Colleen Houck's Blog, page 51
October 16, 2013
The BEST desserts are made with butter and love!
Did you know that STRESSED spelled backwards is DESSERTS? Coincidence? I think not! Do you ever have a bad day where things just get worser and worser and you want to crawl under your covers and hide or even run away to escape it all? I know I have. It’s hard to scrape your wounded soul from the depths of despair sometimes but if any of you have a mother like mine, sometimes that gentle nudge to get up and carry on comes in the form of sweet baked treats fresh from mama’s kitchen. That sweet spice that fills the air somehow dulls the pains and lifts you off your tear stained pillow. When mom opens your door and invites you to share a warm, sweet dessert in the kitchen, you can’t help but feel a little better. When you are served that glass of ice cold milk and a plate of tasty goodness, the tears stop and you can almost find your voice again. Next you share a few moments in silence while you fill your mouth with warm heaven and your mother pats your back gently and you’re finally able to talk about your troubles. That is the moment you know that somehow you’ll get through the bad day.
You may have heard the quote, “I’ve never met a problem a proper dessert couldn’t fix”, and I believe there is a lot of truth to that. Nothing feels better than when you aree welcomed home by a deliciously cooked meal or the smell of cookies or bread baking in the oven. While the smells intoxicate your taste buds and you can’t wait to bite into whatever’s cooking, it’s more about the hands that have prepared the food. Whether it’s your mother, father, spouse, or friend that cooked it, the food was prepared from the heart with kindness and love. There’s also the times when we fall and scrape our knee or come home crying because someone was mean to us at school, or when we try our best at something, that we are sometimes treated with a hug or a smile and a special outing for an ice cream cone, a lollipop, or a cookie. That, my friends, is why a dessert can be so therapeutic.
My mother is not the greatest cook in the world, but there are a few things she makes REALLY well and her cinnamon rolls is one of them. Here’s a recipe that is very similar to hers but has been improved upon slightly by myself via trial and error.
C innabon C innamon R olls
Dough
· 1 Cup warm milk
· 2 eggs, room temp.
· 1/3 Cup butter, melted
· 4 ½ Cups all-purpose flour
· 1 Tsp. salt
· 1 package yeast (2 ¼ Tsp.)
Filling
· 1 Cup brown sugar, packed
· 2 ½ Tbs. ground cinnamon
· ¼ Cup butter, softened
Spread for Dough
· 1/3 Cup butter, softened
Icing
· 3 Ounces cream cheese
· ¼ Cup butter
· 1 ½ - 2 Cups confectioner’s sugar
· 1 Tsp. pure vanilla extract
[image error] [image error]
[image error] [image error]
1st Set of Steps for Dough
Dissolve yeast in small bowl with milk. Let proof.
In large bowl combine sugar, butter, salt, eggs, and yeast
mixture. Mix well. Add in flour and knead dough for 5
minutes until dough is soft and form in ball shape.
Place dough in greased bowl and let rise in warm area
covered with towel until doubled in size (about 1 hr.).
[image error]
2nd Set of Steps for Filling
Combine sugar, cinnamon and butter in small bowl
and set aside.
[image error] [image error] [image error]
[image error] [image error] [image error]
3rd Set of Steps for Rolling Dough and Baking
When dough has risen, roll out on floured surface in
rectangle shape and about 1/4 inch thick. Spread butter
on dough, then sprinkle with filling mixture. Roll into
log shape. Cut into equal portions (I use dental floss,
it works great!). Place on lightly greased pan, cover with
towel and let rise for 30 minutes. For bigger rolls, this
recipe makes about 12 on a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F.
for 18-20 minutes.
[image error] [image error]
[image error] [image error]
4th Set of Steps for Icing
Combine cream cheese, butter, powder sugar and vanilla in
tall mixing bowl. Mix on high until smooth and creamy in
texture. *You may add a few teaspoons of milk or water if
too thick. Once rolls have cooled slightly, spread icing
over rolls and enjoy!! Best if served warm!
[image error]
[image error]
My little angels thoroughly enjoying the cinnamon rolls fresh out of the oven. They had so much fun helping me make these! If the idea of eating hot cinnamon rolls sounds just perfect, try your hand at making these in your own kitchen. Leave a comment or send me a pic and I'll add it to this blog. Happy eating!
Till next time
~ Linda Louise
October 8, 2013
Inteeeeeention! Aye, sir!
Dear Diary,
"Come 30 minutes early!" Um. Okay. Do I really want 30 extra minutes of wushu knowing how sore I was after the first 1 1/2 hour lesson? Lesson 2 was only the standard hour but if Aman has nothing the hour before me, he loves wushu enough to be pained watching me learn for a longer period of time.
This time, I could feel as my hip sockets went through their range of motion, getting warmer and looser. And tired. Oh, so very tired. I actually took a nap. I think I took a nap anyway. I might have just zoned on the couch as Kaelyn played on Minion Rush on my phone. At least I can pretend Minion Rush is good. It really helps with her hand/eye coordination. She is learning to look right in front of her as well as what is coming. She is reacting better and able to reach some decent distances. 1500 meters from a 3 year old.
So I think I had a little cat nap but I'm really not that sure.
We went through a lot of things during wushu. Some new and some old. Can I call anything old when it is only the third lesson? One of the awesome things about taking one-on-one lessons instead of a regular wushu class is that everything is catered to me. All the focus is on me (eh, okay, maybe not so comfortable feeling). Anything we do is because I'm ready to start figuring it out. That's what happens a lot. I start to figure it out during the lesson, then I really figure it out during the week. When I return, I amaze Aman with my super I-don't-completely-suck skills. My technique and flexibility have a long ways to go but right now, I'll go for seeing improvement.
Aman has begun to anticipate my questions. When he shows me something new, he tells me the practical application. "Let's start something fun. A backwards sweep. To knock people off their feet." I think my arms are short compared to my torso. I don't know how to get my hands to the ground to assist my momentum to get around while keeping my torso upright. Or I just need the practice. (I probably just need practice.)
The good news is, I didn't fall down. I even managed to turn! My first attempt was about 1/4 turn. After 4 or 5 tries, I got to a 1/2 turn.
Each week seems to have its own mantra, something that gets repeated frequently and I know I need to make sure to focus on it before the next lesson.
1: Shoulders down.
2: Loosen up.
3: Thumbs.
As in, you're going to break your thumbs if you get into a fight because you keep not keeping them tucked over the first two knuckles. Just between you and me, Diary, if I get into a fight right now, a lot more will be broken than just my thumbs. Still, something to remember to check frequently.
The overarching mantra is to have intent. I need to execute each movement with its intended purpose.
My new stance is rest stance. It isn't as bad as drop stance. I talked to Jared about it and he likes rest stance so I'm thinking that my thighs get in the way of me enjoying rest stance. I just can't sit very comfortably on my heel. Not terrible, just not like I could happily stay there forever.
