Colleen Houck's Blog, page 48

Secret Project Revealed!

I know I’ve been teasing you guys with this for a while but I am finally able to make an announcement that I hope you will be as excited about as I am.

You all know I’ve been working on an as yet untitled Egyptian themed book for my new publisher Random House and that it isn’t set to publish until the fall of 2015. That’s a long time for you all to wait for new material from me, so last fall I talked with my agent Alex (you can all send him gift baskets later) about the possibility of getting something out in the interim. He proposed the idea of doing a novella set in the world of Tiger’s Curse. After thinking about it for a while, we came up with the idea of telling a story I know you’ve all been dying to get your hands on. Therefore, without further ado, I give you…

 

TIGER’S PROMISE

 a prequel novella in the Tiger’s Curse series

coming

June 1st 2014!

 

Before the curse, there was a promise. A prequel to the bestselling Tiger’s Curse series, this much anticipated novella recalls the beginning of Ren and Kishan’s story. Before Kelsey there was a girl, raised by a villain, whose love for a hero changed the course of history.

 

Trapped under the thumb of her abusive and powerful father Lokesh, Yesubai struggles to keep her own magical abilities secret while evading his dark powers. When Lokesh promises Yesubai to the prince of a neighboring kingdom, she becomes the central pawn in his plot to destroy the ruling family and take power for himself. Yesubai is trapped by her father’s threats and desperate to protect the man she comes to love, but she knows that any decision she makes will have dire consequences. As dark forces gather around her, Yesubai must decide if she’s willing to reveal that somewhere deep within her she has the power to change everything.

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I’m so excited about this book I can’t even tell you. I think you’ll all love it and it will give you an entirely new perspective on Yesubai’s story.

We are planning lots of fun events and giveaways in anticipation of the release including a blog tour, a cover reveal (Cliff Neilson, the artist who did my other covers, is hard at work on it right now), a Q & A video, and even a few very special hard copies that will be given out to some lucky fans. Stay tuned to my blog, Facebook page, and Twitter for exciting news and information as we get ready to launch this new novella.

Pre-order pages will be available soon on Amazon, Kobo, and iBooks.

To get ready for the Q & A video, I’d love it if some of you could leave a comment here with whatever burning questions about the novella you might have. I’ll try to answer as many of them as I can on the upcoming video.

Ren & Kishan crochet {a semi-tutorial}

Long long ago, in the world known as Facebook, I posted this picture of Ren and Kishan….

 

That picture got so many comments and requests for more information. Here I am to answer all inqueries!!

I drummed up this idea when I wanted something cute and little and, obviously, Ren and and Kishan. I’m pretty good at following patterns (and pretty terrible at coming up with my own) so after trying to make it work and failing completely at it, I searched around and found a pattern for sale on Etsy by One & Two Company. There is a regular website too if you aren’t on Etsy. She has got some very adorable patterns! I purchased the Tiger Applique. The beauty of DIY is that you can make it how you want to. While she recommended specific colors in her pattern, I already knew what I wanted and shopped accordingly.

It is with her permission that I share some in progress photos with you. I will not be sharing the specific pattern because I have high respects for those who make these patterns and want to support small business. The link to the pattern is in the paragraph above if you’d like to go and purchase it!

 

 

First step is gather your supplies. I used yarn from Caron Simply Soft that I found at JoAnn’s. This yarn feels really nice and… soft! The colors are White, Black, and Charcoal Heather. If I were purchasing again… I’d pick a lighter gray. Not much lighter but I’d like a bit more difference between the black and gray when I’m working on Kishan. Oh! I forgot to add Kishan’s eye yarn which was some gold my friend had (because all my yellows were way too yellow). You can also see the spare blue yarn I used for Ren’s eyes. I can’t remember its name because I bought it a few years ago, but I believe it’s Red Heart and could very well be called Cobalt!

You’ll also need a blunt needle (like one you’d use for plastic canvas), a stitch marker (I love stitch markers! I lose my count all the time and these save me frequent), scissors, and a crochet hook appropriate for your yarn choice. I used a 4.5 mm.

Um, I also forgot to include the paracord and felt that I used to finish it with. Although there are many other things you could use… I’ll get to that later.

Got all that?

End of round 1. This would be charcoal gray if I were making Kishan.

 

End of round 2. See the stitch marker? Saves me every single time, I tell you.

End of round 3.

 

End of round 4. At the end of round 4, you are pretty much done with this part but you aren’t done yet so you don’t join the yarn. What I did was….

 

… take the stitch marker and slip it into the loop where my crochet hook was. Now I am free to work other colors without fear of my hard work coming undone.

 

Now we turn our attention to the ears! I used the charcoal heather for Ren and black for Kishan’s ears.

