Jodi Stone's Blog
July 27, 2013
Confessions of a cheerleading coach, part four
What a week! I was so busy, it was hard to find time (or the energy) to stop and post, but I knew it was time today. We officially made it through week two of cheer, and with a few new challenges that we somehow managed to overcome.
I will admit, I was completely exhausted by the time our third practice this week came to an end, but I was also proud. Proud to stand next to my amazing co-coach and watch our girls literally transforming from "I'm going to be shy" to "I can do this!"
As a new cheer coach, I thought if we planned enough, we would be prepared for what the future held. This week taught me more than anything, that you can never prepare enough. There are always aspects of coaching that you just don't think about. I didn't plan on having to give a lecture Thursday night before practice on the "no talking bad about other cheerleaders" discussion, but I did and it worked. After telling our girls that Coach Chrissy and I wanted nothing but the best for them, but also telling them that they were a team and would act like a team as long as they were there, we got a response also unexpected. With the exception of a few minor hiccups, our girls really bonded and were able to help one another as we really pressed on with our stunt groups. Watching them protect one another was something magical. Not only that, but they were still all smiling after Thursday's practice. End of week two and I take away this: it's okay to be strict as long as the team knows you can have fun too. I want them to have a great experience.
I am truly happy to say that the more we go along, the more Coach Chrissy and I can truly say "we've got this."
I will admit, I was completely exhausted by the time our third practice this week came to an end, but I was also proud. Proud to stand next to my amazing co-coach and watch our girls literally transforming from "I'm going to be shy" to "I can do this!"
As a new cheer coach, I thought if we planned enough, we would be prepared for what the future held. This week taught me more than anything, that you can never prepare enough. There are always aspects of coaching that you just don't think about. I didn't plan on having to give a lecture Thursday night before practice on the "no talking bad about other cheerleaders" discussion, but I did and it worked. After telling our girls that Coach Chrissy and I wanted nothing but the best for them, but also telling them that they were a team and would act like a team as long as they were there, we got a response also unexpected. With the exception of a few minor hiccups, our girls really bonded and were able to help one another as we really pressed on with our stunt groups. Watching them protect one another was something magical. Not only that, but they were still all smiling after Thursday's practice. End of week two and I take away this: it's okay to be strict as long as the team knows you can have fun too. I want them to have a great experience.
I am truly happy to say that the more we go along, the more Coach Chrissy and I can truly say "we've got this."
July 19, 2013
Confessions of a cheerleading coach, part three
Wow. This time last week, I was busy planning with my co-coach Chrissy for our future as cheerleading coaches. Today, I am blown away that we actually made it through our first week!! Perspective on what it would be like to coach any sport has definitely altered. I knew going in there would be challenges, but I must say, that even amongst a group of sixteen teenagers, I feel amazed. We literally watched as sixteen young girls went from the first night of fueled nerves to the third night of, "let me help you." Let me explain.
That first night, after conditioning and introductions, we sat in a circle and went around one by one talking about our past cheer experiences, etc. Some girls sat quietly with their nerves in tact, and others were well, not so quiet. By the second night, nerves eased a bit for us coaches and cheerleaders alike, and we started getting into a groove. I actually remembered names much to the thanks of our amazing trainer, Maddie and her name game from the first night. By the third night, our girls were amazing. See, mama hen is already out and about as Chrissy and I stood watching three of the girls teaching a cheer to the newer girls. I can't help it, I beamed with pride watching them bond and smile and actually forming into a team. By the end of the night, Chrissy and I already knew what type of stunt groups we were forming, how we would go about cheers and our plan of action for Monday. Now if that isn't impressive, I just don't know what is.
I know there will be challenges in life, and we will reach hurdles as coaches. But even after months of research and planning, I probably couldn't feel prouder than I do today. As I reflect on our first week as coaches, I smile. I know, no matter what clouds come our way, we will see rainbows.
Proud.
That first night, after conditioning and introductions, we sat in a circle and went around one by one talking about our past cheer experiences, etc. Some girls sat quietly with their nerves in tact, and others were well, not so quiet. By the second night, nerves eased a bit for us coaches and cheerleaders alike, and we started getting into a groove. I actually remembered names much to the thanks of our amazing trainer, Maddie and her name game from the first night. By the third night, our girls were amazing. See, mama hen is already out and about as Chrissy and I stood watching three of the girls teaching a cheer to the newer girls. I can't help it, I beamed with pride watching them bond and smile and actually forming into a team. By the end of the night, Chrissy and I already knew what type of stunt groups we were forming, how we would go about cheers and our plan of action for Monday. Now if that isn't impressive, I just don't know what is.