Also new this week was a side thrusting kick. Must. Work. On. Balance. Any work where my left leg is the one holding my weight is not as awful as when my right leg is the standing leg. I will need to practice a little extra with my right leg down for a bit until my balance evens out a little more.
There were a few times when I had a bit of a shoe problem. Last year, I moved from an almost minimalist shoe to an extremely minimalist shoe. They work great for just about everything and I don't get shin splints like I was with tennis shoes. Hooray! The problem is that it really hurts to run on gravel or evil acorns AND they actually are a bit too big since they loosen with use. So they move around a bit too much on my feet. When running, I can put socks on and eliminate the problem. The problem with socks in wushu is that it's another thing that can slip and move around. Not so good when you're trying a stretch kick and working on snapping up and down. Ahem, kicking WITH INTENTION. I didn't fall but I could have easily. So I went ahead and bought a different brand which should arrive next week, hopefully before wushu but if not, no big deal. It'd be cool if I could fit into Jared's old wushu shoes but, alas, his feet are a bit bigger than mine (and the soles are super smooth so they'd probably cause me to fall at this stage of learning anyway).
2 October 2013
Dear Diary,
Oh my gluteous maximus.
That is all.
3 October 2013
Diary!!! Shoes. New shoes. I love them!
I finally get the chance to tie them a bit different off a thing I've had pinned on Pinterest for a while. Different ways to tie your shoes based on your foot. I've never needed but my feet aren't normal so I figured I would one day. That day has come!
4 October 2013
Dear Diary,
Shoes.
New shoes.
They could hurt a little less.
5 October 2013
Dear Diary,
Boooooo! While practicing today, something in my left hip joint started hurting. It doesn't hurt constantly, only when I maneuver it a certain way. I'll have to take it easy and be sure to stretch it. It's not like I was doing anything really rough so I don't know what caused it to start hurting.
In good news, rest stance is becoming easier. The backward sweep is not quite as terribly awkward as before but I still can not quite go a full half circle (haha) around. That could be because I have to practice it on the driveway. I don't have a space in my house quite big enough. Differently material underfoot.
Oh, and Kimmi said my front stretch kicks were looking improved. (!!!!!) (Yes, that is me rejoicing in the inside.)
October 7, 2013
Fall 2013 YASH Winners!
For those of you who are new here, welcome! Here we are a team of three (Colleen, Linda, and Suki, that's me) blogging about all things relating to the Tiger Saga. Sometimes Colleen posts WIP teasers from whatever she is currently writing. We have contests and giveaways every single month. We hope you enjoy your stay with us.
For those of you who entered the giveaway... never fear, I have your results! All winners have been emailed by me. Please respond back quickly so you can receive your prize.
October 1, 2013
Falling for October
October is the month of apple festivals, family picnics, pumpkin carving, fireside cookouts, bountiful harvests, crisp days and bright fall colors. The summer evenings have gone to sleep while the air is growing wild with energy welcoming the October eves. When the pretty leaves carpet the ground and a chill is carried on the wind it’s time to dress in flannel and scarfs and cozy socks. The apples and leaves, chimney smokes and pumpkin pies potpourri the air. The sun sets, the fire roars and hot soup, fresh bread and cider are laid on the dinner table. Now this, this is when autumn has settled in and I feel most alive...
When the pretty leaves carpet the ground and a chill is carried on the wind it's time to dress in flannel and scarves and cozy socks. The apples and leaves, chimney smokes and pumpkin pies potpourri the air. The sun sets, the fire roars and hot soup, fresh bread and cider are laid on the dinner table. Now this, this is when autumn has settled in and I feel most alive!
[image error]
When you think of the fall season, it’s hard not to get excited about the holidays, the decoration boxes coming out again, the smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and spice and all the delicious foods! Then you have the cozy blankets, when you curl up with a good book by the fire.
There is such beauty at this time of year with the bright colors and fog reaching over the mountains. Across from my home when I was living in Portland, Oregon there was a beautiful little stream at the base of tall pines and brightly colored trees. Here’s a picture,
[image error]
I now live in Tucson, Arizona at the moment and on October 1st, this is what the view from my upstairs window looks like,
It’s not hard to choose which one I’d prefer. I’m not saying the dessert doesn’t have its own beauty, because it does, I’m just saying I really really really miss the beauty of the changing leaves (to name one).
It’s been said there’s no place more beautiful than New England in Autumn. I mean, just look at the pictures, could you argue?
[image error]
[image error]
If I could take a walk here, I’d get lost in its beauty with every step. How about you? Doesn't it just provide great scope for the imagination? My walks wouldn’t be walks, they’d be, as Henry Thorough puts it, “sauntering”. His exact words were, “I have met with but one or two persons in the course of my life who understood the art of Walking, that is, of taking walks- who had a genius, so to speak, for sauntering.”
He has described going for walks in more detail in his essay entitled, Walking. Here’s a quote from the essay,
“But the walking of which I speak has nothing in it akin to taking exercise, as it is called, as the sick take medicine at stated hours—as the Swinging of dumb- bells or chairs; but is itself the enterprise and adventure of the day. If you would get exercise, go in search of the springs of life. Think of a man's swinging dumbbells for his health, when those springs are bubbling up in far-off pastures unsought by him!”
For those of you who might not know who Henry Thoreau is, here’s a quick introduction.
Henry David Thoreau lived from 1817-1862, born and raised in Concord, MA. He was an American poet and author, a philosopher, a surveyor and a historian. He’s famous for several essays and a book entitled “Walden”. He lived simply and loved nature. In his essay entitled, October, or Autumnal Tints, he gives an achingly beautiful fall scene. He writes as though the reader was his walking companion at that very moment, and allows the reader to feel as though they were with him. He goes beyond gorgeous descriptions to making statements about perception itself, not as an abstract subject, but as an ever present, concrete example. He writes in a way that teaches the reader how to see as opposed to what to see. It’s a how to perceive manual so to speak.
Let me show you. Here are some excerpts of his essay,
October, or Autumnal Tints
“October is the month of painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world. As fruits and leaves and the day itself acquire a bright tint just before they fall, so the year nears its setting. October is its sunset sky; November the later twilight…
The Red Maple
[image error]
By the twenty-fifth of September, the Red Maples generally are beginning to be ripe. Some large ones have been conspicuously changing for a week, and some single trees are now very brilliant. I notice a small one, half a mile off across a meadow, against the green wood-side there, a far brighter red than the blossoms of any tree in summer, and more conspicuous. I have observed this tree for several autumns invariably changing earlier than its fellows, just as one tree ripens its fruit earlier than another. It might serve to mark the season, perhaps. I should be sorry, if it were cut down. I know of two or three such trees in different parts of our town, which might, perhaps, be propagated from, as early ripeners or September trees, and their seed be advertised in the market, as well as that of radishes, if we cared as much about them.