Two ears! Doesn’t it look so much more like a cat now?

 

Now you go back to the original color, take out the stitch marker, and finish round 6. Oh yes, and when I was going around the ears, I only grabbed the back loop. This helped the ears show a bit more than if I grabbed both loops.

When you get to right about here…. (descriptive, I know), change out your crochet hook for your blunt needle.

 

This is my favorite way to end crochet work because it hides where you’ve ended really well. Take your needle from front to back in the next stitch.

 

And then take it back through the loops of your base stitch… it should look like all your other crochet stitches except you’re sewing it instead of hooking it. Hopefully the pictures show what I mean!

And it’s hidden! Tada!

 

Have you ever done a magic ring? Mine looks like this with the tail of the yarn in the front and the long part in the back… go youtube it if you have never tried it before!

 

Magic rings are used when working in the round. Instead of making your stitches in one stitch that gets harder and harder to do because there is less space to do it in, you have plenty of space and then pull the tail tight to close up the circle.

 

Two tiny little nostrils. (I’m nothing if not delicate.)

 

Stitch ‘em together with your needle. Nothing fancy, it will mostly be hidden anyway.

 

So recap: we’ve got our main face piece and our snout piece now with two long ends (because I’ve weaved the other ends in).

Attach the snout!

Using the blunt needle, add stripes! I used the same color as the ears for the stripes–charcoal heather for Ren and black for Kishan.

 

Add a nose! Again, use the blunt needle. I used black for both Ren and Kishan.

 

Add eyes! I used a french knot. Blue yarn for Ren, gold for Kishan.

Almost done! The front looks so good. But I’m always curious how the back looks of other people’s work.

I uh knew that I’d be hiding this hot mess so I just double knotted everything and cut it down. If I weren’t planning on hiding it, I would have weaved in all the ends which would have been a pain with these colors. (Everything shows up through white and you barely use the blue!)

That is where the paracord and the felt comes in. I cut the felt to the shape of the head using white for Ren and black for Kishan.

Now, I used paracord because it’s what I had on hand (my friend’s hand, actually. she had a ton of paracord begging to be used). Another option is key chains that you could quickly sew to the back of the applique.

The paracord ends had to be melted together before being hot glued to the back of the applique. Then I hot glued the felt and called it done.

Actually, I called it done several pairs later…. I did an assembly line type thing. I would work up all the main body pieces, then all the snouts, then attach all the snouts in pairs before attaching the pairs to the main body piece…. you get the idea!

And that’s how you do it. Once I learned the pattern (the first one took the longest by far), they were a quick workup. It took me 1 1/2 hours to make this Ren but I was also taking pictures and watching American Idol at the same time.

Hope you enjoyed this little craft! Let me know if you’d like to see them as continued prizes whether as stand-alones or in prize packs.

 

 

 

Winner of Pack Your Bags contest!

Loved, loved, loved all the responses to where you’d go on vacation and who you would take! A few people commented that their answer would definitely be different if we were talking people and places found in books. Oh my word, so true! I would have an even harder time choosing because books really transport me but just thinking of real-life people don’t. I think we’ll have to delve into that sometime….

So up for grabs is a prize pack… I’ve got a scarf, a bracelet, and a set of adorable Ren and Kishan’s and a book of your choice.

And the winner is…..

Maddie who shared…

If I could go anywhere with a beautiful stranger I would go to Bora Bora. I would just love relaxing and exploring the beautiful island!! I would go with David Boreanaz – since Ren and Kishan aren’t available.

Congratulations, Maddie! Please email me at contests@colleenhouck.com with your mailing address and which book or audio book of Colleen Houck’s you’d like to receive to claim your prize.

Announcing Launch of New Website and Contest!

 We are so very excited to announce the launch of Colleen Houck’s new website!

This is something Colleen has been  excited about for a long time and is beyond ready to cut the ribbon and reveal the new look. We invite you to go and check it out for yourselves at



www.ColleenHouck.com!

We will slowly phase out the blog posts on tigerscursebook.com over the next month so be sure to make colleenhouck.com your new place to visit for everything Houck!



Now…in celebration of the launch of her new website, I’m offering a contest for an exclusive Kelsey Gift Pack including; leather bound writing journal, writing pen, silk ribbon bookmark w/ charm, handmade Ren charm bracelet, and a personalized fan letter signed by Colleen Houck! There are a total of 6 sets like this and will be given away as contest prizes throughout the next months.