I know there will be challenges in life, and we will reach hurdles as coaches. But even after months of research and planning, I probably couldn't feel prouder than I do today. As I reflect on our first week as coaches, I smile. I know, no matter what clouds come our way, we will see rainbows.
Proud.
July 16, 2013
Confessions of a cheerleading coach, part two
It is amazing how one day can make all the difference in the world. After months of anxiety, preparations, and trying to wrap our heads around the fact that we were going to be coaching a cheer squad, the other coach and I made it through our first night without any bumps or bruises.
I have to admit, when I first arrived at the field for practice, my head swirled with thoughts of "what-if's." What if someone gets hurt? What if the girls don't like us? What if I'm awful?
These must be normal thoughts because as I went on through the night and made it past introductions, all of that fear and anxiety that had consumed my thoughts was replaced with "I've got this" and "This isn't so bad." Now, granted, it was just the first night, and I am not so blind that I don't ever expect there to be issues. But somehow in my core I feel that I signed up to be here for a reason. It chose me and I chose it. I could have turned down this position. No-one forced me, so that in whole tells me that I wanted this. I knew going in, I had to take responsibility for signing up to be a coach, but that actually helped my nerves because as I realized this very fact, I decided to walk in with my head held high.
I won't deny that as the practice went on, my nerves fluttered occasionally, but I calmed them by deep breaths and actually smiling knowing I was going to make a difference somehow. I was going to partner with my amazing co-coach and put all of these things we'd learned to use.
As a coach of one and a half dozen cheerleaders, teens no less, I must admit I'm proud. I'm still a little anxious and nervous going into tonight's second practice. Yet, I am determined to not let my nerves get the best of me. I also hope though somehow that the nerves never truly disappear. They keep me in check, and don't make me confident to the point of dislike. I truly want more than anything for these girls to be confident in themselves, to be the best squad they can be. That doesn't mean winning every competition, but trying as hard as they can and being proud of themselves. If I keep these goals in check, then I think I'm going to be just fine. Fingers crossed.
Jodi
I have to admit, when I first arrived at the field for practice, my head swirled with thoughts of "what-if's." What if someone gets hurt? What if the girls don't like us? What if I'm awful?
These must be normal thoughts because as I went on through the night and made it past introductions, all of that fear and anxiety that had consumed my thoughts was replaced with "I've got this" and "This isn't so bad." Now, granted, it was just the first night, and I am not so blind that I don't ever expect there to be issues. But somehow in my core I feel that I signed up to be here for a reason. It chose me and I chose it. I could have turned down this position. No-one forced me, so that in whole tells me that I wanted this. I knew going in, I had to take responsibility for signing up to be a coach, but that actually helped my nerves because as I realized this very fact, I decided to walk in with my head held high.
I won't deny that as the practice went on, my nerves fluttered occasionally, but I calmed them by deep breaths and actually smiling knowing I was going to make a difference somehow. I was going to partner with my amazing co-coach and put all of these things we'd learned to use.
As a coach of one and a half dozen cheerleaders, teens no less, I must admit I'm proud. I'm still a little anxious and nervous going into tonight's second practice. Yet, I am determined to not let my nerves get the best of me. I also hope though somehow that the nerves never truly disappear. They keep me in check, and don't make me confident to the point of dislike. I truly want more than anything for these girls to be confident in themselves, to be the best squad they can be. That doesn't mean winning every competition, but trying as hard as they can and being proud of themselves. If I keep these goals in check, then I think I'm going to be just fine. Fingers crossed.
Jodi
July 15, 2013
Confessions of a cheerleading coach, part one
As I sit, getting prepared to leave for my first night as a cheer coach, I profess that my nerves have got the best of me. I am taken back to being a little girl full of curiosity about this new venture and what it will bring. But I also must admit, I am so excited for this adventure. I have the luxury of coaching, not alone, but with a friend who is like family.
