Learning How To Drive & Some Good News

Hey, well it has been awhile since I posted anything but I'm here once again. I have good news... I got promoted at my job! I'm so excited, and really nervous... Starting Sunday.. I, Ashleigh Polaco will be the Inventory Management Specialist at Toyrus. Basically I will be taking care of orders, and the inventory of the store...Not to much pressure right? Whew, but I will start on my 8 week training with the head IMS at another Toyrus, But I feel like I need my license more than ever...lol :) So starting last month or so, My brother in law started teaching me how to drive. He always says maybe we will survive and make it back home... haha.. right? Though we make it home every time so I guess we didn't die. Driving isn't so bad as I thought it would be, It is scary sometimes... because I see all those bright shining lights in my rear view mirror... kinda makes me nervous. Today during my lesson, my end results I passed two stop signs, ran a red light and made a wrong turn...lol.Which was my first time doing either of those HA... So hopefully soon I get it perfectly right.

WISH ME LUCK!!!!

I would love to update my car, its a 1991 Toyota Corolla. It needs the A/C fixed and a new radio, clean carpets... just a women's touch lol. :)

Well I'm off to bed, Goodnight everyone!

Living in Denver and Changed!

Hey everyone! I know it has been such a long while since I have posted, a lot has happened. So most of you may know I moved to Denver, CO to live with my sister and her family, For a while I hated that I moved here, but If i didn't I wouldn't be here..anyway. I never really grew up with siblings, so now being 18 there's always a first time. Israel, Zion and Aria, are my nephews and my niece. They are good kids, always talking and talking. They say such funny things. Watching them learn, and grow makes me think a lot. So, new things that have happened... I got saved, guess through time I realized I couldn't live without God no matter how hard I tried. Life lesson learned, and for some of us to learn you can't live without God, you may think "I can do it by myself, I don't need God." Trust me, I tried. I just gave myself more scars, and got into trouble, which led to hatred, anger, ect.  Life seemed to get so much harder without him. And now that I'm serving God, I can say I am happy, I'm finally free.  I go through some moments, but I am trying to fight against it :)


WE MADE CHANGES
We have a bigger church, and its the same building we had before. My brother in law has a vision for his church, so we knocked down the walls and its amazing! Our church is seeing new converts. A couple teens, Pray we get more youth! While I was at work, my family and our church went outreaching and they handed out like 500 fliers... Now that's awesome! We had our Easter service, and the kids got their Easter egg hunt was super cute! We had a baby dedication, and that was three kids... It awesome to see parents dedicate their kids to God, I've seen it before yes, but its different when you understand the reasoning behind it. We are supposed to have a baptism, pretty soon. I'm going to do it, my reasoning is because I'm taking this seriously now, I want to serve God and live to what he wants me to be.

OTHER GOOD NEWS

Well, when I got saved I started praying for a new job. I liked my job it just wasn't working out for me concerning the pay, and my health. When I first moved here, I had applied for ToysRus, and I didn't get it, and so about 5 weeks ago, my sister let me know they were hiring and I jumped to the opportunity. I got my second interview, with the manager who is someone I could see myself working for, My previous manager wasn't someone I could work with any longer, so I quit. So good news! I got the job within 3 days, I was so happy, I've only worked two days so far but I truly love the atmosphere, the people. My hiring manager, is so friendly and full of energy, she makes working not so stressful. I love that I'm working with people, seeing kids...some brats here and there. God gave me this job, answered my prayer... And I'm finally working somewhere I actually enjoy.

I am still waiting though, trying to finish school.. I'm not sure what to do after that? I want to get back into doing music for the church, but  Should I go to college, and what kind? So honestly, it's a bit frustrating not knowing but I'll wait on God. Not sure what he has planned for me, other than being a Pastors Wife one day, I've had that calling upon my life since I was a little girl. Who knows? Well, I better get back to reality, lol Until next time...

Next Subject: The World Today...

You know when I wasn't saved, as a Pastor's kid makes you feel alone... but if you are out there, and you think your the only one.. If you really want to know what I felt like. I found this song, every word... WAS me. 