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Here’s how the contest works,

Simply go to the new website, browse the different sections and answer the following questions:

1.     Name at least one location Colleen Houck has lived.

2.     What is the name of the teen girl in Houck’s new and upcoming Egyptian book? (Hint: Browse through her books)

3.     List the title of a recent blog

4.     Name one place Houck will be touring/visiting in March. (Hint: look under FAQ’s then click on Upcoming Events)

5.     Is there something you’d like to see on the new website?

Next, email me at lindalouiselotti@colleenhouck.com and include the answers to the 5 questions listed above as well as your name and the city in which you reside.

Finally, go to the blog post titled, “New Website Launch Contest” (on the colleenhouck.com website), and leave a comment stating whether you are a Ren or Kishan fan and why. Also please include your name and the city in which you reside in your comment as well.A winner will be selected by the end of the month.

Good luck and enjoy the new website!   

~Till next time,

Linda Louise

Announcing winner of Sophie Jordan's new Book!

In celebration of the author and friend, Sophie Jordan, I held a contest last week asking for your feedback on what you’d do if you were told you had the kill gene. For those of you who missed this blog post, here’s a little preview of Sophie Jordan’s new young adult book entitled UNINVITED,

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“You can’t change your DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer. When Davy tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka “the kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her-although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any differently, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone.

Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the only one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.”

And now to announce the winner of Sophie Jordan’s new release UNINVITED, personalized and signed by the Sophie herself. . . 



Michelle (Me_chelleLee)!

In order to claim your prize, please email me your mailing address and full name to lindalouiselotti@colleenhouck.com. 

Congratulations Michelle!! Please be sure to respond within the next few days or a new winner will be selected.

~Till Next time,

Linda Louise

Featuring the award winning author, Sophie Jordan!

Featuring the award winning author, Sophie Jordan

How many of you have picked up a new book and within pages, been carried away to another place and time, finding yourself unwilling to pull away from an intoxicating world discovered on the pages you read? Colleen Houck has a true love for reading and loves to share the stories she’s thoroughly enjoyed. Sophie Jordan is not only another talented and witty author, but a personal friend of Colleen.

For today’s blog, we would like to feature the mastermind behind the Firelight Series and upcoming Uninvited Series, Sophie Jordan!

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Sophie’s Bio: “Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.  

A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature- teaching English seemed a natural choice. After several years teaching high school students to love ANTIGONE, Sophie decided it was time to pursue her long-held dream of writing. Two years later, she landed her first publishing contract.

Her first book, ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT, was a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Nominee for Best First Historical. Her second novel, TOO WICKED TO TAME, released in March 2007 with a bang- landing on the USA Today Bestseller’s List. A few books later marked her first appearance on the New York Times bestseller list with the release of IN SCANDAL THEY WED.

And as if she’s not busy enough, Sophie writes young adult fiction for Harper Teen and contemporary paranormals for Pocket. Sophie resides in Houston with her family and loves to hear from readers.”

Sophie’s Firelight series were so enjoyable for me when I read them that when I saw a picture of her new and upcoming Uninvited, I got quite excited. And now, the time has finally arrived! Her new book

UNINVITED

will be available in stores and online for purchase on January 28th, 2014!



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Here’s a preview of the book for you to check out,

 

Here is a brief introduction to Uninvited,

“You can’t change you DNA…even when it says you’re a murderer. When Davy tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, aka “the kill gene,” she loses everything. Once the perfect high school senior, she is uninvited from her prep school and abandoned by her friends and boyfriend. Even her parents are now afraid of her-although she’s never hurt a fly. Davy doesn’t feel any differently, but genes don’t lie. One day she will kill someone.

Without any say in the matter, Davy is thrown into a special class for HTS carriers. She has no doubt the predictions are right about them, especially Sean, who already bears the “H” tattoo as proof of his violence. Yet when the world turns on the carriers, Sean is the only one she can trust. Maybe he’s not as dangerous as he seems. Or maybe Davy is just as deadly.”

Here’s what some critics have said,

“UNINVITED asks the question; will you let the world define who you are or will you choose to define yourself? Put simply: I loved this book!” Carrie Ryan, New York Times bestselling author

“A riveting, disconcerting vision of a near-future corrupted by genetic profiling. Thoroughly unputdownable.” Rachel Vincent, New York Times bestselling author

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It’s always fun to get a little up close and personal with amazing writers so I’ve asked Sophie some questions that you might be curious to know!

Me: What is your full name?

SJ: Sophie Jordan

 

Me: When and where were you born?

SJ: On an early fall morning in San Antonio, Texas.

 

Me: Do you have any siblings and if so, how many?

SJ: Two older brothers

 

Me: What’s your favorite childhood story?

SJ: Well…I often share how my middle brother locked me in a rabbit cage with the rabbits when I was a toddler. It’s one of my earliest memories.

 

Me: Favorite color?

SJ: Green

 

Me: Favorite food?

SJ: Mexican food… and Greek food.

