My, today was quite the day! First off, we started history (we haven't started math and all that yet). We're doing the Tapestry of Grace program for the first time ever and we're doing a lot with it. I'm reading five or six books for history right now, and I have all these checklists and stuff like that. We did a salt map (made of salt, flour, water, and I think something else that I forgot. Then you spread it out on cardboard and make mountains and peninsulas and mesas and archipelagos, and all that stuff). I did a map of Sarea, which is where the book that I'm hoping to publish once I've got it done takes place. Did that count as a run on sentence?
Sorry, my mind is really mixed up right now. It's sort of late, so everything jumbled. Excuse me if I start getting off track.
See? I just did it. Getting off track, I mean. Anyway, and then we did outdoor archery. It was unnaturally chilly for August today, and my sights kept on sliding. Finally I just replaced a bolt, and after that I scored 8's and 9's. No 10's, unfortunately.
Izori
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Tagged by Tatiana
In this you have to write down ten of what you think would be intriguing book titles. (They can be published of not)
1). Inkspell
2). Eldest
3). North! Or Be Eaten
4). Rakkety Tam
5). Brisingr
6). The Magician's Nephew
7). On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
8). Painting Aalesund
9). Shadow of the Bear
10). Fairest
And you get this award for doing it:
And now I tag
Saerwen
Elrania
Ivorydancer
Eldarwen Failariel
1). Inkspell
2). Eldest
3). North! Or Be Eaten
4). Rakkety Tam
5). Brisingr
6). The Magician's Nephew
7). On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
8). Painting Aalesund
9). Shadow of the Bear
10). Fairest
And you get this award for doing it:
And now I tag
Saerwen
Elrania
Ivorydancer
Eldarwen Failariel
Saturday, August 29, 2009
I am feeling extraodinarily random...
...so therefore, I will post random stuff.
Random Stuff #1). I haven't gone horseback-riding in a year, now. I still love horses, but after a minor drought we had last summer, horseback riding started getting expensive. Also I had a lot of school-work to do. However, a recent trip to a polo match convinced me to (hopefully) start riding again, even though I might have to do schoolwork on Saturday *gasp*.
Random Stuff #2). Is 5'5" tall for a 13 year old? I don't think so, and actually I'm feeling really short right now. I played an unofficial soccer game on Wednesday, and we lined up in height order for some reason. I was the shortest. And my friend, who for as long as I've known her has always been noticeably shorter than me, is now at least an inch taller. Another friend says that 5' is the average height for 13 year olds. Is that true?
Random Stuff #3). I'm in a quartet, and we're thinking of recording our first album! By the way, Andrea (or Tatiana), you left the pictures at my house.
Random Stuff #4). I spent this morning lugging boxes nearly as big as me (and probably just as heavy) up and down stairs. Maybe just a little bit dangerous. And I shot .22's yesterday. My back and elbows are so sore from lying prone of a carpet mat for an hour or two.
Random Stuff #5). I'm still very slowly figuring out the whole blog thing. So I will ask this question of all the knowledgeable bloggers out there: when you are given an award, can you pass them on?
Random Stuff #6). We're going to a Psalm Sing tonight at my church. I'm excited.
Random Stuff #7). Soccer is starting up really soon! I'm really, REALLY excited about that. I've played soccer since I was six, and I love it.
Random Stuff #8). I'm going out in the woods soon to take random pictures of our creek. And I'm taking my 'sword' (basically, a stick with duct-tape on the end to act as a hilt) because it's copperhead season. I love snakes (I love all animals, as a matter of fact), but I really don't want to get bit by a poisonous one. I just read Redwall, by Brian Jacques, for the millionth time, and I love it. As y'all may know it has a poisonous snake in it.
Is that random enough?
Izori
P.S. Like my new background?
Random Stuff #1). I haven't gone horseback-riding in a year, now. I still love horses, but after a minor drought we had last summer, horseback riding started getting expensive. Also I had a lot of school-work to do. However, a recent trip to a polo match convinced me to (hopefully) start riding again, even though I might have to do schoolwork on Saturday *gasp*.
Random Stuff #2). Is 5'5" tall for a 13 year old? I don't think so, and actually I'm feeling really short right now. I played an unofficial soccer game on Wednesday, and we lined up in height order for some reason. I was the shortest. And my friend, who for as long as I've known her has always been noticeably shorter than me, is now at least an inch taller. Another friend says that 5' is the average height for 13 year olds. Is that true?
Random Stuff #3). I'm in a quartet, and we're thinking of recording our first album! By the way, Andrea (or Tatiana), you left the pictures at my house.
Random Stuff #4). I spent this morning lugging boxes nearly as big as me (and probably just as heavy) up and down stairs. Maybe just a little bit dangerous. And I shot .22's yesterday. My back and elbows are so sore from lying prone of a carpet mat for an hour or two.
Random Stuff #5). I'm still very slowly figuring out the whole blog thing. So I will ask this question of all the knowledgeable bloggers out there: when you are given an award, can you pass them on?
Random Stuff #6). We're going to a Psalm Sing tonight at my church. I'm excited.
Random Stuff #7). Soccer is starting up really soon! I'm really, REALLY excited about that. I've played soccer since I was six, and I love it.
Random Stuff #8). I'm going out in the woods soon to take random pictures of our creek. And I'm taking my 'sword' (basically, a stick with duct-tape on the end to act as a hilt) because it's copperhead season. I love snakes (I love all animals, as a matter of fact), but I really don't want to get bit by a poisonous one. I just read Redwall, by Brian Jacques, for the millionth time, and I love it. As y'all may know it has a poisonous snake in it.
Is that random enough?
Izori
P.S. Like my new background?
Yet Another Tag
Q: Who is your favorite LoTR character?
Q: Do you think Legolas looks like a girl?
A: Arwen.
Q: Why do you admire that character?
A: She's pure, and she's a good role model.
Q: If you were in Middle Earth, what race would you be?
A: Elf.
Q: Where would you live?
A: Rivendell.
Q: What would your name be?
A: Izori, of course!
Q: Where is your favorite place in Middle Earth?
A: Rivendell or the Shire.
Q: Arwen or Éowyn?
A: Arwen.
Q: Do you think Legolas looks like a girl?
A: Not really.
Q: Who is your favorite hobbit?
A: Sam or Pippin.
Q: Are you fluent in Elvish?
A: Sadly, no. What can I say? I was raised among humans! I wish I did speak Elvish, though. I am making progress in Spanish, though!
Q: Do you feel sorry for the orcs? (Them having once been elves and all.)
A: Sorta.
Q: If you were an elf, would you rather live in Rivendell, Lothlorien, or the Undying Lands?
A: Rivendell.
Q: If you were a human, would you rather live in Gondor or Rohan?
A: Rohan.
Q: Do you have the appetite of a hobbit or an elf?
A: An elf.
Q: This tag is over. Are you sad?
A: I guess. Should I be?
Q: Who are you going to tag?
A: I'm being sort of lazy today, so I'll just say 'Everyone!'.
Izori
Izori
Friday, August 28, 2009
Character Personalities and Praise
I asked my dad (who is the editor for Dun Zarum) once he had finished the book if he could tell me my characters' personalities. I wanted to make sure I got their personalities across well, and whether or not they were strong, memorable characters. He described some to me, and one or two weren't as I had expected. For example: I had thought that Ehra (my main character) was quiet, a little reserved, and not very brave. Dad said that she was not quiet, but not loud, and brave, with a witty, drier sense of humor.
I was wondering: what exactly are Ben, Kaela, Josh, Lindsey, Lisa (as far as you can tell) and the other characters of Elandai's personalities? I find it hard for me to figure them out, because I made them up, after all, and I sort of have a set image of what they're supposed to be. So can y'all tell me? Thanks.
Also, we found out exactly what day Dad's chemo and radiation will start up: September 14. And also, the doses will (this isn't set in stone yet, but this is what we thing) be light enough for Dad to drive himself there and home. This is a biggie, because none of us kids are old enough to drive, so that would mean Mom would have to drive him, everyday, for six weeks, back and forth. And that would mean Wallace and I would be in charge, which means chaos. But he'll hopefully be feeling good enough to drive!
Izori
I was wondering: what exactly are Ben, Kaela, Josh, Lindsey, Lisa (as far as you can tell) and the other characters of Elandai's personalities? I find it hard for me to figure them out, because I made them up, after all, and I sort of have a set image of what they're supposed to be. So can y'all tell me? Thanks.
Also, we found out exactly what day Dad's chemo and radiation will start up: September 14. And also, the doses will (this isn't set in stone yet, but this is what we thing) be light enough for Dad to drive himself there and home. This is a biggie, because none of us kids are old enough to drive, so that would mean Mom would have to drive him, everyday, for six weeks, back and forth. And that would mean Wallace and I would be in charge, which means chaos. But he'll hopefully be feeling good enough to drive!
Izori
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Chapter 4 of Unnamed Elandai Book
Well, high time I posted this...
Chapter 4
Lisa spun around as she looked at the scenery. They were in a woods, with something that could be called a very rough path a few yards to their right. The trees were thin, and she could see a mountain rising up ahead.
So, she thought. We're in a valley...somewhere.
Kaela was looking around too, but she wore a huge smile on her face. "In Elandai again--at last! Isn't this awesome, Ben?"
Ben looked around, slightly more thoughtful. "Yes, it is. What time period is this, I wonder? Because I don't remember seeing this particular spot in our earlier times."
"Ahem," Lisa said, clearing her throat. "Where exactly is here?"
Kaela twirled around joyfully. "Where else but Elandai?"
"Elandai?" Lisa glanced at Ben, hoping for a more helpful answer.
"Well, Elandai...I guess I'd better start from the beginning," Ben answered, and he and Kaela took turns explaining to Lisa all about Elandai.
