To Mimic the Greats...Be An Influential Writer

I'm learning something about writing lately. Mainly I'm learning it because of the British Literature class I've been taking. The class isn't geared toward writing, although I'm learning much about writing an essay, which is very helpful.

What I am learning though is that many of those fabulous authors that we still revere today are remembered because they wrote with a purpose. There was something that they wanted to discuss or point out to the world, and one of the best ways to do it was in story form.

Perhaps that was not the way the story began. Many times an author began a new novel simply to earn what money he could. Even so, they knew how to manipulate the plot in order to make it worth while for a person to read and that manipulation became a cause.

Below are some books that made a difference because of what they discuss. I have not read all of these books and so cannot recommend them all, but each one is significant (in many cases, world-wide!) for how it covered a current trend or event, or even how it took a stand for a particular belief.

• Uncle Tom's Cabin is decidedly anti-slavery.
• Little Dorrit points out the shortcomings of the government and social society, as well as showcasing imprisonment in various forms.
• A Picture of Dorian Gray gives us a creepy view of morality, or rather, immorality and it's utter selfishness.
• North and South contrasts an industrial northern England with an agricultural south, and represents a transitioning time from the old, traditional ways to the new, progressive approach that came with the industrial revolution.
• Les Miserables explores redemption, and the characteristics of the law and of grace.

There are a few more contemporary novels that portray similar characteristics.

• The Hunger Games also depicts the government and how controlling and dominating it can become.
• One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich centers on oppression from authorities and prison camp survival.
• To Kill a Mockingbird exposes the racist views that were still extremely prevalent at the time of it's writing. (And often still are.)
• Cry, the Beloved Country showed the disintegration of a culture and way of life to native South Africans. 

These books resonate with a truth that appeals to people. These books have made an impact and so have the people who penned them in the first place.

That got me to thinking. So much of what is being written nowadays is written purely for entertainment. Now there's nothing wrong with having a great adventure just for the sake of having an adventure, but the truly great books are the ones that show you something about life while you're having that adventure.

I mean really, do all of those vampire-stole-my-heart stories really have anything to offer us other than a chilling thrill and a hint of danger? No. Not even the junky, so-called "Christian" ones. (Honestly, if you're a Christian you should know better!) In my opinion the whole vampire thing is a fad and will fall away in it's turn in a similar manner to Furbys from the 90's. Granted Twilight will hang around and still be popular as the trendsetter of it's day, but there's nothing about those books that is really going to appeal to people for forever. They aren't important. It's the important ones that have made an impact.

As long as we are on this earth there is going to be a government that we are going to have to deal with.  Oppression, redemption, and change are things that we will always be coping with.

So, the question I begin to ask myself is, will my writing be influential? Are my books pure entertainment? Granted I have a few "just for fun" books lying around for when I'm in a lazy mood, but if I'm really serious about my work, and if I'm really trying to do my absolute best, then making people think and react to my work is something that desperately needs to be considered.

This applies to any kind of writer out there, not just Christians. Fiction or nonfiction, fantasy or contemporary, sci-fi or historical. If you want to be like the Greats, then it's not just a matter of expanding your vocabulary (watch this video!) it's a matter of being influential.

It's the difference between fluff and something to really chew on. It's the difference between a kindergardener's schoolroom and the Library of Alexandria.

Strong Esteem and Lively Friendship ~ A Happily Ever After Story

In the British Literature class I have been taking, we just recently finished reading Sense and Sensibility.  I must say, it has moved up greatly in my opinion, and I can't wait to read it again in a few months, and think on the things that were learned and discussed in class! 

The following composition is the essay that I wrote for this section of the class. It does assume that you have some knowledge of the story, and preferably have read the book. (The book is almost always better!) 

_________________________________________________

In Sense and Sensibility Jane Austen writes,“Marianne Dashwood was born to an extraordinary fate...She was born to overcome an affection formed so late in life as seventeen, and with no sentiment superior to strong esteem and lively friendship, voluntarily give her hand to another!” (pg. 311). Instead of marrying the man that had seemed to fulfill Marianne’s ideals, she chooses to marry Colonel Brandon. Do their characters form the right combination to suggest a happy marriage?  Circumstances and conversations from Sense and Sensibility show that Colonel Brandon is indeed a good match for Marianne Dashwood.

