Gracie Lovelace - Blog Posts

Stargazing

~ S P R I N G ~ 

“Grace, what are you doing out here?” Matt came and stood beside her on the deck railing, as he closed the door the happy chatter of Bible Study grew dim again and the summertime crickets returned.

Gracie let Matt lean next to her and she pointed to the stars. “It’s a meteor show tonight. It doesn’t start ‘til later but I thought I’d see if I could find any shooting stars. Plus it was getting a little stuffy in there. I mean its great that it’s so full,” Gracie began to stammer, not wanting him to get the wrong idea. “I love seeing so many people at our home group, all hungry to learn about Jesus, don’t get me wrong…”

“It’s just a lot of new faces at once right?” He asked gently. Gracie relaxed and nodded “I hear you. Plus it’s so nice out here! Want to sit?” Matt motioned to the ground and Gracie joined him, a respectable space away. They started pointing out constellations and easily chatting as the night grew darker, and slowly the bible study inside emptied of people. “Hey Grace?” “Yeah?”

“Do you know that I like you?” His voice was timid, which was different from his usual cocky confidence.

But Gracie was to focused on the sky to notice. “Yeah, of course. I mean I like being friends too.” “No, I mean I like you silly girl,” Matt said again, realizing she had no clue. He looked deeply at her as her head whipped around to look at him.

“Me?” She squeaked, and then began coughing. Matt laughed and patted her back until she stopped. “I’m flattered, I mean, I guess I hoped, but I just didn’t think I was your type I guess. I thought photographers only dated models? I just…” She stopped as Matt laughed again, and she felt her nervous heart beating fast.

“Well then you be my new model. Grace, you’re beautiful, you’re smart and kind, why wouldn’t you be my type?” “Ha, me a model, yeah right. You need someone fancier, whose idea of  a good Saturday is a day at the spa and a photo shoot on the beach, not a girl like me who spends her day knee deep in dirt in the garden, grading children’s papers and watching movies with her cat.”

“But I love cats!”

Gracie laughed, “Well we’ll have to see if my cat likes you.” “Deal, so if your cat likes me will you go out with me?” Gracie decided to tease, “I mean, I guess, but that’s pretty risky she doesn’t  like a lot of people.” “I’ll take my chances”

A collab with myself? Lol. I wanted to introduce Kelsey, Jenna and Becca as other sims I was going to play (about to have a few posts of Kelsey). Loved this lot in my winchester save though! I did play Jenna (the platinum blond) and got her almost all the way up in the daycare career in `Winchester. 

Bloggers Conference

~ S P R I N G ~

Hey friends! Gracie here! I’m excited to be packing up to head to a blogging conference. Since blogging is so new for me I thought it’d be great to get some tips and it just so happens a few of my best friends are attending as well. Can’t wait to see them all!

Look at this darling little B&B! I never want to leave! And I also don’t want to leave these girls! Becca has been showing us darling pictures of her little boy and hubby and she’s here to get her home decorating blog bringing in more business. Her husband’s a contractor and she’s the designer and they do such great work together. Kelsey and her husband Isaac are running a ranch where they help rehabilitate and train animals as a way to save up for an adoption of their own sweet baby. And Jenna and her mom just opened a new Day Care called Haven Childcare and she’s working to learn to promote her business too.

I’m so grateful to be reunited for a weekend and that they all live closer now so hopefully you’ll see them again soon.

Keep reading

~S P R I N G  ~

Hi Friends, I’ve been busy lately mostly working on the garden and happy to add some new friends to the farm. This spring I’ve decided to add Ducks and Chickens here! I can’t wait for delicious eggs to bake with and share with friends, but every spare moment I’ve had lately has been tending new plants, watching the ducklings learn how to swim, or watching the new chicks follow their Mama’s around. I can’t help falling in love with all the spring babies around here!

~F A L L ~  So beyond thrilled at how the office remodel came out! I love this space!  The white shiplap in this room is such a dream come true for me. I love having such a lot of storage so that I have such a clean slate to grade papers and write books on.  

~ F A L L ~  Last Pumpkin Spice Latte of the Season. Not ready for winter yet! Trying to finish a remodel on my second bedroom, soon to be office before the snow hits. I’ve decided I’m not much of a painter, but I’m trying my hand at novels. Let’s see how this goes… Also gotta love Willow my photobombing cat! I can’t ever take a photo without her coming up to see what’s going on! Haha, gotta love this sweet fluffy feline. 

