Update on my website...

There's a new post up on my website!

Go ahead and check it out at  Word, Sentence, Story. 

Also, if you're reading this, that means that more than likely you follow me here, so you may as well follow me there too. It's not about the number of followers, it's about making sure that you are all able to read the content that I publish. I want you to be involved in my writing because it is such a huge part of who I am!

I plan to have a review up at the end of this month / beginning of next month, and some further news about my book will make it's way to the webpage in the next couple of weeks... So stay tuned for that!

As you can tell, there's not a whole lot else going on at the moment... However, this Friday is our annual Canoe trip, and I'm definitely going to be posting some pictures and whatnot about that.

Can't wait to share more with you all,

xoxoxo

-Miranda Lynn

Attention Readers!

Hi Everyone!

I have decided to make another blog!

I would really appreciate it if you went over and decided to follow my posts there as well as here. All you have to do is click on the link below:


Word, Sentence, Story.



I'll be keeping this blog as a way for everyone to continue touching base with me on a personal level, however, I decided it is time to make a real website for my professional writing.

If you are interested in short stories, books, script, poetry, free writing, book reviews, good reads, research writing, interviews, and some writing related videos, head on over and subscribe right now!

I'm so looking forward to seeing you all there!

-Miranda Lynn

Hello strangers!

Oh hey, It's been nearly five months since I last posted...

                   5 months?!

Yes, five months. But have no fear, I'm back for good.

And you can expect a lot from me this summer.

So, let's get the ball rolling here.

Allow me to tell you all about what my life is currently.

Reading: Agenda 21 by Glenn Beck. Which is basically this cool book based off of the actual Agenda 21, a plan made by the government for the 21 century. It's pretty interesting and I recommend it to you! Also, I'm reading a book called Barred to You by Sylvia Day. I'm only about 10 percent of the way through according to my kindle fire, but so far it's a decent book. A lot like 50 Shades of Grey so far.

                        

Writing: Several things currently. A poem, a letter, and a novel! My very first novel. I'm calling it "After Brian" and I can't wait to see where it takes me. I'm so excited. When I start really getting it rolling I'll post it on my Wattpad account.

Listening to: I'm listening to Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey. It's one of the songs from The Great Gatsby soundtrack and I'm absolutely in love with it, as well as the movie. Both super amazing. The Great Gatsby was perfection, and I seriously recommend it to everyone in the world. Click HERE and listen now!

Watching: I'm watching a Jenna Marbles video. She posts one every Wednesday, but sometimes I get behind, or I don't watch them in order. You should watch it too. (:

Thinking about: More things than my brain should be able to handle at one time:

-the awesome day I had

-the best of friends I spend it with

-the guy that is breaking my heart

-how i'm going to keep him off my mind

-where my mom is with my laundry....?

Looking forward to: I'm really looking forward to my next day off. Which happens to be the day after tomorrow. I think the weather is supposed to be crappy, and so I need to rent all the seasons of Pretty Little Liars and watch every single episode there is. Just a thought. Sounds like a wonderful day to me though!

Making me happy: Right now it's this pretty baby in my lap.

I can't wait to share more with you guys this summer!

                                                                                                                      -Miranda

                                                                                                                             xoxo

19. I am thankful for...

Today I want to talk about how thankful I am for this:

My readers.

Yesterday you guys made me so proud of my blog and everything that I've been doing with it. I had 70 page views in one day and I don't think I've ever had that many. I was seriously stoked when I saw that. I am so thankful for all of the individuals who purposefully read my blog for their own pleasure, and I am just as thankful for those who come across it on accident. I know 70 views, 13 followers and 38 comments isn't a lot to everyone, but to me it means everything. Thank you all so much for really making this such an enjoyable experience for me. (o:

Guest Blogger: Ivory Giraffes.

Hello my lovelies! I have your guest blogger, as promised! Here is her post:

I figure you'd want to know a little about the girl whose post you'll be reading today, so how about some generals about me? My name is Hannah and I'm 18. I'm a freshman at Bethel College, which I'm sure you've never heard of {it's near Notre Dame}, studying Music Performance. Piano is my concentration, in case you're a musician and were wondering. I like tea, and cozy sweaters. {Cliche? Maybe. True? Definitely.} I cannot go without painting my nails, and summer is my favorite season. I have the most wonderful boyfriend. His name is Hunter, and we'll have been dating for two years in about a month. I like Audrey Hepburn, reading books by John Green, and listening to Jesse McCartney on occasion. I blog, sporadically recently, at Ivory Giraffes about life, love, and sometimes clothes. Take a peek if you like. Now, onto the nitty gritty. 