At present, these burning bushes stand chiefly along the edge of the meadows, or I distinguish them afar on the hill-sides here and (l there. Sometimes you will see many small ones in a swamp turned quite crimson when all other trees around are still perfectly green, and the former appear so much the brighter for it. They take you by surprise, as you are going by on one side, across the fields, thus early in the season, as if it were some gay encampment of the red men, or other foresters, of whose arrival you had not heard.
Some single trees, wholly bright scarlet, seen against others of their kind still freshly green, or against evergreens, are more memorable than whole groves will be by-and-by. How beautiful, when a whole tree is like one great fruit full of ripe juices, every leaf from lowest limb to topmost spire, all aglow, especially if you look toward the sun! What more remarkable object can there be in the landscape? Visible for miles, too fair to be believed.
The Elm
[image error]
Now, too, the first of October, or later, the Elms are at the height of their autumnal beauty, great brownish-yellow masses, warm from their September oven, hanging over the highway. Their leaves are perfectly ripe. I wonder if there is any answering ripeness in the lives of the men who live beneath them. As I look down our street, which is lined with them, they remind me both by their form and color of yellowing sheaves of grain, as if the harvest had indeed come to the village itself, and we might expect to find some maturity and flavor in the thoughts of the villagers at last. Under those bright rustling yellow piles just ready to fall on the heads of the walkers, how can any crudity or greenness of thought or act prevail?
Fallen Leaves
[image error]
Down they have come on all sides, at the first earnest touch of autumn's wand, making a sound like rain…A queen might be proud to walk where these gallant trees have spread their bright cloaks in the mud…The frost touches them, and, with the slightest breath of returning day or jarring of earth's axle, see in what showers they come floating down!... It is pleasant to walk over the beds of these fresh, crisp, and rustling leaves. How beautifully they go to their graves!
[image error] [image error]
Let your walks now be a little more adventurous; ascend the hills. If, about the last of October, you ascend any hill in the outskirts of our town, and probably of yours, and look over the forest, you may see well, what I have endeavored to describe... Objects are concealed from our view, not so much because they are out of the course of our visual ray as because we do not bring our minds and eyes to bear on them.”
[image error]
As I mentioned earlier, I LOVE the fall season! The Autumn feeling I get warms me from the rose in my cheeks to the tinkle of my toes and reaches to my heart of hearts. I love Autumn because the colors are stunning. The air is refreshing. The drinks are warm, the atmosphere is amazing. The movies are scarier. My walks are longer. The ground crunches beneath my feet. The songs are soothing. The clothes are comfier. The pumpkins greet you at every door. The blankets are plentiful, the candles are fragrant, the chimneys smoke.
Just a few of my favorite things,
The trees, the colors, the weather!
[image error]
The soaps and candles, all the smells of cinnamon, nutmeg and spice!
[image error]
Hot chocolate and apple ciders, cinnamon rolls and pumpkin bread!
[image error] [image error]
Reading poetry and great classics, pondering and exploring nature!
[image error] [image error]
Cozy socks, blankets, fires, and warm drinks!
[image error] 
[image error]
Halloween costumes, jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin pies and parties!
[image error] 
Flannel, fall colors, and fall fashion!
[image error]
Romance!!!!!
[image error]
All of this has made me want to go out for pumpkin pie and cider! Stay tuned for my upcoming blog that will teach you how to make the BEST cinnamon rolls from scratch! Also, STAY TUNED for the Young Adult (YA) Scavenger Hunt coming up!!!! You won't want to miss it!!!!
Till next time~
Linda Louise Lotti
Fight, Not Flight
Dear Diary,
"So basically," Aman summarized, "you don't have a fight response."
I knew this wasn't going to go well for me.
We had just finished talking about my lack of love of bugs ("Do you kill them?" Um, no. I make someone else kill them. Except for mosquitoes, I'll kill those.), shutting my eyes and huddling into a ball when things are coming at me (baseballs, basketballs, soft balls, car keys), and running away in general. Yes, I would qualify all that as the flight response. When faced with a fight or flight physical situation, I will flee nearly every time. I will not flee when it comes to my daughter. But yes. Basically, I don't have a fight response.
We had just finished warm ups but before we moved into wushu, I got the pleasure (ABSOLUTE TERROR) to dodge punches without closing my eyes and without moving the wrong way and without leaning backwards. "Stay loose," he says. "Once you accept that you're in a fight and you're going to be hit, it's easy." But I'm still fighting a lifelong reaction of flinching and fleeing. I'm going to have to set specific goals to work on throughout the week with my sister so I can feel like I'm progressing.
GOAL: Don't die.
Last week, we did punches, palms, and kicks as individual things. This week, we combined them together. Well, we did some separate like outside kicks (from last week) and inside kicks (new this week). And then combinations. Punch and kick. It's harder than you'd think. Bring the knee up and snap the foot out (pointed toe) while punching with the opposite hand. This is kicking in the groin and punching in the chest. That way you have a visual of how close your hand and foot need to be to each other. Palm and kick is a little harder only because palms are not as natural to me yet as punching. And the kick is supposed to be higher. You're aiming for the chest for the foot and the collarbone for the palm. Both my kicks are just about knee kicks right now. Or a very short person's groin.
GOAL: Only fight short people.
I balanced like a drunk sparrow.
GOAL: Remain on two feet at all times.
We started jumps! Run, jump, run. Turn around and repeat. Land softly. Keep running. I'd pretty much end up in a hospital after a fight because after jumping, I'm "done". Nope, gotta keep moving. Then jump on the right land while driving the left knee into the air. Only the right leg. Wushu isn't one of those things you do equally on both sides. Sometimes yes, most times no.
GOAL: Jump high, run farther.
Stance time! (Goodness, I hope I'm not forgetting anything we did yesterday... otherwise, it won't be practiced...) We also took a few minutes to record/photograph some moves and stances as proof of my terribleness now so I can see improvement later. Horse stance: check. Bow stance: check. Drop stance: ouch. By now my legs were struggling. And drop stance is pretty much legs doing all the work. Down and up five times. Stay down and hold on the fifth time. 10 seconds then shake it out. Repeat down and up into drop stance except hold it for 15 seconds. I expect you increase the time beyond then because 15 seconds isn't really that long. Unless your legs are wanting to give out. But 15 seconds by this point was hard enough!
GOAL: Get messy, make mistakes, take a field trip. (Bonus points if you know the Frizz!)
During the final stretches, Aman told me how to go deeper into the standing splits. You go down as far as you go and you hold for a few seconds before squeezing tight for five seconds. Your feet press against the floor and your legs and glutes are just squeezing to "push" yourself away from the floor. That's how it feels anyway. Once you release the squeeze, you sink deeper towards the ground. If you think it's impossible, try it. I didn't go down far but I did a little. Then I squeezed for ten seconds before sinking down deeper. That time I barely moved and my hips said "no way, girlfriend!"