"Okay, let me get this straight." Lisa shifted her notebook from one arm to the other. "We got transported to here by going through the bubble-thingy, and we could be in a different time period then last?"
"Elandaian time is different from Earth time," Kaela explained. "So we could be in a time before our last adventure, or a time centuries after. It's a little sad because last time we went, all of the people we used to know here were...dead."
Lisa opened her mouth, shut it, and then nodded. "Ah."
"I know," rushed on Kaela. "It's a little confusing, but I think you'll have it down pat by the time we're done here."
"I see," Lisa nodded again. "But...why do you two have swords?"
Ben looked down to see that a sword was strapped around his waist. A very familiar sword...
"Why, it's my old sword!" he exclaimed, delighted. "And Kaela, you got yours, too! These were the swords we got on our first time here, Lisa."
Kaela pulled hers out and held it in the air. "You know, Lisa, these shoot light for the followers of Adonai."
Lisa's mouth dropped open. "This is so cool!" she gushed, whipping out her notebook. "I must write this down. Sword...light...for...followers...how do you spell Adonai?"
--- --- ---
After talking for a bit more, Ben suggested that they get a move on. "It's getting late, as you'll see if you look at the suns positioning."
"But where do we go?" asked Lisa. "Is there a city somewhere?"
Kaela shrugged. "We don't know. We've never been in a mountainous section of Elandai, and this could also be a totally different time period. Wait! Remember, in the Tunnels of the Followers, Ben? When Adonai told us to spin the sword?"
Ben nodded. "Right! So, do you think it'll work now?"
"Well," responded Kaela, smiling. "I don't think Adonai's control over everything changed with the time periods!"
She placed her sword on a (roughly) cleared area and gave it a good spin. It whirred around, a circle of silver, and then came to rest with the blade pointing toward the mountain."
"I guess that's it, then," said Ben. "We go to the mountain."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry, that chapter's short.
Izori
Chapter 4
Lisa spun around as she looked at the scenery. They were in a woods, with something that could be called a very rough path a few yards to their right. The trees were thin, and she could see a mountain rising up ahead.
So, she thought. We're in a valley...somewhere.
Kaela was looking around too, but she wore a huge smile on her face. "In Elandai again--at last! Isn't this awesome, Ben?"
Ben looked around, slightly more thoughtful. "Yes, it is. What time period is this, I wonder? Because I don't remember seeing this particular spot in our earlier times."
"Ahem," Lisa said, clearing her throat. "Where exactly is here?"
Kaela twirled around joyfully. "Where else but Elandai?"
"Elandai?" Lisa glanced at Ben, hoping for a more helpful answer.
"Well, Elandai...I guess I'd better start from the beginning," Ben answered, and he and Kaela took turns explaining to Lisa all about Elandai.
"Okay, let me get this straight." Lisa shifted her notebook from one arm to the other. "We got transported to here by going through the bubble-thingy, and we could be in a different time period then last?"
"Elandaian time is different from Earth time," Kaela explained. "So we could be in a time before our last adventure, or a time centuries after. It's a little sad because last time we went, all of the people we used to know here were...dead."
Lisa opened her mouth, shut it, and then nodded. "Ah."
"I know," rushed on Kaela. "It's a little confusing, but I think you'll have it down pat by the time we're done here."
"I see," Lisa nodded again. "But...why do you two have swords?"
Ben looked down to see that a sword was strapped around his waist. A very familiar sword...
"Why, it's my old sword!" he exclaimed, delighted. "And Kaela, you got yours, too! These were the swords we got on our first time here, Lisa."
Kaela pulled hers out and held it in the air. "You know, Lisa, these shoot light for the followers of Adonai."
Lisa's mouth dropped open. "This is so cool!" she gushed, whipping out her notebook. "I must write this down. Sword...light...for...followers...how do you spell Adonai?"
--- --- ---
After talking for a bit more, Ben suggested that they get a move on. "It's getting late, as you'll see if you look at the suns positioning."
"But where do we go?" asked Lisa. "Is there a city somewhere?"
Kaela shrugged. "We don't know. We've never been in a mountainous section of Elandai, and this could also be a totally different time period. Wait! Remember, in the Tunnels of the Followers, Ben? When Adonai told us to spin the sword?"
Ben nodded. "Right! So, do you think it'll work now?"
"Well," responded Kaela, smiling. "I don't think Adonai's control over everything changed with the time periods!"
She placed her sword on a (roughly) cleared area and gave it a good spin. It whirred around, a circle of silver, and then came to rest with the blade pointing toward the mountain."
"I guess that's it, then," said Ben. "We go to the mountain."
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry, that chapter's short.
Izori
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Another Tag
I must ask this one, are you obsessed with LoTR?
Yeah. Although I have something to admit...
Shall I tell you?
Nah.
Oh, fine. I...have never...watched the LoTR movies! *gasp*. I know. I really want to, but...well, I haven't. I really, really, really, like the books though.
~VS~
Elves vs. Humans?
Elves.
Elves vs. Hobbits?
Elves.
Elves vs. Dwarves?
Elves.
Elves vs. Ents?
Elves.
Humans vs. Hobbits?
Um...humans.
Humans vs. Dwarves?
Humans. Dwarves are a close second, though.
Humans vs. Ents?
Humans.
Hobbits vs. Dwarves?
Ermmm...hobbits?
Hobbits vs. Ents?
Hobbits.
Ents vs. Dwarves?
Dwarves.
Arwen vs. Éowyn?
Arwen.
Aragorn vs. Legolas
Ummm...ummm...I guess Legolas.
Arwen vs. Aragorn
Oh, I don't know!
Frodo vs. Sam?
Sam.
Merry vs. Pippin
The same.
Elrond vs. Galadriel
Galadriel.
Faramir vs. Boromir?
I can't decide. Maybe Faramir.
Éowyn vs. Éomer?
Eomer. Maybe.
Sauron vs. Saruman
Sauron.
Rivendell vs. Lothlorien?
I don't know. I'm sort of passive today.
Gondor vs. Rohan?
Rohan.
Mordor vs. Isengard?
I like the name of Mordor, so probably that.
Now, I tag anyone who wants to do it.
I'm sooooo tired. And yes, I know that another chapter of my book is long overdue. Patience is a virtue.
Izori
Yeah. Although I have something to admit...
Shall I tell you?
Nah.
Oh, fine. I...have never...watched the LoTR movies! *gasp*. I know. I really want to, but...well, I haven't. I really, really, really, like the books though.
~VS~
Elves vs. Humans?
Elves.
Elves vs. Hobbits?
Elves.
Elves vs. Dwarves?
Elves.
Elves vs. Ents?
Elves.
Humans vs. Hobbits?
Um...humans.
Humans vs. Dwarves?
Humans. Dwarves are a close second, though.
Humans vs. Ents?
Humans.
Hobbits vs. Dwarves?
Ermmm...hobbits?
Hobbits vs. Ents?
Hobbits.
Ents vs. Dwarves?
Dwarves.
Arwen vs. Éowyn?
Arwen.
Aragorn vs. Legolas
Ummm...ummm...I guess Legolas.
Arwen vs. Aragorn
Oh, I don't know!
Frodo vs. Sam?
Sam.
Merry vs. Pippin
The same.
Elrond vs. Galadriel
Galadriel.
Faramir vs. Boromir?
I can't decide. Maybe Faramir.
Éowyn vs. Éomer?
Eomer. Maybe.
Sauron vs. Saruman
Sauron.
Rivendell vs. Lothlorien?
I don't know. I'm sort of passive today.
Gondor vs. Rohan?
Rohan.
Mordor vs. Isengard?
I like the name of Mordor, so probably that.
Now, I tag anyone who wants to do it.
I'm sooooo tired. And yes, I know that another chapter of my book is long overdue. Patience is a virtue.
Izori
Names
Rin requested that I do another post on thinking up names a few days ago. I've done a couple of posts on this a few months earlier, and you can click on this and this to read them. And now here are a few other tips.
1). Think of syllables and sounds that are interesting. I like Z and TH, EO, and LEI. Then form names from those, like Theolith or Zeliar.
2). This one works a lot for me: just sit and doodle. Write down random letters, and then rearrange them.
3). Be observant. You know where I got the name 'Izori' from? Some of my shirts have a tag on them that says 'Izod'. Just take out the 'd' and add a 'zi' and there's my name! I got it from that. And sometimes there are regular names that sound pretty good. Like Oen, or Mhegan.
When you've thought up some names, I would suggest keeping them in a small notebook. That way if you're writing a story and need a name for a character, you don't have to try and remember a name that you thought up a month ago, thought it was great, but didn't write it down. You'll just simply flip open the notebook and find a good name. I do this, and I probably have close to 400 names in it.
Izori
1). Think of syllables and sounds that are interesting. I like Z and TH, EO, and LEI. Then form names from those, like Theolith or Zeliar.
2). This one works a lot for me: just sit and doodle. Write down random letters, and then rearrange them.
3). Be observant. You know where I got the name 'Izori' from? Some of my shirts have a tag on them that says 'Izod'. Just take out the 'd' and add a 'zi' and there's my name! I got it from that. And sometimes there are regular names that sound pretty good. Like Oen, or Mhegan.
When you've thought up some names, I would suggest keeping them in a small notebook. That way if you're writing a story and need a name for a character, you don't have to try and remember a name that you thought up a month ago, thought it was great, but didn't write it down. You'll just simply flip open the notebook and find a good name. I do this, and I probably have close to 400 names in it.
Izori
Monday, August 24, 2009
Yay! I got tagged by Rin again!
Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback?
I prefer hardback.
Order online, at a chain bookstore, or at an independent bookstore? I hardly ever buy books. I just get them out of the library. When I do, it's usually at Barnes and Nobles.
