You Might Think I'm Crazy.

It's okay if you do, because I do to.

*gulp* Here comes the confession.

Are you ready?

Okay.

Am I ready?

Yes.

Are you ready, Maethar?

I think you're right. You are crazy.

Ignoring Maethar, is everybody ready?

Okay, here it goes.

Ican'twaitforschooltostart.

*gasp*! There it was. I said: "I can't wait for school to start".

I organized the three bookshelves in my room, I prepared all the bags I carry my school supplies around in, and I've sharpened all my pencils. I've scheduled, I've cleaned, and I've determined I am going to make the most of my sophomore year. I've even--here it comes!--looked at my geometry books with anticipation.

In one way, I can't believe summer is almost over. In another way, I get excited when I sense autumn in the air.

So I'm enjoying summer until it's completely gone, and then I'll enjoy fall until it's completely gone to.

I never thought I'd say this, but looking at my school books all in a row on my book shelf makes my heart skip a beat.

Okay, Maethar. You're right. I am crazy.

Izori

The Freedom of Summer

Mom let me sleep in as long as I wanted to on Monday. Ahhh...bliss.

I got to stay up and watch an incredible comeback by the Nationals last night because I don't have to get up early in the morning anymore.

I have all the time I need to write. And guess what! I actually wrote! I'm starting my book with Ehra in it all over again...for the hundredth time. The plot has changed...for the hundredth time. I'm super happy with it...for the first time. I wrote 1,000+ words yesterday, and it felt absolutely great!

I'm working on college scholarships. I'm going to be a high school sophomore next year, but it's best to start early.

I apologize for such a random, unconnected, boring post. When I think of something substantial, you shall be the first to know.

Here. Have a picture!

(featuring my hand and some strawberries that I grew)

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Random

For once, I think I'm going to have a free summer! In the past summers of my life, we've always had to catch up on one subject. History, math, grammar, Latin...something.

This summer looks like it'll be different. At last. No, let me say that louder. AT LAST!!! YES!!!

I'm so excited that I can't help talking about summer--therefore my last posts have been all about it. Let's talk about some other less-used subject.

Brown. I am a very brown person--my hair is brown, my eyes are brown...even part of my name contains that color! (I'll let you guys try and figure that out). Actually, one of my mom's nicknames when she was a kid was Brownie. Is it coincidental that my all-time favorite dessert is brownies? And my room is painted a light shade of brown...stone brown, to be precise.

I know that I'm rambling, but I've been trying to get back into the habit of blogging. We shall part now...for the present.

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Summer Plans

(Thank you all for your lovely, amazing, meaningful comments! They were very encouraging to me!)

Summer is approaching at lightning speed! It's amazing to think December is in almost half a year. Nearly six months until the Christmas season. Oh, man. I'm making my head spin.

Even though I'm already counting down the days until Christmas (not quite literally), I realized that I have almost no definite summer plans. Yeah, there's the family vacations and the county fair and stuff like that, but I haven't established any goals...yet.

What better time to change that than right now?

Izori's Summer Goals:

According to spell-check, 'Izori's' is a misspelled word. Spell-check, you are ignorant indeed.
Er...let's try that again.

Izori's Summer Goals:

1. Write! Write! Write! Write! Although I know that this is shooting for the moon (hey, if I miss I'll land among the stars...or something sappy like that), I would love to finish Healing, my extremely long-term project, as well as finish rewriting my NaNoWriMo book. That's going to take a whole summer in itself, I think!

2. Finish my Church History. I have to finish reading Light Force, co-authored by Brother Andrew (amazing book, by the way, and I totally suggest it) and discuss it with Mom.

3. Blog. I have been horrendous at blogging of late! It's shameful! I used to post at least once a day, and now I consider myself lucky...I mean, blessed...if I can even cram in one post a week! Hopefully, that's going to change over the summer.

4. Really study my Bible. I would love to use this summer to grow spiritually, because I feel as if I've been neglecting my time with God this year. And honestly, there's a huge difference in my attitude if I make a habit of praying, reading my Bible, and giving thanks to the Lord. It's the difference between depressed and joyful.

5. Write lots of letters! I have about three pen-pals, two of which I've never met (one of which is a little boy in a different country). During the school year I let their letters sit for...well, a very long while before I get around to answering them. But I'm going to change that! I promise!

Hmmm...I'm sure I'll think of more, but those are all the summer goals I can pull out of my head right now.

What are your plans for the summer?

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

In Remembrance of Summer

You'll have to click to enlarge...so sorry.

Anyway, these are pictures I got in summer '09. My laptop, where I store more current pictures, is still not hooked to the internet and probably won't be for a while. It involves a call to Verizon, which is a hassle.

In memory of summer...going, going...gone? School? Apples? Leaves? Pumpkins? Thanksgiving? Football? Sigh. I'm not ready.

Summer Seashell

Evening Waves
Waterfall in the Woods
Smiling Yellow
The Bush in our Yard
Wisteria Flowers

Battlefield in Summer

More to come!

What's New

Where did summer go? No, seriously. Did it all drain down a hole? I feel like I haven't accomplished anything over the summer, except deteriorate my health. On Tuesday, I'm leaving for my grandparents' house at the beach with Erestor and Luthien.

Oh boy. Ultra-processed, 3,000 calorie, high fructose corn syrup loaded food with extra bleach (yes...white bread), no naps, out in the sun every day, with grandparents who spoil us rotten. =) =/ =(

And then schoolwork.

I'm starting high school. I can't believe it. The point of no return, and I can't even slam on the breaks.

I'll be a freshman.

DID I JUST SAY FRESHMAN?!?! AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!

Yes, for fourteen years I've been waiting for this. Now that it's come I really want to go back to 5th grade. And I thought division was hard? How about algebra?!

