Why Fiction Is Truth: My Reading Journey

Reading is seeking for understanding, a quest to understand people, topics, events, places, attitudes, and personalities. Because, here's the thing, fiction is truth in the highest sense. Fiction conveys the things that people often think but are too scared to say; it portrays the emotions and fears tied to historical events usually read about in a dry text book;it emphasizes that even throughout the span of time, people are still relatively the same; it displays human nature for better or for worse and depicts the inner thoughts of its narrator. A book can be your friend in the hardest of times, opens worlds to you that you never could have dreamed up, helps you understand others, encourages empathy, portrays the consequences of choices, and leaves you better than before.  And for me, the best type of fiction is the kind that makes you want to be better.
 
I developed my passion for reading in about third or fourth grade. I remember devouring Boxcar Children books, Nancy Drew mysteries, and Little House on the Prairie series. By sixth grade, I was carrying around Shakespeare's greatest works (which is not cool in 6th grade, BTW). From there, I was on to historical fiction and classics. In seventh grade, I read the entire Work and the Glory series in 27 days. I couldn't read fast enough to catch up with my desire to get on to the next book. I didn't have the best social life (okay, it was pretty much non-existent) in middle school, but my books were my friends that I so desperately wished for and needed.

Originally, when I started off at BYU, I wanted to major in elementary education because I loved kids and eventually wanted be a mom, and so I thought it would be a perfect fit. I remember volunteering as an aid for a community service program in elementary schools that first year and thinking--"Wow, I do not have the multi-tasking abilities that these elementary school teachers have. They have to be thinking twenty steps ahead." (Props to all you elementary education teachers out there; it takes a special kind of person!) I realized that my skills did not match those of an elementary school teacher, so I pondered and prayed at what I could do instead.

Then it hit me. I was obsessed with reading--why not use something that I loved for my major? The problem--what in the world do you do as an English major? I was, and still am not, much of a writer, so I wondered how this love of reading would help me in life...so I took an Intro to the English Major class my second semester of my freshmen year to see what it was all about. When I heard about the broad expanse of positions for English majors, such as communication skills needed for practically any business, editors in multiple fields, and teachers, I knew this could be a great fit for me!

It was. Being assigned to read 800 page English classic novels in two weeks and then write in-depth analyses/projects of them was my version of a bookworm's paradise (not like it was never not stressful with those types of timelines)! I loved tying the books I read to their historical and societal context, searching for themes, and gleaning a new depth of understanding with each book I read while refining my writing skills.

When the time came for me to graduate with my Bachelor's in English and minor in Humanities, I knew I didn't want to stop. My true passion was British Literature (I'm obsessed with the classics), and so I chose Weber State, which let me emphasize in British Literature for my Master's while obtaining my teaching certificate.

The first year of my post-formal schooling I took a year break and only read a few books since I had been bombarded with so many tight reading timelines for six years. Now that my formal occasion has ceased and I have had my mini-break, I find myself craving to keep up with that learning. I have challenged that for every three "fun books" I read, that I read a classic so I can keep up with my field! I have been doing this for almost two years, and it has been so fulfilling to keep pursuing my passion and, even though I love the classics, it has been so fun to read books that are simple, easy, and enjoyable as well as some popular young adult fiction. With Ben gone so much, it's been a comfort to curl up to a book on those long, lonely nights. I'm so grateful for the companionship of books!

After my time at BYU and Weber State, I have never, not once, regretted my choice of English in education. I feel like studying books is one the best things I could have done with my time. I learned about a variety of fields and lives, increased my ability to research and analyze, and, believe it or not, I think one of the best things you can do to improve your writing is read, read a lot! I have been surprised at how handy these analytical, writing, and reading skills have been for me in the business world that I am now immersed in. That's the great thing about English...you can apply it to everything because everything ties back to communication. Studying books is a way of life that doesn't need to stop after your formal education finishes. It lets you keep learning without a formal teacher.

