Valentine Special - "Celebrating Caryl"

Hi Everyone,

I can't believe it's already February and time for TWD to return! Since Valentine's is also on the horizon I thought it would be fun to celebrate one of the deepest love stories that I know with a video tribute and new merch designs for my Redbubble store!

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What Caryl shares is something so special that it can be better felt than described. They understand each other so well that they barely need words. They communicate best through the look of undeniable trust that is written in their eyes along with their warm embraces that say I will share my strength when you're weak. It's the reassurance of being completely understood, needed and valued. Part of what makes their relationship so special is that it took the world ending for them to find a new beginning. Their old lives of abuse and brokenness died with the old world and through the trials of this new world they have found hope, strength and happiness. I doubt that either of them had many friends in their isolated past life but now they have been given the ultimate gift of friendship by finding not only a best friend but a soulmate. True love is not based on physical relations but on a deep connection between two souls. I actually looked up a definition for soulmate and this is what it said: "A soulmate is not someone you can walk away from that easily. It is someone you can't imagine being without, a person you believe is worth sticking with and fighting for."

Thinking about this level of love also reminded me of my faith. I'm sure most of you know that I'm a Christian and my relationship with God is something I truly treasure. I understand that not everyone that reads this shares my same faith and I can respect that, but I ask you to stick with me as I speak from personal experience. Everything that I described above about Caryl's fictional love can be experienced with God's real love and no, I'm not talking about joining a religion.....I am talking about choosing a relationship that will never leave you or hurt you. I'm also not saying that if you become a Christian that everything in your life automatically becomes perfect but I can promise that Jesus will give you peace like you have never felt before to face the struggles that life brings. He will lift you up and give you strength when you are weak and the love that He has for you is an experience beyond anything you have ever felt in your life! He thought you were worth dying for and there is no greater love than someone giving their life for yours. As a matter of fact His love is so great that He doesn't force himself on anyone, it is a choice that is freely given to everyone. The following scripture best describes 

His loving nature towards us...... 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.

I want to end by saying no, I do not live in a fairytale with my head in the clouds. I truly have experienced the radical love of Jesus first hand and therefore I can promise to you that it is REAL just as He is REAL. Much like Caryl's love it is better felt than described. The bottom line is this, He already loves you just as you are and desires a relationship with you but He also loves you enough to give you the choice to want Him in return. What is so beautiful about this is the moment you choose to put your life in His hands in total surrender, He will fill you with His Spirit and eternal joy and peace will guard your heart in all that you do!

I hope you all have a warm Valentine's and feel the full measure of your worth. Know that you are always loved, needed and never alone!

* WE * AIN'T * ASHES *

Caryl On,

-GG  

"A Christmas Caryl"

Hi Everyone!

For Christmas my mom and I made snowman cookies and when we were decorating them my mom decided to make two of them look like Daryl and Carol. After I shared a pic of them on twitter my dear friend Coreen (who is an amazingly talented fan fiction writer) asked if she could write a fan fic for Cookie Caryl and I quickly agreed that I would love to read a story about their sweet selves! So check out her beautiful story below......

* WARNING THE FOLLOWING STORY IS SO RICH IT COULD CAUSE A SUGAR COMA * 

*READ AT YOUR OWN RISK * 

Daryl knew he was everything a Christmas cookie shouldn’t be. Crusty, rough around the edges, and maybe a little raw in the center. Gooey...gooey in the center . He thought to himself. Nothin’ like a proper Christmas cookie . His frosting was a little lopsided. His smile was crooked, and instead of looking straight ahead at an adoring child’s face (or maybe a hungry adult’s face) he looked to the side. His candy blue eyes were turned to the left. Jus’ a reject Christmas cookie, ‘s all I am.

Carol was the perfect Christmas cookie. From her perfect pale hair, her lovely blue candy eyes, to the Cherokee Rose pattern on her dress she was everything and she was perfection, at least in his mind. She sat on the cooling rack to his left, and she was all he could see. He thought she was all he needed to see. All the other Christmas cookies had nothing on her. She was the best, and definitely the sweetest.

