Mac's Birthday

Yesterday was Mac's 13th birthday. I find birthdays to always be bittersweet, whether it is my own or someone else. Mac was excited, I do not think she shares my feelings. Her party was a lot of fun. Her cousins were there and the food was delicious. Except Mac made the mistake of saying "who doesn't love hamburgers?". Daddy is a vegetarian and Mac's dad had to get in a snide comment about that fact. Not to be stereotypical, but her dad is one of those closed-minded, silent cowboy types. I am quite sure Brokeback Mountain is not his favorite movie.

Mac's brothers and sisters made the birthday cake. It was a chocolate pudding cake and oh so rich and moist. The Scarlatti siblings are talented in the baking department. That is something I have loved while staying with them. I also love to bake and it has been a lot of fun to try new recipes for cupcakes and cookies.

After cake and pictures Mac opened her presents. I must be spoiled. I usually get a fair number of presents. Usually one expensive gift and several smaller ones. Mac received a saddle and a bag with "Nicki", the name of her mare, printed on the front. But she did not seem to want for anything else. I do not think I could have picked a family more opposite than my own to stay with.

I was tired by the time the party was over and feeling a little sad. I helped with some of the ranch chores and then went to see Mac. She knew instantly that I was down and let me snuggle in bed with her and Rex. I think she is the most caring out of the Scarlatti family. She has always had a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings and the many baby animals on the ranch.

I was glad she let me sleep in her room that night. To be honest, Cameron's room scares me. He is very into bones and hunting.

*Angelica*

Life on the Ranch

I must confess I am not entirely cut out for living on a ranch. Papa needs to rescue me very soon and get me back to the city. Plus I miss him.

But Mac's family is very lovely even if her father has an occasional negative opinion about my family. I love being part of such a big family. There are six Scarlatti children (you will meet them soon when Mac starts her own blog) and so many animals. I have only been around cats and dogs before.

Every morning I help the siblings with farm chores. Well, some of the chores. I enjoy feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. But mucking stalls is too hard for me and their Angus cattle scare me a little. Those things are enormous!

Living with the Scarlatti's is a little bit like going to summer camp. I get to try new things and live in a different environment. The best part is that it doesn't last forever and soon I will be back in my own bed. And poor Lavender will stop being teased by the dogs!

*Angelica*

My First Post

I never had a blog before and I might be a little rusty at first. I suppose the first place I should begin is, naturally, at the beginning.

My name is Angelica Gracielle Murciano-Green. I am nine-years-old and an only child. I do have a cat. Her name is Lavender Praline and she is just a little bit over a year old. Sometimes she is very moody, but most of the time she is sweet and likes to snuggle.

 I am originally from Miami, Florida but moved to New York City when I was three. I do not mind it here, but I do miss my friends. Papa is still in NYC getting all the paperwork finished and all that stuff I do not yet understand about selling a house. Too much paperwork for me! I am more like Daddy in that aspect. We would both rather create than go completely by the books. That is why Daddy is an art teacher and Papa is a lawyer. Right now I am staying with a family friend who also just moved here from NYC. Papa worked for her in the city and she got him a job here as well. They live on a ranch and I have been having fun letting the oldest girl, Mac, show me how to be a farm girl. I will be glad to get back to my new room, though. It is very pink, which is my favorite color. I already had it decorated before my parents had to go back to the city.

One last thing you should know about me is I like to figure out how things work and I always have to have a project to work on. And I already figured out what my first project is. My new neighbor is also nine. Her name is Jess Sullivan and I know we are going to be best friends.

*Angelica*