 When you get a chance listen to this song: Paralyzed by NF

Yet Another Chapter To Begin

Moving is starting to feel like the norm now, I have moved once yet again. I moved this Tuesday, to Aurora, CO. It's a lot different from Las Vegas, NM for sure. If you've never been to Las Vegas, NM you're not missing anything honestly, the biggest store we have there is a Walmart... Kinda ghetto sorry, but it's true. Here in Aurora, I'm living in my oldest sister Andrea and her family, which included my 2 nephews and my little niece. It's kind of crazy, how big they keep getting. My oldest nephew is 9! It makes me feel old, lol being his aunt and only 9 years older than him. You may be wandering why, I moved here.... Well, being in Vegas, even though I was there for 8 months I sadly didn't get anything done, yes I got a job but my money evaporated and just some decisions I was making weren't very wise. I hadn't got my high school diploma, my driver's license, nothing done. It's funny how when I moved back I had so many plans and I didn't do any of it. I learnt a lot though, Work taught me a lot... like Patience. That's something I have a hard time with, is patience. We all do. It taught me to work with different types of people, and how to handle situations with certain circumstances. Wendy's wasn't the best job in the world, but it gave me some experience. So being here in Colorado, it's a lot different. I am starting fresh, I got health insurance (Important) and I got my taxes done, and I am working on getting my permit, then my license, then hopefully also my state ID of Colorado, even though its temporary. Not sure why, I am here. Though there's a few things such as what I just said and starting to have a relationship. with my sister and her husband. Mainly my sister though, My oldest sister moved out of the house when I was 5 and so my relationship is very poor. So being here, till I can get all this stuff done, a car, and being able to support myself... I can work on my relationship with her, and get to spend time with my family, well at least part of my family. I can't help but smile at my nephews and niece because I remember being little and having that imagination, it's kind of sad to grow up. I miss being a kid, but then we got spanked when we were kids, So I don't miss it that much haha. Pray, I get a job soon! I applied for ToysRus, Kohl's and Maurice's, and still applying so hopefully that works out soon.

Last night, I babysat my nephews, my niece and two little girls. (A couple in the church here, little girls) Well, the adults went to a Valentines Marriage Seminar. We watched cartoons, PBS KIDS & NICK Jr., Land Before Time and then we all made our own personal pizza's, watched more cartoons, ate homemade Rice Krispies, we had to stop eating them because it was already 9:30 and I didn't want them all hyper before bed hah. All in all, I had fun even if I wasn't feeling good. I can't wait to have kids :)

Well, I better get back to cleaning so the point of this, I may take some time adjusting yet again but I hope the outcome, of this will be good. May not be easy, right now but I'm going tot try and trust in God to help me through this. We have a busy day... So hope you all have a wonderful day.

Happy Valentine's Day - Ashleigh Polaco

Art Museum in Port Elizabeth

While living in South Africa, in 2015 my dad went to go preach in a place called Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It's about 9 hours, by car from Cape Town, where I lived. The drive was okay, I am not a fan of long car rides, though having a phone with games and music... helped me survive and sleeping was probably the best part.  We went to preach for Pastor Andy Anderson, and the revival went pretty great! Well we were there Pastor Anderson's wife, Heather took me to a Art Gallery, and an Art museum, I am really into art. Art is so beautiful, is just wow. I think it's amazing how people just use their imaginations, to create ART. Art to me, is just so amazing and beautiful, so much color, even if its black and white, or photography, its creative, and it really makes you think someone actually took the time, to do something they love, it's inspiring. Anyway, going to both of those was amazing, I've never been to any kind of museum, so that was a blessing especially because I got to meet the artist who painted some of the paintings in the gallery. Well, I was allowed to take some pictures, and just the art is really amazing and exquisite! Check it out!



This picture, I love the most because it could have a story behind it. Every piece of art does. Photography is art too! The depth, of the picture, how the fire looks and different shades of red. It's a beautiful picture.



A portrait



Made with Paint and Water Colors



I met the artist, who painted this.. This picture was very detailed. You wonder how he did it, He explained that its actually all paint, and he has a specific paintbrush or tool that he used, It took him 14 hours to paint this. I love it because of all the color, and it's different from your usual Picasso Art. It's truly beautiful.



At first I thought this was a fish, but the women in Africa depending on where you live, but they were their traditional dresses. This is a piece of art made with strips of paper, and some paint. If you look really close you can see a lady, dressed in her traditional dress, and their dresses are so full of color. They are truly beautiful. I'll post some pictures of Africa soon.



This one is interesting because it looks like it was painted right, No! It's actually made of newspapers and magazines. It's different, there's no specific image, or design that is visible but just the idea of someone making this out of strips and pieces of paper and all that is just really creative and is just one of those wow moments! WOW!

I will upload more pictures soon!

