one of mine is music.  When I was little I used to love sitting at my Grandma's piano and making up little melodies.  Sometimes the notes I played with my left hand clashed with those I played with my right and sometimes they didn't. I didn't care that much.  Which ever the case was, clashing notes or no clashing notes, I was still making music.  That made me happy.

Blogging is my excuse to write.  It gets me writing on a regular basis.  I'm not one to sit with a notebook in my lap scribbling down stories for hours but I am one who will enjoy typing up a few paragraphs every once in a while.  It just works for me.  

I'm happy to say I have now settled my thoughts about blogging once and for all.  It doesn't matter if no one cares about my blog.  Even if I was the only one to ever view it, I'd be happy I kept it up?  Why?  For the love of writing, of course!

I know for myself, I need to continue to learn not to let my own thoughts box me in.  I may not be a great writer yet, but I can only improve from here.  I'm going to write and write and write because I love it.

-Madsyroo xx

Confessions of a Closet Narnia Fan

The kid within me is freaking out right now.  I just heard news via facebook that the new Narnia movie will be The Silver Chair.  I've been waiting years for this to happen.  As a nine year old I was a hard core Narnia nerd.  No joke!  My favourite book of course was none other than The Silver Chair. 

I had the whole series not just as books but on CD too (cheesy sound effects included).  I remember long journeys in the car, listening to a British voice drone on about Aslan and wardrobes.  I still have them to this day!

It wasn't enough for me to listen to the books or read the books, I had a Narnia themed room too.  I had a Narnia calender which I ripped the pictures out of and blu-tacked onto my wall once I was done using it.  I was obviously a decor expert.  

My obsession didn't end there.  No.  My tenth birthday was Narnia themed.  It was pretty legit.  I made TONS of paper snowflakes which my mum hung from the ceiling with string.  I had Narnia figurines all over my cake and all the kids at my party decorated home baked ginger bread houses.  I loved every moment of it!

Oh and on book day at my school who did I dress up as?  Susan!  Of course.

So as you can tell I was a pretty committed fan.  The key word there is was.  No, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy no longer adorn my walls and my previous fandom is not something I would proudly bring up in a day to day conversation but I was still pretty excited to hear about this movie.  I'm allowed to be a total nerd about something right? 

I was a little disappointed when I found out the silver chair movie won't actually be out until 2018.  So, when I'm like 20 or 21.  A LONG way away.  By then I'll probably be a broke student but I'll be sure to forge out a couple bucks to see this one in honour of my nine-year-old self.     

-Madsyroo xx

Pie hunting, etc.

Happy Sunday!  Before I get too far into this post I'm going to let you know I'm one of those sad people who loves planning WAY ahead.  I mean it's September and I'm already thinking about Thanksgiving, never mind Halloween of course.

Thanksgiving.  For those of you who don't know Thanksgiving is and American Holliday about giving thanks for Indians helping pilgrims and stuff but the main reason I enjoy Thanksgiving is the Thanksgiving meal itself and the FOOD!  Even just making the food.  

It's always weird celebrating Thanksgiving in Northern Ireland.  I've spent several Thanksgivings in school.  Doing tests and stuff seems to dampen the whole holiday spirit.  To most people here it's just like any other day.  Our family may not have a super traditional Thanksgiving but it's still special because almost everyone in the family pitches out with the food.  My younger sister makes to die for twice baked potatoes with bacon and last year my little brother helped make rolls.  Dad typically makes Turkey and the rest of the sides are prepared by Mom and Dad.  

My thing is to contribute to the meal by making pie.  Last year it was a Banoffee (which was a decent success) but I have not yet decided on this years pie so I'm scanning pinterest for a solution.  I like to go for pies that aren't super traditional.  

These are my pie suitability requirements:

1. It must have multiple flavours.

2. It must look really yummy in pictures.

3. It can't be a pie I've made before.

These are the contestants so far in my conquest for good pie from various baking blogs around the web...

1.Ricotta Chocolate Chip Pie

2. Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

3.  Rhubarb Apple Pie

So that's my pie planning, I think I'll need some advice from the family (They're all very harsh pie critics of course)  I'm not kidding, something tells me the whole rhubarb idea WOULD NOT go down well with most of the family but at least it would be a hit with my parents.  I think I should be able to come to a conclusion before Thanksgiving arrives

-Madsyroo xx

Tumbler Cozies and stuff like that...

School arrived a little while ago, which means I've been pretty busy but I also had time to whip up some tumbler cosies/sleeves.  You want to know why I love making them?  They're easy!  That and you don't need a pattern!

I was actually searching for a mug cosy pattern, when I stumbled upon an adorable tumbler cosy pattern and realised that would be a lot easier (I'm lazy when it comes to crocheting stuff).

Unfortunately my computer stopped working during the day but I managed to make some anyway.  I just chained as much as I needed around a Starbucks tumbler laying around in our house and double crocheted around until it was the height I wanted.  Later I got more creative, tried other yarns and added bows and faces.

Ta da!  I'm now selling them to raise money for the missions trip my youth group is going on next summer.  We're going somewhere in Europe, but we're not sure which country yet.  I can't wait!  I think I'll freak out.  It'll be my first foreign trip with out parents and travelling is one of my favourite things.

Anyways, that's one thing I've been up to lately.  Today at one point or another I'll probably sit down with a cup of tea, and make a few more while I'm watching some cheesy TV show.  Bye!

 -Madsyroo xx