I started my first year of college in August. It was scary. I was home schooled for most of my education and the thought of going into college was just terrifying. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up, or if I was even ready for such a big step. I've only been in college for a couple of months, but I feel like there are some big things that I can maybe share to help you as you go into the next phase, the college phase, of your life. 

1) Organize. Organize. Organize.

In high school I was big into my planner. It had every single thing I needed to do for the day written down a full week ahead of time. Since coming to college I haven't used my planner all that much, but I have stayed organized in other various ways. On Saturdays I sit with my syllabi {a.k.a. you're bffl} and write on separate pieces of paper all the assignments due for the week and what day they're due, then I tape them onto my desk. Personally I like doing this better than using my planner. I just like having it all out where I can see it at all times. Then, every day I have written down everything I have to do for the day. Everything from the classes and assignments, to laundry, to practicing piano. Writing things down helps to solidify them into your memory and having everything laid out in front of you helps you to remain on task. Plus, it feels really nice to be able to check things off of your list!

2) Make you time.  

I know it's hard. The tests, the homework, the everything. It gets stressful. But, it's really important to make some purely you time. Even if it's only a half hour, just do something for you. Something that has nothing to do with homework, something that makes you happy. If I do everything I have to do for the day, the next day I get to take a nap. Another thing that I really enjoy doing for me is playing the piano {good thing, huh, being a piano major?}. It's something I find relaxing and it helps me put in some good practice hours. 

3) Bring homey stuff.

This dorm room is your new room. It looks like a jail cell and will remain looking like a jail cell until you change it. Put up posters. Inspirational quotes, song lyrics, whatever floats your boat. The other really helpful thing is bringing things that make it feel like home. Don't just bring that really cute comforter you just bought, bring the quilt that your grandma made you for Christmas when you were seven. Heck, I even have canned pickles that my grandma made for me. It reminds me of home... plus they're delish. 

4) Make the most of everything that is offered to you. 

How many times in your life are you going to be able to have full access to a gym? Or free counseling? Or free tutoring? Maybe not all colleges offer these, but chances are that they offer something that's not usually free. Take advantage of it. And your professors. If you have questions, ask. They're more than happy to help you with something if need be, and it'd be better to ask the question and understand something that never asking the question at all and flunking. 

5) Open yourself up to new experiences and friends. 

Going into college I had the mind set that I was here for college and that was it. I didn't need to make friends, I just needed to study and get good grades. If I had done that, I would have been missing out on so much. You know how everyone says that the friends you make in college will be your friends for life? I can already feel that that's going to be true. Open yourself to the new experiences that new friends offer. For the first time in my life I tried Chinese food {so good!} and found friends, girl friends, who understand and accept me for me. 

College has been one of the best experiences of my life. From the classes, to the friends, to the dorm life. My biggest piece of advice is to make the most of your time at college. Whether you're 20 minutes from home, or six hours. 

Guest Blogger!!

I have an announcement to make today! You should be keeping your eyes open for a guest blogger on my blog this week! Wednesday night (Yes, that is TOMORROW) I will be featuring a post written by Hannah of Ivory Giraffes.!

I advise you to look for it, I can only imagine how awesome it will be. (: 

Treacherous.

Treacherous by Taylor Swift

I just bought the new Taylor Swift album, Red. Actually, I bought it the day it came out, which was exactly a week ago. I just want everyone to know how amazing this album is. There's not a single song on it that I don't like. Taylor's music is so inspiring. I'm actually working on a poem right now, and her music helps provoke feelings that make great poetry. You'll have to keep your eye for the poem.

Anyways. I'm starting a schedule for my blogging, since I really want to get back into it like hard core.

This is music on Monday my friends.