“Daryl! You are my best friend!” Carol Christmas Cookie knew it was true. He was her soulmate and her heart. She had known him when they were little more than cookie dough in a bowl. He was by her side through the terrible time they spent in the hot oven. She had been a little scared, but she knew he was watching, so she forced herself to be strong. He’d followed her to the cooling rack, and she sensed his form as she was set beside him. He is the handsomest cookie on the tray . They cooled and he was with her, he said little but his strength and presence was all she needed. She could see even better once her eyes were finished. She watched as Jane, the baker, finished her dress and moved on to decorate her dear friend. Jane added dark hair (Carol liked dark hair, and approved) and red for his

mouth, and blue...Carol just knew he would have the most perfect and beautiful blue eyes. Then Jane added more red, Carol had no idea why. Maybe he’s wearing a red shirt . She could only look straight ahead, but as each addition was made she could watch. I’m so glad she decorated me

first! Jane had finished the final touches on her dear friend, Daryl and she smiled at them, then moved on to the next cookies.

“You are so beautiful.” His voice was sweet and growly, softer than she’d expected. It was perfect.

“Am I? I can’t tell. I saw the baker, Jane bring colors. But, I can only look up.”

“She made me so I can look at you. You have shining white hair, blue eyes, a perfect, sweet frosting smile, and a dress covered in Cherokee Roses. You are the most beautiful cookie on this tray.” Daryl Christmas Cookie pondered this for a moment. “Maybe Jane didn’t make a mistake. She made my eyes this way so I could tell you jus’ how pretty you are.”

Carol was shocked, and sugar tears filled her candy eyes. “You are the sweetest and best cookie in the batch.”

“Pfft.” Daryl Christmas Cookie scoffed. He knew he wasn’t, he was the reject. “Ya wrong. I’m far from the best. You are the prettiest, and the strongest. I saw ya in the oven, other cookies was meltin’ and there ya was holding your form. You are sure one tough cookie. I was glad you were next to me, watchin’ you helped me make it through. Even though I’m a little rough around the edges. We made it through together.”

Jane the baker washed her hands and put her decorating tools away. She smiled again at her cookies and took a picture of the two cookies side by side to send to her daughter and their friends. She took a glass of wine, turned off the light to the kitchen, and went out to watch reruns of her favorite zombie show.

“Daryl. You might be a little rough around the edges, but I know you are gooey inside, and I like that. I was just trying to be tough in the oven because I didn’t want you to know I was a little scared. But, with you beside me, I was brave. We help each other, and we compliment each other. I know you are the best cookie for me.”

Daryl was quiet for a long moment. He decided deep down in his warm gooey middle he needed to have this cookie with him forever. He was nervous and a few crumbs fell from his edges as he worked up the courage…”Carol Christmas Cookie, you are the bravest and sweetest cookie, and there ain’t no other like you. I want to be with you forever, will you marry me?”

Carol couldn’t speak for a moment, she was so happy. “Of course, I would love to marry you.”

They heard a voice, and a cookie with a deeper, smooth voice said. “I am Father Gabriel Christmas Cookie, and I would be happy to marry you.” The cookies on the cooling rack all were happy to hear of the marriage of these two brave, and sweet cookies. They listened while Father Gabriel performed the marriage, for better or worse, as long as both aren’t eaten. There was a cheer. All the cookies were so happy, but none were happier than Carol and Daryl.

They celebrated their cookie union, while the others celebrated, and sighed with contentment. Their union was blessed. After Jane returned to the kitchen, hours later (as she’d rewatched all her favorite episodes). She’d had a just a little wine and when she saw her cookies she gasped. Where her cookies were all sitting on the plate, there were new ones. As she approached, she saw eight new baby cookies surrounding the happy couple. Daryl Christmas Cookie looked curiously smug (and relaxed) and his

crooked smile beamed. Carol Christmas Cookie had a satisfied, though a little tired smile, but she glowed with joy. The baby Christmas Cookies all cooed and gurgled in happy cookie contentment. It was a Christmas (cookie) miracle.

I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas, and I want to give a HUGE thanks to my friend Coreen for writing this special story! You can read all of her Caryl fan fics here: http://ninelivesarchive.com/viewuser.php?uid=2210

LOVE & HUGS,

-GG

Join #ThePopTartGang

Hi Everyone,

If you are a huge fan of the number 1 ship of the apocalypse then you are probably also a fan of our Caryl Captain.....RAYON!