We have worked tirelessly preparing and organizing what we will do this season, and though I also admit I am familiar with cheer and have a cheer background, coaching is a whole other species in itself. Who knew angles and jumps and flips and basket tosses were so important? Well, I did, but only from a cheerleader/and mom of a cheerleader perspective. It's something totally new when rules and regulations are thrown at you, and you actually become the one in charge.
I am excited at the challenge, and hope that I make it out alive tonight, after coaching fifteen girls between the ages of 13 and 15.
So, to help me along in this new venture in life, I will be keeping a journal here, one to keep me sane, but more so to share this adventure with you all.
For now, happy writing!!
We have worked tirelessly preparing and organizing what we will do this season, and though I also admit I am familiar with cheer and have a cheer background, coaching is a whole other species in itself. Who knew angles and jumps and flips and basket tosses were so important? Well, I did, but only from a cheerleader/and mom of a cheerleader perspective. It's something totally new when rules and regulations are thrown at you, and you actually become the one in charge.
I am excited at the challenge, and hope that I make it out alive tonight, after coaching fifteen girls between the ages of 13 and 15.
So, to help me along in this new venture in life, I will be keeping a journal here, one to keep me sane, but more so to share this adventure with you all.
For now, happy writing!!
July 13, 2013
Hi everyone!! Sales
Hi, everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I wanted to share that two of my books are on sale for a week...'Savannah's Story' and 'An Easter Bonnet for Lily'. They are .99 for a limited time and I hope everyone will share!
I'm so excited because a different one of my books, 'Princess Stories' has remained an Amazon best seller for one week!
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!
Keep writing and reading!!!
Jodi
http://www.amazon.com/Savannahs-Story...
http://www.amazon.com/An-Easter-Bonne...
I'm so excited because a different one of my books, 'Princess Stories' has remained an Amazon best seller for one week!
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!
Keep writing and reading!!!
Jodi
http://www.amazon.com/Savannahs-Story...
http://www.amazon.com/An-Easter-Bonne...
July 5, 2013
One of my books is available for FREE
Hi,everyone! I wanted to share some news. I have a new book coming out July 21st with Anchor Group that I am very excited about! As a way of giving back, I wanted to do something different. So, one of my first books 'Princess Stories' is available for FREE beginning today and running through July 9th! The link is below, please feel free to share with your little princesses!!!
As always, happy reading/writing!!
Jodi
http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Storie...
As always, happy reading/writing!!
Jodi
http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Storie...
June 8, 2013
Ahhh, the birthday
What is it about a birthday to make you sit down and really think about life? As I approach my 38th year, I recall memories of the past year. I have managed to finally graduate from college, written and published two more books, and managed to stay alive through it all. I am extremely proud of those accomplishments, though the dreaded job search has proved more difficult than imagined. I have decided that I want to teach and go back to school for my Master's, and while I approach this new front in life, I look back on all of the years leading up to this. You see, I have been a mom, a wife, a student for as long as I can remember. I suppose deep down I never truly prepared myself for what it would be like as my children settled into school and I actually finished. I've spent so much time adjusting schedules between three fiesty and busy daughters mixed in with hours of studying and writing and cleaning a house that never truly stays clean that after I crossed that bridge between tests and graduating that I missed a step. I was so focused on the end result...graduating and then working that I forgot how hard it was looking for a job. After I graduated from highschool, all I knew was work. But after meeting my husband and moving with him, that life changed...morphed somehow from the young wife and worker into the challenges of the unknown life of motherhood. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I learned how to juggle so much more than I ever thought I could: marriage, motherhood, then the life of an author/illustrator to follow. I love it all so much at times I wonder how I could possibly be anything else. But that is the beauty, right? The feeling that anything is possible? I didn't feel that when I graduated college just a few short months ago, but now I do. I want to continue my journey as a wife and mama and author, but I also want to add another title. I want to teach, but I know I have to put on my "patient hat", one I'm not the best at wearing and wait for that job. I am applying and interviewing, and know somewhere in that big unknown lies the perfect place. So with that being said, and my birthday approaching, I hope this feeling of "anything is possible" can last. I am an avid believer of following your dreams, and have been so lucky in so many ways. As I said before, If you believe in magic it will believe in you. I believe.