The rule of stretching is--if you used it, stretch it and then stretch it some more. Stretch every day. Stretching my hips even when they were super sore wasn't fun but I don't doubt that it helped.
Well, I won't say today's lesson was easier than last week. I get the feeling that each lesson will make me feel like such a beginner. Not that that is a bad thing. I mean, two lessons of martial arts in my life definitely counts as a beginner!! But I'll practice this week, get better (hopefully), and then next week, we'll do different things, more combinations, harder and new ways to move and I'll feel like a beginner all over again. And I have to deal with this run and hide response I've got. It hasn't caused me problems yet (some family members would doubtless laugh at that) but you know, it's worked for me. It will take a lot of practice for me to overcome it. Am I up for the challenge?
25 September 2013
Rejoice with me, Diary!! I'm not anywhere near as sore as I was last week! I'm about... Saturday sore. That was post-workout by four days. Soon Kimmi and I will go to the park, let the kiddos run around, and practice wushu. And take pictures--the ones from yesterday did not have great lighting.
26 September 2013
Dear Diary,
More sore today than yesterday. It was them kicks I practiced. I did some stance work today too. Horse, bow, and I barely made it through 10 seconds of drop stance. I did it twice though and still barely made it through 10 seconds. I have a real Practice List too.
Stretch every day.
Maintain my workout schedule.
Fit in a minimum of two wushu practices.
Focus on making things snap.
And if I ever want to feel pained (Aman says inspired), I have a youtube video to watch: here and here.
28 September 2013
Dear Diary,
Two types of soreness going on. I did a non-wushu workout on Thursday (not unusual for me) and it was my first day at a new level of pull ups. Reverse pull ups and chin ups. Yes. I'm sore. My biceps and upper back especially. I did a wushu workout today anyway. I just had to keep shaking out my arms! The punch and kicks (and palm and kicks) are feeling much more natural to me. I don't have much of the snap down yet but it's getting better. I've also focused on my stretch kicks becoming faster. Each individual kick needs to be faster, not "do more kicks in the same amount of time". It takes a lot of core muscle.
September 30, 2013
Egyptian Prize Winner
Oh, and our winner is Meghan G. Meghan, I have emailed you! Please respond quickly so you can receive and enjoy your prize.
Looking forward...
Linda and I have many posts in the works. Many have been requested topics by fans. Continue to let us know what you want to hear about!
Have you noticed how many likes Colleen has on Facebook? Holy Cow! You guys are the best! I am gathering up a prize pack for when we hit SIX DIGITS on Facebook. I'll talk more about it when we're a little closer.
September 26, 2013
Daughters of the River God Achelous, Sirens
Daughters of the River God Achelous, Sirens
We all know and love Houck’s twist on Indian mythology in her Tiger’s Curse series. I must admit that the way she intricately weaved the mythological creatures and history into her stories is what attracted me to the books and set her apart as one of my favorite authors. I feel like I’m truly escaping with every turn of the page, fully enraptured by the thrill of Kelsey’s adventures. I’d like to set aside a few blogs each month to mythological creatures/places. I’ve already shared some history on dragons, the Kappa, the Phoenix, and El Naddaha (female sea nymph-like genie) in my earlier blog posts. Next on my list, thanks to your suggestions, will be the Siren (but stay tuned for the Griffin, the Kracken, and Mermaids)!
So sit back, take a deep breath, and prepare yourself as you step aboard Captain Odysseus’ ship heading out to sea.
Friends best beware, for it be here where ye be enterin’ the world of Sirens!
An Introduction
According to Greek Mythology, the Sirens were three, Pisinoe, Aglaope, and Thelxiepi (although various versions have different names), all daughters of the river god, Achelous. They were dangerous, they were beautiful and they were very musical. Legend has it they were companions of the young Persephone when one day she was captured by Hades, the god of the underworld. Her mother, Demeter, the goddess of fertility and harvest, gave the sirens wings to search for her. When they failed, she cursed them. 
They have been described as half human half bird. In early depictions, they have the body of a bird and a head of a human. However in later versions, different parts were human such as torso and chest. The more modern versions describe sirens as having a mostly human form that is quite seductive. It has been said that the sirens competed with the Muses in a singing contest and lost. The Muses plucked all the siren's feathers and made a crown out of them. As a result, they were unable to fly and turned half of their body into a fish tail. Another version explains the loss of feathers by choice. They would shed their feathers and change their form to half fish to be more mermaid like and be more attractive to men.
[image error]
They have been called the Muses of the lower world. Sirens are commonly portrayed as seducers of the water, luring mariners by their sweet melodies to treacherous rocky waters. Some say the men fall captive to the sirens, even to their death just to be closer.
So the story goes
The most famous telling of the sirens is Odysseus and his voyage across the seas. The story goes that Odysseus had heard of the enchanting melodies sung on the sea air and he was desirous to hear of this for himself. He ordered his crew to tie him to the mast and for his crew to plug their ears with bees wax. Then he warned them not to release him no matter what his request. So, as they neared the sirens, he heard their sweet melody, and just as he was warned, he begged to be untied. The crew, having their ears plugged, could not hear and were not affected. They did not untie him and waited until they were a great distance away from the sirens and they could no longer be heard. They say that if a person were to escape the sirens after hearing their song, they were fated to die. 
Powers
Sirens have also been described as "sea-sirens", whose beauty reflected the wondrous treasures and power of the sea itself. They could enchant with their music and control the minds of men. They are immortal but cursed.
[image error]
Folk Tale
There is a poem written by William Gilmore Simms, called Siren of the French Broad, written in 1845. Here is retelling of it, (found at northcarolinaghosts.com)
"As twilight descends into night, the young man doesn't go inside of his tent, but still sits by the side of the river, staring into the deep waters of the pool. As night comes into its own, the young man hears the sweet singing once again, more indescribably beautiful than any voice he has ever heard. And as the voice grows louder it seems to be coming from the pool of dark water by his feet. And as he looks into the pool, he seems to see the form of a beautiful dark-haired woman rising out of the water towards him. She is naked and more perfect than he could have imagined, the smooth curves of her body seeming to repeat the slow, smooth curves of the river. And he knows that she is singing to him.
Unable to resist, the young man reaches into the water to touch the woman, but as her hand wraps around his it is not warm flesh that he feels, but cold, rough and slimy scales and claws that dig painfully into his arm before he can pull away.Before he even has a chance to scream, the cold grip pulls him into the dark water and he disappears below the surface and to his doom, another young life lost to the Siren of the French Broad."
Below is a section of the original poem by Simms,
"The murmur thus rose in his secret soul
As beside the stream he lay,
And watch'd its billows, that, bounding
With the rocks kept fearful play.