 

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the new year of 2016, and Happy New Year to all! How was everyone's Christmas? My Christmas was nice, first time I spent it without my parents was pretty different and will be hard getting used to. I did spend it in ABQ with my grandmother and my two uncles, and with more family I haven't seen since I was little. We had turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, and all that good food! It's was very cold too, was expecting blizzard conditions, so this girl got stranded in ABQ... so that was great, not! Though was nice to spend time with my family, and have a few laughs, a lot of candy canes and a couple pieces of pumpkin/sweet potato pie! So it is a new year, hey? Does anyone have any new year's goals, resolutions, like a new years bucket list? Email me some, at ashleyisland97@gmail.com and I'll add it to the post I'll make about my New Years To Do List.  You know a lot has changed since last year, one is me moving back to America, getting a job at Wendy's, trying to as independent as I can... hmm and just a lot. I've made a lot of memories, last year. Some good and some bad... I know that sometimes our years, won't be perfect but hey.. I'm grateful because through it all, I had my family through it all and without them I wouldn't be the girl I am today, yeah I have a ways to go when it comes to growing up and learning things for myself but hey, We all as teenagers have too. Well, I will post when I can...I wish I could all the time, but with my paycheck I can't afford a laptop or a computer. So when I do post, it will be worth reading. Well I hope you have a wonderful day, and you know what this year make it count. Do something different, Go experience some new things, meet new people, and through it all Keep Serving God. God bless you guys!

Ashleigh

An Early Birthday Present

Well, It's been a really long time since I have posted anything of BFA, my apologies. Been kind of busy, and distracted. To actually have time to post, or even be online is limited...Though a lot has happened since I last posted, and there will be pictures included, so buckle up...and Here we go! 

So for those who know me, or for those who don't my Birthday is coming up. I'm getting old, it's scary. Just kidding, though turning 18 isn't that life changing. Ever heard the saying that " AGE IS JUST A NUMBER" Well, in a way it is except when your age catches up to you. Anyway, so I'll be turning 18, and so on May 19 - We had plans to go to the butterfly gardens that they have here, not to far away or so I thought. We left around 9ish.. and left :) One thing you should know about me is that I don't like driving for long hours, in the car... especially if we are passing by cows, sheep, and horses, and huge plains... though it was cool driving up this huge hill. Anyway, so we drove and drove, and after what felt like two hours or three. We got to a little town, and my parents were looking for a house - " Look for York Road" and I did, sooner or later we found York Road, and I was confused. So we pulled up to this house, and I was curious to why were there, so dad got out and said that he was to pick up something here. So he left, me and mom were in the car waiting, then i saw a guy carrying a husky puppy, I was freaking out... ( I really loves puppies, especially huskies, though any puppy or dog gets me happy) So I wanted to go see if the lady that sold the puppy has anymore huskies. So I got out, ran..slowly into the yard and then I saw them... 3 super little yorkie pups. Oh my goodness! They were cute! Me, being a girl was very excited and fell in love at first sight. Dad, was talking to the owner, and then mom came...and I was holding a pup...and mom said HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Wait, What?! Yup, so I got a puppy for my birthday ( Wanted a car but hey next time lol ) So I picked the smallest one, and we left - Drove back to our part of town, bought some delicious apples, and went to the dentist, then to church ( Band Practice, Oh I'm learning the piano - It's so cool our band practice, has a drummer, a guitarist, a bass player and two pianists) Anyway, so after practice we went home, and little puppy... was welcome to her new home! ---- She is 7 weeks old, and she is really little. We really have to watch where we step, in case we accidently step on her. It's so weird to see a dog so little walking in our house, anyway... Here is a few pictures of her! :) All I know I'm in love with her, even if she likes to wake me up at 1am to sleep on my bed...... hmmm? 

Her Name is COOKIE!

She loves to sleep, alot!

She chews on everything!

I'm serious, she chews on everything she can sink her tiny teeth into toes, fingers, computer cords, shoes. She loves to play, though her energy is limited lol she sleep a lot...and then she is hyper when it's time to go to bed. Typical Puppy...?

{ I caught an.. Octopus! }

While living in Cape Verde, And living about a 15 minute drive away from the house.. Didn’t mean we never went fishing. In my experiences at a young age..Which is 12-14.. We would go fishing..I would barely catch one fish.. And it’s Rainbow Trout. My parents, would get bites, fish..and stuck ;) I gave up.. I wasn’t good with patience..lol. So after that.. I kind of thought fishing was really boring. And I just didn’t like it. And I stuck to that.. “ I don’t like fishing. “ Now my Dad..is a whole different story. My dad LOVES fishing. Don’t believe me.. Well I have a few facts that will prove it!

1. His Suitcase says “ I rather be fishing.”
2. His collection of Fishing stuff.. rubber worms..and stuff ( I have no knowledge of the proper names. )
3. His interest in fishing.
and finally number # 4!

