My Ever Changing Season Is Here!

Autumn, how I love it so. The Sweater inducing season is finally approaching, and I can't tell you how ready I am to experience its brisk weather, the crunch of leaves under my feet, and muted warm tones in everything from foliage to clothing.

What I love most of all, is that Provo's mountains are changing colors quicker than the mountains in Farmington. It seriously makes me giddy every time I see them. 

I just feel like any life scenario that I will experience in these few months of autumn, will just be better and more fitting. Happiness will be in tune with, well, anything. Sadness will be in tune with the rain and brisk air. And that, my friends, may be the true reason I love autumn. Because any emotion I experience during this season is just so fitting and real. I just love when I feel the nature and weather surrounding me is in tune with me. 

Other things I'm excited to be doing again after waiting a year include, but aren't limited to: 

• Picking and carving pumpkins
• Going on a drive through the mountains
• Dressing up for Halloween
• Walks
• Crunching leaves under my feet
• Being oh so warm in sweaters and blankets

Yes, autumn, while you may not officially be here, you are here in my heart. You are my heaven.

What activities are you looking forward to?

Mercedes

Let It Go

And No, I'm not talking about the Frozen song. I'm talking about the James Bay song.

Life has been a bit of a struggle recently. A few weeks ago my purse was stolen, and that was a terrible, gut-wrenching feeling. I've picked up the pieces since then, but still there is stress that lingers. Then this last Friday I finally gave my two weeks notice to my boss. That was scary, didn't think it would be, but as my parents can testify, it caused a long cry(sob) sesh on the phone, and that also had gut-wrenching feelings tied to it. I was so scared and worried and just had so many questions. It felt as if all the years of stress and frustration and fear overwhelmed my body at that moment. It is not something I want to feel again.

And then General Conference weekend came. Life was good, stress was lifted, I knew what I needed to do, or that what I did was good and pleasing to God, and it felt great. I have never in my lifetime of watching General Conference paid so close attention. Or been so happy to hear the words that I have often feared.

Suddenly, I'm getting all of these answers that I have been craving for so long, it is so relieving to me. Suddenly, I'm figuring out what to do in my life, and what to improve.

Life is so incredible guys, now all I have to do is go on a forever long vacation!
Mercedes

My Mind Goes Blank

I try to think of good titles, I really do, but when I get ready to start typing away, my mind goes blank. ...Even now, days later, I can't figure it out. Half of a quote, figure it out.

Anyway, here's the thing. It's finally beginning to be autumn. The leaves are changing colors, slowly but surely. The air is crisper, therefore us needing to add some layers to give warmth (or is that just me?) Today it rained, so I added a scarf, which I haven't been able to use for a while, so that was nice. Recently I've been itching to use my DSLR, I shouldn't even mention how long it's been since she's been used. To take pictures again, and not just of nature, I'm also wanting to test my people photography, so I'll be using my family as picture guinea pigs. 

I am in awe, that we have finally arrived holiday season! Costco is already prepping for Halloween, it's that close. Seriously, I'm really excited, as I am every year, I know. 

On another completely different topic, I've been thinking about so much stuff that has left me bewildered. Humans are strange if anything. How grateful I am for the influence of the gospel and the daily teachings of the prophet and apostles! How grateful I am for meaningful chats with my close friends and family. Life is good, guys.

Stay happy!

Mercedes

The Disappearing Act

Taken, Oh about a year ago

So, let me firstly apologize for the good lengthy time of not posting. I've been working and not much else. Exciting stuff, I know.

Though I have made some yummy recipes since forever ago.

One Pot Cheesy Cajun Pasta

Summer Peach and Balsamic Pizza

Living in Provo is something else. There seem to be so many more fun things going on, more people my age, and I seem to be spending more time with my family, which is a good thing. It's something that makes me happy, and whilst I am nervous about school, I'm mostly stoked because I am taking some fun classes, so all is well.

School. I haven't been for a year, so I don't know what exactly to expect from UVU. Especially since I haven't gone to a university before, so I have many questions! I do expect some frustrations about tuition (which I have to pay soon) and tests and the like, the many joys of school and paying for it yourself, this is what I've been "missing out" on.

Also, I'm so excited for the fall months, you don't even know. So many gorgeous deep shades of reds, oranges, greens, and purples. They make me happier than you'd know.

I also crossed off a bucket list goal last night! My roommates and I danced in the rain last night while it rained/poured on us. Saying it was fun is an understatement.

Anyways, have a nice Saturday night!
Mercedes

Overwhelmed

There are so many reasons as to why I am feeling overwhelmed. I am overwhelmed with joy that I am still holding an A in my class. I am overwhelmed with sadness because I might not be able to go to my nephews birthday party this week. I am overwhelmed with excitement for the holiday season to start and swing into full force and not stop till after Christmas! Anyway, you get the idea. 