 ~ F A L L ~

I’m happy to report another friend came all the way to Winchester to visit me! Matt! He was supposed to come to help me pick apples but instead, he just hid behind his little camera. Oh well. Glad for the company even if it was just me picking apples. My plan is to send him lots of pictures of apple pie later to get  back at him.

~ F A L L ~  “How many more boxes?” Holly asked sitting beside Gracie on the porch steps.

“Too many,” Gracie rolled her eyes and tried to hide the tired muscles she felt everywhere. “Holly, have I ever told you how much I hate moving?”

Holly giggled, “Hmmm only a million times when we first  moved into our old dorm room, and another half a million times over skype last time you moved.”

Gracie smiled, “Okay, okay. Easy now.”

“Luckily I’ve come to your rescue” Holly struck a pose and Gracie laughed, wrapping her arms around Holly’s shoulders.

“I knew it was smart befriending you. Supergirl, aka Holly Swann.”

Holly suddenly perked up “Hey! Gracie, we should take a break and go to that pumpkin patch! I mean this is a farming town, and where better for you to meet a cute farmer? Uh, I mean pick a cute pumpkin!”

Gracie smirked, unamused by Holly’s latest match making schemes. Holly widened her big eyes and pulled out her best puppy pout and before Gracie knew it, they were off to the pumpkin patch.

“So what are you going to make, Gracie Grace?” Holly asked, snacking on pizza while they drove home, complete with large pumpkins in the back seats.

“Probably a cat,” Gracie shrugged while driving.

“Crazy cat lady,” Holly whispered under her breath.

“Hey!” Gracie flicked Holly in the passenger seat, eliciting a whispered ouch. “I am not a crazy cat lady, thank you very much. I only have one. One cute little Willow so I’m not a total spinster.

"You’ll find him Gracie. You will”

“So will you,” Gracie said with a smirk.

Hours passed quickly with such good company, and soon enough the pumpkins were carved and lit, almost all the boxes had been moved, and Holly’s plane was nearing its departure hour. “I’ll miss you.” Gracie said.

“I’ll miss you too,” Holly replied, giving Gracie a hug.

“Thanks for the help, it meant a lot, and I like this getting together more than just once a year at the penthouses.”

Holly smiled, “Yeah, me too.”

With lots of well wishes Holly was off, and Gracie sat on the steps of her new house hoping it wouldn’t always feel as lonely as it did now.

Thanks for collabing with me @plumdrops Holly is such (!) a beautiful sim! Thank you to Frankie for the fun challenges @simblrsimplyforfun

Could I have the Rosie Skin please?

~ F A L L ~

Well guys, I’m back with some happy/sad news. I lost my job in Appaloosa Plains (to the Principle’s niece no less) and because of that I’ve had to move. I’m so sad to be leaving my Grandmothers Victorian/Farmhouse behind, especially since I’d spent so much time and heart renovating it just how I liked.

But the good news is I’ve found another job in Winchester as a school teacher. It’s a much smaller school but I think it will be a good change. I’m coming on as a full time teacher and also an administrative aid and I’m hoping that during my time here I can really make a difference. So far I’m loving the small town community vibes here.

I’ve also been able to move into my own little farm here. Complete with garden and a little barn with a studio on top. I don’t paint but maybe I’ll have to start trying. The fall weather is so gorgeous and inspiring. The house needs some updating so I’m currently painting to start. As I make progress I’ll share.

Here’s to my favorite season and some new beginnings. Cheers.

-Gracie

~F A L L ~ “Couldn’t go home for thanksgiving this year so I decided to invite some friends over for ‘Friends-giving’. Nervous excited for everyone to arrive!”

~ S U M M E R  ~ “End of summer means lots of hard work in the garden for me. Gardening is so therapeutic but I know with school starting up this fall it’s gonna be a lot harder to spend time out here. Trying to get everything ready for harvest time! Can’t wait!”   

~  S U M M E R ~ “Hey guys, just wanted to share some progress on my house reno. The floor plan of the down stairs has completely changed to make it more open concept, removing walls that separates the kitchen from the living space and putting up walls to create a new guest bedroom, half bath, and laundry room. Kitchen is still a wip but please enjoy my summer living room. I’m currently loving these white and blue wildflower pillows!”

~ S U M M E R ~ “Hey!” A stranger in a polka dotted bikini waved at Gracie and Matt as they emerged from the water glistening wet.

“Hi!” Matt responded waving in a friendly manner while Gracie tried to follow suit by sending the girl a reserved wave. From the safety of Matt’s shadow of course

“We just lost a few players for our volleyball game. Want to play?” Her eyes were open and kind.