Bookmark or dog-ear? Book mark...if that's what sticking a ripped up tissue where you left off is called.
Alphabetize by author, or alphabetize by title, or random? Hehe, the middle letter of the author's last name, silly! No, it's just random. I'm not very alphabetical.
Keep, throw away, or sell? Keep.
Read with dust jacket or remove it? Uh...I'm not that picky. I guess read with it.
Short story or novel? Usually they have more sub-plots and sub-sub plots and sub characters. I like complex stories.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? I have read neither.
“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Both are clique, but I prefer 'Once upon a time'.
New or used? I prefer new.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations, or browse? Browse, with some exceptions.
Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Tidy endings, if they're a lone book. If the book's in a series, then cliffhanger endings are totally awesome!
Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading? Mostly nighttime, where I can read without being disturbed.
Stand-alone or series? Oh, I don't know. Probably series.
Favorite series? Aaargh! Hard question. Maybe...um...The Chronicles of Narnia? Sorry, I have sooooo many favorites.
Favorite children’s book? Anne of Green Gables.
Favorite YA book? What's that?
Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Painting Aalesund (there's a reason for that. It's a really new book.)
Favorite books read last year? Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Series.
Do you ever smell books? Yep.
What are you reading right now? Re-reading 'The Silver Chair' by C.S. Lewis.
What are you reading next? I don't know. Maybe Inkdeath. I'm still undecided whether or not I should read it.
There. I tag...
Elrania
Saerwen
Hoping to post again soon, but my mom wants the computer.
Izori
I prefer hardback.
Order online, at a chain bookstore, or at an independent bookstore? I hardly ever buy books. I just get them out of the library. When I do, it's usually at Barnes and Nobles.
Bookmark or dog-ear? Book mark...if that's what sticking a ripped up tissue where you left off is called.
Alphabetize by author, or alphabetize by title, or random? Hehe, the middle letter of the author's last name, silly! No, it's just random. I'm not very alphabetical.
Keep, throw away, or sell? Keep.
Read with dust jacket or remove it? Uh...I'm not that picky. I guess read with it.
Short story or novel? Usually they have more sub-plots and sub-sub plots and sub characters. I like complex stories.
Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket? I have read neither.
“It was a dark and stormy night” or “Once upon a time”? Both are clique, but I prefer 'Once upon a time'.
New or used? I prefer new.
Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations, or browse? Browse, with some exceptions.
Tidy ending or cliffhanger? Tidy endings, if they're a lone book. If the book's in a series, then cliffhanger endings are totally awesome!
Morning reading, afternoon reading, or nighttime reading? Mostly nighttime, where I can read without being disturbed.
Stand-alone or series? Oh, I don't know. Probably series.
Favorite series? Aaargh! Hard question. Maybe...um...The Chronicles of Narnia? Sorry, I have sooooo many favorites.
Favorite children’s book? Anne of Green Gables.
Favorite YA book? What's that?
Favorite book of which nobody else has heard? Painting Aalesund (there's a reason for that. It's a really new book.)
Favorite books read last year? Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Series.
Do you ever smell books? Yep.
What are you reading right now? Re-reading 'The Silver Chair' by C.S. Lewis.
What are you reading next? I don't know. Maybe Inkdeath. I'm still undecided whether or not I should read it.
There. I tag...
Elrania
Saerwen
Hoping to post again soon, but my mom wants the computer.
Izori
Question
I'm up early--it's 6:15 AM where I live right now. Anyway, can anyone give me some suggestions for curing writers block? I could use them right now.
Thanks,
Izori
Thanks,
Izori
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tagged by Rin!
Obviously from the title, I got tagged (and an award goes with the tag) by Rin. Here are the rules:
1. List Seven Things That Make You Awesome!
2. Pass the award on to seven bloggers you read religiously (I don't know what Rin meant by the religiously part).
3. Tag those seven bloggers
And now here are the seven things that make me awesome:
1). I'm a Christian! Reformed Orthodox Presbyterian to be exact.
2). I'm a purebred mutt (inside joke, here). Scottish, Norwegian, Irish, Welsh, Native American Indian, and French, with a possibility of German.
3). I have a rather big imagination. Funny thing is, I don't have any bad dreams. And I thought that comes with big imaginations.
4). I am 5 feet and 5 1/2 inches. Not 5'6", and not 5'5". If I lived in ancient/Medieval Rome, and if I was an 18 year old boy and was the same height, I'd be a half inch too short to go into the army.
5). I can wiggle my ears.
6). I sing!!
7). Well...I'm ME!
And now I tag and award... (wow, seven people! This is going to be hard)
Catherine WhiteRose
Ëarwen
Andrea
Tatiana
Siminy
Elrania
And here is the award, for the people listed above.
![[queenaward.jpg]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyL-7BB5DnoU2SETgsUaJZcpJVIIl0oNSMG-rrdupM6CvA5wHCG50fmfgf4wdzMze2fbycLD1UdHtk2gSDUvdUGj0OSx6LaZJyNM_MSYsNUjPAdsnN8cqbN9YcGlrMV5B6xRCO-2TnoKa/s1600/queenaward.jpg)
Izori
1. List Seven Things That Make You Awesome!
2. Pass the award on to seven bloggers you read religiously (I don't know what Rin meant by the religiously part).
3. Tag those seven bloggers
And now here are the seven things that make me awesome:
1). I'm a Christian! Reformed Orthodox Presbyterian to be exact.
2). I'm a purebred mutt (inside joke, here). Scottish, Norwegian, Irish, Welsh, Native American Indian, and French, with a possibility of German.
3). I have a rather big imagination. Funny thing is, I don't have any bad dreams. And I thought that comes with big imaginations.
4). I am 5 feet and 5 1/2 inches. Not 5'6", and not 5'5". If I lived in ancient/Medieval Rome, and if I was an 18 year old boy and was the same height, I'd be a half inch too short to go into the army.
5). I can wiggle my ears.
6). I sing!!
7). Well...I'm ME!
And now I tag and award... (wow, seven people! This is going to be hard)
Catherine WhiteRose
Ëarwen
Andrea
Tatiana
Siminy
Elrania
And here is the award, for the people listed above.
Izori
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Book Review: Copper
Book description is taken from the book.
'Copper'
by Rebecca Lisle
On Copper's tenth birthday, her whole world changes. Aunt Ruby, who has raised her since she was a little girl, sends her off to the Marble Mountains, saying she'll be safe there. Safe? Safe from what?
And why do the Marble Mountains feel so familiar? How could living in an enormous spindle tree--with chairs that put her to sleep, spoons that shift to fit the form of her hand, and birds who are alarm clocks and fire lookouts--feel so comfortable?
Copper has never felt that she belonged as much as she does at Spindle House. The people she meets knew her mother and father, and they know who is after her and why. Copper is determined to learn all she can about her family--and maybe solve a mystery at the same time.
Awesome book! Copper is very innocent and loves the family that she has, and I thought that her talking teddy-dog was so cute! Definitely read it!
Izori
'Copper'
by Rebecca Lisle
On Copper's tenth birthday, her whole world changes. Aunt Ruby, who has raised her since she was a little girl, sends her off to the Marble Mountains, saying she'll be safe there. Safe? Safe from what?
And why do the Marble Mountains feel so familiar? How could living in an enormous spindle tree--with chairs that put her to sleep, spoons that shift to fit the form of her hand, and birds who are alarm clocks and fire lookouts--feel so comfortable?
Copper has never felt that she belonged as much as she does at Spindle House. The people she meets knew her mother and father, and they know who is after her and why. Copper is determined to learn all she can about her family--and maybe solve a mystery at the same time.
Awesome book! Copper is very innocent and loves the family that she has, and I thought that her talking teddy-dog was so cute! Definitely read it!
Izori
Book Review: Cinderellis and the Glass HIll
I got a ton of books out of the library yesterday--right in time for Saturday! You will probably be seeing a lot of book reviews. And don't worry, I'm going to try and write another chapter of my book soon.
Cinderellis and the Glass Hill
by Gail Carson Levine
'Cinderellis, a young boy in the kingdom of Biddle, is lonely. His two oldest brothers are best friends with each other, and they ignore him. But when three mysterious horses--one copper, one silver, and one gold--arrive on their farm, Ellis finds friends in them.
In the meanwhile, young Princess Marigold is also lonely. Her father, the king, is always off on quests, and her only companion is a kitten named Apricot.
Then the time comes for Princess Marigold to find a husband. So the king arranges a contest--whoever can climb a slick glass hill and retrieve three golden apples from the princess will marry her and be the next king of Biddle. Marigold desperately hopes that one certain young man makes it--namely, Ellis--but can he?'
It was a retelling of Cinderella with a surprising twist. I really liked it. Ellis is a really nice young gentleman, and treats his horses kindly. Marigold loves her father, even if he's always on quests, and is a wonderful young lady.
I don't think there were any bad parts!
Izori
Cinderellis and the Glass Hill
by Gail Carson Levine
'Cinderellis, a young boy in the kingdom of Biddle, is lonely. His two oldest brothers are best friends with each other, and they ignore him. But when three mysterious horses--one copper, one silver, and one gold--arrive on their farm, Ellis finds friends in them.
In the meanwhile, young Princess Marigold is also lonely. Her father, the king, is always off on quests, and her only companion is a kitten named Apricot.
Then the time comes for Princess Marigold to find a husband. So the king arranges a contest--whoever can climb a slick glass hill and retrieve three golden apples from the princess will marry her and be the next king of Biddle. Marigold desperately hopes that one certain young man makes it--namely, Ellis--but can he?'
It was a retelling of Cinderella with a surprising twist. I really liked it. Ellis is a really nice young gentleman, and treats his horses kindly. Marigold loves her father, even if he's always on quests, and is a wonderful young lady.
