I assume I'm a hard-hearted, uncaring person since I didn't cry during 'The Fault in Our Stars'...

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This post contains mild spoilers for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Strangely enough, it doesn't have any for The Fault In Our Stars. You've been warned.

This past spring, I checked out The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. I head heard so much about it, was starving for something new, and wanted to give contemporary fiction a second chance (in case you hadn't noticed, I don't read that genre very often). I enjoyed John Green's confidently nerdy persona, and I'd heard his writing style was practically modern Shakespeare. One of our awesome town librarians, Dave, said 'you must return this book with a five page essay on why it's awesome.'

I was obviously excited.

I read it in under a week. And it was good. Not great, mind, but definitely worthy of the italics. The characters were deep, the plot fantastic, and yes, his writing is very good. I believe John Green to be far superior than a lot of other YA writers at the moment. His books are definitely worth a read.

All that being said, I didn't cry. At all. I didn't even feel sad, really. Which I suppose is really, really terrible of me. Everyone else I know who has read it is in absolute tears by the end, and considers it one of the saddest book moments of their lives. But it really didn't do it for me. I don't know why, but I was not moved to tears. The book wasn't great. It was a solid good, but not much more.

I cry every time Boromir dies. I pitifully blubber when Bilbo is informed of Throin's, Fili's, and Kili's deaths. The Boston Jane series put me through major emotional trauma. I feel painfully sorry for Frankenstein. So don't go thinking I don't get emotionally invested in books.

Sorry Nerd Fighteria, sorry John Green, sorry YA fans and the people who rate the New York Times Bestsellers. It wasn't my book. You probably now think of me as an unemotional, Vulcan stoic. So be it.

When was the last time you cried during a book?

TYG: Battling Boring

I'm going through a stent of being really, really bored with my clothes. The unique pieces in this outfit may not have banished the boredom entirely, but it definitely picked me up. :) I've been aching to go thrift store shopping, so we recently made a trip to Savers. I spent $20, and came out with one pair of heels and on sweater. Excuse me??? I think I'll stick to dollar-day finds, thank you very much. :P

Green Cardigan: JC Penny's (gift)

Black Ruffle Blouse: Thrifted, $1

Toile Pencil Skirt: Thrifted, $3.00

Pirate Boots: Hand-Me Down

Belt: Came with another dress.

Total Outfit Cost: $4.00

All photos taken by my brother, AJ.

View the rest of my Thrifty Yankee Girl posts.

I'll be linking up to Sunday Style at Plane Pretty tomorrow!

Have a Mary Tyler Moore type of day!

How many of you have ever watched the Mary Tyler Moore show? It's an adorable 70's show, and was actually the first television series to ever star an independent, career-driven, single young woman. Usually when I get in a bit of a rut, I start wanting to have a 'Mary Tyler Moore type of day'. Something filled with color and energy, great friends, hard work, and special little details. She's peppy, smart, cute, and has a great sense of humor. Just who every girl wants to be, right?

With that in mind, here's my list for how to infuse some Mary Tyler Moore fun into your day (and maybe kick you out a rut in the process).

1.) Be healthy. 

Make healthy, nutritious choices, start the day with some yoga, or grab a friend for a talkative stroll. Just make the commitment to be healthy today, and I can guarantee you, it will be easier to continue healthy habits tomorrow.

2.) Look fantastic. 

Did Mary ever leave the house NOT dressed to the nines (even if it was in....interesting...70's clothes)? While your style might be worlds apart, take a lesson from her pull on some kitten heels and a classy skirt, and do your makeup.

3.) Take some time with your hair. 

Now, honestly, usually my hair is just thrown up in a braid or a bun. Her gorgeous, bouncy bob, however, is great inspiration to try to make a little more effort.

4.) Connect with friends. 

When ever we talk about Mary Tyler Moore, you can't not mention Rhodda. Take some inspiration from the two of them and connect with your best friend today. The best part of their friendship? It's not always expensive, elaborate plans. Most of the time, they're simply sitting on the couch and chatting. So catch up with your girlfriends today!

5.) Be polite. 

It's safe to say that Mary has to deal with a lot. From obnoxious boyfriends, to meddling Phyllis, to work day stress, Mary's days are far from perfect. Through it all, however, she's always polite. She stands up for herself, but she doesn't lose her temper.

6.) Fresh flowers! 

Take your own spin on Mary's desk rose, and add some color to your room. Whether it's a fresh-cut bouquet or a house plant, flowers liven up the space and adds feminine charm.