“Sure!” Matt responded without so much as a glance towards Gracie. He started walking towards them. Gracie followed and began to towel herself dry, watching Matt and marveling at how being friendly came so easy to him (and at his muscles).

Matt gave her a friendly nudge, “Earth to Grace. You ready?”

“Uhm it’s just that I’ve never done this before. You know, volleyball.”

He didn’t bat an eye, “Then it will all the more fun to teach you. Come on”

Gracie opened her mouth to argue but Matt was already walking away so instead she obediently followed. Much to her surprise she found herself enjoying the company, especially the outgoing Natalia. By the end of the day Gracie had exchanged numbers with some of the girls and promised to come play again.

A fun collab for @simblrsimplyforfun with @simming-love and her beautiful sim Natalia. My computer kept crashing so I didn’t get to take as many photos but at least I could finish  This was to complete challenge 9! Frankie could I have the Fleur skin?

Gracie sat beneath the warm sun, her nose in a book and the nagging feeling in her mind that she should put on more sunscreen. She peaked up from her book as a group appeared and began setting up volleyball nets. There chatter slightly annoyed Gracie, as she missed the sound of simply the ocean and seagulls.

Gracie sat up with a huff and switched from her current pleasure read, a Jane Austen of course, to a work book she’d been meaning to read on effective tutoring for struggling students. She pulled out her pencil case of highlighters and note cards and switched to study mode, reapplying sunscreen and begrudgingly trying to keep her hair out of her face.

“Grace?”

Gracie’s eyes widened as she looked up to find Matt starring down, a casual smile on his face. ”H..h..heeey” Gracie said slowly. She suddenly felt very exposed both from his critical eyes of her note cards and in her current lack of full clothing.

“What are you doing Grace?”

It’s Gracie, she thought to herself as she shut her book and set it on top of her supplies to hide her obsessive organization. “Oh you know, a teachers summer life. All play and no work doesn’t sit well with my kind. Figured I’d get ahead on my reading while I still have time.”

He quirked an eyebrow at her and she felt even smaller beneath his towering stature. Her mind filled with excuses but her lips couldn’t swallow any of them. He looked indecisive for a moment before offering her his hand. “Come on”

“Where?” It was her turn to quirk and eyebrow and look at him as if he had a second head.

He smiled and shook his head in unbelief. “Into the water smarty pants. Let’s go, I command you to have some fun.”

She grabbed his hand and took a leap of faith to trust him.

Ahhh Matt...Gracie’s next boyfriend but not end game poor girl. Loved using some base sims for these gorgeous sims

“Can I sit here?” Gracie’s timid voice squeaked as she asked. She cleared her throat.

“Yeah, totally!” The girl in the Hawaiian print shirt smiled openly. “But you have to promise not to judge me for this plate of dessert.”

Gracie giggled as she sat down, “Deal.”

“So are you new here?”

Gracie brushed at the wisps of hair threatening to stick to the sweat on her forehead. “Yeah, I just recently moved to Appaloosa Plains for a teaching job. I’m a little anxious…” Gracie trailed off as a muscular man approached. It took her all of three seconds to know he was one good looking guy.

“Oh this is Matt,” the girl pointed.

“Hey” he waved with one hand.

“Oh and I’m Nicole!” The girl said apologetically.

Matt across his plate towards Gracie “and remember it’s Nicole, not Nicki, otherwise she’ll hate you forever and probably hurt you” he winked.

Nicole rolled her eyes “That’s only half true, I just hate the nickname Nicki”

“Got it” Gracie said. She found conversation came easily and before she knew it Matt and Nicole felt more like long lost friends than recent acquaintances.

“Any one else want seconds on dessert?”

“Me!” Both girls replied and giggled. They got up and waited in the buffet line, with Matt also grabbing a variety of other left overs.

“Uhm Matt, why are you giving that old lady a death glare?”

“Because she’s eating the last piece of key lime pie” He pouted, turning his puppy dog eyes on the girls.

“Well I can help with that, I made it so how about you guys come over soon and I’ll make you some?”

“Yes!” “Great”

I guess moms recipe was a success, Gracie thought.

——————- A big thanks to Frankie @simplyimaginarypeople whose sims from the SSFF challenge I used as a base for Nicole and to @plumblobs whose base sim Jack I used to make Matt.

Gracie stuck the phone between her ear and shoulder. “Yep Mama, I got your recipe right here. What says fall potluck like pumpkin pie right?” Gracie began putting groceries away as she listened. “That’s my baby girl. Now your bound to make friends with a recipe this good.”