I don't think there were any bad parts!
Izori
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Prayer Request
As y'all may know, my dad was diagnosed with cancer earlier this summer. There was some question on the treatment, but now we've finally figured it out.
At the beginning of September, Dad will start 6 weeks of radiation, and then I believe he'll have chemotherapy, too. It'll be every day for five days a week, and...lets just say it'll be stressful and tiring, for all of us and especially Dad.
Please, PLEASE pray!
Izori
At the beginning of September, Dad will start 6 weeks of radiation, and then I believe he'll have chemotherapy, too. It'll be every day for five days a week, and...lets just say it'll be stressful and tiring, for all of us and especially Dad.
Please, PLEASE pray!
Izori
Tagged
I was tagged by Melian.
How are you feeling right now?
Strange. I just watched a rather long video with Mathilda, and now I'm staring at the computer.
How old are you?
13
What is your favorite food?
Oh, maybe fruit. Except for bananas and blueberries. I only eat bananas when I'm very hungry or when I'm in the right mood, and I only eat blueberries when they're either really fresh or frozen solid.
How long did you spend on the computer?
Half an hour or something like that.
How many animals do you have?
None. I am, however, hoping to get either a parrot, a rat, or a dog. Cat would be nice, too.What color are your eyes?
Brown. Plain, ordinary brown. I wish I had silver ones though, with orange pupils.
Do you have a playlist?
Yep.
Do you have a wii?
No.
What is your favorite book?
Ummm, let's just say I have a lot of favorite books, including Lord of the Rings, The Door Within Trilogy, The Inheritance Cycle, the Daystar Voyages, the Seven Sleepers Series, and many, many, many others.
Now, let's see. I tag Ëarwen and Andrea.
Izori
Ummm, let's just say I have a lot of favorite books, including Lord of the Rings, The Door Within Trilogy, The Inheritance Cycle, the Daystar Voyages, the Seven Sleepers Series, and many, many, many others.
Now, let's see. I tag Ëarwen and Andrea.
Izori
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Family in Books?
Has anyone ever noticed that in a lot of stories and movies, the main characters (especially if they're kids) have almost no respect for their parents or siblings?
Take, for an example, the books about that aardvark named Arthur. You know, the kids books? One of them is called something like 'The Poetry Contest'. Innocent enough, right?
At the beginning, Arthur recites a poem that makes fun of his sister. And then one of his friends says something along the lines of "I'd be saying that too if I had a sister like D.W. [Arthur's sister]." During the book, Arthur ignores her, and even though I don't think he actually says it out loud, everything he does to her is basically yelling that she's a nuisance.
And that's a kids book.
There are many more books and movies out there like that. Isn't that sad?
But in a major, uncomfortably obvious way, it's reflecting our own culture of disrespect for the people in charge. Lisa, the newest character in my Elandai book, has a brother that ignores her because he thinks it's cool.
So in the book that I'm not writing on my blog (which has the working-title of Sarea) I'm trying to make the main character love and respect her father, mother, brothers, and sister. It's not easy, because right now she's away trying to get an alliance with the Elves, but I have managed to add a few scenes that show how much she loves her family.
Izori
P.S. Thank you, everyone who suggested ways to put un-mushy romance in Sarea. I'm in the middle of it, and so far it's going great!
Take, for an example, the books about that aardvark named Arthur. You know, the kids books? One of them is called something like 'The Poetry Contest'. Innocent enough, right?
At the beginning, Arthur recites a poem that makes fun of his sister. And then one of his friends says something along the lines of "I'd be saying that too if I had a sister like D.W. [Arthur's sister]." During the book, Arthur ignores her, and even though I don't think he actually says it out loud, everything he does to her is basically yelling that she's a nuisance.
And that's a kids book.
There are many more books and movies out there like that. Isn't that sad?
But in a major, uncomfortably obvious way, it's reflecting our own culture of disrespect for the people in charge. Lisa, the newest character in my Elandai book, has a brother that ignores her because he thinks it's cool.
So in the book that I'm not writing on my blog (which has the working-title of Sarea) I'm trying to make the main character love and respect her father, mother, brothers, and sister. It's not easy, because right now she's away trying to get an alliance with the Elves, but I have managed to add a few scenes that show how much she loves her family.
Izori
P.S. Thank you, everyone who suggested ways to put un-mushy romance in Sarea. I'm in the middle of it, and so far it's going great!
Book Review: Isle of Swords
Once again, I'm just going to copy off the back of the book.
Isle of Swords
By Wayne Thomas Batson
'Captain Declan Ross searches for riches that will free him and his headstrong daughter Anne from the piracy buisness forever...
Captain Bartholomew Thorne, an infamously ruthless pirate, seeks to destroy any who stand in the way of finding the monks' treasure--especially Captain Ross...
A young lad of about sixteen awakens on an island, alone and brutally injured, with no memory of who he is. Could the rare diamond he clutches be part of the treasure?'
I really, really, really, liked it. Anne learns not to be so rebellious, and it has Christianity in it. Well, more like Catholicism, (I'm not Catholic) but at least it wasn't...atheism. It was really exciting, with volcanoes, buried treasure, sea-monsters, and pirates.
I don't think there were any negatives. So it was an awesome book. Definately read it.
Izori
Isle of Swords
By Wayne Thomas Batson
'Captain Declan Ross searches for riches that will free him and his headstrong daughter Anne from the piracy buisness forever...
Captain Bartholomew Thorne, an infamously ruthless pirate, seeks to destroy any who stand in the way of finding the monks' treasure--especially Captain Ross...
A young lad of about sixteen awakens on an island, alone and brutally injured, with no memory of who he is. Could the rare diamond he clutches be part of the treasure?'
I really, really, really, liked it. Anne learns not to be so rebellious, and it has Christianity in it. Well, more like Catholicism, (I'm not Catholic) but at least it wasn't...atheism. It was really exciting, with volcanoes, buried treasure, sea-monsters, and pirates.
I don't think there were any negatives. So it was an awesome book. Definately read it.
Izori
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Homemade Notebooks
I use these for when I have an idea for a story that sounds rather good, but one that isn't good enough to take up a notebook with. Homemade notebooks don't have as many pages as store-bought ones, but they're really good for rough first-drafts.
You will need:
1 file folder-color of your choice
several pages of paper, maybe...20, or however much you think you can staple through.
a staple machine (with staples inside--unlike my first try)
Put the pages of paper inside the file folder, getting it adjusted how you want. Then close the folder, and staple the spine securely. Very securely--maybe 8 or so times--and make sure to staple through the pages of paper.
And there you have it. The homemade notebook.
If you have one like mine, it'll have the tab on it, so you can label it for easy sorting methods. You can also decorate the front, too. I did this for my sci-fi book.
Izori
You will need:
1 file folder-color of your choice
several pages of paper, maybe...20, or however much you think you can staple through.
a staple machine (with staples inside--unlike my first try)
Put the pages of paper inside the file folder, getting it adjusted how you want. Then close the folder, and staple the spine securely. Very securely--maybe 8 or so times--and make sure to staple through the pages of paper.
And there you have it. The homemade notebook.
If you have one like mine, it'll have the tab on it, so you can label it for easy sorting methods. You can also decorate the front, too. I did this for my sci-fi book.
Izori
Monday, August 17, 2009
Chapter 3 of Unnamed Book, Elandai
Remember, if any of you have suggestions for book-titles, comment them!
Chapter 3
Kaela hopped down from the passenger seat of the U-haul moving truck and moved out of the way, onto the lawn of the new house. Turning around, she stared at it.
It wasn't huge...but it wasn't small, either. It was certainly bigger than their last house. Looking around the subdivision, she could see that the other houses were like that, too. Some had fancy lawn decorations, others had perfect landscaping.
She could see a few kids her age, peeking around the back of a house, to gawk at the large moving truck sitting in the middle of the street. All of them had bathing suits on, so Kaela figured that particular house must have a pool in the backyard.
Kaela looked up the street in time to see the family van, with Ben and Mom in it, (Ben was driving, and Mom was holding onto her seat--the typical reaction whenever Ben drove) carrying the last of the boxes.
They parked in the driveway, and then Ben hopped out. He stood for a moment, looking at the house, and then said, "This is it?"
Mom climbed out of the car. "Yep. Now let's go and help your father unload."
--- --- ---
Several hours later, Kaela and Ben both explored the backyard of the house. It was perfectly trimmed, with flower gardens, and even a pool, but they weren't interested.
"How could these people survive without a woods?" Ben asked, slightly horrified. He stared glumly at an orange flower as he and Kaela sat on the steps of the deck.
Kaela picked up a smooth, white stone from off the ground and rubbed it as she sat there silently. Then: "Want to meet the other kids with me?"
Ben considered. "I'm guessing you won't meet them without me, right?"
"Well...yeah."
He considered some more. "Um...fine, I guess I will. The only ones I saw were--"
"Hello?" Ben and Kaela both jumped of the steps and turned toward where the noise had come from. Kaela's hand had involuntarily drifted to where her sword hilt would have been in Elandai, and then realized the motion and clamped her hand at her side.
A girl, about Kaela's age, maybe a little older, stood on the lawn, surveying them. She had red hair--very red hair--that was gathered up in two pigtails that reached down nearly to the small of her back. Her eyes were a bright blue, and she clutched a black notebook so securely that Kaela wondered if she carried it around with her all the time.
"Um...I'm sorry I startled you," the girl said. "Your mom said that you would be back here. I saw that some kids were moving in, so I wanted to meet you guys before they got to you. I'm Lisa."
"My name's Kaela," Kaela said, remembering her manners, "And this is my big brother, Ben."
Ben smiled, and then said, "Whose they?"