In the story, the characters of several different men are shown, in particular, the two men who are most attracted to the vibrant Marianne Dashwood; Mr. Willoughby and Colonel Brandon. The complete difference between these two men is rather startling. First seen is Willoughby, whose behavior seems polite, respectful, and who appears to be absolutely perfect for Miss Marianne Dashwood. He rescues Marianne after her fall and brings her home, then “apologized for his intrusion, by relating its cause, in a manner so frank and graceful...” (pg. 36). Sir John Middleton declares he is “a pleasant , good-humored fellow” (pg. 37) . Willoughby is seen as one who delights in having a good time, and is as passionate about poetry and music as Marianne. Unfortunately it is soon evident that these observations merely scratch the surface, and are simply a veneer over the core. Willoughby displays that he is not thoughtful of others when he speaks to and of them. Elinor notes that he would say “ too much what he thought on every occasion, without attention to persons or circumstances” (pg. 41) and that 

“the whole of his behavior from the beginning to the end of the affair, has been grounded in selfishness. It was selfishness which first made him sport with your [Marianne’s] affections; which afterwards, when his own were engaged, made him delay the confession of it, and which finally carried him from Barton. His own enjoyment, or his own ease, was, in every particular, his ruling principal.” (pg. 288)

This selfishness drives all of Willoughby’s actions and  behaviors. The things he does are done merely because at the time it pleased him to please others. 

Colonel Brandon is more quiet and reserved than his rival. Only once does he behave in a way that irks any of his companions, and that is when he deserts the party that is to go to Delaford. His sense of duty and honor require that he leave to take care of his ward, but this idea of staunch attention to responsibility and care is unrecognized by many of Brandon’s companions. Fortunately, this event does not bias most opinions of him. Edward Ferrars, who although not intimately acquainted with him, gives the Colonel a favorable report by saying “Colonel Brandon seems a man of great worth and respectability. I have always heard him spoken as such, and your brother I know esteems him highly. He is undoubtedly a sensible man, and in his manners perfectly the gentleman.” (pg. 238) Colonel Brandon never causes grief to his friends, and in his behavior to others there is nothing to censure. He is prudently aware of the needs of those around him. Unmistakable differences like these automatically place Colonel Brandon in a higher class than that of his disreputable rival. Proverbs 12:8-9 says, “A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread.” Colonel Brandon always shows wisdom in all his endeavors, and by the end of Sense and Sensibility he is happily situated, although he was previously looked down upon. In the case of Willoughby, though, his selfish heart does exactly as the Proverb says and honors himself. In the end, his reward for pleasing self is to be despised by those who thought him to be their friend, to be disinherited by his cousin Mrs. Smith, and to be “forced” to marry a woman of fortune to secure a comfortable future.  These contrasts of selfishness and selflessness, foolishness and wisdom, clearly show Colonel Brandon to be the better man.

Will Marianne’s marriage with Brandon be happy? After all, according to her the Colonel “has neither genius, taste, nor spirit” (pg. 43). Isn’t Willoughby more suited to Marianne in this area, despite his poor choices? What of similarity of  interests and pursuits? Isn’t that a very important subject to consider before matrimony? It is true, that having common interests makes things easy for both parties. If both love to ride horses then the couple can enjoy many hours together. Jane Austen records that Marianne and Willoughby “speedily discovered that their enjoyment of dancing and music was mutual, and that it arose from a general conformity of judgement in all that related to either” (pg. 40).  Later Marianne and Willoughby spend much time together doing the things that they both love.  It has been shown in many marriages, however, that though there is some compatibility in interests, it is not completely necessary for lasting felicity. A husband and wife can be completely supportive of each other’s hobbies without being entirely enthusiastic about it for themselves. If a gentleman likes riding horses but his wife does not, she can still delight in discussing his ride, his horse, the weather while riding, and in seeing his enjoyment of the ride. Edward and Elinor can be another example. Elinor is quite fond of drawing, but Edward, as Marianne puts it, “admires as a lover, not as a connoisseur” (pg. 15). Edward is not very intrigued by drawing in general, but so long as it is connected with Elinor, he is a content admirer. So even if a marriage involves interests that are not mutually attractive to both people, it is entirely possible for a couple to support one another. 

