Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 13
January 11, 2017
"The cold never bothered me anyways."
This is what is happening in my home town right now.
Yes, ice castles for all.
If it were up to me I wouldn't even have shoveled out, but I've a new friend who worries about me and therefore shoveled me out before I could dig a tunnel from my flat to my car. Oh well. I built a BB8 snowman to make up for it.
Because of so much snow work has been closed so I've been spending most of my days reading. I need to start writing again as well.
School has more or less started up again this week. It started, but the college is closed so there have been only online classes going.
And that is all the news I have for the time being. That and I want to get back to do nothing, which I've done all day because nothing days can be fun once in a while.
Yes, ice castles for all.
If it were up to me I wouldn't even have shoveled out, but I've a new friend who worries about me and therefore shoveled me out before I could dig a tunnel from my flat to my car. Oh well. I built a BB8 snowman to make up for it.
Because of so much snow work has been closed so I've been spending most of my days reading. I need to start writing again as well.
School has more or less started up again this week. It started, but the college is closed so there have been only online classes going.
And that is all the news I have for the time being. That and I want to get back to do nothing, which I've done all day because nothing days can be fun once in a while.
January 4, 2017
"Dumb fox." "Sly bunny."
HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope you all had as nice a New Years Eve and day as I did. Same with Christmas. Monday was still officially part of my holiday, therefore I didn't show up here. Instead I went down to the city to Bucky and Donna's.
I stole a tag from Treskie, because we all know by now I lack all creativity and therefore must steal it. Oh wait, we didn't know that? Oops.
Anyways, here we go.
1. What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?
World Domination....wait. No, not yet. Maybe this year.
I PUBLISHED A BOOK THROUGH A PUBLISHING COMPANY! I went on adventures alone and with friends, got a pet hamster - though I have had hamsters before so I guess that doesn't count.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make one this year?
I can't remember which I made last year, so let's go with no. I have made some this year and plan to do better at them. Most of them are fun and adventure related.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some cousins. Some of the moms at the daycare. Some adopted family members. But I guess no one I am terribly close to.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.
5. What countries/ states did you visit?
None. I spent all my travel time exploring California.
6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
Rule of the world. Maybe also a space ship, always wanted to visit Mars.
7. What date from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory?
June 4th. I think this will be it every year.
8. Did you move anywhere?
Middle Earth. They have internet service, who knew, right?
9. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Well it sure wasn't world domination! Hmmm....I came out of my little safe box more and was thrust into trusting my adopted family. (This was all through broken ribs and lack of work.)
10, What was your biggest failure?
Not being a better friend and sister.
11. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well...I was still recovering from my ribs, but they broke the end of 2015 so I don't know if that counts.
12. What was the best thing you bought?
A raft. I had so much fun with it and my adopted sisters this summer.
13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My adopted sisters, but especially my Ben and my oldest adopted sister. The eldest has helped me through so many rough patches over the year and my Ben is always there for me even when I don't want anyone to be there for me.
14. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment.
15. Where did most of your money go?
Books and adventures with my sisters.
16. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SUMMER! Being able to move after my ribs. All the adventures I went on. CHRISTMAS!
17. What was the best concert you've been to this year?
I didn't go to one 8-(. Owl City didn't do one this year.
18. What song/ album will always remind you of 2016?
Stand by You and all of Adam Young's Scores.
19. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I feel more at home and I think I am happier.
20. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Traveling, which would have been next to impossible. But still.
21. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying and stressing. All those lovely things.
22. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Adam Young's Scores. Love them.
23. How did you spend Christmas?
With my wonderful adopted family.
24. How did you spend New Year's?
With my adopted family and some wonderful friends. Food was involved, noise making, then home to bed.
25. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Ben and my mom.
26. What as the best book you read?
Implant, A Drop of Night, the Lockwood books.
27. Did you fall in love in 2016?
Nope.
28. What was your favorite TV show?
I had fun watching Hawaii Five-O. My Little Pony....yes, I watch that. Psych.
29. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. My neighbor and another person bug me, but I don't hate them.
30. What did you want and get?
A nice church family. I know, what a good Christian answer.
31. What did you want and not get?
The world.
32. What were your favorite films this year?
Zootopia. It is embarrassing how many times I've watched it. The Jungle Book. Civil War. Rouge One.
33. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I had a lovely tea party, and I am between 28 and 30.
34. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?
I did slightly better this year. Maybe not so much just grab what I can find but more of a mix between a WWII soldier and a gypsy.
35. What kept you sane?
Since when have I been sane?
