I'm Back!

So, as you can see there's a lot of changes!

First of all (something you might have noticed right away) is that I renamed my blog. Now, even though some people do that every three months or so and there's nothing wrong with it, I've never liked changing my blog's name unless I was really tired of the old one. This new name is a bit more to the point.

I've also redone the tabs, so check those out as well!

Finally, I chose an autumn theme for the blog. Red and orange are some of my favorite colors. =) Ya like it?

I still might be posting only once a week or so, but I'll make an effort to put greater meaning in my posts!

Izori

Construction Finished!

So, what do you think? I'm actually astonished it worked out this well, not that I was doing anything too terribly risky (it's just one of those blogger template thingies). But I can assure you that I am extremely technologically challenged and I had no clue how to get the old background off. I'm still not quite sure how I did it.

Life has been rather quiet of late. Know that feeling where you're so, so busy and stressed and you fling yourself at your work with pessimistic thoughts of rushed-ness only to find that after a day of hard work you suddenly have the rest of the week super easy? Yeah, that's how my week has been.

Peter is off with his grandpa doing yard-work (when he's gone the house gets very quiet). As soon as Mom puts Galdor and Kara down for their nap/quiet-time she'll take me out to Starbucks to have our Government discussion. You know life is good when you do school at Starbucks.

Unfortunately, the weather has not been matching this otherwise relaxing week. Thunderstorms on Monday and raining and chilly most other days. Why did the amazing spring weather have to come when I was too busy to enjoy it?

Oh, and Mom's begun to plot my torture for next year. Oops! Excuse that slip. I meant school for next year.

(I'm just kidding. I really like school.)

So that's been my life. How are you guys? And tell me honestly what you think of the new design. I might change my profile picture as well. What would you think of that?

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Blogging for Two Years and Four Days

(Okay, so I missed my blog's two year anniversary. It completely flew my mind)

I've changed a lot over the past two years. So has my blog. It started out as my 'writing blog' that I posted my stories on. It slowly grew into a 'writing tip blog', went through three titles, and eventually turned into what it is now. I had some blogging flops...some silliness, more silliness, deep thoughts...more deep thoughts, some obsessions, ...some 'wow' moments...

Those things may seem pretty unconnected, but my life has been moving forward. Pretty quickly. 'Quickly' as in hold on to your hats and scream for dear life.

There are somethings that I have experienced on blogger, like friends and encouragement, and there are things I have (thankfully) not experienced on blogger, such as nasty anonymous comments.

I feel incredibly ancient typing this, but I remember way back in the days when tags and awards were practically everywhere, everyone seemed to be elven princesses (or princes, or warriors), and everyone talked about Lord of the Rings. Now it's different.

But I'm happy to say that blogging has been a fun and enjoyable chapter of my life. Happy 2nd Anniversary, blog!

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Yeah, I know...again

I'm going to take another break. Not from blogging--from this blog. Not that I've been posting on here extremely often, but I've made some other commitments to post on other blogs, and I'm starting to neglect them. So for the next, oh, week or so I'll be concentrating on the other blogs.

On a lighter note, I'm beginning to recover from a recent bout of writer's block. Just in time for a fight with carpal tunnel syndrome and another cold. (I'm beginning to lose count of the amount of colds as I'm buried under a barrage of used tissues. Disgusting) Perfect timing, but whatever.
I shall return!

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

P.S. Here are the other blogs! Check them out, comment, follow...the usual...be a lone ray of sunlight in my shadowy world of biology and algebra and X and Y and Gandhi and preterite tense verbs...I should make a song about that...

Traveling Tales

White Rose Valley

Anecdote

Starting Over

Before I begin, I have to apologize for completely missing Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, which was yesterday. I cannot believe I did that, seeing as I was studying that in history! Let's all take a moment to pray for our courageous soldiers who fight and pay the price so we can all be free.

Now...last post, I asked you all a question, and I am going to pretend that every reader gave me their opinion. In reality, it was only my BBFF (best blogging friend forever) igirl who did, but that's okay. Maybe everyone else didn't have the time, and I'm completely sympathetic to you. I'm just being sarcastic because I have a raging headache, so don't mind me. *smiles and winces in pain*

Anyway, she gave me some very good advice, so I am going to start over again. I'm definitely still going to post some writing-related things on this blog, but it's going to be a bit more about yours truly...like I'm sure you all want to hear about me. I think I get igirl's point; a lot of writing tips isn't very personal. Now that we have Traveling Tales, I don't really need to get my writing advice out on this blog.

So. I have another question, just out of my crazy curiosity. Have you ever tried to guess my real first name? Tried to picture me dancing with a turtle? Ignore that last one--that's just my headache talking. What do you think is my real name?