Finally, Colonel Brandon and Marianne Dashwood have many positive qualities that will promote a happy marriage. It is seen in Sense and Sensibility that they have a mutual respect and 

admiration for each other. At the beginning of their marriage she had, “no sentiment superior to strong esteem and lively friendship” (pg. 311), and only a few paragraphs later it is said that “Marianne could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband as she had once been to Willoughby” (pg. 312).  It is well known know that Marianne’s attachment to Willoughby had been prodigiously strong, assuredly this new affection will not easily be broken, now that she has been more circumspect in her choice. On Colonel Brandon’s side his regard for Marianne is obvious, for it has been seen throughout the book. Before Marianne takes ill, Elinor notes that the Colonel had “looks of anxious solicitude on Marianne’s feelings, in her head, and throat...” (pg. 251), and “she could discover in them the quick feelings, and needless alarm of a lover” (pg. 251). Brandon has loved Marianne consistently through all of her many ups and downs. Leadership qualities, and follower abilities are also noted in the pair. Colonel Brandon is obviously a leader. He was a military officer, and as such would be required to lead those under him. He has also shown a decisive authority in the unfortunate circumstances of his ward, in his patronage of Edward Ferrars, and finally in the others who must be under his care at Delaford. The abilities that the Colonel shows in these circumstances combine, showing that he can and will be an admirable authority in his home as well as out of it.

As for Marianne, she has learned that many of her opinions and ideas are not as wise as they should be. She shares about her behavior with her sister and says “ I compare it with what it 

ought to have been. I compare it with yours” (pg. 283). She had been hasty, headstrong, and blind to any warnings she received from her family and friends. To contrast Marianne’s foolishness, Elinor is shown, in her cautious approach to how she becomes acquainted with Lucy Steele and in her carefulness of the feelings of others. Marianne finally admits that there were others with more wisdom whose example and advice she should have followed. Also, she probably recognizes in the Colonel those leadership qualities that have been mentioned, and realizes that she can depend upon him.    

When comparing Colonel Brandon and Willoughby it is shown that the former is a man of honor, and the latter a scoundrel. The importance of having common interests in a marriage has been pondered, and while found to be a bonus, it is not absolutely necessary. Colonel Brandon is seen to be a great leader who takes his responsibilities seriously, and Marianne has realized her mistakes and has learned from the lessons that both her mistakes, and others, have taught her. She has learned to take advice, and is more willing to be guided by those who truly have her best interest at heart.   After all of these characteristics have been deduced, and after the respect and respectability of both parties is made clear, it can be decided that, yes, Colonel Brandon is a very good match for Marianne Dashwood, and that they will live a long and happy life together. 

All quotes are from the Barnes & Noble Classic version of Sense and Sensibility.

NaNoWriMo, Turris, and an Omnia

                          Source: imgfave.com via Kelly on Pinterest

It's been absolutely eons since I last posted, I know. Some of you who know me might be surprised that I haven't said a word about NaNo on this blog. Part of that would have to do with the fact that I wasn't terribly excited about it.

HOWEVER! I am doing NaNo, and I am much more excited about my novel than I was when I started. I began outlining late, so I only have eight outlined chapters before I start treading in the darkness of a story without a story. Scary thought. The positive side is, that I haven't reached that eight chapter yet, and I've already written 11,000 words, and discovered another thread that I can really use!

If you're at all interested in discovering what my novel is about (*cringe!*), then you can check out my profile on the NaNoWriMo website. In a few words here, I will tell you that it is about a tower. A really, BIG tower.

One last note. I was annoyed to discover that the name I had chosen for a digital device in the story, Omnia, has already been used for a cellphone. I'm keeping it for now, but will probably change it later. It's just disturbing to learn that I'm not the genius I thought I was.

Beautiful People - Unnamed Girl

It's time for the Beautiful People meme again, that Georgie and Sam have a link-up for once a month. This month I've chosen to answer the questions about a new character that I don't really know yet. She's in progress, and doesn't even have a name! If you have any unique name suggestions, let me know.

1. What type of laugh does he/she have?
 I think her laugh is just a nice, normal laugh. Perhaps is is slightly louder, but definitely not obnoxious.

