Tiny Pencils

Anonymous asked: You are a stud muffin.

*is flattered*

12 In 2012 - Host a Potluck

As some of you might recall, I posed a challenge for myself this year - a 12 item to-do list for the year 2012. (List here) My list is kind of like New Year’s resolutions but with way less commitment and a lot more skinny dipping. 

Item #5 on my list was “Host a Potluck”:  I have so many fond childhood memories of church basement potlucks and get-togethers in my garage with groups of friends and more potato salad than you could ever dream of. I love playing hostess, but I am, admittedly, a terrible cook. Bringing together pals from different friend groups over food and drink seems like a perfect plan to breathe some life into my too-quiet apartment. 

My roommate/cousin/classmate/all-around stand up gal Kirsten was on board with the idea, and basically pulled the entire thing together. And it was a huge success.

With our tiny two-bedroom apartment (we live in a high rise, a place where large gatherings are generally frowned upon) full of 16 people ranging from classmates, to childhood friends, to the president of our college’s GSA, we ate lots of food and spilled lots of drinks and played Kings and had lots of talk about…everything.

The small potluck we (mostly Kirsten) planned turned into a full on house party (complete with dancing on the balcony and collective colouring) and it was exactly as fulfilling and fun and social as I’d hoped. No potato salad, but the drinks flowed freely (not for me…roller derby head injury) and the conversation flowed even easier. I’m extremely thankful everything came together so well, and I look forward to pushing my luck and holding more get-togethers over the summer now that everyone has broken the ice. 

Sarah hanging with us hostesses.

A portion of the partygoers. 

Anonymous asked: I don't know you, but from what I've seen online of you, I don't think you don't come off as narcissistic or self-righteous at all! It's hardly your fault that people ask questions that require you to talk about yourself (and you're an interesting person, so we all want to know, anyway!) and I am personally envious of the way you clearly express your religious and moral convictions without coming off as pious or condescending.

That’s really encouraging! That Anon really kind off knocked me off balance. I’m a little wary of what direction to take Tiny Pencils in now.

xleighx77 asked: Holy bleep man! You met David Suzuki????? So jealous! Where did you meet him??

National Aboriginal Day at a reserve near my hometown. It was freaking crazy. He is such a beautiful human, I was so speechless. 

Anonymous asked: You handle criticism and negativity with such grace and poise. I'm pretty envious of it, trying to be the good guy can be tiring half the time. I'm glad people with your personality are around to make rude human beings just look like fools. Love Alyssa Eddy

Alyssa Eddy I love you and you are my favourite. <3 

Anonymous asked: you seems kind of narcissistic / self righteous a lot of the time ...

I hardly think I’m self righteous, it’s actually really disappointing that I come off that way. I’m worthless on my own, 100%. I don’t think I have all the answers, or the answers to anything. I have opinions that show up here, but I don’t want to be self righteous. 

And as far as being narcissistic, you’re probably right. I’m human. I’m vain. I can be really selfish and self-absorbed. I’m sure anyone who knows me well would say the same thing. 

It saddens me that this is anonymous. I’d rather have criticism from someone who knows me and knows my heart. If I do know you personally, come off Anon and let me know how I can be acting differently. 

Anonymous asked: Hey love the blog so much! You are such an inspiring person, even though I don't know you I look up to you so much! Your opinions on religion and how to treat people definelty show what an amazing person you are, inside and out! I hope one day I can be half the person you are. I was wondering though, as I am trying to find my own opinion on the topic, and is desperately hoping your opinion can help me form mine, but whats your opinion on abortion?

Abortion is actually one of the very few things I refuse to really touch on through Tiny Pencils. If you want to come off Anon, I can answer you privately and we can chat!

Anonymous asked: you should update your blog more. also, are you a virgin? if yes, why?

I seem to get both of these things a lot. I’d love to update my blog more, and I’ll definitely have more time for it in the coming weeks! And as far as the virginity question, I’ve answered it about a million times and I’ve deleted it from my inbox even more often. My answer still stands: Yes. But I don’t see the need to continue explaining it! 

Anonymous asked: Do you think it is okay to drink if you are underaged?

I answered this back in November. You can find it here: http://tinypencils.tumblr.com/post/12372814397/what-are-your-views-on-underage-drinking-and-drinking

Anonymous asked: You need to post more. I love reading your blog.

Thanks! When class is out I’m sure it’ll pick up! 

12 In 2012 - Do something special for what would have been my Mom’s 54th birthday.

As some of you might recall, I posed a challenge for myself this year - a 12 item to-do list for the year 2012. (List here) The little challenges are in no specific order, but, coincidentally, I crossed Item #1 off first. 

For a little refresher, this was item #1: Do something special for what would have been my Mom’s 54th birthday. Last year it was a Christian Women’s Conference and racks of ribs (my Mom had a fondness for all things messy and delicious) with some of the awesome women who have been there for me since she passed away. It was my first time celebrating her birthday since she’s been gone, and it just felt right to be celebrating in a way I know she would have enjoyed. 

So I did the most special thing a poor, starving college student could do - I made real, actual, delicious food. My pal Alyssa was visiting from Barrie for my reading week, so I didn’t have to celebrate alone - we hit up the grocery store, bought a big ol’ rack of ribs, potato wedges, and the appropriate ingredients for cherry chip cake. I cooked dinner - clumsily, of course - Alyssa baked the cake, and we hung out and talked about who my Mom was and why I want to grow up to fill her shoes. 

It wasn’t much, but the food was good and the chat was better and something about sitting around the table talking felt like an incredibly appropriate way to celebrate her birthday. I can’t even count how many times I came home from school and my Mom was across the table from another woman, with a pot of tea between them and a conversation taking place. 

It felt good memorializing her with good food and deep conversation (two things she was extremely fond of) and I really do hope I keep doing so.

asimplesong asked: I like reading about what's going on in your life. :) What's your favourite kind of pie?

Thank you, that’s very sweet! 

As far as pie goes, I like raspberry and apple a lot, but pumpkin is my favourite.