Goodbye

Today marks six years since I began blogging. Six years of writing posts, replying to comments and connecting with too many amazing people to count. I cannot believe how much God has chosen to bless me through this blog. 

Six years, 

About 80 followers

Sixty thousand page views

611 posts. 

With 3668 comments

Today is my official move over to my new blog. Everything new will be on MikaylaHolman.blogspot.com.

I'm not sure I'm really ready for goodbye on this blog, but it's time. It's been an amazing six years. Thank you for all your support and time.
God Bless.

Link to My New Blog

Hello everyone! I'm here with exciting news! I am finally ready to share the link to my new blog!!

So here it is, you can follow the link, or click on the image.

http://mikaylaholman.blogspot.com/

Starting Tuesday I will be duel posting on both Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father, and Mikaya Holman. I will do this to give everyone a chance to move over to the new blog. 

I am so excited about this change, and I pray it is for the better. Will you go on over and tell me what you think?

Big changes coming

I started this blog almost six years ago. Back when I started, I wanted to have a place to share my pictures and tell people about my life. Fast forward a couple years, and I decided the name I had chosen was too childish. So I changed it from The Bubblegum Ballerina to Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father and I started sharing a lot more of my writing. Fast forward to last January where I became very dissatisfied with my blog. I began to pray about why I felt so unsettled about it. I really feel that God told me I had the wrong mindset about my blog. It was all "me" focused, and not outward focused. So I worked on it and finally came to a decision.

To really have a blog outward focused, I want to start over. 

I have loved this corner of the internet for six years, and it was a hard decision to decide to move. It's scary for me to think of completely starting over with followers and a new type of content. But I know it's the right thing for me to do. 

So what will this new blog be like? 

Well, for one, it's named after me. Yup, I went all boring and just slapped my name on it. Not only is that good for simplicity's sake (No getting tired of the name), but also it will give me a base if I decided to be a professional and want a website.

My goal for the blog was to be a comfortable space where people would feel like they didn't have to  'clean up' to leave a comment. So yeah, it's got the ".blogspot.com" part at the end of my URL. It's not a professional design. The photos on my "About me" pages were taken by me. Because I'm a messy person, I don't want to feel like I have to be all formal with y'all on that blog. It makes me so happy because it's purple, grey and white. It's got flowers and swirly fonts. All things that just make me happy.

The content of that blog is going to be different, but not completely. I'm going to be focusing more on diving into discussions on my faith, and my actual writing process. I will be slowing way down on how many blog tours I am part of, and "filler" posts like tags and the like. Also, I have made the decision to slow down how much I post my poetry.

So yeah, that was a huge info dump. I'm still setting up the blog, so I'm not quite ready to give y'all the link, but it will be coming soon! 

This was my six hundred'th blog post, and it feels fitting that it would be the beginning of saying goodbye to this blogspot.

So what are y'all's thoughts on this?

Livy Without You || Giveaway

Hello everyone! Today I'm doing a review for Live Without You by Sarah Grace Grzy

Here's what it's about: 

Piper Redding is a loner, but lonely. Everyone she loves has abandoned her and opening her heart to others is just asking for more pain. She can’t help but blame herself for her brother’s tragic death six years ago, and in her guilt, she shuts herself off from the world. No one could love her—not even the God who promised to be there for her but wasn’t.                                                                                                                                                                        For paramedic Ezra Bryant, failure is not an option. He’s had enough of it, and only by God’s grace is he able to put it behind him. But when a traumatic event brings Piper’s greatest fear and Ezra’s failures to light, can they use that event to allow God to mend their broken pieces? Can love triumph over fear, and grace over guilt?

My Review:

I was so blessed to be both a beta reader and an advanced reader for this beautiful little book. I have rarely read a book that I fell in love with so much the first time I read it. 

The first thing that really struck me about this book was how real the characters felt. They had faults and good attributes, things that they didn't like about themselves and it all worked together beautifully for the plot. The thing that made this book as good as it was, was the message. It had a powerful message woven into the pages, so strong that if you took it away, the book wouldn't make sense. That's my favorite kind of message. I was rooting for the characters at every step. 

And goodness, that plot twist. O.o I did not see that coming at all. 

My only small complaints were that 1. The characters full names were repeated a lot, which got a tad annoying. 2. There was some pretty big run on sentences that got a tiny bit confusing. 