2. Who is his/her best friend? 
In the story that I will be writing about this girl, a young man becomes her best friend, because he is the one of the few other people who believes the same things she has come to believe. He can make her laugh, but he can also gently remind her to fix her mind on the things above.

3. What is his/her family like?
Her family is a very typical family.  The society they live in is chaotic, and self-serving, and her family, although slightly better than most, reflects this culture.

 

4. Is he/she a Christian, or will he/she eventually find Jesus?
 She does not start out as such, but her story is definitely a journey in finding and growing in the Lord.

5. Does he/she believe in fairies? 
Perhaps fairies don't enter the story, but she does enjoy myths, legends, and tales of long ago. If fairies fall into that category, then yay!

6. Does he/she like hedgehogs? 
Having never seen a hedgehog before, she merely admires them as an interesting animal that you can read about in the library.

7. Favorite kind of weather? 
All types! Sometimes she prefers the bright, cheerful sun, and other times she likes the rain as it falls onto the window of her room. Even if it is fake.

8. Does he/she have a good sense of humor? If so what kind? (Slapstick, wit, sarcasm, etc.?)
She loves to laugh, although it often seems as though there isn't much to laugh about. Mostly though, she is not humorous herself, but enjoys the humor of others.

9. How did he/she do in school, or any kind of education they might have had. 
She was an excellent student, in both highschool and college.  She is as smart as a whip, despite a depraved system, and this intelligence is what helps her on her journey.

10. Any strange hobbies?
She enjoys what is called Tower-Climbing. Since she lives in an immense tower, and has never set foot on solid earth before, this is an activity that often replaces rock-climbing. It is as obvious as it sounds. They merely climb and rappel the outer tower walls, which are honeycombed with nooks, crannies, cliffs, and dangerously thin ledges.

A Glimpse at Apartment 33 -Part 1

Once upon a time, not too long ago, I started a story about a group of people who lived together in a rather small, rather old apartment building.  It was to be a simple tale, about these people, and how their friendships help to change and mold each of them.

Just for fun, and inspired by the Beautiful People blog meme that Sam and Georgie are doing, I thought I would introduce you to a few of the characters, and perhaps it will inspire me to start writing their tale again!


Karolyn Ambleton

Age: 24

Sweet tempered and kind, Karolyn is the loving wife and mother of her household.  New to Apartment 33, she does her best to make friends with the other residents and surprises them by hosting a party for that very reason.  She likes to make special treats for the children, and pretty presents for the adults.  One of her faults, however, is that of jumping to conclusions, and when she gets angry she gets angry!  It takes quite a bit though, to rile that gal up.

Mackenzie Ambleton

Age: 25

Being Karolyn's husband, Mac lives daily with bright, cheerful things, which on the whole, he doesn't mind.  A little more serious than most, but with a charming smile, he tries his best to keep things fairly sensible and understandable.  If they aren't, then he feels like everything is out of control.  Working as a journalist at the local paper, he puts in long days and sometimes works late, causing him to often be tired. Mac likes playing with his daughter, 1-year-old Grace, building model ships, eating chocolate.

Tavin Chase Eshley

So, some of my best friends are doing a project called Beautiful People, for writers.  The idea is that you will answer some questions about your characters (character sketch!), so that you or your readers can get to know them a little better.

I'm going to be doing my sketch this month on a character that I haven't really written yet.  I have this idea in my head, but I don't know how to get it down on "paper" yet, so it has remained unwritten for months.  Here he is.

What is their full name?

Tavin Chase Eshley

Does his or her name have a special meaning?


I'm not sure if I remember.  I think it's a possibility that I just liked the names.

Does your character have a methodical or disorganized personality?
I think he has a fairly methodical personality. He does extremely well in "school" (he's actually in a college/academy kind of thing.  Still unsure on that point.)

Does he or she think inside themselves more than they talk out loud to their friends? (more importantly, does he or she actually have friends?)

Tavin is sort of in between.  He doesn't really waste words, but he has friends, and loves to talk with them.

Is there something he or she is afraid of?
He is afraid of hurting or injuring others, as well as being afraid loosing everything that is dear to him.

Does he or she write, dream, dance, sing, or photograph?
Not exactly.  As Ashley said these activities tend more towards the feminine side.  Tavin might be a photographer, but I think he tends more towards studying, instead of having very many personal hobbies.