As you have noticed I have been talking A LOT about autumn, and that I love it to no end. You also may have guessed that it won't stop. You'd be correct. Why stop talking about something that is so completely wonderful? It does not make sense in my mind. 

This has been on my mind for a while. Before I started blogging, my sisters sat down on a Sunday and made ideas for a blog for me and my twin. It was going to be a blog about twins, and we had wonderful ideas, but the dearest sister decided she didn't want to do it. I was sad because it was brilliant, but oh well, such is life. Recently out of excitement and somewhat boredom I asked her if she would like to write a post on this blog. At the time she said yes, but it is still in the works. So it might/might not happen. Hold tight. 

Today I started/finished Yearbook by Ally Condie. It's a good book, and I was shocked to find out a lot of it was about my religion, the LDS culture. I did however thoroughly enjoy it and it was nice reading something that I thought didn't have anything that needed to be edited out.

Now for some glorious pumpkin pictures. Taken by Me:

Enjoy your Tuesday my sweets!

Mercedes

Bookish

Once upon a time I used to hate reading. Amazing I know, that's part of the reason I created my goal, but for many reasons as well. The point I'm getting at? I finished reading another book today. You may have heard of it. Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan. It was such a wonderful book, had cliff hangers, raw emotion, and the like! All y'all should read it.

Honestly to tell you the truth, I didn't do much else. I had to finish it, okay! The problem with finishing books fast, is that you have to wait another year for the next book to come out. Horrible. What I advise and have done is to wait till all books come out then read them all right after the next. It's especially great when you hated reading and are just getting into the idea that it could be fun.

I'm really loving reading. Especially in the fall, there's just something about reading in the fall. The colors of the leaves on the mountains make the mountains seem like they are burning or becoming an eternal sunset. It is so gorgeous. The other great thing? I've been experiencing a lot of nostalgia, mostly of my elementary days and field trips to the zoo and the like. It's my favorite thing at the moment, also remembering or dreaming of beautiful orange colored sunsets, and walks with crisp air.

The other thing great about fall? It is basically the beginning of delicious Sunday dinners and delicious warm casseroles. I'm excited about this because I've been waiting to make a casserole, one of my favorites. Now is the perfect time!

Here's to crisp autumn walks, and delicious Sunday dinners on other days of the week!
Mercedes

Happenings

Today will basically be like a news roundup. So here's some fun things that have happened or will happen.

Last Friday I went to my first concert. Who were the groups? Blue Aces, Fictionist, and Neon Trees. Did I like it? No, I felt like I was in a mosh pit for 3 or more hours, if you enjoy that good for you. Plus I was dead tired and becoming deaf, not so fun. The pizza we had was delicious though.

The Mandarin is opening up today. I don't really want to go back, but seeing as I need money, I kinda have to. The other downside is it will be busy all the time now because the holidays are beginning. So sad.

General Conference happened! I did miss the Saturday session, I'm assuming it was wonderful, but Sunday was amazing like it always is. I love General Conference because I get to hear things that I feel are just for me, to better myself. Who doesn't want to be a better them? Plus candy, candy is always welcome at our home that time of year.

Possibly the biggest news of all. IT'S OCTOBER! Fall is officially here! It's the time of year where leaves crunch underneath your feet. Apple cider and pumpkin picking. Carving pumpkins and crisp air. Basically the best time of year until just before Christmas.

School news: I got 100% on my anthropology assignment. Never thought that would happen. Ever. I'm ecstatic, and now I'm hoping I can do that well for the entire year. Can I? Maybe, but if I don't hopefully my happiness high won't drastically crash.

Stay awhile October, I'm glad you're here.
Mercedes

Hopeless Romantic Part 2

Happy October Everyone! Hope autumn is treating you well, with deep reds and Burgundy's and beige's. Also, who's excited about pumpkins and sweater weather? ME!
Some things on my want list:

And yes, I get the idea that they are all somewhat similar, but I love them still. YAY for autumn!

Topic Switch. I just finished watching Chocalat. I now love that movie! So wonderful, and very emotional. It also has Johnny Depp in it, that helps me love it more, lets be honest. Plus it's a movie about Chocolate! How much better could it get?

Anyhow, another reason I loved it so much, was because whenever I watch any or most romantic film, I'm envious. Envious of the love the two have for each other, how real they make it seem, how perfect two people can be together. So yes, I envy that. I want that as much as the next person, who doesn't? Don't answer that. This movie filled my need to cry, laugh, and feel all the emotions one needs to feel every now and again. A sign of a movie done right.

Coming up is my dear friend Sara's birthday! I am going to give her a shout out. She is a wonderful friend. She understands me, lets me vent, helps take a weight off my shoulders just by listening, and has answers for me. A true friend. Happy Early Birthday Sara! You are the best!

Have a wonderful optimistic Wednesday night! May you watch something you love, whatever it may be
Mercedes