Overall, this book was amazing. I recommend it to anyone looking of an encouraging message that will leave them wanting to give their life over more fully to God. 

Buy it on Amazon || Shelf it on Goodreads

About Sarah Grace Grzy:

Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other. 

A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole.

Find her author profile on Goodreads || Personal Goodreads || Newsletter || Twitter || Instagram

Giveaway Information: 

Grand Prize ~ $20 Amazon gift card, Signed Paperback of Live Without You, Specialty designed mug. 

Second Prize ~ $5 Amazon gift card, ebook copy of Live Without You

3 Third Prize Winners ~ Ebook copy of Live Without You

Grand prize open to US entrants only, 2nd and 3rd prizes available internationally. Giveaway runs from 12AM 1.21.19 - 12AM 2.23.19. Victoria Lynn Designs retains the right to disregard any entries that they deem bogus or spam. Good luck to the entrants!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Five Years

I've been blogging for five years. Five years that have brought me from a thirteen-year-old who was caught up in imaginary worlds, to an eighteen-year-old who's looking to dive into college courses and possible jobs. 

When I started the blog, I didn't expect it to change this much. I've pretty much tried all the different kinds of posts I could do, and it's been fun. There have been points where I've felt like quitting and times where I've felt like it wasn't worth it, but every time I go to leave, I always feel God telling me to come back. The amazing friendships I have made here and the awesome comments that y'all leave have made this blog one of my favorite places. 

As I look back on the years, it amazes me to see how I've changed, and how the blog has changed with me. But the one thing that always stands out is how amazing y'all have been. 

So thank you, whether you've been here for five years, or five days, or five minutes, thank you for making this blog what it is. Your reading, and support means the world to me.

As I look forward to the next year and anticipate the changes coming for this blog I praise God that I have friends like y'all to share the journey with. 

Thank's for making blogging worth it. 

Blog Survey (Calling All Blog Readers)

Hello everyone! I have been thinking about revamping my blog lately, and I could really use your help. I've created a short survey and it would mean the world to me if you could fill it out. Even if you only read my blog once in a blue moon or you've just started following your responce would be very appreciated! Free virtual cupcakes if you do it! ;)

The survey is only seven questions and should only take about 3-5 minutes to fill out.

I've put the embedded survey below, but just in case that's not working for you, I've also left the link.

I spent way more time singing along to Broadway's Beauty and the Beast than I did actually creating this surveys. (Mostly Home. Such a good song. <3)

SURVEY LINK

Create your own user feedback survey

Thank you so much for your time! 

Bursting With Dreams || Blog Launch

Are you bursting with a dream? Do you long for a place where you can connect with other creatives like you? Well Hailey Hudson has created just such a place. 

The Hardworking Creative launches today, and here is the mission statement: 

My name is Hailey Hudson, and I’m a hardworking creative who inspires other creatives to put in the legwork that’s necessary to make their dreams become their reality.

This is a place where creatives are celebrated. Whether you’re a writer, painter, filmmaker, graphic designer, violinist, dancer, actor, you name it—if you pride yourself on both your creativity and your work ethic, then you are welcome here. If you’re looking for your people, you’ve found them.

At the age of eighteen, I became an author and a freelance writer. As I looked around, I realized I had many friends who were incredibly talented in various creative pursuits and who hoped to make it big—but they weren’t actually doing any work towards their dreams. Creativity is a fantastic thing to have, but if you want to be successful, hard work as equally as important, and that’s the premise that this website was founded on.

Here at The Hardworking Creative, you’ll find monthly success stories from young creatives just like you, plus more exciting content explaining what the lifestyle of a hardworking creative really looks like—tips on marketing, branding, and social media, and more.

This website is the launching pad for your success. So stick around. I can’t wait to watch you succeed.

“To anyone who’s bursting with a dream—come one, come all.” –The Greatest Showman

Head on over and check it out at The Hardworking Creative! This is a site that you will not want to miss! 

Bound Review

Hello! Today I'm here with the blog tour for Victoria Lynn's newest release, Bound!

About the book: 

Two souls don’t find each other by simple accident. ~Jorge Luis Borges~

Levi thought he was making this journey alone. But when he meets an eight-year-old girl at the train station, that plan is turned on its head.