"They," Lisa said the word as if it was poison, "Are the popular kids. They don't like nerds like me. At all. They sort of have a way of sucking you into their traps, tricking you that you're their friend, when they're really not. You know what I mean?"
Both Ben and Kaela nodded.
Lisa continued. "And that brings me to the notebook. My brother is part of them, so he basically ignores me. I think he considers it cool to do that. So I took to writing."
"Writing?" squealed Kaela. "You write?"
Lisa wriggled her eyebrows. "All the time. Mainly about other worlds. Don't you think it would be nice to go to other worlds? I don't think anyone ever has, though. Wouldn't it be awesome?"
"Yeah," Ben agreed, glancing at Kaela. "Awesome."
Kaela smiled.
Right before Kaela was about to ask Lisa a question about how to start books, a brilliant flash lit up the whole backyard.
They all covered their eyes, and Lisa screamed. For an instant, Kaela felt a topsy-turvy feeling, like the time she had been on a roller-coaster and it had suddenly plunged, as roller-coasters usually do. Then everything righted again.
Lisa uncovered her eyes, screamed again, and shut them.
Ben and Kaela uncovered their eyes, and gasped in delight.
"Yes!" Kaela crowed. "He did it!"
They were standing on steeply sloped ground, in a forest. Ben guessed that the forest was located on a mountain. In Elandai.
Chapter 3
Kaela hopped down from the passenger seat of the U-haul moving truck and moved out of the way, onto the lawn of the new house. Turning around, she stared at it.
It wasn't huge...but it wasn't small, either. It was certainly bigger than their last house. Looking around the subdivision, she could see that the other houses were like that, too. Some had fancy lawn decorations, others had perfect landscaping.
She could see a few kids her age, peeking around the back of a house, to gawk at the large moving truck sitting in the middle of the street. All of them had bathing suits on, so Kaela figured that particular house must have a pool in the backyard.
Kaela looked up the street in time to see the family van, with Ben and Mom in it, (Ben was driving, and Mom was holding onto her seat--the typical reaction whenever Ben drove) carrying the last of the boxes.
They parked in the driveway, and then Ben hopped out. He stood for a moment, looking at the house, and then said, "This is it?"
Mom climbed out of the car. "Yep. Now let's go and help your father unload."
--- --- ---
Several hours later, Kaela and Ben both explored the backyard of the house. It was perfectly trimmed, with flower gardens, and even a pool, but they weren't interested.
"How could these people survive without a woods?" Ben asked, slightly horrified. He stared glumly at an orange flower as he and Kaela sat on the steps of the deck.
Kaela picked up a smooth, white stone from off the ground and rubbed it as she sat there silently. Then: "Want to meet the other kids with me?"
Ben considered. "I'm guessing you won't meet them without me, right?"
"Well...yeah."
He considered some more. "Um...fine, I guess I will. The only ones I saw were--"
"Hello?" Ben and Kaela both jumped of the steps and turned toward where the noise had come from. Kaela's hand had involuntarily drifted to where her sword hilt would have been in Elandai, and then realized the motion and clamped her hand at her side.
A girl, about Kaela's age, maybe a little older, stood on the lawn, surveying them. She had red hair--very red hair--that was gathered up in two pigtails that reached down nearly to the small of her back. Her eyes were a bright blue, and she clutched a black notebook so securely that Kaela wondered if she carried it around with her all the time.
"Um...I'm sorry I startled you," the girl said. "Your mom said that you would be back here. I saw that some kids were moving in, so I wanted to meet you guys before they got to you. I'm Lisa."
"My name's Kaela," Kaela said, remembering her manners, "And this is my big brother, Ben."
Ben smiled, and then said, "Whose they?"
"They," Lisa said the word as if it was poison, "Are the popular kids. They don't like nerds like me. At all. They sort of have a way of sucking you into their traps, tricking you that you're their friend, when they're really not. You know what I mean?"
Both Ben and Kaela nodded.
Lisa continued. "And that brings me to the notebook. My brother is part of them, so he basically ignores me. I think he considers it cool to do that. So I took to writing."
"Writing?" squealed Kaela. "You write?"
Lisa wriggled her eyebrows. "All the time. Mainly about other worlds. Don't you think it would be nice to go to other worlds? I don't think anyone ever has, though. Wouldn't it be awesome?"
"Yeah," Ben agreed, glancing at Kaela. "Awesome."
Kaela smiled.
Right before Kaela was about to ask Lisa a question about how to start books, a brilliant flash lit up the whole backyard.
They all covered their eyes, and Lisa screamed. For an instant, Kaela felt a topsy-turvy feeling, like the time she had been on a roller-coaster and it had suddenly plunged, as roller-coasters usually do. Then everything righted again.
Lisa uncovered her eyes, screamed again, and shut them.
Ben and Kaela uncovered their eyes, and gasped in delight.
"Yes!" Kaela crowed. "He did it!"
They were standing on steeply sloped ground, in a forest. Ben guessed that the forest was located on a mountain. In Elandai.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tag
I have decided to make a tag. So here goes:
Who is your favorite author (or authors)? Brian Jacques, Shannon Hale, Wayne Thomas Batson, Christopher Paolini, Cornelia Funke, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and a host of others.
What are two of your favorite fictional characters?(only two, sorry.) Probably...Matthias, from Redwall, and...um...Armel, from Rakkety Tam.
Do you write your own books? Yes.
What are your favorite characters from your books? (if you don't write, have any other favorite characters from other people's books?)
Ben, from the Elandai Trilogy
Kaela, from the Elandai Trilogy
Lindsey, from the Elandai Trilogy
Josh, from the Elandai Trilogy
Daran, from the Elandai Trilogy
Serpa, from Sarea (working title)
Ehra, from Sarea
Maki, from Sarea
Gnomi, from Sarea
Leela, from Sarea
Baashil, from Sarea
Aera, from Sarea
Angela, from unnamed book
Laurie, from unnamed book
Anmarie, from my sci-fi book (that is also unnamed)
And a lot others.
What is your favorite genre to write/read? I write mostly fantasy, and am trying sci-fi. I read fantasy (and a little bit of sci-fi, when I can find good ones)
And with that, I tag...
Saerwen
Tatiana
If either of you don't like being tagged, don't feel obliged.
Who is your favorite author (or authors)? Brian Jacques, Shannon Hale, Wayne Thomas Batson, Christopher Paolini, Cornelia Funke, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and a host of others.
What are two of your favorite fictional characters?(only two, sorry.) Probably...Matthias, from Redwall, and...um...Armel, from Rakkety Tam.
Do you write your own books? Yes.
What are your favorite characters from your books? (if you don't write, have any other favorite characters from other people's books?)
Ben, from the Elandai Trilogy
Kaela, from the Elandai Trilogy
Lindsey, from the Elandai Trilogy
Josh, from the Elandai Trilogy
Daran, from the Elandai Trilogy
Serpa, from Sarea (working title)
Ehra, from Sarea
Maki, from Sarea
Gnomi, from Sarea
Leela, from Sarea
Baashil, from Sarea
Aera, from Sarea
Angela, from unnamed book
Laurie, from unnamed book
Anmarie, from my sci-fi book (that is also unnamed)
And a lot others.
What is your favorite genre to write/read? I write mostly fantasy, and am trying sci-fi. I read fantasy (and a little bit of sci-fi, when I can find good ones)
And with that, I tag...
Saerwen
Tatiana
If either of you don't like being tagged, don't feel obliged.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Correction
On my book review of Painting Aalesund, I said that the book wasn't available yet. Well, actually it is, but only on Tod Steward's website, which is here.
Sorry about that,
Izori
Sorry about that,
Izori
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Chapter 2 of Unnamed Book: One Last Visit
This book might be going a little slower than the first two. Sorry about that; with my dad's cancer and all, things are getting sorta hectic.
Chapter 2
A few days later, Kaela, Ben, and their cousins, Josh and Lindsey, sat on the floor of Josh's room.
"What? You're moving?" Lindsey stared in disbelief. "What will that mean for Elandai?"
Kaela shrugged. "I wish I knew. Yeshua promised that we could go back again--all of us, not just me and Ben--so maybe something will work out. Maybe...maybe the whole moving thing will be called off or...something! Anything!"
Ben frowned. "I have a suspicious feeling that we will move. What that means for Elandai, I have no clue. Probably doesn't mean much good."
Josh ran his hand through his patch of light brown hair. "Well, Yeshua promised that we all would go back. And Yeshua isn't one to break his word."
--- --- ---
It was a few weeks later. Ben sighed as he shoved the last box into the moving truck, and then turned to look back at their house. The sale had gone quickly-- his Dad's company had arranged a buyer within days--and it had barely begun to sink in that they were selling there house before it wasn't their house anymore.
I guess I was right--we really are moving. This is probably the one instance where I wish I was wrong.
He walked inside the house. It looked like an empty husk now, with all the furniture moved out, and all the pictures off the wall. But that wasn't what he was thinking about.
I think I'm going to check on the creek one last time, Ben told himself, still desperately trying to believe that they would have one more adventure in Elandai. He knew that they wouldn't; neither him nor Kaela had received a dream or anything else telling them to cross the creek. But maybe, just this once, they could just step in and out real quick. Just long enough to see their old friends again.
And we have quite a lot of them, he smiled to himself. There was Klii, Learka, and Yev, who had all first introduced him and Kaela to the world of Elandai. Then there was Nolan, the average Elandaian follower who had become leader, and then later king. In the second adventure, Hans, Tristan...countless others...had helped the cousins, guiding them along.
A noise made him turn. Kaela had entered the door and was looking around at the empty house with an odd expression.
"Well...are you thinking what I am?" she asked, glancing his way.
He nodded. "Yes. Come on."
The siblings briskly stepped out of the house, and then entered the back yard. From there was a small path, that eventually led to a large path.