Put your lips close to mine

As long as they don't touch

Out of focus, eye to eye

Till the gravity's too much

And I'll do anything you say

If you say it with your hands

And i'd be smart to walk away

But you're quick sand

This slope is Treacherous

This path is reckless

This slope is Treacherous

And I I I like it

I can't decide if it's a choice

Getting swept away

I hear the sound of my own voice

Asking you to stay

And all we are is skin and bone trained to get along

Forever going with the flow but you're friction

This slope is Treacherous

This path is reckless

This slope is Treacherous

I I I like it

Two headlights shine through the sleepless night

And I will get you get you alone

Your name has echoed through my mind

And I just think you should think you should know

That nothing safe is worth the drive

And I will follow you follow you home, follow you follow you home

This hope is Treacherous

This day dream is dangerous

This hope is Treacherous

I I I , I I I, I I I

Two headlights shine through the sleepless night

And I will get you get you alone

Your name has echoed through my mind

And I just think you should think you should know

That nothing safe is worth the drive

And I will follow you follow you home

I'll follow you follow you home

I'll follow you follow you home

I'll follow you follow you home

This slope is Treacherous

I I I like it

randoms in the afternoon.

Hello everyone,

It's SATURDAY! Finally. I feel like it's been forever since last weekend. The weekends are the only time for a college student to catch up on anything they've been neglecting. I'm almost getting the swing of things, so hopefully I'll be able to blog more often now. Today I just feel like posting a few random pictures that kind of explain what's been on my mind the past couple days. Enjoy (o:

Here I am.

Been thinking a lot about whether or not I should cut my hair.

It would be able this length if I decided to.

Still only just considering it.

Random Fun Fact:

Hobgoblin:

(in mythology and fairy stories) A mischievous imp or sprite. A fearsome mythical creature.

Basically, my Wednesday nights and any time between classes on Thursday go toward studying for the tests I have every week in my Body Systems and Diseases class Thursday at 6:00 pm.

I consider myself VERY lucky. The past like three tests I've barely studied for and have somehow managed to pull off really good grades! Go me!

And last but not least, the only thing that gets me through the week days:

JUNK FOOD.

I know, it's terrible. 

But the night I bought these, before I had gone to bed, I had managed to eat almost the entire bag by myself.

Surprisingly, I've only gained 7 pounds, and not 20.

ATTN: New WEB ADDRESS & Blog Name.

Hey everyone, I know I did this once before, but I just want you to know that I will be changing my blog back to 'paperplanes & playground games' in one week!

My new web address will be:

paperplanesandplaygroundgames.blogspot.com

 So if you want to stay connected, you're going to have to look there instead of at 'abiggirlinthissmallworld.blogspot.com.

Thank you for your cooperation!

-Miranda.

as of late...

Good afternoon lovelies,

I'm probably in one of the crappiest moods ever today. Not even just today, I can't lie anymore, I have to be honest with someone about how I'm currently feeling. I hate growing up. End of story.

I can't even blog regularly like I was able to during the school year, because I work too much now.

And when I'm not at work, I'm at 'home' dealing with a bunch of bs.

And 'home' isn't even home.

Which is why I'm moving back.

There. I said it.

Decision made.

I had to go to the college to get some things for my financial aid straightened out.

And afterwards, I went to Big Apple Bagels for a Cinnamon Crumb Cake muffin and some hot chocolate.

I was hoping it would make me feel better.

But as I sat there, 

sipping my hot chocolate,

picking at my muffin,

and feeling 

sorry

for myself,

I realized something.

I don't have to do anything

that I don't want to.

And I'm not going to. So I'm coming home.

I don't care what any one says about me. Sometimes you have to do what's best for you. And I think it is.

So I went to work, and I had a crappy night. 

But when I got home, 

I took a long hot shower.

I had a nice cold drink,

And I went to bed.

And when I woke up, I got ready.

And I thought about all the things that I can change.

And now,

I'm changing them. 

One at a time.

Because I dont have to do anything I don't want to.

And because this life is about me.

Not anyone 

else.

i'm a big girl now.

I am in denial. I have been for the past week. Which is my excuse for not posting since last Sunday. The last week of school had been creeping up slowly since the very beginning. I guess I never thought it would get here. It always seemed so far away, but now, its over, and we're moving on to bigger and better things. Graduation was Sunday, May 27, 2012. It was a beautiful ceremony. I am happy to say that I have graduated with the Pellston High School Class of 2012. I couldn't be any happier, or more proud of myself and everyone else in my class. Here are some pictures:

This is Carly (my best friend) and I walking in together. I'm gonna miss her so much.

