Becoming Katie Butterfly

Yes, this may come as a surprise (please note my sarcasm) but I just love books. My mom read to us as kids, and ever since I learned to read in first grade, I just devoured book after book. They got me through boredom, depression, and, everything! One summer I think I read over 10,000 pages.  I always loved a good mystery series. It started out with The Mandie Books, later on The Nancy Drew series and now today Annie's Attic Mysteries. I work at the local library and am always finding books. And I'm totally excited about this new series. I grabbed all the ones I could find. Can anyone say "SELF CARE! SELF CARE! SELF CARE?!" Self care! There I said it. With winter here, the Christmas season and the 10 year death-anniversary of my Grandpa Bill, I'm going to need all the love and self care I can possible. So, today I am thankful books!  Joyfully, Katie

Happy Almost-Thanksgiving to all my American and even non-American friends. I thought it would be nice to do a special Thanksgiving post and since I will probably be busy tomorrow, I figured I would do it tonight. So here I go. 1. God's love 2. Prayer buddies 3. Monk (books and the show) 4. Reba 5. Cats and dogs 6. Family 7. A good job I love. 8. Books 9. Music 10. The color purple 11. Jeff 12. Mary 13. Jesus 14. Self Care 15. Vox Concert Series 16. Jenn Bostic 17. Life experiences and lessons 18. Candles 19. Blankets 20. My Family (blood and non-blood) 21. Going into the Christmas season 22. Movies & TV 23. Warm place to live 24. The number 6 25. Singing 26. A Thankful Heart There we go. What are you Thankful for? And now for some pictures from through out the year. :) THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU! Katie

For all those who need some encouragement. This is the best way I know how. Through music and hymns. 1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain: It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul. 2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain) 3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) 4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain) Peace be with you! Katie

Katie here. So, I had an incredible weekend. My baby brother got married and we welcomed my new sister into the family. I couldn't be happier. & this week is Thanksgiving. I know I have not been keeping up with my daily thankful posts, but even when I'm not posting, I am thinking about what I'm thankful for. Right now. 1. Family 2. Friends I can call Family 3. Mare Bear 4. Safe travels. Here are a couple pictures from yesterday! And, on the way home today I was listening on youtube to some old live performances of Reba. That made for a great day! I have been reunited with my fiance and our kitties. I always miss them like crazy even when I'm just away a couple days! I hope everyone is doing well. & have a very happy Thanksgiving! HUGS -Katie

I haven't blogged in a few days and I've neglected to keep up with my thankful posts. I've been down, feeling the affects of the winter seasons as well as other setbacks. But, the last couple nights I have become happier again, more alive. And it's because of the Vox Concert Series. Last night I got to see my friend and musician friend Jenn Bostic again and was reminded of why I love to do what I do. And that great things are happening at Vox and that I've been a part of them! I feel so alive again. It was just what I needed to come out of my depression again! I am going to share a few pictures of the last couple night's with my musician friends that I've gotten to know from doing this! Keep your head held high.  Katie

I'm thankful for kind, caring and thoughtful friends! My dear friend knew today was going to be a rough day and she showed such care. I shall wear this bracelet with much love and happiness! I'm truly blessed. I'm also thankful for answered prayers. God answered my prayers and today wasn't so rough. And He used someone else to make it even better. So far it's a GREAT day! It's amazing how love and kindness can do that! So, Mare Bear, thank you! Katie Bug

Hey guys, it's Katie! I had today off so I got a few chores done and then practiced lots of self care. I decided to care for my skin and nails today. My skin feels great, my mood feels great. I love this self care stuff. Also, what am I thankful for today? Days off to relax! Definitely a top for today. How about you guys? Hugs, Katie

Today I am thankful for... Sleeping in. Lifetime Movies Cuddling with my kitty. A warm bed. Just a few things I am thankful for today. How about you? As for self care, relaxing with my cat, blankets and watching lifetime movies is how I've taken care of myself today. Again, how about you? Be good to yourself, ok? Katie 

I'm thankful for Self care Saturday's. And good friends to share my joy and self care ideas with. How about you? Katie

As we are going into the holiday season (along with cold and flu) we want to stress how important self care is! In order to fight battles, go to work, function as human beings, and live life, we need to take care of ourselves. So often we forget to do that, while we are taking care of others and doing day to day things. I like to think of it as how would you treat a friend or guest. How would you talk to them? It's so important to treat ourselves with love and respect. Talk loving to yourself, take time to do things you enjoy.  Here's a list to get you started... Drink tea Light scented candles  Take a warm bath Talk to a good friend Journal  Eat candy/chocolate Listen to music Really anything you enjoy! Be safe, well and take care of you! Hugs, Katie

So, I totally meant to do these but with work and feeling under the weather, it never quite got done. With today being the 7th, I'm going to list seven things I'm thankful for. 1. God 2. Good friends 3. Self care 4. Food 5. A warm place to live 6. A good job 7. Amazing co-workers. That's what I got! -Katie 

Today is the beginning of November. I am going to -attempt- to post each day this month things I am thankful for. I encourage you all to do the same. So, here it goes. 1. I am thankful to be alive. Some days can be a struggle but I am thankful to be alive. Even in the struggles life can be so amazingly wonderful.  2. I am thankful for my incredibly wonderful and supportive fiancé. He has shown me the meaning of unconditional love and I cannot imagine my life without him. I love you, Jeff! 3. I am also thankful for my wonderful friend Mary. She has been so supportive with her love and prayer support. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I love you, Mary! 4. Bunny and Trouble. I am so thankful for our black and white cats! They make my life so much better. 5. Books! Books give me an escape from reality. They are great. 6. Sleep. Because everyone knows how much I love sleep. I am ending at 6 because it's my favorite and lucky number! What are you thankful for?! Smiles, K