Kaela grinned at her brother, and then took off running down the path. "I'll beat you to the creek!" she yelled over her shoulder.
Ben gave chase immediately, laughing as he called, "Hey! You got a head start!"
Kaela beat Ben by a close shot, and then the two stood, panting, on the bank of the creek. Finally, Ben moved, wading into the water.
He made it to the other side of the creek, and then stopped there. Looking across, he could still see signs of modern things--unlike last time.
Kaela crossed the creek and stood next to him. Disappointed, she shook her head. "I don't think it's working, Ben."
A voice came from behind them. "You came here for one last look, too?"
Startled, Ben turned. "Oh, hi Mom. You sort of scared us."
Mom smiled. "Sorry about that. I was just taking a walk around the woods, remembering everything. Y'know?"
Kaela nodded. "Mom, do you think our new house will have a creek?"
"Well...it's in a subdivision..."
"But don't we live in a subdivision? Or, didn't we just used to?" Ben persisted.
"This isn't a rural subdivision. We're talking real subdivision. Closer to the city." Mom ruffled Ben's blond hair, something which had grown a lot harder now that Ben towered above his mother. "Don't worry, pumpkin. If Yeshua said you'd come back to Elandai, then he meant it."
Then the three of them waded back across the creek.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I sympathize with Ben when his mom called him 'pumpkin'. I used to get called potato-head for some insane reason.
Izori
P.S. Do y'all have any suggestions for titles for this book? I still have no clue what I'm going to name it.
Chapter 2
A few days later, Kaela, Ben, and their cousins, Josh and Lindsey, sat on the floor of Josh's room.
"What? You're moving?" Lindsey stared in disbelief. "What will that mean for Elandai?"
Kaela shrugged. "I wish I knew. Yeshua promised that we could go back again--all of us, not just me and Ben--so maybe something will work out. Maybe...maybe the whole moving thing will be called off or...something! Anything!"
Ben frowned. "I have a suspicious feeling that we will move. What that means for Elandai, I have no clue. Probably doesn't mean much good."
Josh ran his hand through his patch of light brown hair. "Well, Yeshua promised that we all would go back. And Yeshua isn't one to break his word."
--- --- ---
It was a few weeks later. Ben sighed as he shoved the last box into the moving truck, and then turned to look back at their house. The sale had gone quickly-- his Dad's company had arranged a buyer within days--and it had barely begun to sink in that they were selling there house before it wasn't their house anymore.
I guess I was right--we really are moving. This is probably the one instance where I wish I was wrong.
He walked inside the house. It looked like an empty husk now, with all the furniture moved out, and all the pictures off the wall. But that wasn't what he was thinking about.
I think I'm going to check on the creek one last time, Ben told himself, still desperately trying to believe that they would have one more adventure in Elandai. He knew that they wouldn't; neither him nor Kaela had received a dream or anything else telling them to cross the creek. But maybe, just this once, they could just step in and out real quick. Just long enough to see their old friends again.
And we have quite a lot of them, he smiled to himself. There was Klii, Learka, and Yev, who had all first introduced him and Kaela to the world of Elandai. Then there was Nolan, the average Elandaian follower who had become leader, and then later king. In the second adventure, Hans, Tristan...countless others...had helped the cousins, guiding them along.
A noise made him turn. Kaela had entered the door and was looking around at the empty house with an odd expression.
"Well...are you thinking what I am?" she asked, glancing his way.
He nodded. "Yes. Come on."
The siblings briskly stepped out of the house, and then entered the back yard. From there was a small path, that eventually led to a large path.
Kaela grinned at her brother, and then took off running down the path. "I'll beat you to the creek!" she yelled over her shoulder.
Ben gave chase immediately, laughing as he called, "Hey! You got a head start!"
Kaela beat Ben by a close shot, and then the two stood, panting, on the bank of the creek. Finally, Ben moved, wading into the water.
He made it to the other side of the creek, and then stopped there. Looking across, he could still see signs of modern things--unlike last time.
Kaela crossed the creek and stood next to him. Disappointed, she shook her head. "I don't think it's working, Ben."
A voice came from behind them. "You came here for one last look, too?"
Startled, Ben turned. "Oh, hi Mom. You sort of scared us."
Mom smiled. "Sorry about that. I was just taking a walk around the woods, remembering everything. Y'know?"
Kaela nodded. "Mom, do you think our new house will have a creek?"
"Well...it's in a subdivision..."
"But don't we live in a subdivision? Or, didn't we just used to?" Ben persisted.
"This isn't a rural subdivision. We're talking real subdivision. Closer to the city." Mom ruffled Ben's blond hair, something which had grown a lot harder now that Ben towered above his mother. "Don't worry, pumpkin. If Yeshua said you'd come back to Elandai, then he meant it."
Then the three of them waded back across the creek.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I sympathize with Ben when his mom called him 'pumpkin'. I used to get called potato-head for some insane reason.
Izori
P.S. Do y'all have any suggestions for titles for this book? I still have no clue what I'm going to name it.
Tagged by Saerwen!
My first tag! The rules for this one is to list 30 things that you may or may not know about me.
1). My hair looks close to black in winter, and close to red in summer.
2). The sports I play/have played are archery, shooting, soccer, ballet (is that a sport?) and gymnastics.
3). I'm flexible for my height.
4). In a whole bunch of the plays I'm in, I'm nearly always the bad guy (I have no clue why).
5). I am hoping to become either an author, or a singer.
6). I shot shotguns yesterday, and I hit a few clays! And my shoulder doesn't hurt much at all!
7). When I have thumb-wars with Sir Wallace, I almost always win.
8). My middle name is Brown. That's really great when my friends and I are playing a game that has you named your middle name. Everyone's Katherine, or Mary, and I'm...Brown.
9). I have two blogs, and I'm a contributing writer for one.
10). I am an Orthodox Reformed Presbyterian.
11). My favorite colors (these change every few weeks or so) are green, silver, and blue.
12). I had a dream last night that I found some kind of a rodent under our couch, and my mom let me keep him. I named him Reepicheep (sp.?) and then I found a baby mole, also under our couch, and named him Madison. The amazing thing about this is that my mom very, very, highly dislikes rodents. Especially as pets. I think they're awesome.
13). My favorite knight of the round table would either be Sir Lancelot or Sir Gawain. Or Sir Kay.
14). My baseball coach wrote a book.
15). I am known for my spelling skills.
16). I play the piano, and I'm hoping to learn the bagpipes, guitar, fiddle, and drums (not that I ever will).
17). Our county fair starts tomorrow! I'm so excited.
18). I love roller-coasters. My mom and Sir Wallace can't even look at them.
19). I swim in the creek behind our house, and one time it froze over. Me and Sir Wallace had so much fun stomping on the ice to see how much pressure it would take before breaking. I think it only broke..twice.
20). My favorite singers are, Sara Groves, Orla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha, and Chloe Agnew. So far.
21). People say my voice sounds like Meav Ni Mhaolchatha. I think it sounds like Chloe Agnew.
21). In my lifetime, I have had two pets. A cat named Niel, and a cat named Max.
22). I do not think I have broken any bones, which is amazing because I'm always doing something that resembles climbing 'cliffs', balancing on trees over ice, and being the first to sled down really steep hills.
23). My two favorite animals are dogs and horses.
24). I love tags!
25). I have finished writing about 2 and 2/3 books. I am currently working on 14 books. At one time.
26). I am (in no particular order) Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Norwegian, Native American Indian, and have a possibility of German or English. Like I always say, I'm a purebred mutt.
27). I wrote three chapters of one of my books yesterday.
28). My favorite fruits are peaches, mangoes, apples, and clementines.
29). I used to want to be an archeologist.
30). And the grand finale...my hair is is long enough to reach a little past the middle of my back now.
That was fun! Thank you, Saerwen!
I tag Rin and Jacob R. Parker.
If I tagged you and you don't like tags, then don't feel obliged.
Izori
1). My hair looks close to black in winter, and close to red in summer.
2). The sports I play/have played are archery, shooting, soccer, ballet (is that a sport?) and gymnastics.
3). I'm flexible for my height.
4). In a whole bunch of the plays I'm in, I'm nearly always the bad guy (I have no clue why).
5). I am hoping to become either an author, or a singer.
6). I shot shotguns yesterday, and I hit a few clays! And my shoulder doesn't hurt much at all!
7). When I have thumb-wars with Sir Wallace, I almost always win.
8). My middle name is Brown. That's really great when my friends and I are playing a game that has you named your middle name. Everyone's Katherine, or Mary, and I'm...Brown.
9). I have two blogs, and I'm a contributing writer for one.
10). I am an Orthodox Reformed Presbyterian.
11). My favorite colors (these change every few weeks or so) are green, silver, and blue.
12). I had a dream last night that I found some kind of a rodent under our couch, and my mom let me keep him. I named him Reepicheep (sp.?) and then I found a baby mole, also under our couch, and named him Madison. The amazing thing about this is that my mom very, very, highly dislikes rodents. Especially as pets. I think they're awesome.
13). My favorite knight of the round table would either be Sir Lancelot or Sir Gawain. Or Sir Kay.
14). My baseball coach wrote a book.
15). I am known for my spelling skills.
16). I play the piano, and I'm hoping to learn the bagpipes, guitar, fiddle, and drums (not that I ever will).
17). Our county fair starts tomorrow! I'm so excited.
18). I love roller-coasters. My mom and Sir Wallace can't even look at them.
19). I swim in the creek behind our house, and one time it froze over. Me and Sir Wallace had so much fun stomping on the ice to see how much pressure it would take before breaking. I think it only broke..twice.
20). My favorite singers are, Sara Groves, Orla Fallon, Lisa Kelly, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha, and Chloe Agnew. So far.