Here I am standing and waiting for them to announce that we are represent the Class of 2012.

This is me receiving my diploma. Such a proud moment.

This is me directly after the ceremony. I was just finishing up crying. So my eyes are a little watery looking.

My dad, me, and my step mom afterwards.

Me and my dad ♥

My grandma Byard, me, and my grandpa Byard. ♥

My momma and I ♥

Cap and gown finally comes off! (o:

So, now that I have your attention, I'd like to say a couple things and point out a few others. First of all, graduation was a blast. Like I said earlier, I couldn't be any happier. It feels so good to know that I am finally done with the high school years of my life. I am ecstatic about moving forward. This summer is going to be wonderful and it is going to be a perfect lead in to the awesome year that is to come.

That being said, I want to touch on what I am doing. Recently, just yesterday actually, I finished up my picture a day for a year album that I had going on Facebook. Now that it's done (and I don't plan on doing it for another year or for any other years to come ever again) I have decided that I would like to document the next stage of my life in some way, shape, or form. So, what I've decided to do is to continue to document my life in its future stages through the posts on my blog. If you were wondering why the name and design of my blog changed from paper planes & playground games to I'm a big girl now. it's because I am a big girl now, and I wanted to change things up to go along with all the major changes that have now taken place, or will shortly, because I am done with high school.

Today I am going to leave you all with a list of changes that I am extremely excited about.

---Working two jobs for the entire summer. 4 days a week at Hush Puppies shoe store, and on weekends at the Dixie as a hostess.

---Moving out of my parents house, and into an apartment with my boyfriend when the leaves on the trees start to change colors.

---Starting college at North Central Michigan College to work on my Associates of Science degree focusing on Biology/Pre-med so I can become a successful pediatrician

---Starting a new job in Petoskey when I move there. Hopefully working early mornings at Starbucks in the local Glens store in town.

---Driving the new car that my graduation and work money will buy me at the end of the summer. I'm looking for a Grand AM or a Monte Carlo. We'll see what I can find for under $4,000.

---All the first times that I will experience as a brand spankin' new adult who has graduated from high school!

I'm also very excited that you will all be following me on my journey in this small world. (o:

The future begins today...

in my dreams, my actions, and my heart. 

It's time to dream big, live wisely, and be kind...

And to never forget how much I have to offer the world. ♥

for my followers.♥

Today I would like to take some time out to thank those of you who follow me and those of you who choose not to but still view my blog! I have to say, you have really been the cause of my growing passion for blogging. Just the fact that you log on and check out what I have posted because you are interested in what I have to say, or because you care about how my day or my week has been going or even just because you are bored; the fact that you took a moment out of your day to read my writing flatters me. Thank you all, from the bottom of me heart.♥

So, today I'd like to fill you all in on the stats page I am currently looking at!

This is my 92nd post since paper planes & playground games started.
Since December 2011 we have reached 2,232 views. That's just over 4 months you guys!
We have met a record high so far of 942 views just over the past month.
Yesterday we almost reached our record high of 70 page views in day, only missing it by one view.
So far, today we're at 33 page views.
paper planes & playground games' most viewed Page is the About Me section, with 43 views.
The most viewed Post is 'a little ink' with 17 post views.
Today we reached 16 comments. Keep them coming! I love to see feeback!
Just a couple days ago we reached 5 followers! So a special thanks to Brittany, Tabitha, B Kent, Tik Tok, and mysticnumber.blogspot.com. I love you all.♥ (o:

On a final note I would like to let you all know that I am super excited about what is to come for paper planes & playground games. I am especially excited for each upcoming post for the month of May. You can expect to see many Vlogs and a lot of 'end-of-the-school-year' posts. If you have any requests on what you would like me to post about, please feel free to email me with your ideas: paperplanes.playgroundgames@gmail.com !! ♥

Keep your eyes open for many awesome posts coming your way!

the proof is in the posts.