March 18, 2013
Quirks and Quills, "Next Big Thing Blog Tour"
First of all, let me thank, Janet Mclaughlin, author of the awesome books "Get Psyched" and her newest "Psyched out" for inviting me along on this book tour. Here you'll have a chance to follow along and meet authors of all genres. This will be a Q&A where you will get to know a little more about me. I usually introduce other authors, so letting you all know a little about who I am is a rarity. I hope you enjoy, and make sure to follow the next author on the tour, Wendy Nystrom. Her links you'll find below after my Q&A.
Q&A with Jodi Brooks Stone, Children's Book Author and Illustrator
1. What is the working title of your next book?
'An Easter Bonnet for Lily' is the most recent publication. It was just released on March 1st with Anchor Group Publishing.
2. Where did the idea come for the book?
Something my close friends and family know about me is that I am a huge party planner. I am always looking for an excuse to throw a party. Well, I was actually planning a Christmas party, and feeling a little sad knowing Christmas would soon be over. I couldn't help but think, okay next major holiday will be Easter, so I will be able to plan an Easter party for my girls. My youngest daughter, Savannah walked up to me as I was making a list, and I was telling her all about some party ideas, and the first thing to pop out of her mouth was, "I must have a fancy dress this Easter, mama." Somehow that was all the inspiration I needed to begin the draft of this book. Of course, it took some modifying, but eventually the book came to life.
3. Genre?
This book is a children's book, specifically geared for ages between 4-8, but I've had ten year old children tell me they loved it. I think reading is crucial at any age, so that makes me very happy.
4. What, if any actors would you star to play in a movie version of this book?
In my writings, all I can see is my own daughters, perhaps because they are always what inspires the stories I create. I am not sure I can envision a movie, but I would love to see a cartoon made from the Stone Sisters Series.
5. What is a one sentence synopsis of the book?
If you can believe in yourself and magic, the magic will believe in you.
6. Who is the publisher of the book?
This book is published through Anchor Group Publishing. They are a traditional publisher made up of an amazing group of authors. http://www.anchorgrouppublishing.com
7. Would you compare your books to others out there, and if so what books are yours most like?
I am frequently asked this question, but I am a humble person so it's hard to answer. I like to think I'm unique, but have been compared to Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy which is a huge compliment.
8. Who inspired this book?
This book was most definitely inspired by my three amazing daughters: Brooke, Lexi and Savannah. They give me inspiration for everything I do.
9. What else would the reader maybe like to know, or what might pique their interest?
I am a huge believer of many things: I believe in God and in the love and faith of family and friends. I believe in magic and fairies and that holding onto any and all things imagination are crucial to life, and a happy one at that. I believe in the power of a great book, and the fact that for a moment you can be swept into a magical world simply through a turn of a page and someone's creation. I just believe.
I hope you all have enjoyed a little about me, and my newest book, 'An Easter Bonnet for Lily'. It can be found on Amazon. I am currently working on illustrations for three more books I've written, and look forward to sharing them and any future works with the world. I pray that this writer's mind continues to grow, and that if there is anything my children receive out of the gifts I have put onto paper, it is that every bit of the love and effort made was for them. Thanks to Janet Mclaughlin, author of an amazing group of YA books for inviting me to this tour. You can find her links below as well. And now, I will introduce and hand off to Wendy Nystrom, one of my favorite children's book authors...her books are so lovely, you won't want to miss them.
http://www.amazon.com/An-Easter-Bonne...
http://www.facebook.com/jodistone.chi...
Janet Mclaughlin:
http://www.amazon.com/Psyched-Out-Get...
Wendy Nystrom is up next...her books can be found at:
http://www.amazon.com/Helga-Returns-J...
http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the...
Q&A with Jodi Brooks Stone, Children's Book Author and Illustrator
1. What is the working title of your next book?
'An Easter Bonnet for Lily' is the most recent publication. It was just released on March 1st with Anchor Group Publishing.
2. Where did the idea come for the book?
Something my close friends and family know about me is that I am a huge party planner. I am always looking for an excuse to throw a party. Well, I was actually planning a Christmas party, and feeling a little sad knowing Christmas would soon be over. I couldn't help but think, okay next major holiday will be Easter, so I will be able to plan an Easter party for my girls. My youngest daughter, Savannah walked up to me as I was making a list, and I was telling her all about some party ideas, and the first thing to pop out of her mouth was, "I must have a fancy dress this Easter, mama." Somehow that was all the inspiration I needed to begin the draft of this book. Of course, it took some modifying, but eventually the book came to life.