21). People say my voice sounds like Meav Ni Mhaolchatha. I think it sounds like Chloe Agnew.
21). In my lifetime, I have had two pets. A cat named Niel, and a cat named Max.
22). I do not think I have broken any bones, which is amazing because I'm always doing something that resembles climbing 'cliffs', balancing on trees over ice, and being the first to sled down really steep hills.
23). My two favorite animals are dogs and horses.
24). I love tags!
25). I have finished writing about 2 and 2/3 books. I am currently working on 14 books. At one time.
26). I am (in no particular order) Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Norwegian, Native American Indian, and have a possibility of German or English. Like I always say, I'm a purebred mutt.
27). I wrote three chapters of one of my books yesterday.
28). My favorite fruits are peaches, mangoes, apples, and clementines.
29). I used to want to be an archeologist.
30). And the grand finale...my hair is is long enough to reach a little past the middle of my back now.
That was fun! Thank you, Saerwen!
I tag Rin and Jacob R. Parker.
If I tagged you and you don't like tags, then don't feel obliged.
Izori
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Book Review: Painting Aalesund
Seeing as Tod Steward is my baseball coach, I got to read the pfd version of it. Aren't I lucky?
'Painting Aalesund'
by Tod Steward
'Growing up in Aalesund, Norway, Trond has always wondered why the city has no painted buildings. When he asks his grandfather, he tells him the tale of a king who re-built Aalesund after it had caught fire. He was planning to paint it beautifully, but he never got around to it.
After hearing the story, Trond decides to finish the job that the king started, and sets out to paint Aalesund. But he has a problem. Several problems, actually. Where is he going to get the money to paint the whole city? Who will help him?'
Before I go any further...
I loved the story!!
With that being said, let's make it a little more official.
Trond is very helpful, cheerful, and respectful to his grandfather and other people. The whole story was very innocent. Quite a welcome change from stuff like The Inheritance Series, or Clovermead. I really recommend reading it.
Drop by and visit Tod Steward's website.
Izori
P.S. I don't think it's quite available for buying yet, so I don't have the Amazon add on the sidebar. Will get it up once Painting Aalesund comes out.
'Painting Aalesund'
by Tod Steward
'Growing up in Aalesund, Norway, Trond has always wondered why the city has no painted buildings. When he asks his grandfather, he tells him the tale of a king who re-built Aalesund after it had caught fire. He was planning to paint it beautifully, but he never got around to it.
After hearing the story, Trond decides to finish the job that the king started, and sets out to paint Aalesund. But he has a problem. Several problems, actually. Where is he going to get the money to paint the whole city? Who will help him?'
Before I go any further...
I loved the story!!
With that being said, let's make it a little more official.
Trond is very helpful, cheerful, and respectful to his grandfather and other people. The whole story was very innocent. Quite a welcome change from stuff like The Inheritance Series, or Clovermead. I really recommend reading it.
Drop by and visit Tod Steward's website.
Izori
P.S. I don't think it's quite available for buying yet, so I don't have the Amazon add on the sidebar. Will get it up once Painting Aalesund comes out.
Archery!
I did outdoor archery tonight, and got 122 points in 11 rounds! That is very good for me, especially since the last time I did archery a month or two ago, I was getting 50 or so per ten rounds. I guess I still do have a chance of becoming an Elven archer, after all!
Izori
P.S. In getting 122 points, I also beat Sir Wallace (hee-hee). He didn't break 100.
Izori
P.S. In getting 122 points, I also beat Sir Wallace (hee-hee). He didn't break 100.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Next Elandai Book (which is unnamed for now): Chapter 1, Moving
On to a new book! Exciting, huh! I still need to decide which Elandaian time period I should put my characters in. Well, I got a vague idea, actually, but I'm not telling yet =).
Chapter 1
Mikaela Wilson slumped at her computer, her fingers hovered over the keys. Her face scrunched into a frown, and then she sighed.
"Oh, it's no use!"she said aloud, greatly frustrated. "Why can't I start writing already!"
The tall, blond, eleven year old pushed her chair away from the computer and stood up. Mikaela (most people called her Kaela) had been trying for several days now to write a story. It wasn't just any story, though.
Two years ago, Kaela, her brother named Ben, and her cousins, Josh and Lindsey, had discovered a world that was located just across the creek behind the Wilson's house. Actually, Ben and Kaela had already discovered it before Josh and Lindsey came along, and at first they had regretted that their cousins were accompanying them. At least, that was before they met Yeshua.
Ben and Kaela already knew Yeshua (or more specifically, they knew him by the name of Adonai) from their first adventure in that world, which was called Elandai. He was powerful, strong, and mighty, and helped the siblings to defeat Daran, the most evil creature Kaela ever knew of. She couldn't bring herself to call him a person, seeing as he really wasn't. She didn't quite know exactly what he was, actually, but she did know he wasn't a human. The thought of Daran made Kaela shiver.
In the adventure with their cousins, Yeshua gave Daran a wound that would prove mortal, yet not in the way everyone expected; he allowed Daran to kill him for the sake of the fallen land of Elandai. And then he had rose again.
The adventure had changed all of them, but especially Josh and Lindsey. Before it, they had been spoiled and bratty. But by the end, they had followed Yeshua, and they had changed--for the better. As a matter of fact, Ben and Kaela were going to see their cousins tomorrow, and were looking forward to it.
All of this, Kaela had wanted to write down. She wanted to remember it forever and always, yet she couldn't find the right words to begin. For some reason, they were eluding her.
Maybe it's just to awesome to write about, Kaela thought. Or maybe it's because I'm forgetting. It has been two years, after all!
She jumped as the garage opened, letting out it's customary grinding sound. A few seconds later, Ben came into the house.
"H'lo, Kaela," he greeted her. "What's up?"
Ben was sixteen now, and could drive. He looked a lot like Kaela--tall, blond, blue-eyed, and gangly--but his voice was much deeper, and yellow fuzz had begun to grow on his upper lip. He was several inches taller, too.
She twirled a few strands of her hair on her finger, a habit she had picked up. "I'm trying to write about Elandai. But I can't figure out how to start!"
"Oh, that's easy," Ben snorted. "From the beginning, I would think!"
Kaela sighed, exasperated. "I wish it was that easy! You can't just start 'Once upon a time, two kids were walking in the woods and they crossed over their creek', you know. It has to be something that catches the readers mind, making him (or her) want to keep on reading to find out what will happen."
Ben's eyes widened. "Wow, maybe you do know something about writing. Just continue that thought, and you'll get something. Possibly."
Her shoulders slumped. "I wish I knew someone who had a few tips on writing. But it seems like no one's interested these days. Or at least, no one that I know."
"Well, doesn't--what's her name? The short one with the dyed black hair that's about your age-- Stephanie, isn't it?"
Kaela shook her head. "No, you mean Bethany."
"Right. Anyway, doesn't she write some?" Ben asked.
She shook her head. "No; she just reads. Besides, she's really busy now with school and all." The Wilsons were homeschooled, and they often finished their schooling before their friends did.
Ben shrugged. "Well, I can't think of anything else...oh, Mom wanted me to tell you that she'll be coming home later from the library than she expected. There's a huge amount of kids needing school books, and she's stuck in the middle of a checkout line that isn't moving. And Dad's coming home early. Mom said to eat without her if we have to so we can get on time for your bagpipe recital tonight."
"Bagpipe recital?" Kaela gasped. "I completely forgot!"
"Well, then you'd better start practicing," advised Ben. "I guess I'll get dinner on for you, then."
--- --- ---
The day after Kaela's bagpipe recital, the whole Wilson family sat at the dinner table, eating.
"Hey, Dad?" Kaela asked. "I forgot to tell you this earlier, but my teacher said that I'm doing really well. He suggested that I graduate to the next level. I'll have to have forty-five minute lessons twice a week, but I think it'll be worth it. Can I graduate?"
Dad looked at Mom, and she looked at him back. "Um...Angela, would you like to explain?" Dad asked.
"Perhaps you'd better," Mom answered.
"Oh, alright. Ben, Kaela, I was hoping we could avoid this...but it looks like we're going to have to move again."
Kaela sat bolt upright. "Move?!"
"Move?" Ben asked, not quite so shrilly.
Dad nodded. "Yes, move. I'm sorry."
Kaela looked stricken. "But...the creek!"
Mom cleared her throat. "I knew you would say that. Do you think there's only one way to get into Elandai?"
"Well, yes..." Ben hesitated. "I'm pretty sure."
"I wouldn't underestimate how awesome Adonai is, Ben," Mom corrected. "It would come as no surprise if there is another way into Elandai." Both Mom and Dad had entered Elandai when they were young, and knew much more about it then Ben and Kaela did.
"So the answer is no, Kaela," Dad said. "I'm sorry, but we just won't have time. We're going to have to move in two weeks, and we have boxes to pack."
"Oh, that's okay, Dad," answered Kaela, distracted. I sure do hope Mom's right about more ways to Elandai. I would hate to never visit again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bet you didn't see that one coming, huh?
Izori
Chapter 1
Mikaela Wilson slumped at her computer, her fingers hovered over the keys. Her face scrunched into a frown, and then she sighed.
"Oh, it's no use!"she said aloud, greatly frustrated. "Why can't I start writing already!"
The tall, blond, eleven year old pushed her chair away from the computer and stood up. Mikaela (most people called her Kaela) had been trying for several days now to write a story. It wasn't just any story, though.
Two years ago, Kaela, her brother named Ben, and her cousins, Josh and Lindsey, had discovered a world that was located just across the creek behind the Wilson's house. Actually, Ben and Kaela had already discovered it before Josh and Lindsey came along, and at first they had regretted that their cousins were accompanying them. At least, that was before they met Yeshua.