4. We would go fishing so much in Cape Verde.. I actually liked it! lol

Living in Cape verde, We would all go as a family.. To certain spots..That we liked :) Now, where we would fish..had little tide pools.. with fish, Sea urchins, Slugs..( eww! ) and crabs! :) And of course rocks, coral, . ect. I still didn’t having the patience to stand there..And wait for fish to eat my worm on the line..So my mom and dad would fish..Well, Me.. The Bait Catcher.. chased fish around the tide pools, in the freezing cold water. ( We would go early in the morning, When the sun wasn’t burning us..and the tide was low.)

When we first went fishing in Cape verde.. Guess what we saw! A BLOWFISH!..You know those fish.. who look normal..but then they puff up..with spikes all over them! It was awesome! :)
Anyway.. Once Upon a time..just kidding. We went on our family fishing trips..again! And I had my bucket, and net that my dad made :) And went looking for fish bait! :)

I went looking for fish..And I was looking in the tide pool..When I saw what I thought was a rock MOVE..But since Rocks don’t move.. or squirt ink..I freaked out!..The octopus..moved his legs..Reminded me of a spider..Anyway. I was soooooooooo excited..I had to tell my mom! “ Mom!"- said loudly which of course was hushed because I was scaring the fish.. lol.. So I caught the octopus..even if he/she.. kept squirting me with ink..or trying too.

I showed my mom, She was surprised just like me..though I was more excited! I went to go show my Dad..And He was like Wow! :) So I put him in my net.. Here’s a picture!

Can you spot him..? Here;s a hint..Camouflage! 

How cool is that!!!

When I put him in my bucket with the little fish I had caught..for some reason..My fish were disappearing..? HE ATE MY FISH?! lol Which was annoying.. but cool.. :) That is something I will never forget! :) Well here in South Africa..It’s time for bed! So goodnight WORLD :) Have a great day/night. Will be posting more pics from Cape Verde..Mañana ;) ( Tomorrow) :)

~ Ashleigh ~

~ Had fun at the Barnyard! ~

Hey my friends & fellow Bloggers! Sorry, I haven’t posted.. I have been a bit busy.. ;) Being in two bands, being homeschooled, and church ministry will keep you busy! Anyway, I recently had a sleepover with my two best gals, Jayda & Tarryn! There is a reason why I them crazy, haha And maybe that’s the reason we like to hang out :) We had pillow fights, we laughed till our ribs hurt, and then we went to sleep! lol But the next day..was interesting, fun, weird, tiring, and cool! Jackie, ( Jayda’s Mom) Took us girls, and her two daughters to this place not far from their house called the Barnyard.. It’s a petting zoo.. but not your normal animals.. well at least not for me :) Let’s see they had Chickens... ( Don’t pet them..) They had an African Grey Parrot! ;) They had, Goats... Emu’s, Ponies..and ( shocker) Alpaca! o_o  and you would never guess what we were feeding them.. POPCORN!.. haha! :D I had fun!

This feathered guy, is a bully.

Yes! I’m an Alpaca!

Lil Pony :) 

What’s up Duck? ;) 

Mr..Emu!

A Two Headed Goat! . Just Kidding ;)

 It’s so weird feeding goats.. Because they lick your hand..hehe :).. But all in all I had a cool day at the  Barnyard.. though I had to run away from the chickens.. they were chasing me!! :o.. But It was funny! :)

Anyway, Goodnight..Everyone around the world!

~ Ashleigh ~

~ Life is Better at the Beach ~

We went to most peaceful place, and my favorite place.. The Beach. Have I ever told y’all how much I love the beach.. I mean I love it. It’s so peaceful.. I honestly didn’t enjoy living on an Island ( Cape Verde ) , but The only thing I loved about it all..was the ocean. The ocean itself it Amazing, You might even call it “ An Amazing Creation “.. Well here is what amazes me about it.. *Whispers*.. Everything! haha :) But to be completely honest, The ocean.. Have you ever thought about it.. All the Fish, sea creatures, sea anemones, everything..every speck of sand, every sea shell..every little crab. God made. :) It’s unbelievable..but it’s truly beautiful. The ladies from church went to the beach, And I of course tagged along.. I got to see a star fish..They were pretty gooey..but seeing something so cool is unbearable lol. I loved that I got to be with the ladies, and Jayda.. but I truly loved just being at the beach.. Watches the small waves crash..feeling the cold wind..( Though..Heavy wind isn’t very enjoyable.) But I stood there..looking at the ocean. I felt peace.. Though I was standing alone..It gives me time to think stuff though.. but I really do love..LOVE the beach. Anyway..Me and my parents went to the beach a few weeks ago, and even though it was seriously windy..it was still beautiful. I took some pictures too! Hope you like em!

