Can Life really be a fairy tale?

I know this is reality, but after this weekend, I've begun to wonder if life can also be a fairy tale. I don't know if that makes sense but that is how my mind is right now as I am typing this. What happened this weekend?

It was Saturday morning and my sister was helping me put away the trash bins back to the yard. Friday was trash day.  Anyway, I thought I saw someone ducking behind the bushes from my next door neighbor. I got creeped out and said so to my sister, but she told me she has seen him a few times, eyeing me. Apparently, he has a crush on me but he is too shy to talk to me. Well, I got a good glimpse of him from the window upstairs and I gotta say he is cute! I think I saw him around school but I can't remember where exactly. Anyways, that was Saturday. On Sunday he was walking past my house as if he was "having a stroll" around the neighborhood. Does he think I'm stupid? Well, it was starting to irritate me. I know to some it may be romantic but to me, he is wasting time. If he likes me, come and tell it to my face already!

Soon, Monday rolled around and surely, I found him at school. We "bumped" into each other when I left my English class and he said, "Excuse me." Wanna know what I said?

"Hey!  Why are you spying at me?" Yup, he turned bright red and mumbled something and left. Sure, buddy! Deny it now after I've caught you staring at me last afternoon from the neighbor's bushes!

Mmm, what would happen if my neighbor calls the cops on him? :P Should I tell my neighbors about him hiding there? :P I'm so tempted! LOL!

Note of Inspiration

It’s such a good feeling when…

The breeze caresses your skin. The sun warms your body. The sound of the rain hit the roof and the windows. The smell of rain and freshly cut grass.

What’s beautiful…

The morning dew. The moon, the stars, the clouds, the sky. All these are beautiful gifts from God. When your loved ones call you, when you receive a heartfelt letter or card, when you laugh and joke. The flowers, the birds, your pets, a visit from a dear friend. There are so many beautiful things in life and a joy to realize these things and experience them.

Have a great week, everyone!

Autumn

Autumn time is a time of joy and love. When families and friends unite and share their time together.

One of my favorite things about Autumn is being with loved ones, the rain, and the feeling of holidays. The leaves changing, the wind brushing against your skin and the sound of leaves being blown across your window.

What are your favorite things about Autumn?

Advice Thrusday

Melody from MI says, "Sophia, my two daughters are 7 and 10, and I am having a tough time choosing books for them to read. I'm a Catholic mother and those Potter books are forbidden. My daughters wanted to read them but I told them no. Do you know any books that are safe for them to read?"

No worries, Melody. I know a collection they will just love. It's called The Ramona Collection. It is wholesome and clean to read. You can read about it here and here



Danny from NY says, "Is there a movie that my kids and us, adults, will enjoy? It's hard to find one."

Danny, how about "Escape to Witch Mountain" or one of those old classics like "The Sound of Music" or "Mary Poppins?"



Susie from OR says, "Sophie, what should I do? It's my turn to pick a movie for Friday in my drama class at school and my friends keep bugging me to get "Romeo and Juliet" but I don't want to. I had to watch that movie for English last year and it is totally inappropriate, and I don't mean the story, if you know what I mean. I don't want to give in to peer pressure but I'm afraid to stand up to what's right. Help me!"

Suzie, I gotta say good for you! You should stand up to what is right, and I agree with you about "Romeo and Juliet." It's an interesting story except for that indecent scene in the movie. I had to watch that movie too for English class. First off, in this case, listen to yourself first before your friends. If you don't like a movie, say so and tell your friends to respect your decision. For a movie, how about "Grapes of Wrath" or "To Kill a Mockingbird?"

Autumn is coming

Did you know that tomorrow is the beginning of Autumn? Do you have any plans for this coming holidays?

I enjoy these holidays. My family and I have a tradition where we make leaves and other crafts stuff to pin up our walls that represent Fall. You could say my parents are artsy since they are art teachers at a nearby high school and elementary school.

One of my special moments is when mom and I are baking apple pies and pumpkin pies and the aroma fills the whole house.

What are your special moments? :-)

Labor Day Advice

Hi everyone. Today is Labor Day and I wish you all have a fun and safe day. :) If you are going to take a trip or even to your local park for a picnic, make sure you leave early to avoid stress and rushing. The point is for you and your friends and family to enjoy the day and make great memories together.

