Annie Douglass Lima's Blog, page 46
February 14, 2016
Realm Explorers Part LXXXVI: Visit the Tethered World with Heather L.L. Fitzgerald
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:
Heather L.L. FitzGerald
Title of book and/or series:The Tethered World, book 1 of the The Tethered World Chronicles.
Brief summary of the story:Sixteen year old Sadie Larcen learns that her family is involved with a world of creatures that once lived in the Garden of Eden. When her parents disappear, she has to travel to this world with her siblings to rescue them—much to her dismay.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Before the Great Flood, God moved the creatures in the Garden of Eden to large pockets in the earth, below ground. The largest, most central location is in the Pacific Northwest. Their “sky” is a giant geode that glows and provides light due to the Flaming Sword of Cherubythe—the very sword held by the angel (cherub) in Genesis, preventing humanity from returning to the Garden.
A variety of creatures from folklore and the Bible live in the Tethered World. Gnomes, Dwarves, Leprechauns, Trolls, Elves, Ogres, and Nephilim are the main denizens in book one. There are legends of such creatures all over the world because they make occasional visits “topside” (as they refer to those that live on top of the earth’s crust, rather than under it). The Gnomes are the creatures endowed with protecting the powerful Sword.
If we were to visit the Tethered World as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? Walking through the Faery Meadow is a good place to start. What looks like large dandelions gone to seed are really thousands of gossamer Faeries. The Faeries are used by the Gnomes and Dwarves as an instantaneous, emergency transport. You might disappear and find yourself in the charming city of Vituvia with the Gnomes, or in the rocky fortress of Berganstroud with the Dwarves. Of course, the real luxury is across the Berganstroud mountains in Calamus, realm of the Nephilim. They are wealthy and proud and have built a sprawling city on the banks of the River Gambrell.
What dangers should we avoid in the Tethered World?There are several creature groups that won’t be very hospitable. The Ogres of Skellerwad are particularly fond of making sport of humans (when given the rare opportunity). Avoid their island at all costs. Plus…you wouldn’t enjoy crossing the stinking Sulfur Sea to get there anyway. The Trolls are the other major danger. Their creepy castle, the Eldritch, carved into Mount Thrall, holds many mysteries and dangers. And the Trolls often employ the Dark Dwarves to do their dirty work, so stay away from them as well. Oh! And there are Sleeping Serpents that you don't want to wake . . .
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Tethered World?Vegetation doesn’t thrive in the imitation sunlight quite like it would in the real sunshine. But through the ages, the creatures have learned to adapt. The Gnomes, in particular, have hearty gardens. Of course, there’s no rain below the earth’s surface, but there is a daily dose of mist which serves to hydrate the plants. This moisture allows mushrooms and moss to become quite prolific! Therefore, you can expect many creative dishes with both of those ingredients.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the Tethered World?Good old fashioned hand to hand combat is still the means of warfare. Swords, daggers, catapults, and bows and arrows.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Tethered World?I mentioned traveling by Faery earlier, but that is more the exception. The Dwarves use horses—many of them smaller and pony-size. The Gnomes have domesticated a creature that’s unique to the Tethered World. Clovenboars (nicknamed “Toboggans” for the way they slink across the countryside), are creepy to behold but only dangerous if you’re a Troll or Leprechaun. They have the ability to see Leprechauns that have made themselves invisible. Built low to the ground, like a panther, they’re just the right size for a Gnome. It would be undignified to put a petite Gnome on top of a huge animal like a horse. Some of the Nephilim can fly, if they were born with wings (like the royal family). Finally, there are legendary Hippogriffs that have been tamed by the Trolls for riding in combat.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Tethered World? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.The magic is inherent to the creature in book one. Leprechauns can become invisible, Faeries can transport others in an instant. Gnomes can “interface” with animals, which makes them excellent at training squirrels and rabbits for entertainment purposes. The Elves of Willowmist are also able to become invisible, but they’re friendly—unlike the mischievous Leprechauns.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Tethered World.The Dwarves will often travel topside to work, learn a new skill, or dumpster dive (“no one knows how to waste things like Americans!”). The royal Nephilim family will hire Dwarves as a form of entertainment for their parties. The Dwarves will act out shows or movies that they’ve been exposed to topside. As mentioned earlier, Ogres will make sport of humans, if they can get their clammy hands on one. Though all the creatures have their downtime activities, I only mention the two examples here, in the story.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the Tethered World as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?Yes, they are fairly connected to the rhythm of life topside. Though the concept isn’t really discussed, it is implied. The night time hours are a bit different, however. The glowing geode “sky” dims for about a six hour period, called “dusktime.” Because the creatures below are hardy folks, they need less recuperation and sleep.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Tethered World? Please describe what it involves.The creatures are all quite aware of their history and how they came to be in the Tethered World. They see the evidence of God’s provision on their land every day in the form of light given by the Sword. Though there are some creatures that wish to deviate from acknowledging their Creator, overall there is the recognition of God in their purpose and plans.
What is the political or government structure in the Tethered World? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The Gnomes are the guardians of the Sword, so they are small but powerful. However, they are also humble about their status and also rely on a monarch that is human to help them rule. Currently the ruler is Queen Judith (soon to retire). The queen has a cabinet of Gnomes that help her rule. The Dwarves have a chief but are loosely structured. They are allied with the Gnomes and work together well.
In the last ten years, the Trolls have had a leader come to power that seems to be part tyrant, part religious icon. The Dwarves and Gnomes are keeping a wary eye on what the Trolls are doing under his leadership.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?They say to write “what you know” so, yes, there are many things that are personally part of my life. The setting in Orchards, Washington (aka Vancouver) is where I grew up. The landmarks mentioned, including the local fast-food establishment, are places I know and love (and miss! I live in Texas now).
The main character, Sadie, has an autistic brother, Brock. I have an autistic son. With autism so prevalent, I wanted to make it a normal part of my main character’s life—the way sports or even race might be part of a character’s identity. In fact, it’s Brock’s uniqueness that gives him a special role to play in the Tethered World.
Beyond that, just about all of my characters or the towns/realms in the Tethered World are names of family and friends that have been tweaked. I love to give a nod to those that I care about.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?My main character is homeschooled. Again, it’s treated in a very matter-of-fact way, like autism. Both things have come across everyone’s radar these days. It merely supplies a backdrop to her character—the same way a character from a divorced family has that life-event that colors their decisions.