One of the most simultaneously satisfying and dissatisfying things about being a reader is--you're never done. There's always the next book on your long "to-read" list to look forward to, disecting the last book you read, and losing yourself in a clever plot.

My relationship with books will never end because I love the truths that I find in fiction. 

*To see my reading list and reviews click here.

My Fall

This fall, I have experienced the most exquisite season of my life. Growing up without a "real fall" in Southern California, I have discovered that my favorite season is autumn: the crisp weather, the vibrant colors, the sweaters, the pumpkin bread, the crunchy leaves, the rain fall--I love it all! I can't believe I lived without it for seventeen years of my life!

My fall has captured me loving the view out of my kitchen window multiple times a day. I had no idea our trees would turn such vibrant reds. (One of the fun things about moving is seeing what your yard does the first year--you have no idea until the season changes!)

My fall has included apples--many, many apples. I wasn't sure if I would like our apples from our trees because when I have had "fresh" apples in the past, they've been teeny and ultra dry. Our apple trees proved me wrong. They are the most delicious I've ever tasted, and they are even the delicious variety (one golden tree and one red), which I usually don't like. We had hundreds on our tree--and I mean hundreds!

 Only a few of what we picked. 

My fall was filled with morning walks with a good friend. We changed up our route a bit and found some spectacular scenery: 

We often comment how lucky we are to see such pretty sights daily!

My fall was filled with the most breathtaking sunsets from my window. 

I hope I never take for granted these sunsets and that I will  remain in awe of them nightly.

My fall consisted of a few walks where we were able to sneak away and enjoy our surroundings. I love when Ben takes homework breaks!

 My fall included a kid-friendly corn maze at our local trout farm for Dentist Appreciation Night. Our dentist invited all of his patients for a free corn maze, donuts, and hot chocolate. I already liked our dentist, but I think it was the coolest way to bond with our dentist while having a fun night!

My fall consisted of a one night getaway with Ben to Zermatt Resort, a Swiss themed resort in Midway, to celebrate our third year anniversary since the actual day of our anniversary Ben was gone from 7AM-10:00PM--typical. I can't believe my family had a cabin in Heber for five years, and I never had explored the Midway area. I love all of the Swiss themes, gorgeous paintings on buildings everywhere, and quaint feel. 

Usually, I'm not a huge hot chocolate person because A) It's too hot and B) It's too bland C) It's too hot. BUT! At the resort there was a Barvarian Hot Chocolate Bar with ten different types of specialty hot chocolates to choose from. I think their Caramel Lovers Hot Chocolate has since changed my life. There was nothing like walking around in the crisp cool air exploring our Swiss themed stay.

Craters dot this area of Midway, and one is now a deep, deep crater with a natural spring that you can scuba dive in or just go and take a peak in (like we did). 

It was the most perfect fall weather while we were there. 

 We went on a fall drive and saw many beautiful sights!

We also took short trail by the Provo River--so pretty! We wished we could have stayed longer Saturday, but Ben had lots of HW to get back to so we left in the early afternoon back home. 

 My fall also consisted, as of today, seeing a "Missing Cow" sign on our street corner and realizing "I'm not in Kansas anymore~"

My fall I've been thinking about how right Keats was when he wrote this poem:

Ode to Autumn

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless

With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;

To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'erbrimmed their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?

Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,

Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;

Or on a half-reaped furrow sound asleep,

Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook

Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers;

And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep

Steady thy laden head across a brook;

Or by a cider-press, with patient look,

Thou watchest the last oozings, hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?

Think not of them, thou hast thy music too, - 

While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day

And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;

Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn

Among the river sallows, borne aloft

Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;

And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;

Hedge-crickets sing, and now with treble soft

The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft;

And gathering swallows twitter in the skies. 

Family Fun!

At the beginning of fall, Kim and Steve moved from Vermont to Rexburg, ID (way closer!). This called for some fun family times. Everett and Chase (the only nephews on the Connors' side--two months apart) finally got to meet! I loved seeing them together!!

I love these two little boys!

FaceTiming with Everett--that smile melts me!