So. Dad got the results of his PET-scan, and I'm happy to say that, for now, the cancer has not returned! *sighs in relief*

Before I go (I probably won't get to post tomorrow), I would like to ask an important prayer request. For the last past week, I've been having a ongoing headache-bordering-on-migraine. Part of it is because I had a cold, but now I'm over my cold and it's still there. I hope it's nothing serious...=/ Please pray that it will go away for good (forever!) before vacation on Tuesday through Saturday. I've had problems with headaches for months. Hope it's not Lyme's Disease after all.

See you soon, guys!

Izori

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock. Tick....

Have you ever thought about the value of a minute?

Seriously. How much would you give for a minute? A dollar? A hundred dollars? Maybe a minute you would like to recycle? One of those times where, if you knew that later would be so rushed, you would have made use of precious seconds?

It's very important to consider if we're using our time wisely. We will never get it back. It will never be July 2010 again. Ever. Nor will I ever be 14 years old again. There will be opportunities that will never return, a chance to forgive someone or apologize that you'll never get again. In a span of 60 seconds, people will die. People will be born. People will find out something that will change their life--for better or for worse. One split decision can impact a life.

Are you using your time wisely?

I think time is the temptation of summer. Summers the universally accepted time to loiter around the house, just doing nothing. Maybe you do want to do something that will make a difference, but you figure you have three months to get your rear in to gear, so you never get around to it. Then flash, it's over.

Remember, there may never be a later. Accidents happen all the time. Not to make you paranoid or anything, but you never know if this is your last second in this life.

How will people remember you? As someone who encouraged and helped people, and valued others above their own lazy-time? Or someone who loafed around being a couch-potato?

Right now, I've been reading my Bible a lot and contemplating stuff in my life. I've hashed out my thoughts on abortion, illegal immigration, Harry Potter, global warming, the two meanings of peace, gun control, and a bunch of other stuff. That's why a lot of my posts have been kinda unlike myself.

Okay. Deep moment has passed. Did you guys know I'm making Christmas presents in July? I have one set of grandparents covered, as well as my mom. I know what I'm getting Erestor, and I'm in the middle of making Luthien something. On Galdor, however, I'm stumped. Anyone have any ideas what to give a rambunctious two year old boy?

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

Summer

Yesterday we (Mom, Erestor, Luthien, and I) biked all the way up to Chick-fil-A. All the way up along a busy road with the sun pouring down on us. No shade. Sweating all over the place. My arms are now salmon pink. The perfect summer memory!

What do you associate with summer? Languid. Hazy. Golden. Freedom. Fireflies. Watermelon. Laughter. Sweat. Misty mornings. Fresh sunrises and glorious sunsets. Stars. Swimming. Lemonade. Wind. The creek. Friends. Walks in the evenings. Peaches. Brown, parched yards. The Farmer's Market. Picnics. Fireworks. Blackberries. Blueberries. Frozen treats. Pickle ice cream. Boating. Fishing. Grilling. Cold showers. Family.

And then you snap your finger, and it's all gone.

What have y'all been doing for your summer? Have you smiled at someone who needed it? Made a new friend? Gone on a mission trip? Gotten to know God better? Composed a song? Did something for someone else? Improved your swimming? Taught someone something? Gotten in shape?

I've found a new favorite Bible verse:

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20

Don't you love it? It's so punchy, and I love the paradox. Our God is a God of peace, but woe betide anyone who hurts his children!

I've also found a new favorite boys name. Shaun. It means 'God's Grace'.

Today, we're going blackberry picking with a friend's family.

I hope y'all are having a memorable summer! Enjoy what's left of it, and spend it in a way you won't regret when it's all over.

Hugs & Blessings,

Izori

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

Guess what's coming up!

That's right, summer! I"m really looking forward to it, particularly because, for basically the first time ever, I won't have to do school work through the summer! All I basically have to do is complete Latin, but we're right on track for everything else.

That's probably the only downside to home schooling: if we aren't careful, we get really off track because we don't have a rigid schedule. However, not being tied down to the public school year has way more ups then downs, including being able to vacation when no one else can. =) We can also take sporadic weeks off, like we did during Dad's cancer treatment.

I had an extensive to-do list for summer, including brushing up on my Russian and being more fluent in sign language. And there were some things even more ambitious than that! Then I decided that this summer I'm not going to be stressed out. I might not get as many things accomplished, but at least I won't feel like a spread a mile wide and an inch deep.

Here is my drastically toned down summer to-do list:

1. Completely finish and publish my NaNoWriMo novel.
2. Finish Latin.
3. Be able to run 4 miles.
4. Get my Vitamin D level up to normal.
5. Become a better swimmer (I'm a good swimmer, but not a fast one)
6. Become better friends with Luthien.
7. Practice soccer every day.
8. Cut down on sugar intake.
9. Read my Bible every single day.
10. Choreograph to 'The Butterfly' by Mairead Nesbitt
11. Relax and have fun!

And my before summer to-do list:

1. Finish the script for my friends (ha-ha, that's funny).
2. Do a good Gollum imitation (I'm actually good at that already)
3. Finish my school work

Yes, not a very long list.

Stuff that didn't make these lists were things like work more on two other novels and improving my foreign language skills. However, I still want to improve my sign language.

Well...now that I've made known my goals, I might want to start working on them. Like finishing my school work.

Can't wait 'till summer!



Izori

P.S. Thanks everyone for praying! I'm am 100% better now, and my mom, who had it on Sunday/Monday, is better too. Erestor has caught it now. Please pray for him, and also that no one else will catch the stomach bug. Galdor would be absolutely miserable if he had it!

Thanks!