Author Autobiography:I’m a right-brained individual and have always loved anything creative, especially writing. Writing a book has been on my bucket list since before anyone called it a bucket list! Reading to my kids lead me to stories that I hated to part with. Why did the Chronicles of Narnia have to come to an end, for Pete’s sake? Same with Gregor the Overlander series from Suzanne Collins. Good stuff. I hope to write books that leave people feeling the same way.
Although I was already writing on my own, I began to blog about seven years ago. Had the privilege of being selected as a blogger/reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine, online. One of the books I reviewed led the author, Susan K. Marlow, to ask if I was a writer too. She became my mentor who has encouraged me and taught me more than I could ever repay. I’ve enjoyed being a contest judge for her fan fiction contests the last three years. I’m also a member of the North Texas Christian Writers group and help to lead the Manet Writer’s group.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? The Tethered World is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, both in paperback and eBook. I will also offer autographed copies on my website.
Where can readers connect with you online?Through my website/blog, Facebook, Pintrest: (Belongs to my main character, Sadie!), Character blog: (Sadie’s mom has a blog about legendary creatures, and you can follow it!), Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Tethered World. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Lan Darr, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name:Heather L.L. FitzGerald
Title of book and/or series:The Tethered World, book 1 of the The Tethered World Chronicles.
Brief summary of the story:Sixteen year old Sadie Larcen learns that her family is involved with a world of creatures that once lived in the Garden of Eden. When her parents disappear, she has to travel to this world with her siblings to rescue them—much to her dismay.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:Before the Great Flood, God moved the creatures in the Garden of Eden to large pockets in the earth, below ground. The largest, most central location is in the Pacific Northwest. Their “sky” is a giant geode that glows and provides light due to the Flaming Sword of Cherubythe—the very sword held by the angel (cherub) in Genesis, preventing humanity from returning to the Garden.
A variety of creatures from folklore and the Bible live in the Tethered World. Gnomes, Dwarves, Leprechauns, Trolls, Elves, Ogres, and Nephilim are the main denizens in book one. There are legends of such creatures all over the world because they make occasional visits “topside” (as they refer to those that live on top of the earth’s crust, rather than under it). The Gnomes are the creatures endowed with protecting the powerful Sword.
If we were to visit the Tethered World as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there? Walking through the Faery Meadow is a good place to start. What looks like large dandelions gone to seed are really thousands of gossamer Faeries. The Faeries are used by the Gnomes and Dwarves as an instantaneous, emergency transport. You might disappear and find yourself in the charming city of Vituvia with the Gnomes, or in the rocky fortress of Berganstroud with the Dwarves. Of course, the real luxury is across the Berganstroud mountains in Calamus, realm of the Nephilim. They are wealthy and proud and have built a sprawling city on the banks of the River Gambrell.
What dangers should we avoid in the Tethered World?There are several creature groups that won’t be very hospitable. The Ogres of Skellerwad are particularly fond of making sport of humans (when given the rare opportunity). Avoid their island at all costs. Plus…you wouldn’t enjoy crossing the stinking Sulfur Sea to get there anyway. The Trolls are the other major danger. Their creepy castle, the Eldritch, carved into Mount Thrall, holds many mysteries and dangers. And the Trolls often employ the Dark Dwarves to do their dirty work, so stay away from them as well. Oh! And there are Sleeping Serpents that you don't want to wake . . .
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in the Tethered World?Vegetation doesn’t thrive in the imitation sunlight quite like it would in the real sunshine. But through the ages, the creatures have learned to adapt. The Gnomes, in particular, have hearty gardens. Of course, there’s no rain below the earth’s surface, but there is a daily dose of mist which serves to hydrate the plants. This moisture allows mushrooms and moss to become quite prolific! Therefore, you can expect many creative dishes with both of those ingredients.
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in the Tethered World?Good old fashioned hand to hand combat is still the means of warfare. Swords, daggers, catapults, and bows and arrows. What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to the Tethered World?I mentioned traveling by Faery earlier, but that is more the exception. The Dwarves use horses—many of them smaller and pony-size. The Gnomes have domesticated a creature that’s unique to the Tethered World. Clovenboars (nicknamed “Toboggans” for the way they slink across the countryside), are creepy to behold but only dangerous if you’re a Troll or Leprechaun. They have the ability to see Leprechauns that have made themselves invisible. Built low to the ground, like a panther, they’re just the right size for a Gnome. It would be undignified to put a petite Gnome on top of a huge animal like a horse. Some of the Nephilim can fly, if they were born with wings (like the royal family). Finally, there are legendary Hippogriffs that have been tamed by the Trolls for riding in combat.
What role, if any, does magic or the supernatural play in the lives of people in the Tethered World? If there is magic, please give some examples of what it involves or how it’s used.The magic is inherent to the creature in book one. Leprechauns can become invisible, Faeries can transport others in an instant. Gnomes can “interface” with animals, which makes them excellent at training squirrels and rabbits for entertainment purposes. The Elves of Willowmist are also able to become invisible, but they’re friendly—unlike the mischievous Leprechauns.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in the Tethered World.The Dwarves will often travel topside to work, learn a new skill, or dumpster dive (“no one knows how to waste things like Americans!”). The royal Nephilim family will hire Dwarves as a form of entertainment for their parties. The Dwarves will act out shows or movies that they’ve been exposed to topside. As mentioned earlier, Ogres will make sport of humans, if they can get their clammy hands on one. Though all the creatures have their downtime activities, I only mention the two examples here, in the story.
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in the Tethered World as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?Yes, they are fairly connected to the rhythm of life topside. Though the concept isn’t really discussed, it is implied. The night time hours are a bit different, however. The glowing geode “sky” dims for about a six hour period, called “dusktime.” Because the creatures below are hardy folks, they need less recuperation and sleep.
Is there a particular religion practiced in the Tethered World? Please describe what it involves.The creatures are all quite aware of their history and how they came to be in the Tethered World. They see the evidence of God’s provision on their land every day in the form of light given by the Sword. Though there are some creatures that wish to deviate from acknowledging their Creator, overall there is the recognition of God in their purpose and plans.
What is the political or government structure in the Tethered World? Who is in charge there at the moment, and what kind of leader is he/she?The Gnomes are the guardians of the Sword, so they are small but powerful. However, they are also humble about their status and also rely on a monarch that is human to help them rule. Currently the ruler is Queen Judith (soon to retire). The queen has a cabinet of Gnomes that help her rule. The Dwarves have a chief but are loosely structured. They are allied with the Gnomes and work together well.
In the last ten years, the Trolls have had a leader come to power that seems to be part tyrant, part religious icon. The Dwarves and Gnomes are keeping a wary eye on what the Trolls are doing under his leadership.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?They say to write “what you know” so, yes, there are many things that are personally part of my life. The setting in Orchards, Washington (aka Vancouver) is where I grew up. The landmarks mentioned, including the local fast-food establishment, are places I know and love (and miss! I live in Texas now).