Make sure you use sunscreen if you are going to be under the sun for a long time, and stay hydrated. Don't forget your cell phones too in case of an emergency.

Here are a few more advices for Labor Day.



Dear Sophia. My friends and I are heading to the beach on Labor Day. When we make plans like this, I always tend to forget to take something and we all get in each other's nerves. What do you suggest I do? -- Maddie, CA


Maddie, try this: Before you go out with your friends, family, or even to an appointment, make sure you remind yourself what to take with you before the big day. Write down these things on a piece of paper or post-it-note and put it where you can see it. How about putting a post-it-note on your mirror? That'll sure to get your attention. Also, make sure you and your friends leave in plenty of time to avoid traffic and so you don't feel rushed. The point is to have fun. That will also help your friends from getting on each other' nerves.




My boyfriend and I made plans for a romantic evening of dinner and dancing, but my sister calls me at the last minute and says she is coming to visit me for Labor Day weekend. I've told her I made plans, but she gives me this hurt tone and says she can stay at the hotel until I'm free to see her. Not only does this make me feel guilty but angry too. What should I do? I don't want to hurt her feelings. --Stacy, TX


Boy, that is a tough one. You shouldn't feel guilty because you did tell your sister that you had made plans. That is, if you told her in a nice way. She should be understanding. Talk to her and make plans with her for the weekend to have fun, but remind her that you cannot hang out with her on Labor Day because you already have plans. Good luck.




Hi there. I'm hoping if you can give me some advice on where to take my family for Labor Day? I'm thinking sorta of taking my wife to a restaurant, but we have 2 overactive sons. Where would be a good place to take them where we can all have fun? --Steven, KY


Hi Steven. How about going out for a picnic at a park? The kids can go and play at the playground while you and your wife exchange sweet words. Just don't forget to watch your kids, lol! Or you can take them to a waterpark. If you take your kids some place where they can play, they will use up most of their energy playing and come home ready for a nap. Then you can have a little celebration with your wife over a glass of wine and share some chocolate dessert in the kitchen while your kids take a nap.


HAPPY LABOR DAY! :D

More advice

I was on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon and got asked a few questions. Like I said, it doesn't matter how old you are, I will try my best to answer. :)


I'm a mother of three and I can't seem to get them to eat their vegetables. Any advice?-- Jane, CO


Hi Jane. My mother had the same problem with my brother and me when we were kids. She had told me that she had to mix some chocolate chips in for my brother and cheese on mine. Why not try mixing in some cheese, and if they want something, for example, chocolate, tell them they can have some after they finish their vegetables. Another tip I do to finish my vegetables is that I eat them first before eating the rest of the food on my plate to get it over with. I hope that helps you. Good luck!



I'm Ted and I'm a father of two. My sons want to play games online but I keep telling them no. Reason is first, they are too young, and second, there are a lot of weirdos out there. What can I do to get them to forget this topic? --Ted, IL.


Hi Ted. Sounds like you are doing a very good job. It is scary to let kids go online because in a way it is like the world outside. It is filled with lots of different kinds of people and some which are not good people. To protect them from this, you can keep an eye on them, but it would be a good idea to play with your kids outdoors like a sport or board games, anything that can drive them away from playing online. Once they are older, well, that's up to you. But as a father, always keep an eye on your kids and remind them that you only do this to protect them because you love them. Good luck! :)



Sophia, my sister is 30 and I'm almost 21. We usually get along well together, but when it comes to hanging out, she always brings her friend with us and ignores me. It's like she is embarrassed to be seen with me and it hurts me! What should I do?-- Karen, AR


Hi Karen. I'm so sorry to read this. You should have a private chat with your sister about this and get all your feelings out in the open with her, but as you do, try to remain calm. Make sure you don't yell or get angry because it only makes things worse. Decide with her what to do when you three hang out together. Also see if she would like to hang out with you alone to a movie or someplace. That way, you both grow that sisterly bond more and soon you'll both see how your relationship is and what needs to be fixed if there's a problem. Good luck!