 

Me: What kind of kid were you growing up?

SJ: I was a bookworm- surprise!

 

Me: Were you a good student?

SJ: Yes, above average but not the top of my class or anything. I would rather read a book than study my Chemistry.

 

Me: What did you want to be when you grew up:

SJ: A lawyer

 

Me: What inspired you to write (or how did you start writing)?

SJ: I always made up stories…I just started writing them down in junior high in spiral notebooks.

 

Me: How long did it take to get published?

SJ: Almost three years from the day I decided to seriously pursue publishing.

 

Me: What sparked the idea for you to write your first book, ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT?

SJ: My first book was a historical romance and it was the culmination of all the things I loved in the historical romance genre.

 

Me: What was your favorite part of the book?

SJ: The first kiss, of course!

 

Me: What is the hardest part to write in your books?

SJ: The ending. I always struggle with the endings, no matter the genre.

 

Me: What are some of your personal favorite books?

SJ: Recently, DARE YOU TO by Katie McGarry, NO GOOD DUKE GOES UNPUNISHED by Sarah MacLean and less recently, ANYTHING by Victoria Holt, and TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD

 

Me: If you could have dinner with one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

SJ: Probably my Aunt Catherine. She died too suddenly, and we always laughed and had a great time together. She introduced me to Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock movies.

 

Me: Do you believe in love at first sight?

SJ: Hmm…I think real love is something that develops. Chemistry happens at first sight.

Me: I like that answer, maybe you’ve just coined the new phrase “chemistry at first sight”, ha!

 

Me: If you could hold on to only one memory, what memory would you choose and why?

SJ: Probably sitting in a hunting blind up in a tree with my dad on a 500 hundred acre ranch we used to own. I was about twelve. We didn’t shoot anything. Just talked and talked until dusk set and then went home. I have a lot of memories like that with my dad where we would have these really deep conversations about life.

 

Me: What do you like to do for fun?

SJ: Spend time with my family, read, watch TV/movies, travel, try new restaurants, and spend time with other writers.

 

Me: What was your life like before becoming an author?

SJ: It was much slower paced! And less stressful, but honestly…something was missing. J

 

Me: How personal is your writing?

SJ: Very. As it is with most writers, sometimes your writing is as real as anything else to you.

 

Me: Do you outline?

SJ: Yes!

 

Me: What is your writing routine?

SJ: Ohhhh. I write to deadlines. That means some days I’m writing 2500k and other days I’m revising. Other days I’m doing copy edits. Some days I don’t write at all because I’m traveling or at an event. I do what needs to be done.

 

Me: Which comes first, the story or the character?

SJ: Depends on the book, but usually the character comes first. When I know a character, the story derives from him/her.

 

Me: What advice would you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

SJ: Read. Read everything. In multiple genres and attend writers conferences/meetings.

 

Me: Who has inspired you and influenced your work?

SJ: My parents have been a great inspiration.

 

Me: In one sentence, what advice would you give to an aspiring author?

SJ: Persist! Half the battle is perseverance.

 

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So that’s a little glimpse into the beautiful life of Sophie Jordan. If you’d like to check out her website, click here. If you’d like to purchase her new book UNINVITED, click here.

 

And, for those of you dying for a special copy of UNINVITED signed by Sophie Jordan herself, you can enter to win your very own copy! Simply leave a comment with your name below and answer the following question,

 

If you were to wake up one morning and go to school or work only to discover on the news that scientists have found a way to identify the “kill gene” and you were identified as a carrier, thus branding you as a threat, how might you react?

 

*This contest is for those currently residing in the U.S. only. A winner will be selected and announced within the week.

 

I look forward to reading your thoughts!

~Till next time, Linda Louise Lotti 

Wrapping up December Contests

December just finished out in a whirlwind and January is already two-thirds complete! Between the website being down, being gone on vacation (with an ear infection, a virus, and a migraine!), and then recovering from vacation and sickness and trying to get my 4 yo off attention neediness..... I didn't forget about you guys! I just to make sure I've covered all my bases!



I was a little sad at not being able to finish out my holiday posts. I was going to do Christmas traditions around the world and Festivus among a few others.



Winner of the Hanukkah post: operativealyssa

Winner of the Kwanzaa post: maggie

Winner of the Saint Lucia's Day post: Fangirl644

Winner of Goodreads reviews on Facebook: Nicole G.

Christmas Day Facebook surprise: Brittany G.



Grand Prize Winner: Ms,Rajaram3



Please email me at contests@colleenhouck.com with your mailing address! Prizes go out next week -- you don't want to miss yours!!





The next contest will be on Colleen's NEW SITE. We'll make more announcements when it goes live!