But soon 'midst the din a song rose,
The fainting heart to cheer,
A song as sweet as the evening bird,
Still sings in the flowret's ear.
He look'd, and lo! in the foaming wave,
That plays with the rocks below,
A maiden glides without stretching arms
And a bosom white as snow.
A glimpse he sees, a sudden gleam,
From an eye that shone as bright,
As the single star that at midnight streams,
Alone from the mountain height.
Dark as the night her tresses float,
Outflung by her bouyant arms,
And, spread o'er her bosom, now half conceal,
Now half betray her charms.
And sung she then, with a pleading voice:
"Thou faint'st with the noonday heat
Thy brow is sad, thine eyelids droop,
And sore with toil thy feet.
Then come to me, -in a sweet embrace,
I'll soothe thy heart to rest,
While thy burning cheek, as the wave flows by,
Is pillow'd on my breast."
The syren thus-"oh! come to me!"
And, won by her maiden charms,
He sought the wave, but shudd'ring rushed,
From the clutch of her death-cold arms.
To the shore he fled, but alas! too late,-
And this his dying sense could hear,
The cruel notes of that syren song
That late had won his ear.
A plaintive strain of love no more,
It rose with a fearful glee;
"And death," she cried "to the stranger bold,
Who seeks embrace of me!"
So there you have it, a feature on the mythological creature, the Siren. I hope you enjoyed learning a little about it and reading some folk lore that went with it. If you decide to do a little research on Sirens for yourself, you will find there are many versions out there.
Let me know what you think about this creature and for fun, share an idea of a power or characteristic you'd give the Siren if you were writing your own version of the mythological creature. Just leave a comment for everyone to enjoy!
If I were to write a Siren into an adventure story, I'd have her with wings and fish tails I think. Since they were cursed by Persephone's mother out of grief and anger, I'd build off that. My Sirens would shed tears and it is in their tears their songs are heard across the waters, sad lullabies that lull men . The men would be under their spell upon first sight, willing to do whatever bidding the Sirens asked. The Sirens, wishing to be free of their curse and cold and unfeeling creatures, would bid them swim to the bottom of the ocean to retrieve treasure. The men would drown in their attempts and the Sirens would continue to cry. Here's a picture I think would fit with my idea,
I look forward to hearing your idea.
Till next time ~ Linda
September 23, 2013
Mr. Kadam's Cup O' Tea
Mr. Kadam’s Cup O’ Tea
[image error]
A fan recently asked what Mr. Kadam’s favorite tea was so in response to this question, I thought, why not dedicate an entire blog to tea from the perspective of Mr. Kadam himself.
Before I do, let me first answer this fan’s question. The answer is found in Tiger’s Voyage after the encounter on the ship with the Red Dragon. “I had the Golden Fruit make Mr. Kadam a cup of his favorite orange blossom tea… He winked at me gratefully and sipped from the cup before stretching out his bent back.”
To understand and fully appreciate tea (in the voice of Mr. Kadam), we must first explore its properties and origins. As you may already know, herbal tea remedies are soothing and rejuvenating beverages with pleasant aromas which are good for both mind and spirit. Are you also aware that they provide numerous health benefits and medicinal purposes?
Let me see, ah yes, let us begin with tea’s origins. I believe the earliest written record of drinking tea was found in ancient China approximately tenth century B.C. It was prepared and served both hot and cold and was consumed as a medicinal tonic that promoted a wide variety of health benefits.
[image error] [image error]
It was introduced to my home, India, by the British in the 17th century. Many took a serious interest and dedicated their time to the study of these medicinal plants and herbs. Research over several decades has shown that several plants have a variety of health benefits. The herbal teas are a combination of fruit and herbs without the use of the tea plant (green or black). These, in particular, are my favorite.
[image error]
For your pleasure, I’ll give a brief synopsis of the benefits and purposes of my top 18 teas:
1-
Ginger Tea
[image error]
Ginger is a natural stimulant and provides energy, alertness and mental focus. Drinking ginger tea both stimulates and soothes the digestive system and has been known to help with nausea. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties.
2- Chamomile Tea
[image error]
Chamomile tea is from the flower itself and soothes the stomach by relieving bloating and indigestion. It also calms the mind and promotes a relaxed state. Chamomile is helpful if having trouble sleeping.
3-
Nettle Tea
[image error]
Nettle tea is made from the stinging leaves of a nettle, named for the tiny hairs on the leaf that can sting the skin. It has many medicinal remedies including anemia, high blood pressure, arthritis, coughs and common cold, urinary tract infections, and aids in proper kidney and bladder function.
4-
Peppermint Tea
[image error]
For me, peppermint is a great alternative to a fizzy drink. There’s a light and playful energy and yet also soothes and comforts. Peppermint is a fragrant herb that aides in digestion and helps with nausea and vomiting. This is not a recommended herbal tea if you have heartburn as it may aggravate your condition. The natural mint also freshens your breath, helps with muscle aches and chronic pain, and clears mild coughs and congestion, asthma and reduces stress.
5-
Lavender Tea
[image error]
Lavender is a scented herb used for many centuries and for many purposes. A cup of lavender tea can soothe your mind and body, induce sleep and lift spirits. It is known to help treat flatulence, colic, bowel infections, and upset stomach. It can be placed on the chest to help reduce cough, bronchitis, asthma, cold and other respiratory illnesses. Lavender is also beneficial in reducing body temperature during fever. It can be used to help clean and heal cuts, ulcers and sores.
6-
Lemon Balm Tea
[image error]
Lemon Balm tea has a citrusy fragrant aroma and helps calm nerves and anxiety. It can help relieve cold sores and support proper thyroid function. A great herbal remedy if you suffer from aches and pains.
7-
Rosemary Tea
[image error]
Rosemary is another herb with many purposes. It is helpful with sore muscles, aides in healthy digestion, and relieves cough and mild asthma symptoms. Rosemary is also said to help relieve symptoms regarding gall bladder and liver problems.
8-
Hibiscus Flower Tea (Sorrel)
[image error]
Dried hibiscus flowers offer great health benefits including strengthening the immune system, lowering blood pressure, reducing high cholesterol and is rich in Vitamin C. Infusions are known to reduce hypertension and is rich in antioxidants.
9-
Cardamom Tea
[image error]
Cardamom is an evergreen plant grown mainly in India and Guatemala. It has a sweet pungent aroma and flavor and is known to treat indigestion, stomach pain, and helps with nausea. Cardamom helps fight pulmonary disease and works as a good expectorant and provides cough relief. It counteracts too much caffeine in your system and assists with mood swings during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
10-
Rosehips Tea
[image error]
Rosehips are the fruit of the rose plant and are a great source of Vitamin C. Not too much has been said except that it is fragrant and is nature’s immunity booster.
11-
Milk Thistle Tea
[image error]
Milk Thistle tea typically serves as a gentle liver cleanser and aides in proper digestion.