The main character, Sadie, has an autistic brother, Brock. I have an autistic son. With autism so prevalent, I wanted to make it a normal part of my main character’s life—the way sports or even race might be part of a character’s identity. In fact, it’s Brock’s uniqueness that gives him a special role to play in the Tethered World.
Beyond that, just about all of my characters or the towns/realms in the Tethered World are names of family and friends that have been tweaked. I love to give a nod to those that I care about.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?My main character is homeschooled. Again, it’s treated in a very matter-of-fact way, like autism. Both things have come across everyone’s radar these days. It merely supplies a backdrop to her character—the same way a character from a divorced family has that life-event that colors their decisions.
Author Autobiography:I’m a right-brained individual and have always loved anything creative, especially writing. Writing a book has been on my bucket list since before anyone called it a bucket list! Reading to my kids lead me to stories that I hated to part with. Why did the Chronicles of Narnia have to come to an end, for Pete’s sake? Same with Gregor the Overlander series from Suzanne Collins. Good stuff. I hope to write books that leave people feeling the same way. Although I was already writing on my own, I began to blog about seven years ago. Had the privilege of being selected as a blogger/reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine, online. One of the books I reviewed led the author, Susan K. Marlow, to ask if I was a writer too. She became my mentor who has encouraged me and taught me more than I could ever repay. I’ve enjoyed being a contest judge for her fan fiction contests the last three years. I’m also a member of the North Texas Christian Writers group and help to lead the Manet Writer’s group.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your book? The Tethered World is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, both in paperback and eBook. I will also offer autographed copies on my website.
Where can readers connect with you online?Through my website/blog, Facebook, Pintrest: (Belongs to my main character, Sadie!), Character blog: (Sadie’s mom has a blog about legendary creatures, and you can follow it!), Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads.
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to the Tethered World. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the planet Lan Darr, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Hanoi City
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. Here are some of our memories from the final evening of our trip, which happened to be New Year's Eve, spent in Vietnam's capital of Hanoi.
The traffic was terrible!
We walked around a bit in the evening and found this huge New Year's Eve event going on.
A bridge in a park.
Light decorations.
They had shut off a lot of streets to all but pedestrian traffic, and the area looked like a giant theme park!
More light decorations.
A brief video tour of the area where the celebration was happening.
This was a fun end to our Myanmar/Vietnam vacation. Memories for a lifetime!
Did you miss any of our other memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao Cave
The traffic was terrible!
We walked around a bit in the evening and found this huge New Year's Eve event going on.
A bridge in a park.
Light decorations.
They had shut off a lot of streets to all but pedestrian traffic, and the area looked like a giant theme park!
More light decorations.
A brief video tour of the area where the celebration was happening.This was a fun end to our Myanmar/Vietnam vacation. Memories for a lifetime!
Did you miss any of our other memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao Cave
Student Laws
Recently my students completed a project in which they had to create their own imaginary worlds. One part of the project involved writing a list of laws that must be followed in their world. Here are a few that I thought were particularly interesting (edited in some cases for spelling and clarity).
If you are a boy and you go in the city, you will go to prison for one week.
Whoever throws trash on the ground will get one of their hands burned off.
No stealing. If you do, you'll have to return the stolen goods, then face two months in prison. After that, you'll become the apprentice of the person you stole from for six months.
Every kid age twelve and up must go to war.
People who ask for peace shall be killed.
If a person hurts or provokes someone, they have to pay them with a chocolate bar.
If a person is shipping something, it must be delivered within two weeks, or the company/person that sent it will be fined a chocolate bar.
For dessert, everyone must have candy/chocolate/ice cream, or they will be sent to the court and have to eat a whole bowl of ice cream in front of the whole court, but they have to eat it upside-down.
Please clean up after your pet or yourself, otherwise you will have to do ten pushups.
No going out in winter, or you will have natural consequences.
You are not able to keep an island if you find one. You have to ask the king first. If it is broken you are banned from the island and you will be banned from sailing too.
A person can only have ten cheetahs at most.
You are not allowed to make someone get upset on purpose. If you do, you will need to go apologize to them and they can decide what they want to do with you. They are not allowed to do something that can hurt you.
Do not use up all the resources. Otherwise, you will be forced to give the resources back.
Any pig that leaves shall not return until they have done what they set off to do. If they do not do what they set off to do they shall not be let back into the planet until they complete what they set off to do.
Dress up properly to show dignity and respect for self. If not, you may not enter.
Everyone must learn at least two languages.
You must be able to shoot a three-pointer, or you can't live here.
No killing animals for no reasons, or you'll be hanged upside-down for three days.
In order to become a council member, you must know how to hunt, fight, fish, cook, read, write, know battle plans, never been in the dungeon, and graduate from Crystal River Technical College.
I've had my classes do this project for several years in a row now. Click on the links below to read some of the interesting laws created by my students in previous years:
student laws from 2015
student laws from 2014
student laws from 2013
student laws from 2011
student laws from 2009
student laws from 2008
student laws from 2007
If you are a boy and you go in the city, you will go to prison for one week.
Whoever throws trash on the ground will get one of their hands burned off.
No stealing. If you do, you'll have to return the stolen goods, then face two months in prison. After that, you'll become the apprentice of the person you stole from for six months.
Every kid age twelve and up must go to war.
People who ask for peace shall be killed.
If a person hurts or provokes someone, they have to pay them with a chocolate bar.
If a person is shipping something, it must be delivered within two weeks, or the company/person that sent it will be fined a chocolate bar.
For dessert, everyone must have candy/chocolate/ice cream, or they will be sent to the court and have to eat a whole bowl of ice cream in front of the whole court, but they have to eat it upside-down.
Please clean up after your pet or yourself, otherwise you will have to do ten pushups.
No going out in winter, or you will have natural consequences.
You are not able to keep an island if you find one. You have to ask the king first. If it is broken you are banned from the island and you will be banned from sailing too.
A person can only have ten cheetahs at most.
You are not allowed to make someone get upset on purpose. If you do, you will need to go apologize to them and they can decide what they want to do with you. They are not allowed to do something that can hurt you.
Do not use up all the resources. Otherwise, you will be forced to give the resources back.
Any pig that leaves shall not return until they have done what they set off to do. If they do not do what they set off to do they shall not be let back into the planet until they complete what they set off to do.
Dress up properly to show dignity and respect for self. If not, you may not enter.
