loneliness...

note- sorry for the major gap as far as posting goes... I'm trying to get back on track. 

When you look at how big the universe is, and how small you are, it's not hard to feel alone. In this past year, I've had to say goodbye to a lot of people who were very dear to my heart. Changing schools, breaking relationships, losing grandparents, and, most recently, losing my dog, Ivan.

I manage to find hope through all of that by cherishing those moments I have with old friends, and remembering how lovely everyone was, is, and will be.

R.I.P Ivan, you were an amazing dog.

The one thing that people seem to forget in their loneliest moments is how lovely it really is to have some quiet time to yourself, to reflect and think about anything you need to. My family is away on vacation, but I am at home, and my house has never been this quiet. While I was sad at first, it gave me time to think. 

snow and a view, while I was night-skiing... alone.

I realized that I just need a new start. I'm looking at my life, and so I am removing anything that adds pointless stress or negativity, and I'm going to spend more time with people I love. What gets rid of loneliness better than friends? I am also going to spend more quiet time reflecting on my life.

a quiet moment on a walk

So, all of my dear readers, I suggest you take a minute to look at your life, and see if there's anything that's just making you miserable for no reason. And if you ever feel lonely, or you have any requests or questions about the blog, don't hesitate to email me at underthebigbluesun@gmail.com.

Lots of Love,

     G

P.S. There will also be a few changes on this blog. I'm still going to have recipes once and a while, but less of them, and more posts that focus on major topics and inspiration like this one. :)

hello again...

Sorry about vanishing for a while, I took a brief break from blogging to spend time with family over the holidays, and start studying for finals next week (!!!).

I promise I'll have a real post up for you soon.

Much Love,
    G

P.S. 234 PAGEVIEWS! I know it's not much, but it's still an amazing Christmas present from all of you.

...baby it's cold outside.

It's Christmas Eve, and I feel the full force of the holidays pressing down on me.
There's been parties, cookies, christmas carols, and too many marshmallows to count. You'd think that I'd have gone half mad by now, but I love the holidays! For me, this is a time to celebrate family, be thankful for what you have, and reflect on the year gone by. (More on that for new years, though.)
I've made peace with people I'd been fighting with, and been in touch with old friends.
So I wish you all the happiest of holidays, and stay warm.

Even our mascot is in the Christmas spirit!

treeeeeeee

I'm slightly obsessed with this ornament.

Trees are so pretty.

AAAND here's 3 wintery songs, along with the 3 usual. :D

All I want for Christmas is You- Mariah Carey

Baby It's Cold Outside- Norah Jones

Happy X-Mas (War is Over)- John Lennon

I'm Good, I'm Gone- Lykke Li

Polish Girl- Neon Indian

Don't Know Why- Norah Jones

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

     -g

also, this song never fails to put me in a good mood.

Things I love TUESDAY!

Okay, this one has to be a quickie... I have loads to do, so here's some pretty pictures and songs! WHEEEEEE

Songs of the day...

Tongue Tied- Grouplove

Two Atoms in a Molecule- Noah and the Whale

You- Gold Panda

Lots of love, and happy winter!

       -G

PS- I just got a facebook, it's rather addictive!

things I love tuesday... real life.

alrighty... I knew this had to happen, but I've been dreading it.
like, MAJOR dreading it.

so, for this week's edition of things I love tuesday, prepare yourself for some real life.
yeah. entirely depressing, rather pathetic, and not-at-all-sunshiney REAL LIFE.
and not kale-eating mature real life either.

to start off this miserable list...
1) I just almost died of a heart attack, because my dog heard a car and barked in my ear.
2) I have excema. Like, really bad. My arm looks like someone dumped some weird chemical on it.
3) Books, movies, and songs make me cry like a fountain.
4) I listen to hipster music from 3 years ago.
5) Most everyone in this strange land called public school hates me.
6) I obsess. Books, bands, shows, movies (ROCKY HORROR!), you name it, I'll find an obsession.
7) Lastly, I'm terrified of heights. We have a ropes course for gym class, and I often end up in tears... in case you didn't guess, this doesn't exactly help with number 5...

Now you know. My life is NOT marshmallows and sunshine and apple crisp and tea. That's just what I post to entertain you guys.

and the songs of the day are...
Escape in the Afternoon- French Films
Tropicana- Ratatat
Starring- Freelance Whales


WOOOW, MORE STUFF!
since I didn't have any pictures for you today, I thought I'd post some major inspirations for me- that were found on google images. yeah. I do that. :D

sad little box man is sad.

umbrellas!

I'm not quite sure what's happening here, but I like it. :D

hot air balloons are just too pretty.

aaaand, the rocky horror picture show. if this doesn't inspire you, I don't know what will.

happy (or not so happy...) tuesday!
       -g

Things I love TUESDAY... +music!

So, I have to admit, I've been laaaazy as far as picture taking for tuesdays goes, so I only have 3 pictures for you, two of which are rather old, but rather adorable, at least... Sorry.
To make up for it, I've introduced a new feature... SONGS OF THE DAY! I'll put three good songs (WITH LINKS!!!) at the end of every post.

I love fluffy pillows of risen bread dough.

This picture is so old, but it's a freaking NEWBORN GOAT. Cute, amirite?

Oh, how I miss the constant sugar-high that was my youth...

and the songs of the day are.....

time to pretend- mgmt

tighten up- the black keys

schizophrenia- sonic youth

have an awesome week!
     -g

bread and thanksgiving.

I know, I know, late thanksgiving post, but I didn't want to spend my thanksgiving on the computer instead of with family.
Thanksgiving was very low-key this year, my family just drove up to meet some cousins (and their six dogs and 5+ birds...), we shared stories from the year, and ate amazing food. All of the leftovers went to great-uncles and cousins, but today I decided I'd make some warm, simple, homemade bread.

Bread is such a perfect, mellow food. When it's being made, you can't help but be calm. It smells lovely at every phase, from the earthy scent of the yeast foaming away in warm water, to the floury, cozy smell of bread in the oven that fills the whole house.
I think that, in itself, is enough to be thankful for.

I used my mother's recipe, which involves a bread machine, so if you don't have one, just mix it by hand and let it rise in the bowl.

First off, gather your ingredients- water, flour, yeast, and salt.

ingredients...

Warm the water, and pour into the bread machine (or a bowl). Sprinkle the yeast over the top, and let it settle for just a moment before adding the flour.

about to mix.

Set the machine to the dough setting, and let it work.

Or, if you don't have a machine, mix the dough until it's thoroughly combined.

mix mix mix...

Let it rise in the machine, it will stay the right temperature. Or cover with a tea towel, and let rise in a warm place for about an hour.

WOAAHHHH. you done got big!

Turn out onto a floured surface, cut in half, then shape into two loaves. Place on a greased and cornmeal coated pan, then let rise for another hour.

pre-rising, I forgot to take a picture after it rose again.

Bake at 450º until it's done (I didn't time it, but mine went a tiny bit too long)

Slice, and enjoy plain, or with some butter and a smudge of jam.

yum.

3 1/2 cups of flour

1 tablespoon of yeast

1 teaspoon of salt

1 1/2 cups of water (warmed)

happy late thanksgiving.

      -g