                                   Mom’s Foot Prints in the Sand

My Mom walking by the ocean 

I’m in love with the ocean <3

Hey, lil bird

The End!

P.S: If you guys, have amazing pics that you took..of your family vacations..or whatever..and you want to share em. Leave a comment below..and I’ll share em!

                      { Beauty From Ashes }

~ Finally..I'm finally Free ~

Some of may think I don't know what this world is like.. But I do. I know what kind of influence this world can have on you.. How do I know? I hear so many testimonies, about how God changed so many peoples lives, Some were Drug dealers, some have been in Jail, were Criminals.. and more. But for those of you who don't believe in God..or just think that people are making up stories.. They aren't.. And Proof that God is real.. He changed my parents lives, and he has changed mine.

You may think " Well, You're a Pastor's Kid." I'm here to tell you.. My past may not be terrible as some, but I felt guilty, hurt, lost, alone..in this world. I gave some many teens advice for a lot, Forgiveness, Suicide..but I felt like a bad example when I couldn't forgive myself, and when I felt like committing suicide. I couldn't forgive myself..why? I tried my best to be, a good girl in church.. But after one mistake..one big mistake..I have been living with that scar.

I messed around sexually with one of my best friends, We were both young..but I knew what we did was terrible.. I couldn't forgive myself..at all. I apologized to her so many times, but even when she said she forgave me, even when I asked God for forgiveness..I couldn't forgive myself.. My friend Danny, was right. I was holding on to my past.. And holding on to it.. Was tearing me up.

I still have the scar..But you know what.. I have never felt so free in my life.. Here's what happened.

~ February 15, 2014 ~

I had just finished practice.. Freaking out over a song ( Mostly because I was singing by myself).. My band leader, Kyle walked up and asked me to do my testimony.. I can honestly say my heart stopped..Fear flowed in..my heart and mind. For two reasons:

1. I don't share my testimony often, Because I'm ashamed..
2. Because I was so scared..to even know..that everyone would know, I was scared to hear what they had to say..after they found out.

Kyle said.. God asked him to ask me.. I sat there praying my heart out..Almost crying. I dreaded sharing my testimony..For some crazy reason..I told Kyle " I will share my testimony". And when we finished singing " Price Tag " .. It was time for my testimony.. I was nervous, but you know what.. after sharing it.. I was really emotional, No matter how much I tried hiding it. I went in the Sanctuary..and cried at the altar.. because like I still scared..but I felt free. I don't the burdened anymore.. Jayda said Maybe It was time for me to let go.. And it was..

If you are a Pastor Kid, or Just a normal person.. Don't ever think you have to be perfect.. don't let your life..your past pull you down..don't let it tear you apart..Do it, not because I asked you..Because you need to. I been holding on to my past to long.. I let it tear down..and I'm still trying to get back up.. God loves you more than anything.. He sent his son to die for you. Out of conditional LOVE.. Don't ever give up your life, just because its unbearable.. because you know what.. God loves you, He is always with you..and even when things are going bad..He's always listening..He's always there..

If you ever need anything, Yes..You can talk to me..But God is the one who can help the most. :)

I'm still nervous to share my testimony..but I'm happy I did..because I can finally smile..and say I forgive myself :) And " Best Friend" I hope you do forgive me, I should've been a better example to you. And I apologize.

Well that's all for today! Have a great day :)

~ Ash ~

~ Falling Under the Influence.... ~

Some may think all Pastor’s kids, are perfect. From what I know..and what this whole world knows. NO ONE is perfect, no not even Pk’s. I am starting to notice, This world does all it can to influence you. Here is what I mean…

I have a young friend, She was so loving. She was Christian, though she doesn’t know about this world, Doesn’t have understanding. I told her to be careful with who she hangs out with/makes friends with. But you know us tweens/teens, think we know better, Now she is falling behind, She isn’t happy the sunshine, I used to know. Now she is believing the negative things people are telling her, And I worry even more. 

It’s hard for a Christian to fall.. Spiritually.You want to do what the world is doing, You want to try new things, But It’s not worth it. This world will leave you broken, hurt, angry, and more. You may ask “ Well, How do you know?” I know, because I’ve fallen, more than once.  And you can see it everywhere, The influence bullies have on kids, who end up taking their lives..Young kids, Young teenagers, In robberies, In drug dealing..End up in Jail.I know what this world’s influence does to you. I’ve been dealing with it since I was 11. Even though I have always grown in a God loving, christian home, with supportive parents, I still fell. ( spiritually ).