Beauty Rises from the Murky Depths

Beauty rises from the MURKY WATERS

 

“Oh lovely and fair, adorned with spell,

 Doth awaken my ceaseless torment, risen from hell.

Thy grace and charm for all mute things to see,

As floating on seas, some delicate power to thee.

Tis beauty blooms in lights glorious birth,

While fowl winds slumber in the fields of earth.

Thy beauty burns like a ceaseless fire,

Behold thy soul’s immensity!

I reverence her song in the mountain tower,

And glimpse the true splendor of the Lotus-flower!”

 ~by Linda Louise Lotti

 

The lotus flower is not only a uniquely beautiful bloom, but is richly symbolic in many cultures. Colleen Houck uses the lotus flower along with its symbolism frequently throughout The Tigers Saga. For today’s blog post, I thought I’d share some history, fun facts, and highlight some of the passages in Houck’s books associated with the beautiful lotus flower.

 

“Durga wore a simple sea-green dress and a lei of lotus flowers. . . “Take this,”  it has no special power except that the blooms will not fade, but it will serve a purpose on your voyage. I want you to learn the lesson of the lotus. This flower springs forth from muddy waters. It raises its delicate petals to the sun and perfumes the world while, at the same time, its roots cling to the elemental muck, the very essence of the mortal experience. Without that soil, the flower would wither and die.” She placed the lei over my neck. “Dig down and grow strong roots, my daughter, for you will stretch forth, break out of the waters and find peace on the calm surface at last. You will discover that if you hadn’t stretched, you would have drowned in the deep, never to blossom or share your gift with others.”” ~ Tigers Quest

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Origins of the Lotus

The Lotus is native to Iran, India, China, Vietnam to Japan, Malaysia, New Guinea and Australia. It has been held sacred in Asia and the Middle East for over 5,000 years. It has been cultivated since early times for both religious and ornamental purposes. In India it is commonly grown in ponds and tanks for its elegant, sweet-smelling flowers.

History of the Lotus

Lotus flowers have been used throughout history in South Asia and were featured in architecture, literature and in Buddhist and Hindu art. It has been a symbolically important plant before the religions at the time of the Indus Valley civilization.

The lotus was compared to immortality and resurrection because people observed that they would grow from the bottom of dried up pools after the monsoon rains.

Buddhism first brought the lotus symbol to the world. Lotus medallions are prominent on the Buddhist places of worship at Sanchi in Madhaya Pradesh and Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh dating from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. As Buddhism spread, the lotus flowers were used to represent Buddha. They were featured on rosettes, scrolls, motifs and iconography.



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The leaves of lotus plants were used as plates in ancient India, and its seeds and roots are still considered a delicacy. Eleventh and twelfth century texts noted lotus dishes and feasts in which lotus leaves were consumed.

The lotus became a common feature woven into South Asia’s culture. This continued with the advent of Islam in the twelfth century AD. There were ancient connections with Persian culture and were featured on Islamic carpets, textiles and architecture.  



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*Picture of a Bari leaf worker creating utensils from lotus leaves.

Symbolism of the Lotus

There are many symbolic representations of the Lotus depending on the varying cultures and religions in Asia and Middle East ranging from purity, enlightenment, immortality and resurrection, to fertility and unification. Let’s break it down more specifically.

Symbolism for Buddhism- The lotus flower represents one symbol of fortune in Buddhism. It grows in muddy water, and it is in this environment that springs forth the flower’s first and most literal meaning, rising and blooming above the murk to achieve enlightenment.  Its second meaning found is related to the first and is purification. The lotus resembles the purifying of the spirit which is born into murkiness. A third meaning refers to faithfulness. Those who are working to rise above the muddy waters will need to be faithful followers.

The color of the lotus also bears importance in the meaning.

White- represents a state of mental purity of both mind and spirit. It is considered to be the womb of the world.

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Red- represents compassion and love.

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Blue- represents victory of the spirit over that of wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.

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Pink- is considered the supreme lotus and is considered to be the true lotus of Buddha.

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Purple- speaks of spirituality and mysticism. The eight petals are representative of the noble eightfold path; one of the principal teachings of Buddha. Following this path is thought to lead to self-awakening and is considered one of the noble truths.

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Gold- represents all achievement of enlightenment.

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The stage at which the flower is in also has meaning. If a flower is closed, it means it has not yet received enlightenment as opposed to a fully bloomed flower which indicated complete enlightenment.

The flower represents rebirth and can mean a change of ideas, an acceptance of Buddha, or the dawn after one’s darkest day (my personal favorite).

The mud is an important representation as well. All humans are born in a world where there is suffering. This suffering is a vital part of the human experience; it makes us stronger and teaches us to resist the temptation of evil. When we banish evil thoughts from our mind we are able to break free of the muddy water. The mud shows us who we are and teaches us to rise and choose a better path.  