12-
Oat Tea
[image error]
Both oat seed tea and oat straw tea are perfect options for those looking for a coffee alternative. There is an earthy, grainy flavor coupled with a comforting aroma and is known for its calming, and grounding abilities.
13-
Lemongrass Tea
[image error]
The citrusy tang that comes from lemongrass is a common ingredient in culinary dishes but is also wonderful as a tea. It supports proper digestion and is commonly offered as an after dinner drink.
14
-
Echinacea Tea
[image error]
Echinacea is mostly known to help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold. It helps boost the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and has antioxidant effects. The leaves and flowers are the most potent portion.
15-
Blackberry Leaves Tea
[image error]
Picked, dried in the sun and infused with boiling water, blackberry leaves are the essence of most berry-flavored teas. Studies suggest that the leaves contain a healthy dose of flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant activity.
16-
Hawthorne Tea
[image error]
This plant is said to contain flavonoid complexes that help improve cardiovascular health by dilating blood vessels, thereby increasing blood circulation. They are also believed to rid the body of excess salt and water retention.
17-
Green Tea
[image error]
Green tea is not an herbal tea but it is worthy of mention here. It is called the ‘wonder herb’ and is said to contain a host of health benefits. It is considered to lower cancer risk and has potent antioxidants called polyphenols which help suppress free radicals. It is said to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and boost your immune system. Many use it as a dietary supplement for weight loss.
18-Orange Blossom Tea
[image error] [image error]
The flowers of both the bitter and sweet have been used for centuries for treatment of anxiety and insomnia, due to the mild sedative effects on the nervous system resulting from the properties found in the flowers. It is also used to aide in digestion and for upset stomach.
[image error]
As you already know, my favorite is Orange Blossom, or as I like to call it, my “ahhhh” tea. Sometimes life has a way of wearing us down, creating imbalances in mind, body and spirit. The good news is you can take control and restore that balance. There are several herbal teas that can help dust off your trampled spirits and achy bones and with each sip you’ll be feeling better in no time. I’d encourage you to try them all when you have the chance. Most of the teas I’ve described above are single herbs. You can find them in bulk or pre-packaged in tea envelopes. I hope you enjoy them and find your own favorite. Take time out from the busy going ons of your day. Take peace and be still. And remember this my friends, "and this, our life, exempt from public haunt, find tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything"~ William Shakespeare
Till next time~
Linda Louise Lotti
Getting My Wushu On
17 September 2013
Dear Diary,
My very first wushu lesson ended six hours ago. My shoulders and upper back still let me know we have issues with each other. If I'm not sore tomorrow, I'll be surprised. Very surprised. And annoyed. Seriously. I'm one of those people who like that good post-exercise soreness that tells me I'm doing good stuff. I had stopped getting sore with my previous workout (but still seeing improvements) and I miss it. I'm sure Jared doesn't miss my comments though. "Man, my hamstrings!" "Move your elbow, child!" "Ouch...." Aman promised me soreness. And I'm inclined to believe him. He kind of knows more about this stuff than I do. Oh! And my hip joints feel like I have isolated heat packs sitting on them. Such a weird feeling.
Okay, so, let's talk Aman. I showed my sister a picture and she said "oh my gosh, he fits perfectly!" What she means is... he's not a Li. He's a Ren and Kishan. You know, the control, the confidence, well defined arm and shoulder muscles... Views like that make the world a happier place. And, really, I can't move like that. I believe I wrote the words "powerful" and "explosive" before. Other commonly heard words were "sharp" and "snap". I'm more flowy and slow. Let me make sure I have this right because if I go quicker, I feel too much out of control. I'm sure that will change. I hope that will change. My muscles will learn.
Since this was my first lesson, I arrived at 30 minutes early to get my daughter situated in the gym's child center. Then I headed up the stairs to meet up with Aman. We started with a warm up. I'll usually do warm up on my own but having never done whatever he wants me to do, we started early today. Treadmill jog for, I don't know, four minutes? Then the lunges and stretches.
No, wait. Let's remember it all. I have to do it again.
Walking lunges: You take a big step into a lunge stretch. All the way across the room, alternating legs.
Backwards walking lunges: Take the walking lunges but backwards. It takes a lot of balance to go backwards!
8 point something or another: Start standing. 1-crouch down, hands by feet. 2-jump out to plank position. 3-do a push up. 4-finish your one pushup. 5-jump your feet out wide (really wide, no, get your feet out wider). 6-jump your feet back together. 7-jump your feet up by hands. 8-stand up. Keep a steady count throughout. Let someone else count how many you should do (I did more than 5, that's all I remember.)
Jump squats (except Aman called them something else): Start feet together. Jump feet apart and sink into a squat. Come up and jump feet together and jump feet apart again to sink into another squat. Repeat until someone tells you to stop. (I'm terrible at counting.)
Regular squats: hands behind head, keeping torso upright as much as possible.
Circle arms big, forwards and backwards.
Then he checked my coordination and one arm went forwards while the other went backwards. Then switch. I have good coordination.
Circle hips around. Both ways.
Circle knees around. Both ways. Don't hold onto your knees. Place your hands a few inches above your knees.
Drink some water.
I'm a little tired just writing all that!
So, I am done the warm up and now it's time to move onto arm work. Everything was segmented out which is making it easier to remember everything we did. I put all the information about warm ups into a mental box, tied it with a mental ribbon (pink, my daughter would insist), and put it into a mental cubby hole. Then I opened another box for the arm section.
Most of the time when you see people punch, it is a short punch. Their torso stays fairly center and they jab out at their target. In Wushu, you throw a long punch. You turn from your hips. You also have to get used to the beginning pose. I'm not sure it's proper name. But it's the beginning of really good posture. Shoulders down and back. Fists at your waist (waist, not hips). Shoulders back. Thumbs across the first two knuckles (thumb side facing up). Shoulders back. Chest out. Shoulders back. And down. Feet together. Check your shoulders again.... And don't you dare think you're tired of that yet. Because the mantra of the hour is "shoulders down" or "shoulders back". Or just "shoulders...."
[image error]
So you're in your beginning pose and it's time to punch. A front long punch. Your fist comes out in front of you, arm extended, torso turning to make one long, elegant, powerful looking weapon of fist. But with your shoulders down and back. You keep your fist with the thumb up until the very end, when you snap your fist into the punch with the thumb side down, the first two knuckles facing directly straight into your target (which happens to be air but... imagine). Aman related it to the crack of a whip. There is more power with a snap than without. Also, if your knuckles are facing any other orientation, you risk breaking your wrist when you hit a target other than a ghost. Same with making sure your thumbs are in the right place (across the first two knuckles). As you return your fist to your side, you bring your other fist out, turning your torso to the other side. It is kind of... flowy. But mostly sharp and powerful. Maybe if I hear those words enough, I'll become more comfortable with the actions that go along with them. Do several of them. Don't worry about speed. Try to get the snap though.