Anyway, I'd be interested in your answer. =) Of course, I won't tell you if you get my name right, because I'm not allowed. Oh, and igirl, it's not fair if you do it because you DO know my name! :o)

That question has another reason than just curiosity. I really would like to know if you guys can guess my real name because you're not supposed to know my real name, and if you guys were able to guess my real name...I'd have to change something around. If your average, teenage, normal blogger could guess my name, a stalker could probably guess a lot more. Sorry to scare anyone there. I'm not really paranoid, it's just that I want to be sure.

I don't think you'll be able to guess, anyway. =)

Oh! That reminds me. Which smiley face do you like better?

a. =)

b. :)

c. :o)

d. :-)

e. :]

God Bless, and Merry 8th of December!

5 Blogging Tips

I'm sorry if some of these sound really serious, like the 5th one. I'm not really that scary! =) I think, however, that all bloggers should know these ones. All you bloggers who just started out, listen up! I learned a lot of these from my own experiences! It would be nice if not everyone learned it the hard way, don't you agree?

1. For all around legibility: use proper grammar and spelling. I know that often its so hard, but it's worth it. I'm not saying to exhaustively research every single punctuation mark in your post, but try and correctly use commas and spelling (to at least a point where others can understand what you're saying). It's easier to understand this:

"So, today was pretty rainy. We just stayed inside and talked like only girls can. Yeah, our plans for the beach went down the drains (along with massive amounts of rain), but we still had a blast!"

verses this:

"so today was pretty reiny we just staid inside an dtalked like only girls can. yeah our plans for the beech went down the drains along with the massive amounts of rain but we still had a blast!"

This includes maybe just paying more attention to what appears on your screen--if you accidentally type 'it' instead of 'is' the sentence doesn't make sense but spell check doesn't correct it.

2. Never post in anger. Or comment, for that matter. If someone blogs something that makes you want to scream at them, take a deep breath, get off the computer, and wait for half an hour (at least) before you reply. I know that natural reaction is to fire off something that's just dripping with anger, but doing that is a prime way to earn yourself a bad reputation and say things that any other time would have you horrified.

3. Always have another perspective. Remember, things like sarcasm and weird senses of humor are hard to pick up on in writing. You might mean something in jest, but someone could take serious offense. Before you post something, think "Would I take this differently if I was the reader?" What seems funny to you could be an insult to another person.

4. Listen to your readers! Ask them questions, and take into account their answers.

5. This one is a safety tip: be very careful giving out personal information! First, check with your parents if you're unsure where you should draw the line on how much you say about yourself. They might be okay with you saying your first name, and others would rather not have you putting your age on the internet. Either way, it's a good idea not to put contact information for all to see, like your address, phone number, etc. Also, don't post anything you want to be kept private. Nothing's secret on the internet!

BBFF =)

Best Blogging Friend Forever. I just had an awesome day with mine.

Igirl came over at around 10:45 AM today. I've known her, like, forever. =) We had so much fun. She just left--she might not even be home yet at this moment. We talked a lot about a bunch of things. A lot of deep things, actually. I enjoyed it. She's like a sister. =) Igirl and her sister are two people that I have known for so long, I don't remember life without them.

We watched the first half of Pride & Prejudice, and laughed at Mr. Darcy's every facial expressions (not every...but you know what I mean). We made delicious dairy, egg, nut free brownies that taste better then ones with dairy, eggs, and nuts. Igirl's a kindred spirit. =)

I really enjoyed our time together, igirl! Thanks so much for coming over and lightening up my day. I've been feeling really down because of my cold, but that doesn't matter much with friends. =)

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Count Your Blessings! (100 Blessings)

Go check out Olive Tree's fantastic idea!

1. I have been saved by faith, through grace, and I am made in God's image!
2. I just took my last Vitamin D pill, and it appears to have fixed my health problems! Praise God! =)
3. Good doctors who spotted my ailments in time to put a screeching halt to them.
4. A super family.
5. Blessings to count!
6. Tolerable health
7. Protection from snakes
8. Never a broken bone!
9. Naturally thick hair
10. A great-grandmother
11. Edifying, uplifting friends
12. Music
13. Talents
14. A voice to praise God with
15. Good food
16. The use of my arm
17. My angel sibling (even though that's covered in 'A super family')
18. A good camera
19. That we are able to witness to a neighbor
20. That there's forgiveness
21. My dad's recovery from cancer
22. Prayer
23. An imagination
24. VBS (Vacation Bible School)
25. My job as a piano teacher.

Those were my first twenty five for this week. What a cool idea, Olive Tree!

