I'm Back!

Hey guys! I'm back from my Europe trip and it was tons of fun! I did all sorts of awesome stuff like seeing Big Ben and the Parliament Building in London, seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night in Paris, and going to the Anne Frank and Corrie Ten Boom museum in Amsterdam! Here's some thoughts and comments about each place:

London
It rained basically the whole time we were there, but we used The Tube (subway) a lot so that helped with staying out of the rain for some of the time. Also, we found that everyone there is really helpful and nice,especially with giving directions when you're lost. I love the Brits!

Paris
The language barrier was kinda tough, especially when ordering food. We were at McDonalds, and my sister ended up getting a burger without any meat in it! On another note, if you go to Paris, you should stop by the lock bridge. Lovers leave a lock on the bridge and through away the key. Isn't that romantic?

Amsterdam
Bicycles are big in Amsterdam. Cyclists have the right of way, so you have to be extra careful when crossing the street. The guide said that they emptied one of the canals once, and found over 2000 bikes! Also, I got to see the queen of the Netherlands because she came to the square!

it's my birthday (and photo contest winner)

I remember writing my 15th birthday post like it was yesterday. Well, a year has past and now I'm 16! I can't believe it! That means soon I'll be driving! Today has been really great. Since it's Family Day, I didn't have to go to school. We were going to go to the movie theater to see Journey 2, but it was sold out, so instead we ate TCBY frozen yogurt and watched a movie at home. I look forward to this new chapter of my life and hope that God does great things with me!

via weheartit

----------------------------------------------------------------------

And now it's time to announce the winner of my photography contest! But I'd just like to say that all three entries were really good. Thanks to those who entered! Drum roll please!

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Leah from The Narrow Path!
Here's her photo:

(the theme was love)

Congratulations! Just email me at chinagirl7123@gmail.com with your mailing info so I can sent you the two pairs of earrings!

100 Followers Photography Contest!

Introducing, Being Shelley's very first Photography Contest! It's in celebration of reaching 100 followers! I was thinking of just doing a normal giveaway, but I've never hosted a photography contest of my own, and I thought it'd be fun, so here it is! The theme is love, since Valentine's Day is coming up. Below is one of my photos, this is just an example of what you could do. When I think of love I think of flowers! Creativity is encouraged and I can't wait to see your interpretations of the theme!

Important stuff:

• to enter for a chance to win, you must publicly follow my blog
  
• to enter your photo, first post it on your blog. Then leave me a comment on this post with the URL to your photo post. Again, that's the URL to your specific post, not to your entire blog
• you may only enter one photo, and it has to be taken by you
  
• this photography contest ends on Valentine's Day, February 14th at midnight

Prize Info:

• there will be one winner
  
• the winner will receive the two earrings shown above (the green+pink pair and the orange+purple pair)
• I can ship the prize anywhere, so this contest is international
  

happy photo taking! ♥

Featured Creatures

Don't Stop Believing

We all get those days. When everything seems to be going wrong. When you feel like hiding under your covers and going back to bed. When you want to let out a big scream, or cry, into your pillow. Sometimes those days stretch out, turn into weeks, and feel like they will never end. Then sometimes you may feel like life has gobbled you up, spun you around, and spat you back out. If you're in this situation, have faith. Remember that God is always by your side, He has never left you. Don't stop believing.

".... In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

~John 16:33

Photography Contest Entries

I'm entering this photo into Kelsey's photo challenge. The theme is black and white. Go check it out, but hurry on over, it ends today!

---------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm entering this one into Abby's photo contest. It's in celebration of her 2nd blogoversary. The theme is beautiful imperfection. And this one has a prize to be won! Go and check it out!

Mont Trembant Trip

Beautiful mountains and scenery. Just love it all! This is what you could see from the very top once you take the gondola. (next pic ↓) :)

Riding in the gondola was really fun, it took us so high up that I felt like I was on top of the world!

Little waterfall running off the mountain, again so beautiful! God's creations are just amazing!

The view of the village from above. I love this photo because you can see all the colourful roofs!

On the way back, the drive was really long. We'd been driving for about 6 hours, and hadn't past the towns we usually did by then. Thinking positively, I told my mom that everything happens for a reason. But she said we'd just made a mistake this time. Anyways, we realized we weren't able to get home that day, and found a great hotel to stay for the night. The next day while driving back, we heard on the radio that there had been a storm where we lived. Some trees fell, and there was spotting of different coloured lightning! Even though we didn't understand why it had taken so long, God knew, and He protected us from the storm. So when you don't quite get something or understand, remember God is always in control. Everything happens for a reason!

Quick Request:
I added three polls onto my sidebar.
It'll only take a few seconds to vote, would you please?
I'd really appreciate it if you did! :)

Photography Contest Entry

I'm entering this photo in Kelsey's photography contest. The theme is flowers. It ends August 24th, go check it out! :)

At the Beach

Photography Contest Entries!

Jess is having an awesome photography contest.
The theme is beauty.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------


And Jocee is also having a really cool photography contest.
The theme is something colourful.

Photography

I love the sound my camera makes when I turn it on, the movement of the lens, the bright flash that signals a 'cheese!', all the different modes and selections, and most importantly the great photos it captures! Photography is one of my favourite hobbies. Anything can look beautiful when a good photographer is at the other end of the camera. Even the simple things in life!

I think the camera is one of the best inventions ever made! I love my camera. It may not have the highest zoom, or best lens, but it's able to snap memories and moments that I can keep for the rest of my life. When using my camera, I get to see things from different angles and new perspectives. The lens is like another set of eyes that you can use to see the world, and keep it!

Do you like photography? Why?

Photo Contest Entries

I'm entering Jocee's photography contest, and the theme is cupcakes!

---------------------------------------------------------------

I'm also entering Lauren's photography contest, and the theme is Green!

Happy Birthday to Me

I can't believe it. I am 15 years old. Does time fly or what? I don't feel any different from yesterday, or even last week. Then again I guess I'm not supposed to because I'm still me, just older! Thinking back over my not-so-long lifetime makes me smile. I've got a lot of great memories to cherish. Today marks another chapter in my life, and it's just one more step towards my bright future! I'm very excited as to what God has planned for me. But as for right now, I'm just happy to be 15.