What is his or her favorite book? (or genre of books)

He likes the classics.

Who is his or her favorite author and/or someone that inspires him or her?

The person who inspires Tavin the most is his fellow student and "co-worker", Ella. She always inspires him to try and be better.  (At least, I think so!)

Favorite flavor of ice cream?

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Favorite season of the year?
Perhaps Tavin's favorite season is Autumn, although I'm not sure why yet.  I'll have to think on that one for a little bit.

If you would like to participate, then click on the blog button above and read all about it!  I look forward to reading your posts, and hearing what you think of my character.

I Won NaNoWriMo

Yes, you read the title correctly.  I am quite pleased with myself.  Oh, and I did it with one word to spare, too!  Not too bad.

This is my second year attempting NaNo, and my second year as a winner.  Several things that I can compare about the two years are as follows:

• I actually had a plot this year.  Granted, it was a short plot and didn't get me to 50k, but it's one more plot than I had last year!
• Last year I was in a totally awesome group on Homeschoolblogger.com where we could talk and share about NaNo and other random things.  This year I was part of a totally awesome group with a total of five people, where we talked about NaNo and other random things.  I really miss the old group, but I couldn't dispense with the new.
• Last year's novel was about a small boy caught up in a mystery that basically revolved around child labor and other similar topics that I tried not to touch upon.  I still haven't edited it.  This year's novel is about a young man, a prince, who can only think about trying to please his awful and slightly abusive father (The way that sounds, it makes it seem like a really horrible thing!  I mean, it is, but it's definitely not anything intense.  Please don't mistake that.), and misses a lot of other things in life because this is his one and only focus and drive.  I...still haven't edited it. (Sorry, that's too much to expect from a person!)
• Last year?  Some NaNo people wore Viking hats, I'm pretty sure.  They did that this year, too.  I'm not sure what the whole Viking thing is about.
• This year I am going to get get the CreateSpace proof copy, or whatever it is.  This means that I will get it no matter what, even if I don't have a second draft finished.
• Last year I wrote 50,000 words in a month.  I did it again this year.  It was hard work, and I'm a little disappointed with my novel, but I can't describe how awesome it is to win.  I had forgotten that from last year.  I feel like I'm walking on clouds.

NaNoWriMo: Day 17

Alright, this is my first NaNo post of the year, I think. It might be a little odd to randomly decide to post in the middle of the month, but I've got to update sometime, right?

My novel is about Prince Dev, who has spent almost all of his life trying to prove himself to his Father, and be accepted by him.  Those who truly love Dev had tried to persuade him that he can't be so obsessed with this one thing, but it's useless (of course!).  It takes a new friend, a huge mistake, and the loss of both his father and brother, to make Dev realize that there is more to life than what he had been living and believing.

Amazingly enough, I actually had a basic plot written out for this novel, and I finished it just barely in time for NaNo to begin.  As I have gone on writing, I have been surprised as many plot twists have almost fallen place, and I have been inspired right when I needed to be.

As far as word count goes, I have fallen behind by about 5k, after not writing for a few nights.  Oops.  I'm working on catching it back up, and I still consider myself to be in the way of winning.  If I do, this will be my second, complete first draft!

Are you doing NaNoWriMo?  If so, how is it going for you?

What Are Your Thoughts On The Subject?

I have read so often that to be a good and successful blogger, you should pick a subject and stick to it. If you are going to be crafty, stay crafty. If you are going to be political, stay political, etc. If you feel you must branch out to something different, have a different blog. That's what they say.

The first thing you need to decide when you build your blog is what you want to accomplish with it, and what it can do if successful.  -Ron Dawson

I agree, for the most part. If I go to a crafty blog, I go to see  crafts! I don't mind the occasional rabbit trail, because it adds variety, and insight to the keeper of the blog. I myself have had a separate photo blog, and several joint blogs covering crafts, writing, and others I'm sure.

Now I come to the question of this post. Do I have a theme or drive to my blog? Is there a particular subject that I write well, or that you, as the reader, enjoy the most? When you think of my blog, do you think crafts? Photography? Writing? What comes to mind?