Everyone must learn at least two languages.
You must be able to shoot a three-pointer, or you can't live here.
No killing animals for no reasons, or you'll be hanged upside-down for three days.
In order to become a council member, you must know how to hunt, fight, fish, cook, read, write, know battle plans, never been in the dungeon, and graduate from Crystal River Technical College.
I've had my classes do this project for several years in a row now. Click on the links below to read some of the interesting laws created by my students in previous years:
student laws from 2015
student laws from 2014
student laws from 2013
student laws from 2011
student laws from 2009
student laws from 2008
student laws from 2007
February 12, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Hang Dao Cave
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)
As part of our cruise in Vietnam, the ship stopped to let us out to tour this amazing cave right by the shore. It was absolutely incredible! The colors aren't natural, though - there were different colored lights in different areas to show off the different formations.
A sign just outside the cave entrance.
Lots of cruise ships were moored outside the cave area!
The amazing interior of the cave!
A quick video tour of part of the inside of the cave.
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHanoi City
As part of our cruise in Vietnam, the ship stopped to let us out to tour this amazing cave right by the shore. It was absolutely incredible! The colors aren't natural, though - there were different colored lights in different areas to show off the different formations.
A sign just outside the cave entrance.
Lots of cruise ships were moored outside the cave area!
The amazing interior of the cave!
A quick video tour of part of the inside of the cave.
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHanoi City
February 11, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Vietnam (Ha Long Bay)
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from a two-day cruise we took around Vietnam's incredibly beautiful Ha Long Bay.
The center picture in the above collage shows our little cruise ship; the others show the scenery around Ha Long Bay. This gorgeous area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the cruise activities involved visiting a "pearl farm", where we learned about how oysters are raised to produce pearls.
Our tour guide shows us the dangling nets where other oysters live while they're young.
Young oysters live in baskets and on nets hanging from these beams. When they're older, they're taken out to the open water area in the background.Here our guide explains part of the pearl production process.
Looking for pearls in an open oyster. This one does have a pearl! See it?
Another activity on our cruise in Ha Long Bay was learning to make spring rolls. Here's the finished product, cooked and ready to eat. They were delicious!
Some footage from our cruise. Ha Long Bay is such a beautiful place!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHang Dao CaveHanoi City
The center picture in the above collage shows our little cruise ship; the others show the scenery around Ha Long Bay. This gorgeous area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of the cruise activities involved visiting a "pearl farm", where we learned about how oysters are raised to produce pearls.
Our tour guide shows us the dangling nets where other oysters live while they're young.
Young oysters live in baskets and on nets hanging from these beams. When they're older, they're taken out to the open water area in the background.Here our guide explains part of the pearl production process.
Looking for pearls in an open oyster. This one does have a pearl! See it?
Another activity on our cruise in Ha Long Bay was learning to make spring rolls. Here's the finished product, cooked and ready to eat. They were delicious!
Some footage from our cruise. Ha Long Bay is such a beautiful place!Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeMingunHang Dao CaveHanoi City
February 10, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Mingun
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)
Here are some of our memories from the area of Mingun, about an hour's boat ride upriver from Mandalay.
From Mandalay, we took a boat an hour or so upstream to Mingun (or Min Gun), on the opposite bank. Just boarding the boat was an adventure!
This is a huge stupa (temple with no inside - it's solid) begun in 1790 and never completed. Supposedly, an astrologer told the king who commissioned it that when it was finished, the king would die, so he halted construction. The cracks were caused by a huge earthquake in 1839.
Don't be fooled by the fake door on the front. This structure has no inside - it's solid all the way through, except for a tiny shrine in the front.
We climbed up to the top - lots of steps, and (as at all stupas and temples in Myanmar) we had to go barefoot. We found most of them to be quite clean, but sadly, this one had trash all around. Walking barefoot there felt quite gross!
The view from the top.
Near the unfinished stupa is a gigantic, famous bell.
The Mingun Bell is the second-largest bell in the world, and the largest bell that actually rings.
Random locals kept asking to get their pictures taken with us!
These ox carts were all over Mingun, taking tourists around.
Across from the huge unfinished stupa are the remains of two giant lions built to guard it. They didn't look very lion-like to us, but then, they both lost their heads (which rolled into the nearby Irrawaddy River) in the earthquake.
Another of the lions.
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
Here are some of our memories from the area of Mingun, about an hour's boat ride upriver from Mandalay.
From Mandalay, we took a boat an hour or so upstream to Mingun (or Min Gun), on the opposite bank. Just boarding the boat was an adventure!
This is a huge stupa (temple with no inside - it's solid) begun in 1790 and never completed. Supposedly, an astrologer told the king who commissioned it that when it was finished, the king would die, so he halted construction. The cracks were caused by a huge earthquake in 1839.
Don't be fooled by the fake door on the front. This structure has no inside - it's solid all the way through, except for a tiny shrine in the front.
We climbed up to the top - lots of steps, and (as at all stupas and temples in Myanmar) we had to go barefoot. We found most of them to be quite clean, but sadly, this one had trash all around. Walking barefoot there felt quite gross!
The view from the top.
Near the unfinished stupa is a gigantic, famous bell.
The Mingun Bell is the second-largest bell in the world, and the largest bell that actually rings.
Random locals kept asking to get their pictures taken with us!
These ox carts were all over Mingun, taking tourists around.
Across from the huge unfinished stupa are the remains of two giant lions built to guard it. They didn't look very lion-like to us, but then, they both lost their heads (which rolled into the nearby Irrawaddy River) in the earthquake.
Another of the lions.Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityUbein BridgeHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
February 9, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Mandalay's Ubein Bridge
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)
Here are some of our memories from an evening at Myanmar's famous Ubein Bridge. This is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. The area is famous for its gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. There are also plenty of venders and souvenir sellers ready to cater to tourists.
Long before dusk, the serious photographers got into position to prepare for the sunset.
Locals fishing near the bridge.
One of several areas selling food and drink just below the bridge.
Some of the snacks for sale.
More snacks.
I enjoyed watching a farmer plowing his field with a team of oxen before heading home for the evening.
I was hungry, and this looked like the best snack option there. The little deep-fried and breaded fishies were actually really tasty, especially when dipped in the spicy sauce.
Sunset at last!
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
Here are some of our memories from an evening at Myanmar's famous Ubein Bridge. This is the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the world. The area is famous for its gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. There are also plenty of venders and souvenir sellers ready to cater to tourists.
Long before dusk, the serious photographers got into position to prepare for the sunset.
Locals fishing near the bridge.
One of several areas selling food and drink just below the bridge.