Kim and Steve stayed with us for a night before they left for Uruguay for a family reunion. We took them to Ben's parents' home to meet the llamas~

Forget sand castles--pumpkin castles are much more festive!

We were able to celebrate Ben's mom's birthday, and because everyone else lives far away, we were able to surprise her by flipping all of the iPads around and having everyone sing "Happy Birthday!" It was a great way to have "everyone" there to join in on celebrating a birthday of an amazing mother.

This fall has been filled with wonderful family memories, and with a wedding on the way, there are much more to come!

All American Road Trip Part 2 (Church History & Family!)

After our site-seeing marathon on the East, we spent much more time in the car with only a few visits! We went through Kirtland, and so we had to stop! This was my first time in Kirtland, and I was surprised at how very impactful it was to me.

It's amazing to think of the sacrifices of the early saints. Although now owned by another church, I could only imagine what this temple meant to the early saints.

While I was in Kirtland, I was impressed with the beauty and community that the Saints came to establish and love. Then I thought "Why would Heavenly Father ask them to come here, build a temple, and establish this community when he knew they would be driven out? Why couldn't he have told them from the beginning that it wasn't going to last and that they should just immediately head to SLC--why all the moves?"

But then I wondered, "Doesn't he do that with our own lives?" Why does he have us put in hard work to apply to a graduate school, just to learn that we didn't get in and that it isn't right? Couldn't he have told us before, so we wouldn't waste time?" There are so many instances where this happens in our lives. But I think life is like that--full of times where Havenly Father knows it won't "work out" like we think, but for the time being, to keep pursuing and doing what you're doing because it has a purpose: to refine you and to draw you closer to Him. 

 Kirtland was a wonderful, blossoming time for the Saints, where they, unknowingly, were preparing for their journey West and the hardships that they would face. It was a time to build up strength for what lied ahead. I think Heavenly Father gives us "Kirtlands" in our own lives too--places and times of spiritual feasts to prepare us for what's coming next  :)

Our first stop was the Kirtland Temple.

So perfect.

At the Newell K. Whitney Store--my most favorite place in Kirtland. 

The day we visited I wrote an Instagram post that shared exactly how I felt:

 

Kirtland really helped reinforce my testimony and made me think what I would be willing to sacrifice for the gospel. My parents' motto has always been "Whatever the Lord wants, the Lord gets," and I hope to follow in their examples in that!

After our spiritual powerhouse stop in Kirtland, we went to Davenport to visit Ben's brother's family! We had such a great time with them! We miss our Iowan family :)

We met up for a picnic in between Josh's classes. 

Josh and Ben did not plan on wearing almost matching shirts--they are just that brotherly!

We went on a walk by the Mississippi River!

Then we made it to the balloon festival! So much fun! 

This little guy is growing up way too fast~

Magical! After some delicious pancakes the next morning, we were headed home!

We took a rest stop at Winter Quarters. The early Saints endured so much tribulation and showed such faith!

Winter Quarters Temple--the bluest stain glass I've ever seen. So gorgeous.

After all of our wonderful stops, we were headed home the Saturday of General Women's Conference. I kept debating if we should stop somewhere in Nebraska to watch it, or if I should wait to stream it the next day. I finally decided (with some spiritual nudges) it would be good to go. So, somewhere in the middle of Nebraska, I stopped and watched Women's Conference with a bunch of faithful, Nebraskan women. The Spirit was so strong, and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. In fact, I couldn't keep the tears from flowing. I think it's amazing that I didn't know one soul and yet sitting in that chapel, I felt no fear, just at home. That's what the Gospel of Jesus Christ does; it makes you feel at home when you feel the Spirit. Because that's what matters the most: having that peace and that you're doing what's right.

Our All American Road Trip turned out to be more than seeing amazing historical sties, gorgeous views, or eating delicious meals. It strengthened my testimony that we can do hard things with the Lord on our side, that He leads us to where He wants us to be, even though sometimes it doesn't "make sense," and that those who wait on the Lord are blessed in His own time and in His own way.