I always get the feeling, I wish I could travel back in time to those times when I said “ Yes” and put my foot down..And say “No.” But, unfortunately we can’t go back in time, and we have to move on in life. We all have our own stories, Some worst than some. My story.. I will post one day, but I can say this  world is really in a mess. 

All movies are starting to only be about Sex & Murder,

Music is mostly about, Sex, Good/Bad relationships, Suicide ( Rihanna). I understand not music, is like this. But a pretty good percentage of it is. 

You may think it’s helpful.. but what’s more important. Listening to Lady Gaga “ Born this way” or where your going to spend eternity? 

It’s not just us Pastor’s kids, who fall. It’s all of you out there. I won’t say any names, but I have another young friend. And she isn’t a christian, She wants to live her way.. But no matter how much trash she has gone through, How much she is enjoying the bad life ( sleeping around, drugs, drinking ) She still won’t turn to God. She is getting farther or farther away, This is one reason I do worry. Why? Well, If she keep going down this path..It will lead to spending eternity..In a place of separation..desperation.. And sadly if you don't give your life to Jesus..that's where anyone could spend eternity. 

I may not know what you all go through, Some of it is just to much for you. Some of it may be tearing you apart. And you think “ Why, live? “ And If you have ever thought about taking your life.. Please don’t. If you are cutting.. Please stop. You’re choices effect those who care about you. Cutting, may seem to take away the pain..but It’s causing you more pain..It won’t help you get over the hurt. Taking your life, Is the worst idea ever, Life may drag you down, But don’t let others rule your life. There is hope in this world. There is always Hope.. there is another way.. His name is Jesus. 

He knows what you go through, He knows the pain you suffer from..but He loves you so much, more than anyone in this world can. He died for us, on a cross. God, gave his only son to die for us.. Out of Love. And you know what's the best. If you give your life to him, You will one day spend Eternity with him.. I ain't lying. But It will be truly amazing. :) 

Don’t ever give up Hope.. And don’t let this World’s Influence ruin you..

If you ever need to talk, Comment below. :) 

Love you all, and God Bless! 

~ The Beauty of Classical Music ~

   I never paid attention to classical music, when I was young. Now, during my teenager years, I have grown to love Classical Music. I have a wide variety of what music I like, I can listen to music for hours. But I love listening to Classical Music, not because it's so soothing..and relaxing, but because It's truly beautiful, And I don't know how to explain it..But when I need to think things through..or I'm really nervous I listen to music.. Classical..whatever kind I have. Some of you may not like classical music, but that is your choice. I love classical music.. In fact I am listening to some now. 

                           ~ What Classical Music I Love ~ 

~This guy plays such beautiful music ~ 

~ Moonrise - Brian Crian ~ 

" Music is a social act

 of communication among people,

a gesture of friendship,

the strongest there is."

~ Malcolm Arnold ~ 

I will love Classical music, for as long as I can, It's beautiful, As one of my dreams is to go see an Orchestra or anything of the sort..Classical music, may just seem like average music to you, But I see it as beautiful music. 

Till next time! 

~ I saw Penguins..I'm not kidding! ~

You would never believe it.. There are penguins in South Africa! I have never seen a penguin..in real life! They are so cute...and noisy.. lol. We went to this place yesterday..that has them there! Me and my Dad took pictures! Hope you enjoy em! ^_^ I also took a picture of the mountain view you can see from there!

Gasp! Penguins in SA! 

Hi there! 

Time to sleep in the sun! 

The Mountain view!

Ain't he cute! 

SMILE!

Hope you guys have a fabulous day! Love y'all!

~ Guns & Moses ~

We have a band in our church, in Grassy Park - Cape Town, SA. The band members are great people, great friends, and are fun to hang with! Let me tell you about them a little.. ( From what I know ) 

Our band leader is Kyle Felix, who is a great guy, funny, serious when need be, he writes songs, and also plays the guitar. Our Drummer, Augustine, is a great guy as well, funny, nice, he can sing..though he denies it, and play the piano. We have another guitarist, Chadwyn, He is a great guy too.. quiet, funny, and a great guitar player. Oh! and there is Me and Jayda, she is a great gal, she is loving, she loves teasing me..which is no surprise.she plays the piano..but you should totally hear her voice!.. She can sing high, and she has a unique voice ( Yes you do, Jayda..don't deny it ). So yup! These are the band members! I also  interviewed our Band Leader Kyle.. Since he knows more than me about the band lol.