Gracie chuckled, “I’m sure your right. Mama you know Km hardly your little girl anymore right? I’m 24 with a college degree and a real teaching job. And my own house! Will I ever convince you I’m a grown up?”

“First lets get this straight, you will always be my little girl even when your babies have babies. Second, 24 years old is still a baby! You’ve got a lot more growing and learning to do so don’t get a big head now. Everything you got is a gift from the good Lord so remember that.” Gracie could just picture her mother’s forehead filling with concern and her grey eyes filled with faith.

Gracie grabbed the phone with her free hand and shut the fridge door with the other. “Yes Mama, I’ll remember that. I love you. I’ve gotta go and get this pie done!” Gracie said good byes and hung up the phone, enjoying the stained pages of her ‘recipe journal’ she’d been keeping since high school. She began mixing up the recipe but the further she mixed the more she got a sinking feeling she forgot something. Gracie knew if she called her mama back to ask for help she’d never hear the end of it.

Gracie added another half can of pumpkin and crossed her fingers it worked. As the pie came out of the oven it looked normal. “Well lets hope it still tastes just as good.” She mumbled to herself as she threw tin foil over the top and went to change.

“Baking day for a church potluck! Crossing fingers it turns out!”

As a surprise for Nellie, Frank invited her closest friends over for the weekend to throw her a bridal shower. He knew she was finding the idea of getting married without her family or friends difficult to bear. Nevertheless, it was a sacrifice they had to make to keep the farm a float and to savor a small honeymoon to France.

One phone call to Anna Leigh who was dubbed the ‘mother’ of the group - due to her wisdom, ability to organise and multitask like no one else - and the girls left their busy lives and came together at the old farmhouse in the midst of ancient trees and sprawling wildflowers. Vesper left her insta-worthy adventures, Roxie left her beautiful young family and sweet Gracie left behind her new teaching career; all to be with their friend who needed them.

It was Vesper’s idea to host the morning tea outdoors where Frank proposed to Nellie. Anna Leigh - culinary goddess - baked magic and brewed the most delightful tea. Gracie sneakily ran around picking the flowers that adorned the table. Roxie distracted Nellie with tales of her children and then blindfolded her and led her to the morning tea.

The day flew by in a heartbeat and before they knew it, their time together was drawing to an end. Frank, who had become quite the camera man that day, took one last photo. That photo became a keepsake of their weekend together and the memories they shared.

A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the amazing simblrs who trusted me with their beautiful simmies. These amazing people are @kevinvoncrastenburg, @silverowlblog, @simsdeogloria and @velvetpxl. I told you that I was a slow poke and I thank you for your patience and faith in me. I hope I’ve done you and your simmies proud. @simblrsimplyforfun

So thrilled I got to watch my sister Hope’s darling little girl, Tessa, this weekend! I thought she might have fun having a little play date with sweet little Nell! At first Tessa was more interested in her new toys and Nell wanted to be held (I think she was afraid of my cat Willow :P) but by the end the girls were having so much fun. I love getting to watch them play and learn together! I think I officially have baby fever after so many cute little ones lately!

-Graice

 ____________

Thanks so much to Frankie for these fun challenges @simblrsimplyforfun! Also a big thank you to @pixiesandbuttercups for sending her sweet Nell to play! She’s so darling!

“Chloe! I’m so sorry work ran late! I’m sorry you had to wait out here!”

Chloe looked up beneath her long bangs. “Oh no worries, I always carry a book with me just in case” She winked.

Gracie set her school books down on the table, “I would expect nothing less of a librarian. Can I get you something to drink? My house is a bit of a mess as it’s under construction so I was actually thinking we could enjoy the porch?” Gracie shrugged apologetically.

“That be lovely,” Chloe replied.

The two girls fell into conversation about their lives and favorite authors. The sunshine and breeze a perfect backdrop for talking of dazzling hero’s and relatable heroines. When the conversation finally lulled Gracie went in to make iced coffees, hoping she could bribe Chloe to stay a little longer.

When she returned Chloe was deep in thought. “Hey, Chloe, you okay?”

Chloe brushed her hair behind an ear and straightened her shorts out. “Mmhm, sorry. Just lost in thought.”

Gracie leaned against the wall frame as she waited to see if Chloe would share more. “I’m sorry,” Chloe slowly started. “It’s just over this guy. He’s perfect but doesn’t realize I exist is all”

Gracie smirked, “Well for starters he’d have to be blind to miss that flaming red hair of yours so I’m pretty sure he knows you exist.” Chloe rolled her eyes. “Also your gorgeous, and to quote a country song ‘if it’s meant to be it’ll be, it’ll be, baby just let it be’”

Gracie’s off pitch singing elicited a laugh from Chloe. “I guess your right. We’ll just have to wait and see if he’s my Darcy,” the both giggled as Gracie sat down.