I made my blog in December of 2011, so it was really just about four months ago. At first I was totally into it, and I loved doing it. I did it almost every single day. Now, I am even more into it and I really do post every single day, if not more than once. I told my close friends about it and let them in on some of the cool opportunities it has opened up for me. Recently one of my close friends decided that she would like to take up blogging. Upon hearing this I became extremely excited for her because I know all that it does for me.
Blogging is one of the most creative ways to get things off your chest and to feel good, as well as to let the world hear what all you have to say. When I blog I feel like I'm putting ideas out into the community so that I can share things with others that they might not otherwise be able to enjoy. Here are three reasons why I blog:
The first reason is because I have a love for writing. I have always loved writing. It is something that I am exceptionally good at. When I was younger I used to write short stories all the time, however, when I got into high school, a lot of my free time was taken away. It isn't exactly fun getting up early and going to school all day only to come home and do more school work before bed so that you can have enough energy to do it all over again when you awaken. For me, blogging is a great way to utilize my free time, and to feel like taking a break from school work isn't a waste of what little time I do have. Investing my time in blogging is one of the best choices I have ever made. I literally get excited about my blog posts. They come to me randomly and I don't have to put in a lot of effort because writing is so natural for me. Using my free time to do something that is fun and creative feels great.
The second reason I blog is because of the way it makes me feel. It helps me express myself and let things out. I know that I have a truly sincere love for blogging because of the way I feel when I post something. Blogging not only helps me feel good, it actually helps me become a better person day by day. Every time I post something I am giving myself the opportunity to view the world differently and giving others the opportunity to do the same. I am making myself and the world a better place. Blogging helps me take life day by day, and it helps me grow. It helps me see all that I have accomplished. Blogging has allowed me to be a more positive person. Most of the time directly after I post something I feel completely relieved, I feel accomplished, I feel like I have done something for myself and others. I feel happy in the moment and optimistic for my future posts. And all in all, that makes me feel really good about myself.
The third reason I blog is for others, because without others there would be no way for me to feel some of the things I feel when I blog. I blog for the pleasure of putting my ideas out into the world, and to inspire and be inspired. I can tell you one thing right now: there is no better feeling than getting on your blogger dashboard to see that you have tons of page views and new followers. I do love blogging for myself, but the fact that others get as much pleasure from my blog as I do, is a completely different thing that feels just as amazing. I love that people can get on here and share their experiences with me through their writing and their photos, and I have the opportunity to share mine with them. I love that people can learn to think, to laugh, to cry, to be inspired by what I have written. I am never upset about the fact that I only have very few followers and only so many page views and comments. I am never upset; I am very very happy when the numbers show that others are being influenced by the things that I have shared with them. Because of this, I will tell you that my friend's name is Lindsey and when she does make her blog you can bet that I will be giving you all a link to it so you can check it out too. I think that getting new followers is the best way to get traffic to your page so that you can more easily share with the world things that others can enjoy.
Now that you know what blogging means for me, here are a few things that blogging in general and my blog specifically is not and should not be about in my opinion. I am not going to go into great detail about them because I don't have to prove anything to anyone. The proof is in my posts.

My blog is not about numbers. I don't ask people to follow me because I want to be famous or because I want to make money from it.
My blog is not to impress anyone. I know who I am. I know who I want to be and I know what my capabilities are and where I am going in life. Others certainly won't help me with any of that.
My blog is not a hate blog used to make others feel bad for me. I post about positive things becase I love who I am. I wouldn't change a thing. We're all different for a reason.
My blog is not a hate blog used to make others feel bad about themselves. I want others to be positively influenced by the things I write. There is already enough bad in the world.
And last but not least:
My blog is not your blog. If I ever borrow an idea from someone, there WILL be a link or some credit given to the person or place in which I got it from. Just as if you ever borrow an idea from mine, you should give me credit as well. Sharing is great, stealing is not.

My hope is that my friend Lindsey will get as much out of blogging in the next few months as I have in the past few. It really is one of the most fun things to do. I tried it a few years back, but gave up then because it wasn't something I found interesting, however, now it has really become something I rely on, on a daily basis, to keep myself on track. Blogging is the best way for me to learn from the past, live each day like it's my last in the present, and look forward to all that are to come in the future. Blogging keeps me positive and helps me stay true to myself.  It isn't for everyone though, which is totally understandable. We ARE all different after all; isn't that a good thing. My blog is who I am. Keep yours true to who you are. And we'll all manage to stay very different and learn very much.

It is my hope that by the end of my blogging experience, whenever that may be, that I have touched as many lives as have touched mine. My promise to you is that I will do everything in my power to make a difference in the world through, and with the help of, the blogging community. Here's to the beginning of a very large ripple.