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Symbolism for Ancient Egyptians- If you have ever taken more than a glance at Egyptian culture and history, you would notice the lotus has significant meaning to this culture as well.

In ancient Egypt there were two main types of lotus found, the white, and the blue (although scientifically a water lily, but symbolically a lotus). At some point in the future, the pink lotus was introduced. When observing the hieroglyphics, it is easy to see that the blue lotus is the most commonly portrayed.

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*Egyptian artwork showing Priest Nebsini holding a blue lotus flower



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*Ancient hieroglyphics depicting the lotus flower

Egyptians associated this flower with rebirth, the sun and the creation, because at nightfall it closes and goes beneath the water and at dawn it climbs up above the water and reopens.  One myth tells of a giant lotus flower growing out of a pond and from it the sun rose. In many hieroglyphics works the lotus is depicted as emerging from Nun (the primordial water) bearing the Sun God.  As a representation of rebirth, there is also an association with death. There is a famous Egyptian book of the dead known to include spells that can transform a person into a lotus, thus allowing for resurrection.

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Another symbolism was the unification of two Egyptian kingdoms. For a long time the lotus had been used in hieroglyphics and art in Upper Egypt, whereas in Lower Egypt, the papyrus plant was notably in abundance. When art depicted pictures of lotus and papyrus growing up together, becoming inter twined, it soon represented the bringing together of the two kingdoms.  

Symbolism for Hinduism- In this religion, the lotus flower is associated with beauty, fertility, prosperity, spirituality and eternity.

            “Li tried to get me to taste sweet lotus seed buns that symbolize fertility.” ~ Tigers Quest

“Kishan bought me a beautiful bracelet decorated with diamonds clustered like lotus flowers. Slipping it onto my arm he said, “I had a dream of you wearing a lotus flower in your hair. This bracelet reminds me of you.” I laughed. “You probably dreamed of lotus because you sleep right next to the table where I put Durga’s lotus garland.”  “Maybe,” he said with a smile, “but a good dream’s a good dream. Please wear it.”” ~ Tigers Quest

The most common is the white lotus flower. Many of the gods and goddesses of Hinduism are linked to the flower, for example the goddess of prosperity, Lakshmi, is usually depicted as being seated atop a fully opened lotus flower. Likewise, Brahma, the god of creation is depicted as emerging from a lotus that crawls from the Naval of the sustainer, Lord Vishnu.



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*Lakshmi (notice the golden fruit??)



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*Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Brahma



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*Brahma



A lotus is miraculously able to emerge from muddy water unspoiled and pure. This represents purity, wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Hinduism sees the open and unopened lotus bud forms as human traits. The unopened bus represents a folded soul that has the ability to unfold and open itself up to divine truth.



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As you see these beautiful depictions of the lotus flower, it is no wonder that these civilizations have found meaning and wonderment. I leave you with a poem by Roderic Quinn and Durga’s wish, that we

 

“Dig down and grow strong roots, my daughter, for you will stretch forth, break out of the waters and find peace on the calm surface at last. You will discover that if you hadn’t stretched, you would have drowned in the deep, never to blossom or share your gift with others.” ~ Tigers Quest

 

 The Lotus-Flower

Poem by Roderic Quinn

 

All the heights of the high shores gleam

Red and gold at the sunset hour;

There comes the spell of a magic dream,

And the Harbour seems a lotus-flower;

 

A blue flower tinted at dawn with gold,

A broad flower blazing with light at noon,

A flower forever with charms to hold

His heart, who sees it by sun or moon.

 

Men meet its beauty with furrowed face,

And straight the furrows are smoothed away;

They buy and sell in the market-place,

And languor leadens their blood all day.

 

At night they look on the flower, and lo!

The City passes with all its cares;

They dream no more in its azure glow,

Of gold and silver and stocks and shares.

 

The Lotus dreams ‘neath the dreaming skies,

Its beauty touching with spell divine

The grey old town, till the old town lies

Like one half-drunk with a magic wine.

 

Star-loved, it breathes at the midnight hour

A sense of peace from its velvet mouth.

Though flowers be fair – is there any flower

Like this blue flower of the radiant South?

 

Sun-loved and lit by the moon it yields

A challenge-glory or glow serene,

And men bethink them of jeweled shields,

A turquoise lighting a ground of green.

 

Fond lovers pacing beside it see

Not death and darkness, but life and light,

And dream no dream of the witchery

The Lotus sheds on the silent night.

 

Pale watchers weary of watching stars

That fall, and fall, and forever fall,

Tear-worn and troubled with many scars,

They seek the Lotus and end life’s thrall.