He recently did a video about a fan fiction story called The PopTart Gang, that was written specifically for him and his fans by a talented fan fiction writer named Kaitlynn. You can check out the video below.....

For chapter 2 of The PopTart Gang, Kaitlynn is wanting to include anyone that is interested in having their name added to this fun saga! All you need to do is send her an e-mail: kdanielle123@gmail.com and tell her the name you want her to use, and before you know it you could be baking cookies with Carol or slaying walkers with Daryl....or even better having a Pop-Tart party with Rayon!

Until next time....CARYL ON!

Love & Hugs,

-GG

TWD Couples - "Perfect"

Hi Everyone!

I hope you are all doing well and looking forward to the Caryl reunion that we have been promised for episode 8x11 this Sunday on TWD!

I thought to celebrate such a joyous occasion I would make a video tribute to all of my favorite love stories on TWD. Don't get me wrong, Caryl is definitely the ULTIMATE LOVE STORY but for the song that I chose I thought it might be fun to invite Richonne and Glaggie to this LOVE PARTY!

I just can't wait to see our King and Queen together again and hopefully lean on each other for emotional support as they grieve for Carl. It would be really sweet if Carl wrote both of them a letter and I would love to see them read it together.

#TearsFor Days 

Love & Lots of Hugs,

-GG

WALKER WONDERLAND - Episode 1

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a beautiful holiday season and will have a blessed 2018. 💖

I am excited about this new year as I have taken a leap of faith by starting my own podcast series called, "Walker Wonderland". I have wanted to do this for awhile but I would always let my nerves get in the way, until I finally decided that there is no better time to try something new than at the start of a new year!

So if you enjoy my TWD posts here on my blog than please give my podcast a listen. I feature 3 fun segments and talk all things The Walking Dead.....(and Carol of course). 😍

Also don't forget to subscribe to my channel if you liked what you heard! I will post a new episode of "Walker Wonderland" on Sunday, Feb. 4th. 

Love & Hugs,

-GG

TWD - Favorite Moments From 8x07 & 8x08

Hi Everyone!

I am recaping both 8x07 and 8x08 in this post since I was unable to finish my 8x07 recap a couple of weeks ago due to losing power in the snow storm. 

I am very much still spinning from the mid-season finale as I love the Grimes family and the special relationship that Carl and Michonne share. I will actually probably miss their scenes together even more than the ones between Rick and Carl. Things just feel so dark right now!

Ok....on with the recaps...........

In 8x07 I really loved this moment between Michonne and Daryl as it has been awhile since these two characters have had a scene all to themselves. It was so sincere when Michonne expressed why she could not go through with the plan and I thought Daryl's reaction was really understanding when he told her that she shouldn't have to do it. I just really like the friendship that they share and I would love to have a Richonne and Caryl double date at some point in the future!
#IKnowItWillNeverHappenButICanDream

I thought this moment between Rick and Jadis has been LONG overdue!!! I have never bought the idea that a community of dumpster divers are stronger than Rick and our group. I am honestly still trying to see the point of these characters as they just seem like a bunch of pointless freaks but maybe they will surprise us and do something worthy in the next half of the season.
#TakeOutTheTrash

Now let's talk about 8x08 and that glorious moment when our Queen Machine saved the day once again! Thanks to Carol's perfect timing Rick was no longer stranded on the battlefield. 
By the way.....I can't believe this is the first time Rick and Carol have shared a scene together since season 6!!! That is ridiculous to me as these two characters go all the way back to the beginning and have such a strong history. Speaking of their history, I had the thought that since Rick put Sofia down....maybe Carol should be the one to put Carl down? Even though this scenario is really hard for me to fathom, I think it would be both a moving and honorable way to come full circle.
#EverythingIsPain 

This precious scene between Judith and Michonne is probably one of my favorite of the whole season so far. I had actually hoped for more moments like this when the season began. Watching Michonne "mother" Judith and Carl is one of the things I love most about the show. Her bond with these kids is so special and beautiful, and I can't stand to think about her having to now lose another son!
#WHY