[image error]
Next up was a side long punch. Your fist comes out to the side with that same snap at the very end. And your head looks the same way. As you bring your fist back, you snap your other fist out. Again, slow is fine. Snap is better. And check your shoulders.
I kind of need to get to bed... so very quickly... After the side punches, I learned palms to the front, the side, and overhead (flash palms). And it isn't the heel of the palm, it's the pinky finger edge of the hand. I have never considered the flexibility in my arms and wrists. Let's just say, they could use work.
[image error]
Next was a super brief "this is what a hook is". Basically, all your fingers touch the thumb and they point down to create a hook. I imagine that if my arm was detached at my shoulder, it would resemble a scythe. That's a good mental image I have given to myself now. Way to go, Suki. Please forgive me, Diary. It is much too late.
Then he showed me an arm flow that I can't describe right now. A flow is.. actually, I was telling Jared about my lesson and he was confused at my usage of flow. So I'm not actually sure it's called a flow in wushu. But in yoga, a flow is a series of poses. Like the sun salutation is a flow.
Then we started kicking. Kelsey didn't kick until her second lesson. But she did do stances in her first lesson. I did a little bit of everything. Except for jumping. So kicks with my arms out. Oh yeah. My shoulders got tired. Did I mention that your shoulders should be down and back? Front kicks, side kicks, cross kicks, and outside kicks. I'll have to talk more about them another time.
Then the stances. Horse stance and bow stance. Horse stance is a wide squat. Second position, if you know ballet. Speaking of ballet, during one of the kicks, Aman asked if I was a dancer. Not exactly. I have a natural talent for it but it is a raw, undeveloped talent and so I'm not very good. But I always wanted to learn more. Apparently I move in a way that made him ask. That made me happy. I'm rambling on... a sure sign of my tiredness! Oh, and I know the arms aren't "correct" but for the first day, he said anything was fine.
[image error]
Bow stance is similar to Warrior II in yoga but your hands are in fists and rest at your side. Resting is a terrible word to use then. You are so. not. resting. Stances are different from the rest because you get to hold them. *get to* No constant movement. Just holding. Aman said that the Shaolin monks would have boiling tea placed on their knees and they could drink it and stand up only when it had cooled down. My thinking is "how cool does the tea have to be?"
[image error]
The cool thing is that in lesson one, I got to see and begin to put some of these separate components together. I certainly did not have everything down well. My back heel kept coming up in bow stance (like a lunge instead of warrior ii). My shoulders need to be down and back. Thumbs on first two knuckles. Or cocked at the side if I'm in open hand. There is SO MUCH to remember. My muscles just don't know it yet. Once my muscles can do the remembering for me, it'll be exciting. But it was exciting to begin the first form. Going from horse stance to bow stance with a cross punch. It was a really good way to end the lesson.
If you don't count stretching as part of the end of the lesson. Haha. Because we stretched. Good hip stretches. The whole legs-straight-in-front-of-you-and-touch-your toes stretch except I can barely reach past my knees. Standing up and hanging down. And kind of like the splits. He said I'd have a mean side kick. I'm guessing that means I wasn't too terrible at that last one.
[image error]
18 September 2013
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
Later. Aman texted to see how my legs were feeling. Well, they are for sure sore. My inner thighs, my hamstring where it meets my glutes, and my hip joints. I have been working all day so at least I have kept them moving. But the periods when I would be sitting for a time just about killed me when I moved about and had the huge reminder that, yes, I did something new yesterday. He also said the warmth in my hip joints was because they just aren't used to moving all crazy like.
20 September 2013
I expect to be sore until probably Sunday. Hopefully I'll have a small break before going back in on Tuesday to be sore all over again. Today I went running. I wanted to cry for the first few minutes until my inner thighs settled into the run. Still hurt but not as much. Only made it 1.5 miles before walking. Ran a little bit more at the end... had to get over the initial pain again...
23 September 2013
Dear Diary,
I haven't been super sore since Saturday. Today I can still feel some sore spots only when I do my deep stretches. Yay! I get today and tomorrow sore-free! Before living back in the land of Ever Sore for another three or four days.
For your viewing pleasure, one last photo from our little photo shoot. My sister likes the brick on my house so she likes taking pictures there, but the sun was shining bright. "Stop glaring!" she said. "I'm not glaring. It's sunny! Now hurry up and take a picture!" was my reply.
[image error]
Thank you for all the wonderful words of encouragement! I'll take them with me to my lesson tomorrow to buoy my confidence!
September 18, 2013
September Contest Runner Ups
I've had several requests to reveal the runner ups for the September writing contest. Many of you remember the contest where I challenged you to compose a short story, poem, article, etc. based on the picture of a young woman kneeling by a small water hole. And so, your wish is but my command!
Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the top eight finalists (in no particular order) . . .
[image error]
*******************************************************************
The Woman in the Clearing
By: Katie Melssen
Out of breath and scared I stumbled out of the woods and into a small clearing. The clearing was almost like a field, it even had the remains of a fence on one side. In the middle of the clearing there was a gorgeous woman with long golden brown hair next to a small pool of water. On her knee there was a black raven and the woman was talking to the bird, as she gazed at her own reflection in the pool. Curious as to what she was saying to the raven I slowly eased my way from the woods toward her. I had taken about three steps and was close enough to hear what the mysterious lady was saying, when she abruptly got up from the pond. I froze, sure that I had been caught and was going to get in trouble for disturbing her. Instead of turning and looking at me, she walked into the pond and disappeared.
Wasting no time I ran to the small pond, and gazed into. At first I saw only my reflection, and then slowly I watched as the water rippled and the image of the beautiful woman appeared. She was different however; looking at her in the pool she appeared much older and somehow wiser. Just as I was about to leave the strange pond and the woman, she lifted an arm and slowly beckoned to me. Not sure what to do and afraid to go back into the woods, I walked into the shallow pond. At first I felt myself sinking into the sand and then I suddenly felt my body getting pulled through the bottom of the pond and into a new world.
********************************************************************
Frozen Sleep
By: Scarlet Rain
You said you'd wait for me in your frozen sleep. At the bottom of the well. The promises you sung lulled me. You'd kiss my eyes and lay me to sleep. But now I return them. Everything. I had waited for you for days. But you never showed your face. So now I walk alone. How could you make walk alone? No one by my side. This light gives no warmth. This bird gives no hope. This is where we use to play. We'd laugh and be young. But now the once lush trees are dead like your body. But when I look down I see you smiling. Smiling at me. I loved your smile. I still love it. So I smile back. But now you smile waiting for me in your frozen sleep. At the bottom of the well...
********************************************************************
Whispers
By Cara A. Brooks
Those are what surrounded her. They spelled the air and ruffled the feathers of the bird on her knee. The bird they sent to her.