By the way, would you guys please pray for VBS? There are several kids in particular you could pray about. Two or three have really bad food allergies, so if everyone could pray that none of them has a reaction, that would be great. Also, there are some kids who are not Christians, so praying that their classmates and teachers (and food staff!) can reach out and witness to them.

Oh, one more prayer request! Our movie is starting to slide downhill. We are all seriously stuck for ideas, and we're not entirely convinced it's the best use of our time. Please pray that we can make a final decision about it.

Thank you! Seriously, it would take such a load off my mind if you guys prayed.

Izori

Two Things

First of all, please pray for Eldarwen's dad! He is unresponsive and in the hospital. I know this is got to be so hard for their family. Please pray for his health and for the rest of the family to deal with this. Read the original post HERE.

Secondly, Olive Tree's contest ended, and I didn't win. Well, that was kinda expected, so no big deal. Thank you so much, Olive Tree, for having such a fun contest! And now I'm going to head over to the Awel Prince's lovely blog, Inspired Designs Studio, to pick out a new blog look from the free stuff section. Hope you like the new look! Awel Prince's designs are wonderful!

Izori

Quick Post

Thanks for the comments on my excerpt! I hope to get some more...hint, hint.

Anyway, I have decided to take a brief sabbatical for two weeks to get into my summer schedule. It's very rigorous because I'm hoping to regulate the active period of my day for what may very well be the most hectic school season ever. :/

I'll be back...well, look at that! According to my calender, I'll be back on the 4th of July, which is also when I'll be on another vacation! So I'll actually be gone for fifteen days. I'll see you all on July 5th!

Izori

Before I leave...

...I shall try tying up a few loose ends.

Seeing as we're leaving tomorrow, I'll be closing down the poll just after I publish this post. Sorry if you didn't get to vote. It looks like that y'all are going to be seeing a tidbit of...my NaNoWriMo Novel! (that, by the way, is in the process of being graciously edited by one of my BFFs, Catherine Morland). If 'Mystery Book!' would have been picked, you guys would be reading an excerpt from either the book that I just started, or my book that has all the fairy tales blended together into a retelling (and that will be edited by Liz' (my piano student) older sister).

Also, the poll for my blog background has expired, and it looks like that I need to change back to my old layout. Well...I got some 'editations' for you. I'm not going to change it quite yet because I have entered Olive Tree's lovely little give-away for a new background. If I don't win, I suppose I'll change it back...for a little while...

Has anyone else been watching the World Cup? You should see our TV; I decorated it with home-made banners for the U.S. Yes, most Americans may not be known for their soccer skills, but we are known for our patriotic-ness! (Er...everyone but Mr. Bow-and-apologize-for-our-existence-to-all-foreign-powers) I was shocked when we tied with England in our first game! We and Catherine Morland's family battled it out, afterward. =) I watched the North Korea vs. Brazil game today. I LOOOOOOOOOOVE soccer!

Well, I'll have to start packing soon. Have a great few days, everyone!

Izori

EDIT: Oh, I forgot! Thanks for praying about my Vitamin D deficiency! My month-long headache cleared up the day after taking my first pill (the pills are so pretty! They're like transparent emeralds), and the top of my wrists have been hardly hurting at all! Unfortunately, my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been acting up from forgetting to wear the braces, writing, playing the piano, and basically living.

My Summer Schedule and Blog Wishlist

Whew! It's really hot out today!

I am going to be very busy when school starts up this fall. Well, maybe 'busy' is an understatement. Let's try "exhaustively rushing hither and thither until my hair turns frizzy". Let me count the ways...

1. I'm going to be starting high school, which means extra school work for a longer time.
2. I'm going to be participating in one co-op,
3. Not to mention another smaller one.
3. I'm going to be taking on 45 minute piano lessons,
4. And 30 minute voice lessons.
4. I'll be teaching at least one student, maybe more.
5. I'll still work on my books.
6. I'll be playing soccer.
7. I'm considering playing in another league of soccer as well.
8. Hopefully, I'll be published/in the process.
9. Of course I'll be blogging.
10. And I'll be a docent at a local historic sight.

Yeah. That's scratching the surface.

I figured that I would desperately have to make a schedule for my life so that I can actually do all of that listed above. And I decided that summer would be the perfect time to learn how to be on a schedule.