Some of the snacks for sale.
More snacks.I enjoyed watching a farmer plowing his field with a team of oxen before heading home for the evening.
I was hungry, and this looked like the best snack option there. The little deep-fried and breaded fishies were actually really tasty, especially when dipped in the spicy sauce.
Sunset at last!Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBagan Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseMandalay CityMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
February 8, 2016
Realm Explorers Part LXXXV: Visit Renovodomus with Liam Gibbs
Welcome to Realm Explorers! In this weekly series, we visit a variety of unique worlds created by talented science fiction and fantasy authors. Enjoy your travels! And don't forget to read to the bottom of the post to find out more about each author and see how to purchase the featured book.
Author’s name:Liam Gibbs
Title of book and/or series:In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry
Brief summary of the story:He calls himself Master Asinine. Don’t laugh.
With the might of the underworld at his back, Asinine plans to rule the—well, pretty much everything. He’s got a planet-destroying laser and just bullied the galaxy’s major criminal organizations into forming an unstoppable force he calls "The Bad Guys."
Standing against him is his one-time comrade-in-arms Matross Legion, a somewhat neurotic green-skinned Trioxidillian. He and Asinine haven’t spoken since Asinine killed their best friend, which, as you can imagine, somewhat soured their relationship.
Gathering a small team of people with hyperabilities, Matross prepares to confront his old enemy. Trouble is, Asinine is also getting ready, and he has all the usual evil mastermind tricks up his sleeve—and a few surprises for an old friend. So don’t laugh at Master Asinine. At least, not to his face.
All bets are off in this book series that combines the most amazing parts of space operas and comic books.
Nothing is more dangerous than a halfwit who controls all crime!
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry evolves in the galaxy of Renovodomus, a society that revolves around the advertising dollar and the hilarious inanity of its citizens. Even the military organizations are no exception, run by the whims of sponsors and corporate advertisers.
And, in a universe where super powers and absurdity run rampant, the advertising dollar might be the most dangerous controlling force to run the gears that operate society.
It’s all fun and games until someone loses…no, wait. It’s always fun and games in Renovodomus.
If we were to visit Renovodomus as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?Check out Intergalactic Protection, the ruling military authority of the galaxy. Or stop by Space Cow, the most prevalent fast-food chain in the galaxy, and taste their Still Mooing Value Meal, pending the review of the cow’s endangered species status! Study hyperabilities at any of Renovodomus’s top universities, like that one…or that one over there!
What dangers should we avoid in Renovodomus?Avoid the chicken at all costs. Oh, and heed all traffic signals and road signs.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Renovodomus?Anything unusual or distinct can be found at any of Renovodomus’s eateries. Try Space Cow’s Is It Beef? We’ll Find Out Together soft taco or Gastro Challenge’s You’ll Hope It’s Not Gangrenous turkey burger. And, hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll love Vegan Catapult’s Mouth in a Flower Bed, a lush salad rich with lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and soil! Nummy in your tummy!
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Renovodomus?The most prevalent weaponry is the inborn superpowers, the hyperabilities, of Renovodomus’s citizens: eye lasers, fire control, self-multiplication, or the power of sarcasm!
Oh, and there’s no lack of fighting styles, which range from gunplay, horse-and-gunplay (they go really well together for that added craziness), and military-based hand-to-hand combat.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Renovodomus?Technology abounds in the world of the future. Let’s start with the haunt control, the most prevalent voice-activated technology that controls the environment around you, so automated that it makes things seem haunted. Want a chair? Just ask your house to bring you one. Or how about latent technology, another software that stores objects in computer memory for later use? What a space saver!
Super futuristic space vehicles? No shortage there, with flying civilian transports (civ-trans) and military transports (mil-trans). You’ve also got starships, transports that operate on an interplanetary level, that come in several different classes, ranging from Trojan class to Titan class for those times you need to ship out an entire military!
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Renovodomus that we don’t see on Earth?Futuristic animals come typically in two forms: the thundermammal (giant mammalian beasts used to herd and are good for eating when the family visits), and the gnawl (smaller than the thundermammal but no less tasty with a good barbecue sauce). Oh, and the rhinoceros, which is like the rhinoceros of today but leash-trained. They love their treats and walkies.
Sentient races come in all shapes: the Virillian, a reptilian race that doesn’t speak but acts rather antisocially toward each other and members of other species (you gotta wonder how they propagate); the Trioxidillian, a hairless, green-skinned species; and the Gharalgian, an orange-skinned species whose members have voices that sound high-pitched and grate on your spine.
Unfortunately the plant life in Renovodomus is not too exotic…except for the Death Ray Bulb, which may or may not try to eat you as you pass by! Ah, just kidding. It’ll probably only try to steal your wallet.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Renovodomus.No disappointment here. Renovodomus’s national sport is extreme couponing, which is left undefined except that it involves clipping coupons, competitively shopping for the lowest prices…and bloodthirsty combat! The winner takes home the Voucher Cup. The loser? Well, let’s just say paying full price for a jar of pickles is a disgrace.
The other dominant sport is capture the flag, with a rabid fan base exceeding the millions and a league boasting no less than four hundred separate teams. Go, Mongolian Yurts, go!
Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Renovodomus as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?Since Terrans (humans) were the first settlers in Renovodomus, the clock operates the same as it does today, with days taking 24 hours and hours taking 60 minutes. Since the advertising dollar rules all, the most celebrated holiday is Boxing Day because of all its sales, and Christmas is now known only as Boxing Day Eve. But beware the sales season! It’s a cutthroat shopping period out there.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Renovodomus? Please describe what it involves.The only mentioned religion is Alaphan, which bears such a striking similarity to Christianity that….hmm…one wonders if it’s Christianity in the future.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My inspiration comes from the loves of pop culture I held growing up as a child. I immersed myself in comics and science fiction, and so I took my interests—Spider-Man, Star Wars, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Futurama, The Tick, Spaceballs, X-Men, and innumerable others—and enthusiastically mashed them together into this super awesome series. I also love making people laugh—it’s my special gift—and so I want to give that gift to the world. Therefore, though this series is a superhero-inspired space opera, it’s also an extreme comedy, where the laughs put the reader in danger of snorting milk out of their noses in public.
What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?There are no hot-button topics in In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry. It’s a lighthearted world where the reader can escape the pressures of life. Sit back, have a laugh, and don’t worry about a thing. Not everything has to be dark and controversial, am I right?