3. Genre?
This book is a children's book, specifically geared for ages between 4-8, but I've had ten year old children tell me they loved it. I think reading is crucial at any age, so that makes me very happy.
4. What, if any actors would you star to play in a movie version of this book?
In my writings, all I can see is my own daughters, perhaps because they are always what inspires the stories I create. I am not sure I can envision a movie, but I would love to see a cartoon made from the Stone Sisters Series.
5. What is a one sentence synopsis of the book?
If you can believe in yourself and magic, the magic will believe in you.
6. Who is the publisher of the book?
This book is published through Anchor Group Publishing. They are a traditional publisher made up of an amazing group of authors. http://www.anchorgrouppublishing.com
7. Would you compare your books to others out there, and if so what books are yours most like?
I am frequently asked this question, but I am a humble person so it's hard to answer. I like to think I'm unique, but have been compared to Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy which is a huge compliment.
8. Who inspired this book?
This book was most definitely inspired by my three amazing daughters: Brooke, Lexi and Savannah. They give me inspiration for everything I do.
9. What else would the reader maybe like to know, or what might pique their interest?
I am a huge believer of many things: I believe in God and in the love and faith of family and friends. I believe in magic and fairies and that holding onto any and all things imagination are crucial to life, and a happy one at that. I believe in the power of a great book, and the fact that for a moment you can be swept into a magical world simply through a turn of a page and someone's creation. I just believe.
I hope you all have enjoyed a little about me, and my newest book, 'An Easter Bonnet for Lily'. It can be found on Amazon. I am currently working on illustrations for three more books I've written, and look forward to sharing them and any future works with the world. I pray that this writer's mind continues to grow, and that if there is anything my children receive out of the gifts I have put onto paper, it is that every bit of the love and effort made was for them. Thanks to Janet Mclaughlin, author of an amazing group of YA books for inviting me to this tour. You can find her links below as well. And now, I will introduce and hand off to Wendy Nystrom, one of my favorite children's book authors...her books are so lovely, you won't want to miss them.
http://www.amazon.com/An-Easter-Bonne...
http://www.facebook.com/jodistone.chi...
Janet Mclaughlin:
http://www.amazon.com/Psyched-Out-Get...
Wendy Nystrom is up next...her books can be found at:
http://www.amazon.com/Helga-Returns-J...
http://www.amazon.com/James-Saves-the...
March 4, 2013
Another grand story by Julia Dweck!
I had the pleasure of reading another incredible book by Julia Dweck. The newest, called "Beewitched" is another magical tale of a charming young girl who longs to be a "bee". I highly recommend this book and know you will fall in love with all of Julia Dwecks books like I did!
January 19, 2013
At first glance...a short...but perhaps will be a book?
Sooo...I have decided to write this mini-adventure as a book! Whatta ya think??? read the story below, and you'll just have to wait for the continuation.
Stone Sisters' Mini-Adventures
Stories of circus's and tales unfold, yet not all events of some circuses are told. It's time to set one record straight, and that is the Stone sister’s trip to the circus on one particular date.
The girls were afraid to see a bear or a lion, and young Savannah was so scared that she couldn't stop cryin'.
They held hands and walked underneath the colorful tent, and were thankful to have their parents with them at this event.
Seats were aligned and the smell of popcorn filled the air, and to most young children the circus would not bring a scare.
Yet Brooke, Alexis and Savannah felt nothing but fear. Each face held remnants of not a smile but a tear.
Lions and tigers were the first act in the show. Monkeys followed suit, and the lights were all aglow.
Savannah was so nervous -she had to go to the bathroom. She could not hold it! she had to go soon!
So the three little sisters walked out each holding hands, and they stepped over the crowd and made it through the stands.
No door was marked as a restroom, so they had to guess where to go. No one was sad they were missing the show.
So Alexis pushed open a door that looked right, but inside of the room it was lacking a light.
Brooke soon followed and they all looked around, but no sign of a restroom could be found.
Finally, Savannah spotted a light in disguise, but what they saw made each girl rub their eyes.