 

The spirit spelled by the Lotus swoons,

Its beauty summons the artis mood;

And thus, perchance, in a thousand moons

Its spell shall work in our waiting blood.

 

Then souls shall shine with an old-time grace,

And sense be wrapped in a golden trance,

And art be crowned in the market-place

With Love and Beauty and fair Romance.

Till Next Time ~ Linda Louise Lotti

 

 

Top Ten Books I Read in 2013!

 Hi Guys,



The website has been down for two weeks but it's finally back up so I wanted to put out a blog post ASAP so you all know I'm still alive. I barely, barely scraped by making my Goodreads 50 books in 2013 goal. I do read a lot considering how little time I have to do it but this year I had to throw in some of my research books to make the goal. Anyway, here is the list of my top ten favorites for the year. Also, please keep in mind that these books didn't all come out in 2013. This is just when I got around to reading them.










#10-Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi


Cover Copy: The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color. The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.



My Thoughts: When Juliet was in the prison/institution I felt like I was going crazy too. The intensity the actress (I listened to it on audiobook) gave to Juliet's character made her all the more memorable. I also really like Adam. At the end I just wanted more, especially about the twin healers. They were such an interesting addition. I also really thought it was cool that every day Juliet just wanted to see a bird and the bird she hoped to see was tattooed on Adam's chest.



 

#9-Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake


Cover Copy: Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. They follow legends and local lore, destroy the murderous dead, and keep pesky things like the future and friends at bay. Searching for a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas expects the usual: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.



My Thoughts: So creepy! It was a nice change being in a guy's head in a YA book. Loved Anna! If you are a person who enjoys YA and likes to be scared, then this is the book for you.









#8-Unearthly by Cynthia Hand


Cover Copy: In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy. Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny. Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.



My Thoughts: I'm a little sad that it took me so long to read this book. I've known Cynthia a while now so I am officially a bad friend for not getting to it until now. This is a great read. I love angel stories and this one is my favorite so far. The characters feel very likable and real to me, especially Tucker. Love him! Sigh. I have a thing for cowboys. Have to jump right into book two, which, fortunately, I have on hand and then I'll have to order book three which just came out. Favorite things: the wings can change into any kind of wings like a butterfly's or fairy wings, etc., and I like the mystery behind the mom and the brother and the romantic rival.










#7-Wings by Aprilynne Pike


Cover Copy: Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful; too beautiful for words.
Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.
In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.



My Thoughts: Awesome premise! Love this twist on the world of the fey. The blossom is really interesting and I'm really liking the science nerd boyfriend.









 

#6-Alpha Goddess by Amalie Howard


Cover Copy: In Serjana Caelum’s world, gods exist. So do goddesses. Sera knows this because she is one of them. A secret long concealed by her parents, Sera is Lakshmi reborn, the human avatar of an immortal Indian goddess rumored to control all the planes of existence. Marked by the sigils of both heaven and hell, Sera’s avatar is meant to bring balance to the mortal world, but all she creates is chaos. A chaos that Azrath, the Asura Lord of Death, hopes to use to unleash hell on earth. Torn between reconciling her past and present, Sera must figure out how to stop Azrath before the Mortal Realm is destroyed. But trust doesn’t come easy in a world fissured by lies and betrayal. Her best friend Kyle is hiding his own dark secrets, and her mysterious new neighbor, Devendra, seems to know a lot more than he’s telling. Struggling between her opposing halves and her attraction to the boys tied to each of them, Sera must become the goddess she was meant to be, or risk failing, which means sacrificing the world she was born to protect.


My Thoughts: (Official Blurb) I was absolutely immersed in Sera’s world! Alpha Goddess is a fiery, gripping twist on a timeless love story. The rich mythology and exotic themes were beautifully imagined and unlike anything I've ever read before. Brilliantly dark and powerful. A must read!



 

#5-Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini
Cover Copy: Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history. As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.



My Thoughts: If you like Greek mythology then this book should be right up your alley. Helen is a great heroine and Lucas is pretty amazing as well. ;) The Fates creep me out. I can totally picture them too which doesn't help with the creep factor. I was really liking Castor as the bad guy so now I wonder what Josie has in store for the next book. Can someone be even worse than that? Shudder. My favorite part? The flying. You'll see.





 

#4-The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
 
Cover Copy: Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers. Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him. Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.


My Thoughts: Loved this book. It's a murder mystery slash romance. Cheering for Jay the whole time. What a creepy superpower. Don't think I'd want this one though I see how it could open up some career options for Violet. Great read!