What is your audience?My amazing audience is both men and women ages 18 to 60 who love comics and science fiction culture. These are the people who frequent comic book stores, who love watching Star Warsor Star Trek, who hungrily wolf down helpings of Futurama. However, since there is no sex, no swearing, and comical violence in the books, the series is suitable for anyone aged 12 and over, depending on reading level. Since debuting my series, I’ve found a lot of children are interested in finding out more. And who am I to turn down a young reader?
Author Autobiography:Liam Gibbs knew he was destined to write at age four, when he authored a breathtaking account of a cow who ate grass. The bovine saga failed to catch the public’s eye but earned the budding author parental acclaim. Since those early times, he’s gone on to write the novella Superpowered and humorous articles for various magazines.
A twenty-year veteran of the brutal world of hand-to-hand comic book fandom, Gibbs cut his teenage teeth on titles such as Spider-Man, X-Men, New Warriors, and other Marvel comics.
Gibbs graduated college with a degree in professional writing, which included classes on fiction writing and story structure. He lives on the balmy shores of Ottawa, Canada, where he relaxes by watching staggeringly awful horror and science fiction movies. A health and fitness nut, he shoots lasers from his eyes, uses the word exclusive incorrectly, and once wrestled an exclusive brontosaurus. True story.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books? Two fantastic/unbelievably fantastic books in the series have been released so far, both in paperback and Kindle format.
Book 1, Serial Fiction Sideshow, can be found on Amazon.Book 2, Home Sweet Home Invasion, can also be found on Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?Readers can connect with the series and its author in so many places.
· Like the series on Facebook· Follow the series on Twitter· Connect with the series on Linkedin· Chat the series up on Google+· Trade snapshots with the series on Instagram· Come by for a visit and a quick coffee at the series’ web site· Get the latest news dropped right in your e-mail with In a Newsletter Far, Far Awry
· Holler at the series’ author by e-mail (he’s a nice guy)
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Renovodomus. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Biblical/Fantasy realm of the Tethered World, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
Author’s name:Liam Gibbs
Title of book and/or series:In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry
Brief summary of the story:He calls himself Master Asinine. Don’t laugh.
With the might of the underworld at his back, Asinine plans to rule the—well, pretty much everything. He’s got a planet-destroying laser and just bullied the galaxy’s major criminal organizations into forming an unstoppable force he calls "The Bad Guys."
Standing against him is his one-time comrade-in-arms Matross Legion, a somewhat neurotic green-skinned Trioxidillian. He and Asinine haven’t spoken since Asinine killed their best friend, which, as you can imagine, somewhat soured their relationship.
Gathering a small team of people with hyperabilities, Matross prepares to confront his old enemy. Trouble is, Asinine is also getting ready, and he has all the usual evil mastermind tricks up his sleeve—and a few surprises for an old friend. So don’t laugh at Master Asinine. At least, not to his face.
All bets are off in this book series that combines the most amazing parts of space operas and comic books.Nothing is more dangerous than a halfwit who controls all crime!
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry evolves in the galaxy of Renovodomus, a society that revolves around the advertising dollar and the hilarious inanity of its citizens. Even the military organizations are no exception, run by the whims of sponsors and corporate advertisers.
And, in a universe where super powers and absurdity run rampant, the advertising dollar might be the most dangerous controlling force to run the gears that operate society.
It’s all fun and games until someone loses…no, wait. It’s always fun and games in Renovodomus.
If we were to visit Renovodomus as tourists, what would you recommend that we see or do there?Check out Intergalactic Protection, the ruling military authority of the galaxy. Or stop by Space Cow, the most prevalent fast-food chain in the galaxy, and taste their Still Mooing Value Meal, pending the review of the cow’s endangered species status! Study hyperabilities at any of Renovodomus’s top universities, like that one…or that one over there!What dangers should we avoid in Renovodomus?Avoid the chicken at all costs. Oh, and heed all traffic signals and road signs.
Is there a distinct or unusual type of food or meal that we might be served in Renovodomus?Anything unusual or distinct can be found at any of Renovodomus’s eateries. Try Space Cow’s Is It Beef? We’ll Find Out Together soft taco or Gastro Challenge’s You’ll Hope It’s Not Gangrenous turkey burger. And, hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll love Vegan Catapult’s Mouth in a Flower Bed, a lush salad rich with lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, and soil! Nummy in your tummy!
What types of weaponry or fighting styles are common in Renovodomus?The most prevalent weaponry is the inborn superpowers, the hyperabilities, of Renovodomus’s citizens: eye lasers, fire control, self-multiplication, or the power of sarcasm!Oh, and there’s no lack of fighting styles, which range from gunplay, horse-and-gunplay (they go really well together for that added craziness), and military-based hand-to-hand combat.
What types of vehicles, animals, technology, etc. are used to travel in or to Renovodomus?Technology abounds in the world of the future. Let’s start with the haunt control, the most prevalent voice-activated technology that controls the environment around you, so automated that it makes things seem haunted. Want a chair? Just ask your house to bring you one. Or how about latent technology, another software that stores objects in computer memory for later use? What a space saver!
Super futuristic space vehicles? No shortage there, with flying civilian transports (civ-trans) and military transports (mil-trans). You’ve also got starships, transports that operate on an interplanetary level, that come in several different classes, ranging from Trojan class to Titan class for those times you need to ship out an entire military!
What types of plants, animals, or sentient races might we encounter in Renovodomus that we don’t see on Earth?Futuristic animals come typically in two forms: the thundermammal (giant mammalian beasts used to herd and are good for eating when the family visits), and the gnawl (smaller than the thundermammal but no less tasty with a good barbecue sauce). Oh, and the rhinoceros, which is like the rhinoceros of today but leash-trained. They love their treats and walkies.Sentient races come in all shapes: the Virillian, a reptilian race that doesn’t speak but acts rather antisocially toward each other and members of other species (you gotta wonder how they propagate); the Trioxidillian, a hairless, green-skinned species; and the Gharalgian, an orange-skinned species whose members have voices that sound high-pitched and grate on your spine.
Unfortunately the plant life in Renovodomus is not too exotic…except for the Death Ray Bulb, which may or may not try to eat you as you pass by! Ah, just kidding. It’ll probably only try to steal your wallet.
Tell us about any sports, games, or activities that are available for entertainment in Renovodomus.No disappointment here. Renovodomus’s national sport is extreme couponing, which is left undefined except that it involves clipping coupons, competitively shopping for the lowest prices…and bloodthirsty combat! The winner takes home the Voucher Cup. The loser? Well, let’s just say paying full price for a jar of pickles is a disgrace.