7.) Be proud of your room/apartment. 

Mary's apartment has been refereed to as 'TV's most famous bachelorette pad!'. So why not channel her and update your space a little? It doesn't take much, perhaps new sheets, a bowl of fruit, or some organizing is just the trick!

8.) Just smile. 

I don't know about you guys, but Mary's big, genuine grin is one of my favorite things about her. Let's all make the commitment to smile a little more today, and this week. It'll change your outlook and possibly make someone's day. What's there to loose?

TCC: October Meme

Today, I'd like to suggest you go visit Jessica from The Bookworm Chronicles. We seem to have similar taste in books, and she always has something insightful to say. I found her through The Classics Club, and find her list really inspiring. It's filled with everything from children's classics to some pretty daunting reads! So far, I think her TCC review I've found the most helpful is The Great Gatsby. It's a classic I've always heard mixed thoughts about, so reading her post got me interested in trying it.

Recently while clicking through some of her archives, I found a review she had written for her re-read of The Hobbit,. It was an amazing post. It's very hard to express your thoughts on a book that has meant a lot to you. There's always a feeling that you aren't doing the book justice. Jessica, however, does a fantastic job in this post. Definitely pop over and read it, all you wannabe Hobbits, it's a real pick me up!

Linking up to the October Meme: Question 15 at The Classics Club.

Best of the Blogs Pinterest Link-Up!

Well, it's the moment we've all been waiting for...the Best of the Blogs Pinterest Link-Up! Three weeks ago, I challenged you guys to make a special Pinterest board as a way to spread the word about our favorite, small blogs. We chose a minimum of five blogs with under 300 followers, and then pinned at least one favorite post from that blog. The goal was to try and help these blogs to get more followers, so they will be encouraged to keep blogging and posting the writing we love!

Before we get to the linking-up, I thought I'd spotlight the blogs I shared on my board....

{My Bloggables Board}

Two pins from The Secret O.W.L Society.

Two pins from Avoiding Atrophy.

Two pins from Rainbows and Penguins!

One pin from A Country Victorian.

One pin from A Butcher, A Baker, A Candlestick Maker.

Now for the linking! Don't forget to link to your actually Pinterest Best of the Blogs board...not your account, not your blog, your board! Also please make sure you've pinned this event button (at the top of the page), and that it links back to either this post or the announcement post. And most importantly, be sure to check back in later to visit everyone's boards!

Some inspiration to get you to the weekend....

{On Pinterest}

...Remind Yourself...

{On Pinterest}

...Stay Creative...

{On Pinterest}

...Don't listen to small minds...

{On Pinterest}

...Don't just tolerate...

{On Pinterest}

...Just have some fun....

{On Pinterest}

...Sometimes, you need to fall down a rabbit hole....

{On Pinterest}

...So get out there!...

{On Pinterest}

...All you can control, is how you handle something...

{On Pinterest}

...Go do them!...

{On Pinterest}

...Too short...

Creativity and Adventures

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As a chronically lazy person, I do best with a busy schedule. Ironic? Maybe, but it's true. When I have free days, I end up spending too much time on the computer, or watching TV, or something else a little bit useless. On busy days, though, I find the most inspiration. I feel more relaxed and upbeat after a crazy, creative, happy day than one I actually spent resting. That's not to say I don't feel the need for breaks...I do. It's just that my best breaks consist of spending an awesome weekend working at a fair with the best friends a girl could hope for (like last weekend!), curling up with books that might be challenging but are worth it, and finally tackling a pile of clutter. 

I said I was lazy....but I do like a sense of accomplishment. 

To me, happiness means creativity, creativity leads to adventure, and adventure means a full life. So really, it all comes down to an attitude. If I wake up in the morning and consciously decide to make the best of the day and live with a zest for life, it will be a great day. 

Sometimes, I forget that my big goals, like skating and school, are part of being creative, too. I'll start to view them as chores, instead of as opportunities that will lead to even greater opportunities. Instead of feeling like I 'can't be creative right now' because I don't have time to write a novel, I should find little ways to instill that creative attitude into every aspect of my life.

If there's one thing that's rang out loud and clear to me, it's that life is an adventure. Some people's adventures consist of exploring the Amazon and touring Europe...and some don't. But that's OK. Because the act of living, of relationships, of getting an education, of reading, of working, of doing every little thing throughout your day, is an adventure. 

So go live your life. Work towards something big. Get up and do that little task you've been dreading, because it will bring you closer to your goal. And drink a cup of tea while doing it. I swear it will make it more enjoyable.