 
#3-The Selection by Kiera Cass

Cover Copy: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

 

My Thoughts: Now you all know that I am a fan of fancy dresses. So this won't come as a shock...I love the dress on this book and all the dresses inside this book. I was prepared to not like Maxon and I have to tell you I am now #teammaxon for the win. I like Aspen okay and I can even forgive him but I go for the handsome prince every time. I sense more political strife in future books which is exciting. I really want to sink my teeth into what's going on behind the scenes. Favorite scene: first kiss.

 

#2-The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan


Cover Copy: In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?



My Thoughts: This book was creeptastically good. The zombies are more of a side story rather than up front and in your face so if you want to try a zombie book this one might be a good starter. Favorite parts were the scenes that took place in the synagogue. Scary and hopeful at the same time.





 
#1-Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
Cover Copy: Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky. In a dark and dusty shop, a devil’s supply of human teeth grown dangerously low. And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war. Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real, she’s prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands", she speaks many languages - not all of them human - and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. When beautiful, haunted Akiva fixes fiery eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?



My Thoughts: This book is the most utterly unique creation I've ever read and I read a lot! To talk about it all is to give away the surprises within. I would say the material skews more adult than teen. Favorite part: The big reveal when the character realizes who/what she really is. That's all I'm gonna say since I don't want to spoil it at all. Colorful, vivid, powerful, dynamic.






I hope your 2014 is off to a fabulous start! I have exciting things to do and announce this year and I'm looking forward very much to the various school visits and events I have planned. Happy January!



Colleen
 

Saint Lucia's Day {+ a giveaway!}

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air there's a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing

People passing

Meeting smile after smile

And on every street corner you'll hear



Silver bells, silver bells

It's Christmas time in the city

Ring a ling, hear them ring

Soon it will be Christmas day!

I love the holiday season. I love the snow, the icicles, houses lit up with lights, silver bells, the music, and the Abominable Snow Monster. There is something magical about this time of year that people have been trying to vocalize for a long time now. I personally celebrate Christmas but I thought it'd be neat to highlight other holidays and traditions that happen throughout the month of December. I am loving every single comment! You are showing such diversity--Colleen has drawn people from every walk of life. You guys are awesome! Don't forget that you can continue to comment on all of these posts for an entry for a grand prize.



Hanukkah (winner : operativealyssa)

Kwanzaa (winner : maggie -- please email me at contests@colleenhouck.com)



SAINT LUCIA'S DAY








When I was thinking up my list of festivals to showcase, Saint Lucia's Day came to mind. And today seemed like the perfect day because... well, it's Saint Lucia's Day today! Growing up, we studied a lot of different cultures and holidays but one of the ones I remember well is Saint Lucia's. And "remembering well" is really relative.... because I don't actually remember all that much about what we learned! I mostly remember it is Swedish and it was one of our favorites to learn about.



Saint Lucia is one of the few saints that is celebrated by the Swedes, the Finns, the Norwegians, and the Danes. Saint Lucia (or also Saint Lucy) comes as a young woman bearing lights. Her name means light. She was one of the earliest Christian martyrs being killed by the Romans nearly 300 AD for her religious beliefs.









There are different traditions for Saint Lucia's Day but they are many similarities. Typically a girl is elected to be Lucia. There is a national Lucia as well as one for each town and city. Candidates are presented a few weeks earlier in the newspaper and readers are invited to vote for their choice. The winner is announced on Saint Lucia's day.



Saint Lucia dresses in long white robes with a red sash and a green wreath with candles on her head. Other children handmaidens with white robes and carrying a single candle. Boys become star boys with white robes, tall cone hats, and stars on sticks. They go around singing and spreading light and cheer (and delicious food!) to others.









Traditional food that is given are baked goods. There is Saint Lucia's bread (a braided bread often with candles to look like Lucia's wreath), lussebullar (Saffron buns), and an alcoholic drink called glogg.



One of the main themes of Saint Lucia's Day is light and dark. Originally thought to be the longest night of the year, December 13th was chosen to be the celebratory day. And after such a long night, all the livestock would be hungry and need extra feed -- which began the food giving tradition. The songs of Saint Lucia all have the same theme. There is darkness that presses against us that reaches every corner where the sun doesn't reach. In the darkness, she comes. Bringer of light. Saint Lucia. Not only do the candles help banish the darkness and evil spirits that surround us, they also remind us of how fire couldn't kill Saint Lucia. It is said that even though the Romans tried to burn her and stick a spear in her throat to make her stop talking, the only thing that allowed her to die was taking the Christian communion.



YOUR TURN
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win small surprise prize. Have you ever heard of Saint Lucia? Have you ever done something difficult because you knew it was right even if you were negatively threatened? Don't wait though because comments for the small prize will only be accepted until tomorrow when I choose a winner! Your comments (even comments given after a winner for the small prize has been chosen) will also be entered for a chance to win a grand prize!