The other dominant sport is capture the flag, with a rabid fan base exceeding the millions and a league boasting no less than four hundred separate teams. Go, Mongolian Yurts, go!Are the days of the week and months of the year the same in Renovodomus as on Earth? What holidays or special events are celebrated regularly there?Since Terrans (humans) were the first settlers in Renovodomus, the clock operates the same as it does today, with days taking 24 hours and hours taking 60 minutes. Since the advertising dollar rules all, the most celebrated holiday is Boxing Day because of all its sales, and Christmas is now known only as Boxing Day Eve. But beware the sales season! It’s a cutthroat shopping period out there.
Is there a particular religion practiced in Renovodomus? Please describe what it involves.The only mentioned religion is Alaphan, which bears such a striking similarity to Christianity that….hmm…one wonders if it’s Christianity in the future.
Has anything in your actual life inspired the locations, cultures, etc. in your book?
My inspiration comes from the loves of pop culture I held growing up as a child. I immersed myself in comics and science fiction, and so I took my interests—Spider-Man, Star Wars, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Futurama, The Tick, Spaceballs, X-Men, and innumerable others—and enthusiastically mashed them together into this super awesome series. I also love making people laugh—it’s my special gift—and so I want to give that gift to the world. Therefore, though this series is a superhero-inspired space opera, it’s also an extreme comedy, where the laughs put the reader in danger of snorting milk out of their noses in public.What, if any, “hot-button” or controversial topics do you touch on in your book?There are no hot-button topics in In a Galaxy Far, Far Awry. It’s a lighthearted world where the reader can escape the pressures of life. Sit back, have a laugh, and don’t worry about a thing. Not everything has to be dark and controversial, am I right?
What is your audience?My amazing audience is both men and women ages 18 to 60 who love comics and science fiction culture. These are the people who frequent comic book stores, who love watching Star Warsor Star Trek, who hungrily wolf down helpings of Futurama. However, since there is no sex, no swearing, and comical violence in the books, the series is suitable for anyone aged 12 and over, depending on reading level. Since debuting my series, I’ve found a lot of children are interested in finding out more. And who am I to turn down a young reader?
Author Autobiography:Liam Gibbs knew he was destined to write at age four, when he authored a breathtaking account of a cow who ate grass. The bovine saga failed to catch the public’s eye but earned the budding author parental acclaim. Since those early times, he’s gone on to write the novella Superpowered and humorous articles for various magazines.A twenty-year veteran of the brutal world of hand-to-hand comic book fandom, Gibbs cut his teenage teeth on titles such as Spider-Man, X-Men, New Warriors, and other Marvel comics.
Gibbs graduated college with a degree in professional writing, which included classes on fiction writing and story structure. He lives on the balmy shores of Ottawa, Canada, where he relaxes by watching staggeringly awful horror and science fiction movies. A health and fitness nut, he shoots lasers from his eyes, uses the word exclusive incorrectly, and once wrestled an exclusive brontosaurus. True story.
Where, and in what formats, can we purchase your books? Two fantastic/unbelievably fantastic books in the series have been released so far, both in paperback and Kindle format.
Book 1, Serial Fiction Sideshow, can be found on Amazon.Book 2, Home Sweet Home Invasion, can also be found on Amazon.
Where can readers connect with you online?Readers can connect with the series and its author in so many places.
· Like the series on Facebook· Follow the series on Twitter· Connect with the series on Linkedin· Chat the series up on Google+· Trade snapshots with the series on Instagram· Come by for a visit and a quick coffee at the series’ web site· Get the latest news dropped right in your e-mail with In a Newsletter Far, Far Awry
· Holler at the series’ author by e-mail (he’s a nice guy)
I hope you all enjoyed the trip to Renovodomus. Questions about the world or the book? Ask them in the comments and the author will get back to you!
Click here to read other posts in the Realm Explorers series.
Please join us again next Monday for a trip to the Biblical/Fantasy realm of the Tethered World, in Realm Explorers Part LXXXIV!-Annie Douglass Lima
February 7, 2016
Make Me a Match - a Sweet Romance with a Giveaway!
On Tour with Prism Book Tours.Review & Excerpt Tour Grand Finale for Make Me a Match By Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, & Anna J. Stewart
Did you enjoy meeting Cooper, Ty, and Gideon, three childhood friends all grown up and seeking love? If you missed any of the excerpts or reviews, go back and check them out now...
Launch - Intro to the Compilation
And in Kenkamken Bay, Alaska, childhood friends: Cooper Hamilton, Ty Porter and Gideon Walker are family: they’ve dreamed together, failed together and stalled out in life together. And now they plan to change their futures together as match-makers.
Heidi Reads... - Review
". . . once they put their efforts into helping the single members of the community improve their social lives the stories got more fun as they came up with interesting group activities to do in the dead of winter. The first two stories were okay but I loved the third one!"
I Am A Reader - Excerpt from Baby, Baby
The inner front door opened and a woman stepped in. She was wrapped from neck to snow boots in a reddish-brown parka that made her look like a stuffed sausage. Conversation in the room died away as every pair of male eyes turned toward her. She peeled off her knit cap, revealing shoulder-length, glossy blond hair and artfully applied makeup.
Christian Chick's Thoughts - Review
"Sometimes, novellas that are connected but are written by different authors don't feel cohesive, but in this case, the collection flowed seamlessly from one novella to the next."
Colorimetry - Excerpt from Baby, Baby
And the witty, handsome man she’d met ten months ago with the mischievous smile? He wasn’t witty—he was speechless. He wasn’t handsome—his dark hair brushed his shoulders unevenly and grew from his chin in short, thick stubs. He wasn’t smiling—his lips formed a shell-shocked, silent O.
Zerina Blossom's Books - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skate
Kelsey Nash, the beautiful, backstabbing columnist, had returned to K-Bay. The pretty looks belied an icy inner strength; the watered-down bourbon doe eyes camouflaged a shrewd nature.
deal sharing aunt - Excerpt from The Matchmaker Wore Skates
Ty leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Let’s be clear, K.J., we’ve seen these ladies before. They’ve taken our survey before. You’ve done nothing for me.”
Wishful Endings - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie
As gray as Gideon saw his world, Sophie lightened up any space she walked into with her ebullient and gregarious personality—character traits Gideon both appreciated and worried about. Not everyone was as protective as he was prone to be when it came to Sophie Jennings.
Getting Your Read On - Review
"The first book sets things up and the last one ties things together. I liked that each book was by a different author. It helped separate the characters and define them as individuals with their own voice."
Mel's Shelves - Review
"The authors did an amazing job of making the stories seamless. The major characters were in each of the stories and they were consistent. I also love that the stories are all clean! If you're looking for a fun Valentine's Day read, check this one out!!"