IZORI'S SUMMER SCHEDULE

6:00-6:30--Exercise
6:30-7:00--Shower, get prepared for the day
7:00-7:10--Bible reading
7:15-7:30--Craft and memorization
7:30-8:00--'Before Breakfast Chores'
8:00-8:30--Eat
8:30-8:45--Brush teeth and straighten room
8:45-9:00--Piano/Tin Whistle practice
9:00-9:20--Latin
9:20-9:30-Weed and other yard work
9:30-9:40--Piano practice
9:40-10:30--Script
10:30-11:00--Craft/cooking
11:00-11:15--Spanish brush-up
11:15-11:25--Bible reading
11:25-12:00--Creative writing
12:00-12:20--Latin
12:20-1:00--Reading
1:00-1:45--Before lunch chores and lunch
1:45-2:00--Woods
2:00-2:30--Research of J.R.R. Tolkien/C.S. Lewis
2:30-2:40--Piano practice
2:40-3:00--Soccer practice
3:00-3:20--Latin
3:20-4:00-Chores and cleaning
4:00-4:10--Bible reading
4:10-onward--Relaxation time

Yeah, I have a bad feeling that this will last all of two days. But I'm really hoping that I can get my life on schedule, because it will be SO less confusing in the fall when things REALLY start up. After all, our God is a God of order!

This next thing is an idea that I got from igirl, the Blog Wishlist! Sweet idea, igirl! I hope you don't mind if I borrow it. =)

1. To have at least 3 comments on each post
2. To have 80 followers by fall
3. To write meaningful, God-honoring posts
4. To be able to encourage other starting writers
5. To get to know other people
6. To make my blog a safe place where everyone knows no trash will ever be posted
7. To make people laugh, or sometimes even cry
8. To have fun!

Oh, BTW, in less then a week I'm going on vacation! Does anyone want a book excerpt while I'm gone? Tell me quick, because if more than two people say yes I'll put up a poll to decide which book I'll take the excerpt from!

See y'all!

Izori

Announcement (and a record!)

Alright...I've made a record. This is the THIRD time I've posted today! *gasp*. Anyway, I would like to bring an exciting offer to your attention...Anecdote is accepting authors! Go and check it out!

Izori

The road goes ever onward to vacation...

Yay! I get to go on vacation until Friday! We're leaving tomorrow (Saturday) I'm bringing my laptop, but it's doubtful if you'll see a post.

Goodbye!

Izori

Caption Contest Winner!

Once again, folks, sorry for the delay =) Anyway, I'm stalling so that you guys don't see who the winner is just on that 'reader thing' that's on the dashboard. So...lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala...um...lalalalalalaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. La La La *in opera voice* LAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! TA-DA!

Okay. I think it's off. So...here it is...


#1.



Sam: What is that glowing blue orb, Mr. Frodo?
Pippin: It's obviously attracted to our bacon and potatoes, Frodo.
Frodo: *in Mater's voice* It's the ghoooost liiight!

And so our winner is...

Melian!

Congratulation, Melian! Sorry I don't have much of an award for you, but...ya won!

And guys, it was really close. I'm not saying it just to make everyone else feel better. Everyone had hilarious ones, and I was torn into seven parts! =) Great job, everyone!

Izori

Planning!

Guess, what! It's getting kinda close to the first anniversary of this blog!

These are all of my ideas for the celebration. Tell me what you think! (I'm not going to put up a poll)

1. Have a Caption Contest

2. Post 50 things about me that you may or may not know

3. Post a chapter or two of the first book that I wrote on here

4. Reveal my face for the first time! Well, maybe not the first, but ever since this blog became popular.

5. Make a quiz to see how much you guys know about me

6. Write a story involving a rather crazy sea captain, a dignified dragon, and a modern girl who are trying to rescue a prince who is put under a spell that makes him think he's a kangaroo. And post the first draft on my blog.

7. All of the above! (it'll be spread out over the space of one week if this is picked)

Tell me what you guys think!

Izori

I think I'm going to take on a new look here...

I love this background, but I think it's time that I get another. Many thanks to Meilin Blog Designs--check 'em out if you haven't already.

So what do you think of my new look? Too grungy? Too swirly? Just perfect?

Izori

Update on my NaNoWriMo progress...and various blogging things

My goodness, this is my third post for today!

Anyway, NaNoWriMo's going...okay. I was hoping I would be able to get ahead today, because with the all-day soccer tournament tomorrow, I won't be able to write hardly at all. All of you who are WAY ahead, good job! I wish I was in that position...

Yeah, and also, I'm hoping to judge caption contest results soon. I'm usually right on to things like this, but as you have noticed, I'm sorta busy!! With schoolwork (had a lot today) my other hobbies (knitting, running, soccer, drawing, photography, etc.), and life in general, not to mention NaNo, I have a FULL schedule!

Also, doing the last Elandai book right now is out of the question. I'm hoping to start back in January or something (December's going to be really busy, too!), but don't be surprised if it sort of...dwindles away.

Two Announcements!

Okay, here's the first:

The Caption Contest is now closed, and I will post the results as soon as I can find time to judge them.

The next:

My friend, Tatiana, has a blog! Click HERE to go to it!!

New background!

Thank you very much, Emily! The background is beautiful!