Ben and Kaela already knew Yeshua (or more specifically, they knew him by the name of Adonai) from their first adventure in that world, which was called Elandai. He was powerful, strong, and mighty, and helped the siblings to defeat Daran, the most evil creature Kaela ever knew of. She couldn't bring herself to call him a person, seeing as he really wasn't. She didn't quite know exactly what he was, actually, but she did know he wasn't a human. The thought of Daran made Kaela shiver.
In the adventure with their cousins, Yeshua gave Daran a wound that would prove mortal, yet not in the way everyone expected; he allowed Daran to kill him for the sake of the fallen land of Elandai. And then he had rose again.
The adventure had changed all of them, but especially Josh and Lindsey. Before it, they had been spoiled and bratty. But by the end, they had followed Yeshua, and they had changed--for the better. As a matter of fact, Ben and Kaela were going to see their cousins tomorrow, and were looking forward to it.
All of this, Kaela had wanted to write down. She wanted to remember it forever and always, yet she couldn't find the right words to begin. For some reason, they were eluding her.
Maybe it's just to awesome to write about, Kaela thought. Or maybe it's because I'm forgetting. It has been two years, after all!
She jumped as the garage opened, letting out it's customary grinding sound. A few seconds later, Ben came into the house.
"H'lo, Kaela," he greeted her. "What's up?"
Ben was sixteen now, and could drive. He looked a lot like Kaela--tall, blond, blue-eyed, and gangly--but his voice was much deeper, and yellow fuzz had begun to grow on his upper lip. He was several inches taller, too.
She twirled a few strands of her hair on her finger, a habit she had picked up. "I'm trying to write about Elandai. But I can't figure out how to start!"
"Oh, that's easy," Ben snorted. "From the beginning, I would think!"
Kaela sighed, exasperated. "I wish it was that easy! You can't just start 'Once upon a time, two kids were walking in the woods and they crossed over their creek', you know. It has to be something that catches the readers mind, making him (or her) want to keep on reading to find out what will happen."
Ben's eyes widened. "Wow, maybe you do know something about writing. Just continue that thought, and you'll get something. Possibly."
Her shoulders slumped. "I wish I knew someone who had a few tips on writing. But it seems like no one's interested these days. Or at least, no one that I know."
"Well, doesn't--what's her name? The short one with the dyed black hair that's about your age-- Stephanie, isn't it?"
Kaela shook her head. "No, you mean Bethany."
"Right. Anyway, doesn't she write some?" Ben asked.
She shook her head. "No; she just reads. Besides, she's really busy now with school and all." The Wilsons were homeschooled, and they often finished their schooling before their friends did.
Ben shrugged. "Well, I can't think of anything else...oh, Mom wanted me to tell you that she'll be coming home later from the library than she expected. There's a huge amount of kids needing school books, and she's stuck in the middle of a checkout line that isn't moving. And Dad's coming home early. Mom said to eat without her if we have to so we can get on time for your bagpipe recital tonight."
"Bagpipe recital?" Kaela gasped. "I completely forgot!"
"Well, then you'd better start practicing," advised Ben. "I guess I'll get dinner on for you, then."
--- --- ---
The day after Kaela's bagpipe recital, the whole Wilson family sat at the dinner table, eating.
"Hey, Dad?" Kaela asked. "I forgot to tell you this earlier, but my teacher said that I'm doing really well. He suggested that I graduate to the next level. I'll have to have forty-five minute lessons twice a week, but I think it'll be worth it. Can I graduate?"
Dad looked at Mom, and she looked at him back. "Um...Angela, would you like to explain?" Dad asked.
"Perhaps you'd better," Mom answered.
"Oh, alright. Ben, Kaela, I was hoping we could avoid this...but it looks like we're going to have to move again."
Kaela sat bolt upright. "Move?!"
"Move?" Ben asked, not quite so shrilly.
Dad nodded. "Yes, move. I'm sorry."
Kaela looked stricken. "But...the creek!"
Mom cleared her throat. "I knew you would say that. Do you think there's only one way to get into Elandai?"
"Well, yes..." Ben hesitated. "I'm pretty sure."
"I wouldn't underestimate how awesome Adonai is, Ben," Mom corrected. "It would come as no surprise if there is another way into Elandai." Both Mom and Dad had entered Elandai when they were young, and knew much more about it then Ben and Kaela did.
"So the answer is no, Kaela," Dad said. "I'm sorry, but we just won't have time. We're going to have to move in two weeks, and we have boxes to pack."
"Oh, that's okay, Dad," answered Kaela, distracted. I sure do hope Mom's right about more ways to Elandai. I would hate to never visit again.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bet you didn't see that one coming, huh?
Izori
Book Review: Inkspell
Couldn't come up with a description of my own, so I just copied the back of the book.
'Inkspell' by Cornelia Funke
Book 2 of the Inkworld Trilogy
A year has passed, but not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of 'Inkheart' the book whose characters came to life. For the fire-eater Dustfinger, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller to read him back, he abandons his apprentice Farid and plunges into the pages. Before long, Farid and Meggie are caught inside the book, too. But the story is much changed--and threatening to end tragically.
The book was exciting and engaging, but unfortunetely it did have some faults. Dustfinger's family is...not doing that great, and there's a few mushy scenes. And of course, Aunt Elinor (and a few others) swear and take the Lord's name in vain. However, Dustfinger is willing to sacrifice his life to save Farid, and Mo, Resa, and Meggie are a very close family.
Overall, it was a really good book. Very good to read if you're working on a story of your own, as Funke's writing style is very good. Also, once I read it I immediately added a few weaknesses to my bad guys in Sarea, just in case I ever have to fight them =)
Izori
'Inkspell' by Cornelia Funke
Book 2 of the Inkworld Trilogy
A year has passed, but not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of 'Inkheart' the book whose characters came to life. For the fire-eater Dustfinger, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller to read him back, he abandons his apprentice Farid and plunges into the pages. Before long, Farid and Meggie are caught inside the book, too. But the story is much changed--and threatening to end tragically.
The book was exciting and engaging, but unfortunetely it did have some faults. Dustfinger's family is...not doing that great, and there's a few mushy scenes. And of course, Aunt Elinor (and a few others) swear and take the Lord's name in vain. However, Dustfinger is willing to sacrifice his life to save Farid, and Mo, Resa, and Meggie are a very close family.
Overall, it was a really good book. Very good to read if you're working on a story of your own, as Funke's writing style is very good. Also, once I read it I immediately added a few weaknesses to my bad guys in Sarea, just in case I ever have to fight them =)
Izori
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Polo
Went to a polo match last night! This is actually the second time I've gone, but the first time we only got through the first 5 minutes before it started to rain. It's really fun, though. I think it's my...second favorite sport, soccer being my favorite.
I haven't taken horse-back-riding lessons for nearly a year, but I love horses and I hope to start up again soon.
BTW, sorry for the infrequent posts this week and the last one. VBS is over now (have I mentioned that? Sorry, I'm really tired), and hopefully I can post more often.
Izori
I haven't taken horse-back-riding lessons for nearly a year, but I love horses and I hope to start up again soon.
BTW, sorry for the infrequent posts this week and the last one. VBS is over now (have I mentioned that? Sorry, I'm really tired), and hopefully I can post more often.
Izori
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
'Anne of Green Gables' Character Quiz
Even though 'Anne of Green Gables' isn't in the fantasy genre, I really love the books!
Who are you in Anne's Circle of Friends?
Who are you in Anne's Circle of Friends?
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Dun Zarum and VBS
I am sooooooooooo tired! Two and three year old kids can be so cute and funny, but when they start crying because, well, if you had ever gone somewhere when you were a kid, placed in a room with other children that are laughing and screaming, and then your mom hastily exits the room, you'd understand. I just try to remember that it's really good that they miss their parents so much. Some kids, like one little lad in particular, just sat and smiled all the time (it's so cute) but others would be fine until they notice that their parents aren't there. Then they set up a wail. When you've just finished comforting them, someone else starts crying and it starts them all over again. And then one assistant couldn't make it today. But, I have to admit...this is fun!
I'm on the last stages of editing the technical stuff that my Dad pointed out (punctuation, terms, and so on) of the one-third of my book (this section's called Dun Zarum, for all of you who don't remember), and then my Mom will proof-read for plot problems. I'm nearly half-way through the next section of the book, too! Yipee!
It seems like a long time ago that I started writing my book, but it's really only been about...six months. And I'm getting much better at writing for longer periods of time more frequently, so it won't be long when I'm finished!
Izori
I'm on the last stages of editing the technical stuff that my Dad pointed out (punctuation, terms, and so on) of the one-third of my book (this section's called Dun Zarum, for all of you who don't remember), and then my Mom will proof-read for plot problems. I'm nearly half-way through the next section of the book, too! Yipee!
It seems like a long time ago that I started writing my book, but it's really only been about...six months. And I'm getting much better at writing for longer periods of time more frequently, so it won't be long when I'm finished!
Izori
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Isn't that so cool!?
As you may remember, my baseball coach, Tod Steward, has written a few books. Click here to view his website (and it's also on my sidebar, along with links to the websites of Robert Elmer, Brian Jacques, and Christopher Paolini). I sent him a link to my blog, and he put that on his website!
Izori
Izori
Saturday, August 1, 2009
I have returned!
I'm back! The beach was really fun! I was in the water all the time (my grandparents think I'm half-mermaid because I'm always in the water, even if it's freezing cold). And from Monday to Friday I'm helping out in the 2-3 yr. olds class in our church's VBS program. So as you can imagine, I'm not going to be able to post that often this week, too. I'm hoping to have a few book-reviews the week after next, and possibly (this is NOT a promise, people, it's just a speculation) I'll be able to start a new Elandai book.
Izori
Izori
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