They watched, silent and unmoving, as the pale girl with the pale dress and the pale skin reached out to the surface of the pond. The pond that was not. For they knew, as they knew all else, what the pond held.
They had seen everything, heard everything, for the past millennium. Or the past two or three. They were as old as time itself. For time was their father… and their mother? Nature.
So yes, they had seen many things. They had even seen the creatures that had by-passed time. The creatures whose world the girl was about to enter. And they would’ve stopped her. If they could.
But they couldn’t. So they had sent their bird. An animal borne of the wind, but loyal to everything beneath it. They had tried to warn her, speaking in their ancient tones and magical slurs, but she would not listen. No one would. Even as their race dwindled, trying to fight an enemy that hadn’t waged war, only a few would heed their plea. This girl was not one of them.
What a foolish girl to be reeled in by the creatures’ allure. The allure of never-ending beauty, of timelessness. Why should she follow those unnatural creatures when beauty and timelessness lay right before her eyes?
But it was already too late for her.
She stood, taking one last breath, and then plunged into the mirror world.
Another soul lost. They looked on mournfully, the toll of being timeless coming due yet again.
Knowledge was a heavy burden. A burden carried on their leaves and branches, in their roots. A burden carried only by trees.
********************************************************************
The Puddle of Love
By Meegan Griffin
Every whisper of wind, I heard your name
Every cloud dance across the sky is like you and I.
Dusk is a moment only for us
Flowers spring up from where we were, as if earth misses you as much I do.
The animals you saved sing of sorrow.
I keep the raven, for he shows the love we had
His raven feathers remind me of your hair.
We saved him, the way I wish I could’ve saved you.
Time continued, and life went on.
My patched heart will forever hold scars of our, once, love.
Today, like the day we met,
Where the trees whispered secrets,
As wind danced to music,
On day, my last tear would be shed.
Dress of white, rippling in the light breeze,
Raven and I went behind the darkened woods
To the puddle of memories,
To tears I cried, the love I had, the magic of you.
As my last tear falls from my finger into a puddle I made,
Into a hole Mother Earth made, for the loss of you
A Whisper slips from my lips, a whisper only you would know, my love.
********************************************************************
A Fairy's Dream
by Kayslee Decker
Cassian stared at her reflection in the deep black water of the pool. The face that looked back at her was pale and tired, not very queen-like. Yet that's what she was: queen of the Fairies, Empress of the Glade, and Lady of the Forest.
Thunder rolled in the distance, heralding the approach of the impending storm. “We must return,” she said to the raven perched at her side, rising and unfurling her wings. Lantern in hand, Queen Cassian took off into the deepening gloom.
The thunder grew louder as Cassian and Lawrence flew on. By the time they reached the Oak, fat raindrops had begun to fall. The two barely reached the Oak's towering front doors before the storm arrived.
An onslaught of rain, wind, and debris pounded against the walls of the Oak, causing fairy residents to tremble in their beds. “How many this time?” Cassian asked of Lawrence, her best adviser and closest friend.
“I fear Lord Ethros sets his entire army upon us,” he replied grimly. Cassian shuddered, then steeled herself; she mustn't show weakness.
“Alert the army,” she said. “It's going to be a long night.”
Just as Cassian feared, the entire army of Ethra was in full attack. Enemies were falling right and left, but more kept coming. The fairy army fought bravely, but the battle would soon be over. Suddenly, an especially loud shout was heard over the melee:
“The queen! Kill the queen!” Lord Ethros sped toward Queen Cassian, his dark fingers sparking with deadly lightning. Cassian screamed, loud and shrill, as Lord Ethros sent a fatal bolt of electricity toward her heart--”
Queen Cassian sat bolt upright, gasping for breath. Her terrified scream still echoed in her sunlit bedchamber; it had been a dream.
********************************************************************
Raven
By: Julia Feidler
I look down at my reflection in the spring pool. A girl with long golden hair stares back. Her eyes look tired and are brimming with frustration. By looking at her, you couldn’t see the power and knowledge inside of her. I closed my eyes and resented my power.
I came from a line of people that could speak to birds. Each of us can speak to a different kind of bird and the birds, they talk of secrets; big secrets, little secrets, any secret. They appear when you are born and that’s what you are named. You would think that it would be glorious to know everyone’s secret, but it’s not. I’m sick of know who’s having an affair with whom and who’s is going bankrupt.
I look up, take in my surroundings. The sky is blue but dark, clouds are rolling in, causing the trees around me to look dark and menacing. The ground is covered in soft grass and white wildflowers dot the landscape. Ever since I was little I dreamt of this place, there was only one thing missing… the boy who haunts these dreams. In the dreams he was always here, he talked to me and comforted me when the stress of it all was too much.
I heard the caw of a raven. Ebony, my best friend, flew up and perched on my knee. She stayed silent knowing that’s what I needed. Suddenly there was a crunch at the edge of the woods. I stood up and Ebony flew up to my shoulder. I waited and finally a boy stepped into the dim light. My heart stopped, it was the boy from my dreams and in his hand was one red rose. “Hello, Raven”.
********************************************************************
My Love Belongs To You
By Sarina Mims
As I look into the water
In this lonely desolate place,
I can’t help but imagine
Being in your warm and strong embrace.
Everywhere I look
I see your bright and gentle eyes.
Full of sorrow and of longing,
For the love that I disguise.
Anytime you smile
It sends goose bumps down my arms.
I try to act unfazed
But I crave your intoxicating charm.
If only you could see
The lies that I repeat,
We could be together
Instead of feeling incomplete.
But here I am pondering
If life would be askew,
If instead of with your brother
I was betrothed towards you.
Back as I look into the water
In this cold, foreboding place,
I have finally decided
My heart is in misplace.
The truth is that I love you
And that I denied my heart
When it tried to tell me
We were wrong to be apart
Now that I have listened
To my heart that beats for you
I can’t help but deny
My love belongs to you
********************************************************************
Midnight Enchantment
By: McKayla Michener
Down below, the earth so far
Bathed in the light by the glow of a star
A young girl sat with a lamp like jar.
A perfect circle for a midnight dance,
A single black crow, wings a fan,
A single pool of glass.
Meadow full of luscious grass
As bare feet disturb the stillness as they pass
Lost in thought they dash.
Trees stand, bare of leaves;
Just bones of what they use to be,
like silent guards of the unknown
They never groan or moan.
As a cool breeze stills in the midnight air
The clouds a glow; not from the sun’s stare
The girl with amber waves dares
Look into the depths below to see what it bares.
In the pool, a light in the night
The crow begins to toll
A midnight enchantment lures all those close.
There you have it, the top 8 short stories/poems. Please remember that there were hundreds of submissions, so many of which were quite creative and well thought out! Keep it up!
Till next time~
Linda Louise Lotti