- The Interview - 

• What's your name?  Kyle Felix 
• How old are you? 18
• How long have you been playing the guitar? For 4 years
• What's the whole purpose of starting the band? Easy, to win souls
• Who started the band in the beginning? A guy named Mickyle
• What's your view on the band members? Cool people, easy to get along with but they love messing around.
• How long have you know the member of the band? For 2 years now

Artwork by Kyle. F

                                           

                        Why do we do this? To win souls!

                        Who are we doing this for? .Jesus!

                     Who are we accountable to? ..One another! " 

                                      - Kyle Felix -

~ Being Online vs Being Social ~

Have you ever had that moment where you can hours and hours to people online..but when you talk in person..You don't talk much? Why are you doing that..Well I blame..that right, " Technology. "

- What I mean.. -

Hey, It's me Ash! Well, the other day I was talking to my dad about this very topic, Honestly its 100% true for me. Why? Well.. maybe I should explain from the beginning. So most of you know I lived in Cape Verde ( an Island ) if you didn't know..now you do lol  :) I wasn't able to go to school, make friends, talk to anyone on that island..for one whole reason.. They didn't speak English..only Portuguese. So I was forced to be homeschooled, and technically speaking forced to talk online to friends, Yes I could call some of them, but I mostly talked to them through email, Google+, or through AIO forums. Meaning most of my relationships with my online friends, aren't as real as my friends here in Cape town. I have know all of them for about 1 1/2 years. So we are all pretty close. But what my point is.. I can talk to people or my friends in general for hours..like seriously. But let's just say you meet me in person..I can come off as quiet..but honestly I am not! lol, I love talking, a lot. Ask my Dad, He calls me a Walkie-talkie..hehe. When I lived here in South Africa 5 years, ago. I would be miss over friendly, Talking to strangers.. and now..I get shy..or just stay quiet. But what makes me think is the amount of time me or even other teenagers spend online. Chatting, texting or ect. I used to spend up 6 hours on the computer everyday. Not terrible, but not so good either. So I would have to say, I still need to work on my social skills, So if you do know me..and I don't really talk to you in person..lol It's not cause I'm ignoring you..It's just I'm getting used to talking to people in English..and I have to get used to being involved in social life. lol .. I think I chat more..You have time to think over the words before you say them..but in person you just out right say it. lol.. Who knows? Well just felt like doing this post! Let me know if any of you feel the same way..or have any input! :)

Goodbye now!

~ Rudy The Roadrunner ~

On our visit to Arizona, We went to eat at a couples house..after we were done eating a wonderful meal.. We were outside..trying to get the keys that my bro in law...left in the ignition out..We spotted a roadrunner! I shall give the Credit to My Dad.. Robert Polaco for taking this amazing pic! ( We named the Roadrunner..Rudy....Mr Rudy the Roadrunner ;) lol )

More posts coming your way today! 

A new family member.. A puppy!

I have big news, We have added a new family member to our familia! :) Me and my mom couldn't figure out whose dog she was.. But I figured mom would spend more time with her..since I will be in school and wouldn't be able to much time with her, So we decided she was mom's dog, So mom got to name her.. Please give a warm welcome to Little Jazzy! *Applause with some awww's*

She is a miniature pincher, She is 5 months old..and she has a cute personality. She is so funny, Barking at flowers, rolling around on the floor/in the grass, She is sure a character. She loves being held..she is like a magnet haha!! 

She sleeps all the time..Maybe even more than the average teenager..

~ Flowers are truly beautiful ~

Hey! Another thing I truly love is Photography :) I have loved taking pictures ever since I was a little girl. :) We are staying at a BnB.. Called Beulah's Lodge.. The best part about this place is that is has such pretty flowers.. and Thanks to God for providing me with a camera :) ( I wanted a purple camera for christmas..I didn't get one..Which wasn't a big deal. But just so happens my sister Andrea had a camera she was going to throw away..for some crazy idea. jk ;) So she gave it to me..and guess what its purple!)

So as soon as we got here... I took pictures :) So I thought I might as well share with you guys! Enjoy! :)

~ Purple Flower ~ 

                                  ~ Pink Flower ~

                ~ I got excited when I found this lil guy! ~

         ~ This flower is just gorgeous..Oh look a lil beetle! ~

               I couldn't reach these flowers on top of the wall
                  so I put my camera up..and Snap! Perfect!

                               Another Snail ;)

  The End!! :) Hope you liked them! I will be posting tons of pictures..*Smiles* Will post soon!