A blog is what all “websites wanted to be” updated on a regular basis, contains content that is of interest to a select or target audience and is easy to update and change. - Unknown

As a side question, what do you think of having separate blogs for different subjects, and what do you think of combining all of your interests into one blog? What are your thoughts on the subject?

Ali's African Adventures

I wanted to take a few moments and direct you to a blog that really impresses me, in many ways. It is called Ali's African Adventures, and although she is no longer in Africa, her writings remain just as informative and touching as ever.

Ali worked on a Mercy Ship in West Africa, and her blog was devoted to that, sharing the experiences, and stories, of the people she met and helped there. Now she is traveling around the world, and as she shares about that adventure, it is just as touching.
Every time I visit her blog, I can not come away without desperately wanting to help, or wishing that I could somehow be there too, and be as emotionally charged with the welfare of the lost, the sick, and the hungry as Ali is.
It impresses me, and makes me look at my own life, and how little I feel I am doing. Even if I never set foot off of US soil again, Ali's blog inspires me to see what I can do around me, and I hope it does the same for you.

Inspiration, Thou Art Fickle

For my birthday, I got a book called "Handmade Marketplace: How to sell your crafts locally, globally, and online". I am really enjoying it so far!

One of the things that the author suggests it making an inspiration banner.  Just string a cord across your workspace wall, and hang anything on it that inspires you.

I thought that this was a really great idea, and as far as making crafts to sell, I have needed a little inspiration lately. Not only that, but inspiration is also the key to writing, and even (for some people) living!

Sometimes, though, inspiration can be such a finicky thing. It comes and goes as it pleases, like a child with a mind of it's own, and never cares whether it leaves you furiously creating away, or lonely and desolate.

Anyhow, after a particularly trying battle with a box under the bed,  I grabbed a stack of magazines that my Grammy had given me, and started to flip through them, cutting out anything that remotely interested me.  I shoved it all into a folder, and then felt so much better! Seeing a cute chair with wildly colorful fabric, or a red and white striped yard tent, or cute arrangement of silhouettes made me happy, and making me happy obviously improved my mood.

So, folks, I guess what I'm saying is inspiration is a very cool thing. When you have it. It's okay when you don't have, too!  Just save all of your inspiration, and you'll have something to pull from on those uninspiring days.

Yes, this is kind of a weird post.

The Speeding Trolley of Time

Excerpt from my journal, August 24, 2010

What a long day, and such an extremely long week this day was in. I think we are all a little too tired for the time to whizz by like a speeding trolley car bound for a destination we can never reach again. Time the Trolley car is headed for the past.

The sad thing is that we are too tired and impatient to take advantage of the lethargic hours as we should. Time is a one-way ride, and if you let the attractions glide by without jumping off to check them out, then they will be lost forever without even a memory to have made it's existence worth the while.

In other words, on those hot and sticky summer days when everyone is grouchy and tired, make sure to stop and smell the roses!

My Dream Library

Ever since listening to the book The Game of Sunken Places, and hearing about the troll's library, I have cherished a picture of my dream library.  I don't know how the author imagined the troll's library, but this is the way I see it.

A short little stairway descends into the small sunken room, curving along with the circular wall.  The rest of the room is covered in dark bookshelves, and of course there isn't an inch of space to be found on them for all of the books.  I can see their dusty tops and sides, and relish in the thought of running my eyes over the titles, hoping to pick one out.

There is also a small fireplace that graces one side of the round room.  I'm pretty sure that would somehow be a fire hazard, but since this is a dream, I guess it's okay.  Finally, nestled in the crook of the curving steps, rests a large, over-stuffed chair for me to rest in as I read myself away into Neverland, Farholme, or Ancient Britain. Cozy, no?

In my mind, it is all so perfect.  Maybe someday I can have my dream realized, but for now, I'll just settle with reading a book. 

In Which I can't Make Up My Mind

I had figured that traveling with my Aunt would get me to a lot of neat stores and places, so it was no surprise when we came across a little thrift shop in downtown Astoria.

We browsed for a few moments before my eye caught a collection of items that will always arouse my interest.

Fabric, yarn, and craft supplies were all thrown together in some small shelves. I moved quickly to the yarn, knowing that it is in thrift shops like this where a knitter’s dream could come true.

