the woods.

Lately, Blair and I have been taking our two dogs, Rocky and Boomer, to a regional park near our house during the weekends. The time spent in nature, among the trees rustling with wind and wildlife, does so much good for the mind and soul. The crisp, fall air is so refreshing. It's exactly what I need to stay motivated and energized throughout the week.

The Green Trail

The Pink Trail

Some Instagram Photos {thekindledscholar}

Where do you go to refresh your mind?

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

a book signing.

This weekend I ventured into the heart of DC for the first time. Yes, for the first time since I moved here 2 years ago. My husband and I are homebodies, so we never quite make it further than 12 miles from where we live. This was also my first time riding the Metro. Now that I've done it once, I think I'll finally be visiting our nation's capital much more often. 

What coaxed me to venture into the unknown was the National Book Festival and John Green. After getting my friend to read The Fault in Our Stars, which she loved, I dragged her to John Green's presentation and book signing. We waited for 2 hours to get our books signed with a whole bunch of 14-year-old girls, but it was completely worth it. The worst part was when the 14-year-old next to us decided that she and her sister should reread the book —out loud. With all the proper inflections. 

John Green is incredibly nice in person. We were in the middle of the line that I later learned had 1,800 people. Even though I was the 900th fan he had seen that day, he made an effort to acknowledge me, look me in the eye, and thank me for being there. He even posed for this photo that I hurriedly snapped for fear of the nazi line monitors. 

And I went home with this:

Even after reading the book, I didn't bother to see what his Youtube videos were about. Now that I know a bit more about him and what a genuine guy he is, I'll definitely be watching these in addition to my already packed semester and reading his other books. I'm currently reading Looking for Alaska. 

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

a book quote.

"Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book." 

— John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

Hello again.

I took a very long break from blogging. It wasn’t a conscious decision. Life got busier and blogging was pushed to the back burner. I do feel like it was a good break to take. Now, coming back, I have a new, fresher perspective and a firmer grasp on what I want my blog to be.

Here’s the short version of what I’ve been up to for the past 9 months.

We got a puppy. His name is Rocky, and he is the cutest thing ever.

I ran a 5K.

I became an NPR sponsor. Can we say nerd?

I discovered BodyFlow. It’s basically yoga intermixed with tai chi and pilates. It has done amazing things for my body and my mind.

We saw Rain perform again. They are the best Beatles tribute band out there, and they get better and better with each performance.

I saw Norah Jones in concert.

I discovered Kindlewood. They are an amazing band based in Maryland. I saw them at a tiny venue here in Northern Virginia called Jammin Java. Their style is dream folk-rock —if that didn’t catch your attention I don’t know what will.

I lost friends, and I made friends. Friendships have always been tricky for me —they still are. But I have grown as a person, and I have learned that my worth does not come from someone else’s perception of me. This has made it easier for me to move on when something isn’t quite right rather than spending so much energy on trying to repair something that probably wasn’t sincere in the first place. I have also learned to appreciate the friends that I do have even more as a result.

I quit my job. Yes, this is a big one. I grew a lot at my former job. I did really well and moved up the ladder relatively quickly. But there came a time when I wasn’t fulfilled or happy. I wanted to do something that I could be proud of; something that would make a difference in people’s lives. For the most part, my company was good to me, but it was just time for me to move on. I started thinking about what I really wanted to do —what the 15-year-old, 10-year-old, 5-year-old Dorothy dreamed of doing, and…

I went back to school to get my teaching credentials. I remember always wanting to be a teacher. I have also wanted to become a lawyer, journalist, psychologist, but teaching has always run through my veins. I plan to teach English for grades 6-12. I supposed I could have worked during the day and taken classes at night, but I needed a clean break, a fresh outlook. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to walk away from a full-time corporate salary knowing that I have my husband’s support, fiscally and morally.

We got another dog. Boomer was our family dog that moved in with family friends after my mom moved overseas. He has finally joined our family, and both dogs now make our home so much brighter.

I chopped off all my hair. I had to get it out of my system, and I’m glad I did it.

I turned 24.

I posted a lot of pictures on Instagram. thekindledscholar

Now that we’re all caught up, I can’t wait to start blogging about life again.

Love and (a book) light,

Dorothy

Stay Tuned - The Afro Blue Edition

Here's one of my favorite renditions of Christmas Time is Here. It's by my favorite group from Season 3 of The Sing-Off, Afro Blue. It's jazzy and soulful,and the best part -it's a capella! Put in your earphones for this one; you definitely don't want to miss the awesome bassist, Reggie.

What did you think? Be sure to tell me your favorites songs of the season in the comments.

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

Christmas Gift Guide: Books by Interest

 There are always those few people that you don't quite know how to shop for. Here are some book recommendations that you can wrap for them.

For the WWII History Buff: Ghost Soldiers by Hampton Sides

This book tells of the rescue of American POWs imprisoned by the Japanese on Filipino soil. Any history buff would enjoy the in-depth look at the most successful prison raid in history.

For the Animal Lover: In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall

Treat the animal lover in your life to this wonderful account of Jane Goodall's journey in Gombe as she observes these wonderful creatures. Everyone will fall in love with the chimps in this book as they read about their life in the jungle.

For the Gamer: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

This is the one book that I can see a gamer putting down the controller for. This futuristic novel combines the excitement, action, and innovative technology of video games with the philosophy and rhetoric of good literature.

For the Grimm Lover: Fables by Bill Willingham

If someone you love is hooked on the new TV show Grimm like I am, they'll definitely enjoy this graphic novel series. It features characters from the fairy tales we know and love, and follows them in their modern day life in New York City.

For the Fashionista: Style by Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad's book offers different tips and tricks of the trade. There's sure to be something for every fashionista, whether it's hair secrets or makeup trends.

For the War Veteran: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken tells the uplifting story of a World War II survivor that is sure to resonate with thousands of those who have witnessed the horrors of war.

For the Athlete: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

This book explores the secrets of a tribe of superathletes, and will inspire and challenge the athlete in your life.

For the Science Geek: Genome by Matt Ridley

Any science geek, physicists, engineers, and biologists alike, will enjoy reading about the great strides humanity has made to map out its own genome and what they've found in the process.

For the Career Woman (or Man!): How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This classic is a must read for every career person looking to stand out and be successful in their industry.

Hope that helped you cross off some things on your Christmas list!

Love and (a book) light,

~Dorothy

Meet the Ornaments

One of the most frustrating things about decorating a Christmas tree is that no photo can do it justice. While I'm constantly fidgeting and experimenting with my camera to capture the perfect shot, I do want to share our tree with you. Our tree is covered with Hallmark ornaments from head to toe (courtesy of my mother-in-law who LOVES Hallmark), so they're better appreciated up close. I decided I would introduce the ornaments to you one by one.

All of these ornaments are adorable, but this one deserves a couple more "www"s in a prolonged "awwwwwww."

1997 Winnie the Pooh Hallmark Ornament

Well? "Awwww"-worthy, yes?

Share some of your ornaments in the comments!

Love and ( a book) light,

~Dorothy