Casey is running away and finds out that Levi is too. They decide to journey together and their lives are suddenly bound together in a journey they will not soon forget.


Both children come from abusive situations and are running from the dangers of their previous life. Levi is confident he can handle this on his own, but when Casey is injured on the journey, he must seek help from the first person that comes into his path, or rather people. Mr. and Mrs. Bellworth are simple farm folk with a heart for kids and a passion for serving God. When their unconditional love and gentle care surrounds Levi and Casey, the troubles of their previous lives melt away and they start to flourish. But when Casey is dragged back into the abusive world she came from, the emotional trauma, pain and distrust resurfaces. Will they be forever bound by their past? Or will God answer their prayers?

Find it on Amazon and Goodreads

My review:

After reading London in the Dark, I was very excited to read more by Victoria Lynn. I fell in love with the characters so quickly.

Levi I loved just about the first time he came on 'screen.' His love and care for Casey was so enduring. I had to remind myself that he was fourteen a lot, because he acted fairly young, but that didn't take away much from the story.

Casey was such a realistically done girl. She's had a pretty hard life and it show with some issues, and is slightly mature for her age. But she's still a kid with childlike responses to things. That was really refreshing to me after reading so many books where kids act like adults. 

The plot was great, and well paced. I loved how the message was woven in pretty naturally. 

And there was a character with my name!! *Smiles* I've never read a book with my name in it, so it was pretty awesome!!

I would not recommend this to anyone under 12 because it deals with child abuse and alcohol addiction. It was handled very well though, and I don't think many people would have trouble with it.  

Overall, good book. I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.

               About the Author: 

Victoria Lynn is in her 20s and if she's not writing, she is probably sewing, singing, playing the piano, washing dishes, creating something with her hands, or learning something new. She has a passion for serving her Creator, encouraging others and being creative. She blogs at www.rufflesandgrace.com about writing, fashion, modesty, her walk with God and life. She lives in Michigan with her parents and 8 siblings.

Find her here:

Blog || Website || Facebook || Goodreads || Pinterest

And there's a giveaway! I am sorry, I couldn't get the widget working, but you can view it here or go directly to the giveaway on Victoria's blog here.

Courage and Corruption Blog Tour

About the Book

Catherine is going with her mother and younger siblings to the mountains to hide from the coming war. While she fears what might happen she is looking forward to some time away from her twin brother, with whom she often fights. One foolish act changes all their plans, and one story caused not only confusion, but more fighting.

Christopher does not believe his father’s story that they are descended from royalty. He is sure the story his father tells cannot be true. However, he is forced to go to the mountain castle of Coraway along with his mother and siblings. Will his father ever see him as a man? Will he and his twin ever be able to stop fighting?

Little do Catherine and Christopher realize that they hold the key to Taelis’ future in their hands. While they discover the truth before it is too late?

My Review:

I have never read a book by Sarah Holman that I didn't love. This was no exception. The two main siblings in this story had a problems many of us can relate to. They both struggle and the problems do not go away right away. I was refreshed to read a book set in medieval times that was not all about battles and sword fights. Actually this book has relatively no action in it. But it was amazing. It was really nice to focus more on characters then battles.

I was mildly sad because your seeing characters from previous books old and dying.

This one more then any of the other books needs to have backstory from the first two books. 

If  you haven't read them, why don't you check out the first book? They are incredible and you will not regret it. 

About the Author

Sarah Holman is a not so typical mid-twenties girl: A homeschool graduate, sister to six awesome siblings, and author of many published books and short stories. If there is anything adventuresome about her life, it is because she serves a God with a destiny bigger than anything she could have imagined.

You can find her at her website: www.thedestinyofone.com

Follow the Tour

November 15

Faith Blum

Lakeside Publication

Claire Banschbach

November 16

Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father

November 17

Learning Resource Directory

Into the Bookcase

November 19

Gods Peculiar Treasure

A Pinch of Faith

            

Find it on Goodreads and on Amazon 

Am I a Rebel, or Not?

Okay guys, sorry for the lack of posting. I have been super wrapped up in the crazy thing we are currently calling life. 