There, lying on the top, rested four skeins of a delicate and pale, rose color. Hurriedly, I rotated the bundles to ascertain the fiber type. 75% acrylic and 25% wool! Perfect! The acrylic makes it easier to wash and maintain, while the wool keeps it warm and gives it a bit more class.

Locating the price tag, I could hardly believe what Providence had brought me. $1.00 a skein! Good yarn like this is often $5 or more when brand new, so this was definitely a deal!
I turned the yarn in my hands a minute, wondering how much cash I had, and debating if I really needed or wanted it.

Setting it all back down, I hurried back to my Aunt. I paused then, to check my wallet. Sure enough, there lay four dollar bills, a small representative of my dwindling resources.
Again, I debated, and continued to debate as I hopped from one eye-catching item to the next. I did not NEED the yarn, since I had a whole bag of it at home. Also, since I was traveling, did I want to spend my money on something I could get anywhere, instead of a souvenir?
Still, I wavered.

My Aunt seemed nearly done, and I still hadn’t made up my mind, when a lady appeared at the check-out with MY yarn cradled in her arms!

For it was that exact moment that I knew that I wanted that yarn. I had finally made up my mind, but all hope was gone. Someone else had made up her mind first.

As we walked out of the shop, I bemoaned the fate of the yarn, and my Aunt good-naturedly comforted me.

There will be other yarn.

At Grandma's House

I am sitting here in my Grandparent's dining room, listening to the conversations, noises, and laughter of the people around me.  There is going to be somewhat of a party tonight, with some people coming from several different states.

Chicken enchiladas, beef tacos, chips and dip, three apple pies, Dump Cake, and Blueberry pie are the promised fare for tonight's festivities, and I can hardly wait for their tastiness to slide down my throat and into my tummy.  The slightly exotic smells that are pervading the air are tantalizing my tastebuds.

People are bustling about in the kitchen, while others are working at computers.  Still others are enjoying the friendly competition that comes with playing games on the Wii.

Everyone is feeling friendly and fine, and the evening promises to be full of fun.

We Ride Before the Break of Day

We ride before the break of day,

to seek new things; in forests play.

To have good times we all do pray,

we ride before the break of day.

We ride before the rising sun,

chasing after fleeing fun,

refusing rest until we're done,

we ride before the rising sun.

We ride before the dawn awakes

to traipse upon the road we take,

adventuring will make or break,

we ride before the dawn awakes.

We ride before a morning glimmer,

and see our quest before us shimmer.

what awaits us grows not dimmer,

We ride before a morning glimmer.

We ride before the break of day,

to seek new things; in forests play.

To have good times, we all do pray.

We ride before the break of day.

Inspired by Creative Writing Prompts

The Glade Between the Forests -or- The First Draft of my Novel is Finished!

A few final tweaks, the addition of a sentence or two, and that was that. It was finished. The first draft of my novel is complete.


Now I am in an inbetween place. A valley between two mountains. A village between two cities. A clearing between two forests. The eye of the storm. Here I can catch a breath of cool, sweet air, but I can smell the rain that is coming with the towering clouds.


The forest behind me, once dark and forbidding, now seems almost friendly and welcoming. I have been there. I have seen it's hidden secrets. I have discovered the path through it, and have learned it's personality and quirks. Now I am resting in the sweet glade that separates the one from the other. The forest ahead of me is now the one that looms large and frightening. The only thing that I have to help me throught that forest, is the knowledge that I have acquired from the forest behind me.


In other words, I am inbetween two steps of the novel writing process. I have completed the first draft. Now, the large and seemingly unending task of editing my work lies before me. I am a little overwhelmed at the prospect, but at the same time, a hint of adventure and daring challenges me, and I feel myself responding with thrills of excitment.


This is a new step. I am going where I have never gone before. How long will take me? I don't know. I don't know how big the forest is. I don't know the circumference of the storm. The city is a big place!



Picture credit goes to Karen's Whimsey Public domain Images.

© 2010 Defective Compositions

Memory's Sea

A fairy child

hovers round me

flitting out towards

Memory's sea.

She laughs at me

and beckons sweetly

daring, hoping,

gracefully.

My mind is open,

I want to go!

To reclaim that youth

which now is lost.

I tug and pull

at maturity's fetters

to reclaim those days

that I love most.

I can see them now,

days of laughter.

Days of sunshine,

warmth, and mirth.