~ Special Days with Grandma ~

I just love this picture! Why, Well.. Because my Grandma was there.. I was very happy to spend time with my Grandma... I miss her with all my heart <3 We took this picture before going shopping at Goodwill lol :) Family Bonding ;) Spending time with my Grandma..made my visit in Prescott more special..  ( Love you Grandma, And hope you will come visit us here one day! )

~ Me - Grandma Jane - Mom - Dad ~

~ Home Sweet Home ~

Life has sure been pretty hectic..but I'm finally rested. :) You may ask why? Here I'll tell you! :D

November 25: We got a call asking if we would take over the church in Cape Town, South Africa. For most of you who know me I lived not to far from Cape Town a long time ago, 5 years to be exact . We lived in Johannesburg, South Africa. My Dad told Pastor Mitchell he would talk my mom first. Me and mom were in the kitchen eating breakfast..She was ease dropping a lil bit..She knew dad was talking about SA. So he came in the kitchen explaining the phone call.. Mom was mad at dad for not saying Yes! right away ;) My mom was so happy..she cried <3 I was happy so much I was jumping up and down haha! :) So we got packing and only had 10 days... O_o

Packing: I can officially say I hate packing. We didn't pack to much since we had movers pack for us.. That's worse especially if there is Mr. Prince Charming.. ( He thought he was charming ) I was happy yet annoyed. Happy - That we didn't have to pack the house all alone..Which would just tire us out.
Annoyed: Well the movers are all guys and were always in our house.. A few of them creeped me out.. They kept staring at me.. which bugs me.. lol Seriously who likes to be stared at? I may let small things annoy me but I don't think anyone likes that. To of them were trying to get my attention.. Honestly the be wasting their time. Plus with my Dad around they won't even succeed ;) But when they left I was relieved :) Sorry if that's mean..

Our night in Boston: Oh Boston! I was there 10 mins and fell in love with Boston <3 I don't know why but I loved it! Maybe I'll live there one day ;) We were hungry and tired... We were on our way downstairs to the hotel restaurant when my mom looked out the window and saw a sign to the restaurant next door.. I forgot the name since it wasn't in English.. But it was an Italian/BBQ/Seafood restaurant!!!! Awesome right!! Oh my, their food portions were huge but the food was... TO DIE FOR DELISH! I'm not kidding. My parents got ribs, the meat was so rich and fall off the bone..so tender.. ( I'll stop in case your getting hungry..) But I will say YOU must go eat there!

Our Flight: Not to long..I tried to sleep but sitting next to the most talkative guys in the plane wasn't helping. Though their conversation was very interesting :) One guy was like a scientist :) He studies cures, medicine and types of sicknesses. They talked about Malaria.. Family, Evolution, God. Some parts I wanted to state my opinion  but that wouldn't be very polite. Just so happens one was an atheist. It was interesting and sad to hear what that said.. I still don't understand their theory. I drew a few pictures.. And scientist fellow asked if I was an artist heh :) But he really liked it :) I took it as a  compliment :)


In AZ: I had so much fun there I actually made friends..not that I didn't have any before.. I had one Miss Morgan. K :) Who is such a dear.) But the gals were much nicer :) I met Becca.. Who is funny yet pretty cool :) She is a great friend, Alyssa who is awesome.. She has such a fun spirit :) great
personality. Amanda who is funny, loving and more:) I'm happy I finally met her.. And more gals :)
They all have great personalities, fun, and all around amazing. I also got to meet my friend yelsew which was awesome! :) ( not his real name FYI )

Our long flight: Then after leaving AZ we got on a plane to fly to London.. Eight hours later ;) We made it safely to the airport. I bought a cute teddy bear souvenir! Then we ate some yummy sandwiches and sat for a longish while, about a three hour layer over. Then we boarded our next flight.. ( Wasn't looking forward to it ) This flight was 11 hours and 25 minutes .. Very tiring.. I got cramps in my legs.. After 3 hours I couldn't feel my legs. When I had to stand up ..took me a while though I felt like I lost the use if them haha. Sadly the seats are uncomfortable.. I slept but not as good as I wished. After 9 hours we finally made it to... Rainy Cape Town <3

Home sweet home: Yet I'm American I have only lived in the US for 5 yrs. Woah?! I've lived in South Africa ( counting Cape Verde ) in the total of 12 years :) So I count South Africa as home. I love South Africa :) is so beautiful.. The people are so outgoing and friendly. Mom says that's how you know i grew up here.. Describes my personality.. Though I have gotten quiet but I still talk a lot and I can be a bit mad.But very rarely. But if you friends or family I can't stay mad lol ;) Right now our new church is great! I love the people already and I've already made some friends :)

Please keep our church in Cape Town, South Africa in your prayers :) I thank God for bringing us here.. My joy is back :) God is sure good!

Well that's it for today! I'll post more soon..I'll be posting a lot of pictures!

~ Ashleigh ~