First I'd like to give a shout out to Sarah for helping me make sure the blog URL worked correctly. You should totally check out her blog, its awesome. And then to Allie because, well, she's the reason the blog has a ton of things I couldn't do on my own. And she didn't mind my never ending questions, which was awesome. If you would follow the link in her name up there and check out her blog.
If I had time I would also thank every single person who contributed to this blog, but that would take hours. I would feel like mentioning everyone who brainstormed with me, or just the person who pointed out that my main fount was gray instead of black. But I don't have time for that. Lets just say I've had a ton of help. 

Shadow has a fascination with chasing his tail.

Now, onto life right now. It is crazy and I love it.

First things first, I'm doing NaNo. Every single year I go into saying "Yeah, this is going to be so easy, I'll ace it, unlike last year. It won't take over my life, and I will never stress about it." and every single year so far I get to about this point and go "This is hard. Its taking over hours of my life, I'm stressing about what I'm going to write and this will be an epic fail" But strangely enough I am having a ton of fun. I've had my very first word wars this year, which I'm now attached to. 

Now you may wonder what my subject line is about, well, this is where that comes in. 

I'm writing a Scifi about a civilization where there are the main group of people, and there are the rebels. My main character finds faults with both, but also merits and she doesn't know which group she stands with. She has decide if shes a rebel or not.

And also, every NaNo I write more then one story. Its happened every time. It makes me what is called a NaNo rebel. But this time I actually seem to have enough plot to keep up with NaNo so far. Its crazy, but awesome. 

I'm also wrapped up in a lot of other stuff this month, but I don't want to keep y'all so long, so I'll tell y'all later!

So, are you a (NaNo) rebel, or not? 

My First Post With the New Name

Well guys, here we are. If your reading this, that means you've eather stumbled on this, or you've made the switch sucsessfully. Thats awesome. This new space just makes me sigh with happiness, I love it. If you haven't already, why don't you explore a bit! Every page is updated, the sidebar isn't quite done, but its close. Even my copyright notice, comment message and page not found page have been changed. ;) 

A lot of things have been changing lately. Not only my blog, but my room, my life in genral... its crazy, but awesome. 

I am gearing up for NaNo here, but I'm also working on a new posting schedule for here and putting the finishing tuches to the blog. I'll begin my new regular posts soon, but it's going to take me just a bit to get that all ready. 

So, what do you think? Comment and tell me your honest opinion! 

My New Blog Title (You might want to check this out)

Hello guys. Exciting things are underway here. All this week I have been plotting, designing, editing, revising, redesigning, and perfecting (as much as I can) my new blog design. Well, its almost ready. I've just got a couple more things to figure out. A few more keyboards to bang my head on. A few more packs of gum to work through. 

But, I do have the new name and it is....

(Drumroll please)

This graphic is a taste of my new design, but its not actually going to be on the blog. What do you think?

One of the main reasons I choose this title was because I wanted to put God into my title. He is so much a part of my life, it seemed only fitting I should mention Him here.

So, on Friday, October 21, my blog will have a name switch. The URL will be changed to www.ordinarygirlextraordinaryfather.blogspot.com

You might want to go ahead and save the new URL, because even though I'm going to be (hopefully) just switching over with no problem, you never know what will happen. I will be posting on Friday when everything is switched (Probably late in the afternoon) so if by Saturday you have not gotten my post, head on over to the new URL and message me and I'll see what I can do.

And I've just got to say it again, y'all's survey responses were awesome. They have been coming in so handy while working on the new design.

So, I want your thoughts. What do you think of the new name? Is it an improvement, or not?
Is anyone else pumped about the changes coming? (I know I am!)

Survey Responces and Designing Sessions

Alright everybody, the survey responses are in. I got in a lot of responses, so that y'all for helping me! I must admit, I was a little overwhelmed at first at the sheer amount of information I got, but I had a friend sit down (Virtually at least) and help me sort through it all and figure out a good plan of what to do. I would like to thank every one of you who took the survey though, it was really helpful. 

I'm going to wait until I've finally decided on everything to announce it all, but here's a couple of things you can be expecting:

1. A new blog name

2. A totally new design 

3. Updated and new pages 

4. New blog schedule 

There's some other things that I'm already planning, but I'll wait to tell about all that good stuff until I'm ready. 

And guys, I love your response telling me your favorite book. That was probably my favorite part of the whole survey. Thank you.

Now for seven random photos. ;)