The world alive

with joy for being.

Simply being on 

this earth.

Beautiful faces

dance all around me.

I love them all

and strain for them still.

Faces of people

I long to be near me,

yet have lost to the world,

their purity killed.

Even my own

innocence tainted.

Colors on canvas

once white before.

This is a reason

I strive to remember.

Strive to recall

those years lost in lore. 

The fairy child

beckons more urgent,

wanting to take me

where I long to be.

But I am caught fast

in the ropes of today,

and I've missed the sailing

on Memory's sea.

© 2010 Defective Compositions

NaNoWriMo: Progress & Location

It is now day 6 of NaNoWriMo, I believe.  For the most part is is gong very well, and I am rather pleased with my progress.  I have written almost every day, and I am well above the average word count per day, which is a good thing.  It means I'm ahead of schedule.

There was one day that I wrote hardly a thing.  I wanted to write, but I wasn't sure what to write next.  I keep harboring suspicions that my plot isn't big enough for 50,000 words.  Yet here I am, still plugging away.  Well, plugging isn't exactly the right word; I am enjoying myself.

Just in case you wanted to know, there is now a meter on my sidebar that will tell you my current word count.  It updates when I do, so, if you are interested, be sure to keep checking back!

I am quite in love with my bedroom/studio.  I would like to think of it as my studio, at any rate.  It's where I do almost everything!  I wanted to show it to you, so here it is!

This is my entire room.  There is a desk in the lower right hand corner that you can't see.  If you look beyond the two closets you can see Bluejane's room, as well as Bluejane herself, studiously playing games.

If we come a little closer to the lower left hand corner of the picture above, we can see a comfortable looking, little chair and it's ottoman.  I actually switch between here, the bed, and the desk, when I am using my computer, but I decided that I would only showcase the chair.

Finally we get close enough to see my "paper".  Yes, it's Google Docs, and I like it that way.  Although there is undoubtedly a charm and comfort to writing on real paper, with real ink (or lead, as the case may be), this method saves time, and, in the event that my computer crashes, most of my documents will be saved online.

So, that's it!   You had a peek into my charming attic bedroom and workspace.  The poor thing is simply yearning for Christmas decorations, but have yet to make any.  I have an idea for a garland...but that is not what this post is about.

Copyright 2009 Defective Compositions

Thoughts of the Seasons

My sweet friend Elizabeth tagged me with this absolutely delightful tag!

In Spring, my favorite things are seeing all of the baby animals learning to walk, running, and frisking about.  I love to see new growing things, because they are such a unique color of green.  There is an air of new life about that fills me with joy.

In Summer, I love lazy days on the porch swing, whether we be reading, writing, napping, talking, or simply enjoying.  I love playing croquet in my Grandparent's yard, the cool touch of beautiful green grass, and the shrieks when the sprinklers suddenly come on.  I love hiking in the woods, and admiring the flowers and ferns.

In Autumn, with me being a sweater lover, I love having the brisk days when a sweater isn't optional, but a must.  I love the brilliant colors.  I love the cozy feeling that I get just because it is Fall.  The crunching noise that leaves make when you step on them, the rains, the puddles that come after the rains, is all some of my favorite things about Autumn.

In Winter, I love curling up in a wad of blankets, socks, pillows, and sweaters, to read a book.  I love the fresh, untouched look of newly fallen snow.  Sledding all day and coming home soaked is one of my favorite winter memories, along with sledding on an old car hood pulled by a 4 wheeler, sitting around the fireplace in a lovely, huge fort that my Uncle helped my cousins to build, and going out on Christmas morning to pick and pull a sagebrush for a Christmas Tree.

Now that I’ve told you my favorite thoughts of the seasons I challenge you to a tag. I’m going to tag four people to follow my thoughts of the seasons and have them tell me theirs.

I tag….

1. Out of the Blue

2. His Beautiful Love

3. Pen 2 Paper

4. Sagerat Scribbles

Even if you’re not one of the four bloggers chosen above, feel free to post your feelings with a link back to my blog.

Rules of the tag

1. Tag at least three people after your post.

2. Post back to the blog that tagged you.

3. Post the rules of the tag and please don’t post the things you least like about the seasons, but what you like best.

© 2009 Defective Compositions