It was a carousel and a beautiful one too. It was shiny and made up of colors red, yellow and blue.
Not a word was said, but they all were thinking the same thing. Let's take a ride on this enormous thing.
They hopped on the carousel one by one. They would just ride a moment, Oh this would be fun!
The carousel started moving so fast. Spinning and whirling, how long could they last?
They just kept spinning, and all felt confused. Each girl was thrown off, yet none of them bruised.
Not a bump or a bruise, they all seemed okay, until a loud growl was heard coming their way.
Then they heard the growl of another, now each girl felt scared and they wanted their mother!
Suddenly, an enormous bear's eyes appeared. Yet it sounded like more than one bear, oh this they all feared!
The eyes came closer- first one set, then two. Their hearts were pounding so fast...what were they to do?
As they all huddled together and were trying to think, three bears appeared in tutus of pink.
The girls shrugged their heads and said, "You’re ballerina bears?"
Then the bears jumped back and tried to hide behind chairs.
"Why are you scared of us?" Brooke wondered as she said,
"We are scared of you," she stated while shaking her head.
The bears crept out slowly while fluffing their dresses and began to twirl like ballerinas while fixing their brown tresses.
The girls realized they had nothing to fear, and as it turned out the bears had hearts that were so dear.
They all felt at ease and realized everything would be okay as Brooke said,
Come on everyone, let's go back to the circus. Let's go this way."
They each hopped back onto the carousel one by one and were realizing the circus was nothing but fun.
Yet as soon as the carousel began to spin, another shocking surprise appeared again...
Stone Sisters' Mini-Adventures
Stories of circus's and tales unfold, yet not all events of some circuses are told. It's time to set one record straight, and that is the Stone sister’s trip to the circus on one particular date.
The girls were afraid to see a bear or a lion, and young Savannah was so scared that she couldn't stop cryin'.
They held hands and walked underneath the colorful tent, and were thankful to have their parents with them at this event.
Seats were aligned and the smell of popcorn filled the air, and to most young children the circus would not bring a scare.
Yet Brooke, Alexis and Savannah felt nothing but fear. Each face held remnants of not a smile but a tear.
Lions and tigers were the first act in the show. Monkeys followed suit, and the lights were all aglow.
Savannah was so nervous -she had to go to the bathroom. She could not hold it! she had to go soon!
So the three little sisters walked out each holding hands, and they stepped over the crowd and made it through the stands.
No door was marked as a restroom, so they had to guess where to go. No one was sad they were missing the show.
So Alexis pushed open a door that looked right, but inside of the room it was lacking a light.
Brooke soon followed and they all looked around, but no sign of a restroom could be found.
Finally, Savannah spotted a light in disguise, but what they saw made each girl rub their eyes.
It was a carousel and a beautiful one too. It was shiny and made up of colors red, yellow and blue.
Not a word was said, but they all were thinking the same thing. Let's take a ride on this enormous thing.
They hopped on the carousel one by one. They would just ride a moment, Oh this would be fun!
The carousel started moving so fast. Spinning and whirling, how long could they last?
They just kept spinning, and all felt confused. Each girl was thrown off, yet none of them bruised.
Not a bump or a bruise, they all seemed okay, until a loud growl was heard coming their way.
Then they heard the growl of another, now each girl felt scared and they wanted their mother!
Suddenly, an enormous bear's eyes appeared. Yet it sounded like more than one bear, oh this they all feared!
The eyes came closer- first one set, then two. Their hearts were pounding so fast...what were they to do?
As they all huddled together and were trying to think, three bears appeared in tutus of pink.
The girls shrugged their heads and said, "You’re ballerina bears?"
Then the bears jumped back and tried to hide behind chairs.
"Why are you scared of us?" Brooke wondered as she said,
"We are scared of you," she stated while shaking her head.
The bears crept out slowly while fluffing their dresses and began to twirl like ballerinas while fixing their brown tresses.
The girls realized they had nothing to fear, and as it turned out the bears had hearts that were so dear.
They all felt at ease and realized everything would be okay as Brooke said,
Come on everyone, let's go back to the circus. Let's go this way."
They each hopped back onto the carousel one by one and were realizing the circus was nothing but fun.
Yet as soon as the carousel began to spin, another shocking surprise appeared again...