I was so relived when Ezekiel decided to take Carol's advice and "play the part" of heroic King once again. He jumped into action and got the Kingdomers to safety before surrendering himself to the Saviors. What I loved most about this scene was what he told Carol as he was shutting the gates, "Save them like you saved me". I think as fans we can all relate to those words as Carol's story has inspired and saved so many of us at some point in our lives. ❤
#ThankYouMelissaMcBeautiful

I am thoroughly enjoying Maggie's journey this season as she fully owns her leadership at the Hilltop. Trusting her instincts and taking control of the situations she is dealt has been an absolute joy to watch. I loved her coffin warning to the Saviors that she will kill the remaining 38 of them if they don't stop playing games! What moves me the most about Maggie is thinking about all that she has lost and been through and yet continues to rise up to be a pillar of strength for those around her. It is such a beautiful thing for her character and I look forward to more of it in the next half of the season.
#TeamRhee 

Lastly, I feel kind of scarred for life from the expression on Rick and Michonne's faces as they realized what had happened to Carl. The only thing that made this scene half way bearable was the shot of Daryl preciously holding Judith knowing how her little life was about to change forever without her big brother by her side. I always thought that Carl would be the last man standing in the end so I feel very blindsided by this twist! I have to also say that I'll be royally disappointed if Carol doesn't get to be apart of his death and say her goodbyes since he and Sofia were such close friends.
#TearsForYears

I can't believe we are already on hiatus again but I have enjoyed recapping my favorite moments each week and I also greatly appreciate all of you that read my CRAZY thoughts every week!!! 😜

Until next time I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Remember to JSS 💔
Love & Hugs,
-GG

TWD - Favorite Moments From 8x05 & 8x06

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all are doing well. I got busy with Thanksgiving last week so I am doing both 8x05 and 8x06 in this weeks post. 

So here we go.......

I have to admit that 8x05 fell a little flat for me although I did love the look on Daryl's face when he learned that Carol was alive and well after she annihilated a bunch of Saviors. You could pretty much feel the rush of relief that swept over him as he thought to himself, "that's my girl"!

#CarylOnBaby

I really loved the opening for 8x06 when everyone is reading their letters. I think it is wonderful that the Kingdom, Hilltop and Alexandria are all keeping up with what's going on with each camp so that everyone stays on the same page. This scene really seemed to unite the groups as one and gave a sense of family that I have not felt from them in awhile.
#BetterTogether

I am loving the relationship that is forming between Carol and Henry. I know that it is probably risky for Carol to get close to another child after losing so many in the past, but I actually think this could be a healing experience for her. There is a void that each child left in Carol's heart and Henry also has a void from losing the best parent figure he had in his brother, Benjamin. I'm not necessarily saying that I want Carol to officially become his mom as I think Ezekiel has pretty much adopted him at this point but I do love the idea of her becoming this cool aunt that teaches him how to use a gun, kill Walkers and bake cookies. Maybe Uncle Daryl could even show him how to hunt squirrels and ride motorcycles! 
#LuckyKid

I know I have said it before but let me just say it again that I could watch Maggie treat Gregory like a bratty child all day! His pig pen punishment has been LONG overdue and it just made me feel incredibly proud of Maggie for not only standing up for herself but for all of Hilltop as well! 
#LeaderGoals

I literally shouted for joy when Daryl hopped out of the truck to save the day! There really is not much to say about this AWESOME scene other than how bad I wish Carol had been there to see it. 😍
#PutARingOnIt

Lastly, I don't even know where to begin with this beautifully heart felt scene between Carol and Ezekiel. The tragic loss of Shiva and the many Kingdomers is clearly the worst thing that has happened to Ezekiel since the apocalypse started, so he has not quite learned how to handle grief while still needing to fight for survival. However Carol could literally write a book on that very subject. I loved when she told him how playing a part has gotten her this far and that you just have to pretend everything is going to be fine even if you don't feel like it. These lessons really highlight why Carol is my favorite character. Her speech to Ezekiel spoke to me in a personal way and inspires me to keep fighting as well!
#GiveThemAllTheAwads


I thoroughly enjoyed 8x06 so much and am hoping that the rest of the season will be more like this episode in the fact that it pretty much had everyone in it.

I will be back with a new recap next week so until then I hope everyone has an awesome week and knows how much you are loved and appreciated!

Big Hugs,
-GG