“Well keep me updated.”

———-

My fourth and final collab! Thanks so much to @my-special-sim for creating the amazing Chloe Harris! I just love her face so much! I had so much fun creating this little story between librarian and teacher for this collab. Hopefully Chloe will be back to visit Gracie again!

@simblrsimplyforfun

This little cutie made my day today! For our English project I asked students to write on someone inspirational. Most picked presidents or Astronauts but not Sofia. I was blown away to find she picked me! Moments like this are what make teaching so worth it, when you realize you are impacting a child’s life and future.

——

Thanks to @lumospixels for sending me her lovely Sofia. I love following her IG and it was a privilege to collab with her. Plus, just look at this cutie! And thanks to Frankie for the collab challenges!

freya is normally such a shy baby but she took the biggest shining to gracie - @simsdeogloria - that she didn’t want her to leave ♥

In Gracie’s lovestory I had planned that she had broken off an engagement in the past and had trust issues from it. But onto new households now so poor Gracie is in limbo. Maybe she’ll get her happy ending one day

“Wow Nellie, I’m so happy for you and Frank. Congratulations.”

Nellie smiled and blushed a bit, “Thanks Gracie. You know you’re coming to my bridal shower right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it. Plus I want to steal some of that lavender you’ve been growing and see if it will grow as pretty in my garden as in yours.”

“Please do,” she took another bite of her cake. “This stuff is good”

“Not as good as yours I’m sure” Gracie smiled and looked outside, distracted by a small finch.

“So, any guys in your life?” Nellie asked gently.

Gracie shook her head no and tried to hide the hurt in her eyes. “Nope” she said bravely. “Not since…”

Nellie reached out and put her hand on Gracie’s arm, “It’s okay. You’ll find the right one soon enough”

Gracie tried to smile as she finished her coffee. “What do you say we take some pictures before leaving? This place is too cute not to, don’t you think?”

——

Thanks to @minasims for agreeing to collab with me! She’s amazing, her style is beyond gorgeous and her sims are beautiful. Also she’s super sweet!

I’ve been working so hard and finally I got promoted! I am now officially a teacher! Now I just have to get this mountain of laundry done. Hopefully with this promotion I’ll have more money to put into my house renovation (I’m living in an old Victorian that I inherited from my Nana). For now enjoy my Landry Reno, I just love the tile. I don’t love waiting around for the drier to finish though!

“Look Mom! I told you I was making friends” Roxie and I met up for a girls night out. The goal was to find twinkle lights, live music and great dessert. We were so thrilled to find all three, plus get front seats right next to this pretty water fountain! I had such a great time and would love to hang out again! I’d say this girls night out was a success. 

______

Thanks to Frankie @simplyimaginarypeople for this fun challenge and to @velvetpxl for sending me her lovely Roxie Winters!

“Well looks like we’re done moving in boxes.” Gracie smiled “I know, it’s crazy.” She looked over at her sister and ran her fingers through her hair. “I can’t believe my baby sister is all grown up. And moving into Nana’s old house. It feels so surreal,” she looked around at the old place. “But remember I am always here for you. That’s the nice part of Sam and I only being thirty minutes away. And you know your my permanent babysitter now right?” “I wouldn’t have it any other way Hope,” Gracie smiled. “And thank you.” “Let’s take a picture for Mom okay? Mmmmm lets be cute.” She handed her phone to her husband Sam who began clicking away. “Now lets be dramatic models” The sisters stilled for a minute until they began laughing as Gracie’s cat Willow began meowing loudly at their feet. “We’ve got to get back my Love,” Sam said as he hugged Gracie. “I know I know.” Hope teased as she looked lovingly at Gracie. “Promise you’ll visit?” “I promise,” Gracie said, pinky out as she pulled Hope in for one more hug. “Love you sissy!” Hope yelled as they pulled out of the driveway. “Love you too!”

Last sunrise here before heading out. Please excuse my early morning “I’m not ready for this day” face. Lol, but I’m so thankful to my bestie for taking these pictures for me. 

Gracie

Hi friends, I am so excited to be sharing some last photos before leaving home to set off on my new adventures. Finally done with uni and off to be a teacher in Appaloosa Plains. I can’t wait to share more with you all.  <3 Gracie