Thoughts of a Blonde - Review
"4 STARS! . . . This is a compilation of three short stories that revolve around a group of friends."
Underneath the Covers - Excerpt from Suddenly Sophie
If she’d ever doubted the universe was determined to make her its comic relief, she now had solid proof. Stuffy Gideon probably disapproved of Sophie’s tendency toward taking chances, but what was the point in living if you weren’t going to go after life with a bit of gusto and purpose?
Katie's Clean Book Collection - Review
"I loved that each story has a unique voice, which is really pronounced by having a different author write each one. I enjoyed my time in Kenkamken, Alaska with these great people!"
Make Me a Match
by Melinda Curtis, Cari Lynn Webb, and Anna J. StewartAdult Contemporary RomancePaperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 1st 2016 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Three bachelors turned…matchmakers?
BABY, BABY: One special night with Cooper Hamilton gave Nora Perry a precious gift. But no way is the sweet-talking salesman the right guy for her…or is he?
THE MATCHMAKER WORE SKATES: Former pro athlete Ty Porter could get burned when he falls for the beautiful reporter who ruined his career—and could now expose his most zealously guarded secret!
SUDDENLY SOPHIE: Gideon Walker has a long history with free-spirited flower shop owner Sophie Jennings. But when the banker-matchmaker fixes her up with potential candidates, he realizes he's made a terrible mistake…
Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Harlequin
Award winning, USA Today bestseller Melinda Curtis writes the Harmony Valley series of sweet and emotional romances for Harlequin Heartwarming, and the sweet romantic comedy Bridesmaid series. A Memory Away is Book 6 in the Harmony Valley series. Brenda Novak says: “Season of Change has found a place on my keeper shelf”. Melinda also writes hotter romances as Mel Curtis. Jayne Ann Krentz says of Blue Rules: “Wonderfully entertaining.”
Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram
Cari Lynn Webb lives in Alabama with her family. If she isn’t at her computer, she can usually be found: picking up her daughters from school, dropping off at swimming or soccer practice or running into the grocery store for that one thing she forgot on her shopping list. She loves escaping into a romance and her e-reader can usually be found in her passenger seat. Visit her at: www.carilynnwebb.com.
Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest
You’ve met Anna J. Stewart (or someone like her) before. She was the girl who spun in circles on the playground hoping her Wonder Woman costume would magically appear before playing cops and robbers a la Charlie’s Angels–as Sabrina (she was the smart one). Anna was the girl in the back of the class with a paperback romance hidden in her algebra book (and yes, she failed algebra).Growing up in the 70′s and 80′s meant there weren’t a lot of YA books, so she ventured early into mainstream fiction and read Stephen King’s CARRIE at the age of 8. Discovering Nora Roberts and romance novels early in high school opened her eyes to the wonders of storytelling and the beauty of a happily ever after.
So here she is, many years later with an English degree from CSU Sacramento, an RWA Golden Heart nomination behind her, countless stories in her head, and a serious addiction to STAR TREK, SUPERNATURAL, and SHERLOCK. She recently wrapped up a nearly 8-year stint working as assistant to NYTimes bestselling author Brenda Novak where she helped run Brenda's annual online auction for diabetes research. When she's not writing or reading (which she never has enough time for!), she's working on dollhouse miniatures and tolerating her overly-affectionate cat named Snickers (or perhaps it's Snickers who tolerates her).
Website - Goodreads - Facebook - Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)
Copy of Make Me a Match (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of A Memory Away by Melinda Curtis (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Copy of The Bad Boy from Butterfly Harbor by Anna J. Stewart (print if in the US, ebook if outside the US)
Ends February 12th
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February 4, 2016
Myanmar/Vietnam Vacation: Mandalay City
Floyd and I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Myanmar and Vietnam over Christmas break! Scroll to the bottom for links to blog posts about other parts of the trip. (Some links may not work until all the posts are live.)Here are some of our memories from the couple of days we spent in the city of Mandalay in Myanmar.
I enjoyed a ride on the back of one of Mandalay's many bike taxis!
We had a simple but tasty dinner at this little restaurant. They don't have many choices on the menu, but the "twist potato" with sausage in the middle was really good! (I recommend it with ketchup.)
We went for a LONG walk in Mandalay one afternoon/evening. (I think Floyd estimated we went something like 65 city blocks?) We had hoped to visit Mandalay Palace, but it was getting toward evening and the complex was closed to guests, or at least to foreigners. So we strolled along a pathway that ran along the outside of the moat sort of thing.
It was beautiful to look at in the dusk!
Eventually (after dark) we ended up on Mandalay Hill, where there's a set of temple buildings so lit up with colored lights that we both thought they looked like something you'd find in Disneyland. But no, they're active centers of Buddhist worship.
We hired a taxi driver to take us to the top of the hill, where Su Taung Pyai, an especially famous gold-plated pagoda, looks down over the city.
Looking up at Su Taung Pai's dazzling dome.
Decorations in Su Taung Pyai's interior.
On our way back to our hotel in the evening, we passed through a night market in which a group of young people were playing a very interesting game. It was fun to watch! Can you figure out the rules?
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
I enjoyed a ride on the back of one of Mandalay's many bike taxis!
We had a simple but tasty dinner at this little restaurant. They don't have many choices on the menu, but the "twist potato" with sausage in the middle was really good! (I recommend it with ketchup.)
We went for a LONG walk in Mandalay one afternoon/evening. (I think Floyd estimated we went something like 65 city blocks?) We had hoped to visit Mandalay Palace, but it was getting toward evening and the complex was closed to guests, or at least to foreigners. So we strolled along a pathway that ran along the outside of the moat sort of thing.
It was beautiful to look at in the dusk!
Eventually (after dark) we ended up on Mandalay Hill, where there's a set of temple buildings so lit up with colored lights that we both thought they looked like something you'd find in Disneyland. But no, they're active centers of Buddhist worship.
We hired a taxi driver to take us to the top of the hill, where Su Taung Pyai, an especially famous gold-plated pagoda, looks down over the city.
Looking up at Su Taung Pai's dazzling dome.
Decorations in Su Taung Pyai's interior.On our way back to our hotel in the evening, we passed through a night market in which a group of young people were playing a very interesting game. It was fun to watch! Can you figure out the rules?
Want to see more memories from our trip? Click on the links below!Yangon CityShwe Dagon PagodaThe Town of Ngaung ShweA Day on Inle LakeLotus WeavingBagan TemplesBurmese Cooking ClassBagan-Mandalay River CruiseUbein BridgeMingunHa Long BayHang Dao CaveHanoi City