36. Which celebrity/ public figure did you fancy the most?
Well, I can't believe I am admitting this, but Adam Young.
37. What one thing would ave made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing my cousin.
38/ What political issue stirred you the most?
The same one that got everyone else stirred.
39. Who did you miss?
Ben before she moved back. My cousin. My brothers.
40. Who was the best person you met?
I made several new friends but two stand out more than anyone else. Nancy and Eric. I also made a better friend of Melody, but I knew her before this year.
41. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.
Never give up, never surrender. Also I am not alone.
42. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Place your empty hands in mind and show me all the scars you hide and hey, if your wings are broken please take mine so yours can open too.
43. Five personally significant events of 2016:
1. I published.
2. I became good friends with Melody.
3. Disney Land.
4. Trusting someone
5. Making new friends.
44. Five things I want to do in 2017:
1. Publish The Broken Blade.
2. Publish So Much Owed.
3. Get my passport
4. Camp more
5. Go and see Owl City if he does another concert.
45. Five people I'd like to know better in 2017:
1. Melody
2. Nancy
3. Eric
4.My sisters
5. Sammi
I stole a tag from Treskie, because we all know by now I lack all creativity and therefore must steal it. Oh wait, we didn't know that? Oops.
Anyways, here we go.
1. What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?
World Domination....wait. No, not yet. Maybe this year.
I PUBLISHED A BOOK THROUGH A PUBLISHING COMPANY! I went on adventures alone and with friends, got a pet hamster - though I have had hamsters before so I guess that doesn't count.
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make one this year?
I can't remember which I made last year, so let's go with no. I have made some this year and plan to do better at them. Most of them are fun and adventure related.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Some cousins. Some of the moms at the daycare. Some adopted family members. But I guess no one I am terribly close to.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.
5. What countries/ states did you visit?
None. I spent all my travel time exploring California.
6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?
Rule of the world. Maybe also a space ship, always wanted to visit Mars.
7. What date from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory?
June 4th. I think this will be it every year.
8. Did you move anywhere?
Middle Earth. They have internet service, who knew, right?
9. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Well it sure wasn't world domination! Hmmm....I came out of my little safe box more and was thrust into trusting my adopted family. (This was all through broken ribs and lack of work.)
10, What was your biggest failure?
Not being a better friend and sister.
11. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Well...I was still recovering from my ribs, but they broke the end of 2015 so I don't know if that counts.
12. What was the best thing you bought?
A raft. I had so much fun with it and my adopted sisters this summer.
13. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My adopted sisters, but especially my Ben and my oldest adopted sister. The eldest has helped me through so many rough patches over the year and my Ben is always there for me even when I don't want anyone to be there for me.
14. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
No comment.
15. Where did most of your money go?
Books and adventures with my sisters.
16. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
SUMMER! Being able to move after my ribs. All the adventures I went on. CHRISTMAS!
17. What was the best concert you've been to this year?
I didn't go to one 8-(. Owl City didn't do one this year.
18. What song/ album will always remind you of 2016?
Stand by You and all of Adam Young's Scores.
19. Compared to this time last year, are you:
I feel more at home and I think I am happier.
20. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Traveling, which would have been next to impossible. But still.
21. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying and stressing. All those lovely things.
22. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Adam Young's Scores. Love them.
23. How did you spend Christmas?
With my wonderful adopted family.
24. How did you spend New Year's?
With my adopted family and some wonderful friends. Food was involved, noise making, then home to bed.
25. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Ben and my mom.
26. What as the best book you read?
Implant, A Drop of Night, the Lockwood books.
27. Did you fall in love in 2016?
Nope.
28. What was your favorite TV show?
I had fun watching Hawaii Five-O. My Little Pony....yes, I watch that. Psych.
29. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
I don't hate anyone. My neighbor and another person bug me, but I don't hate them.
30. What did you want and get?
A nice church family. I know, what a good Christian answer.
31. What did you want and not get?
The world.
32. What were your favorite films this year?
Zootopia. It is embarrassing how many times I've watched it. The Jungle Book. Civil War. Rouge One.
33. What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?
I had a lovely tea party, and I am between 28 and 30.
34. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?
I did slightly better this year. Maybe not so much just grab what I can find but more of a mix between a WWII soldier and a gypsy.
35. What kept you sane?
Since when have I been sane?
36. Which celebrity/ public figure did you fancy the most?
Well, I can't believe I am admitting this, but Adam Young.
37. What one thing would ave made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Seeing my cousin.
38/ What political issue stirred you the most?
The same one that got everyone else stirred.
39. Who did you miss?
Ben before she moved back. My cousin. My brothers.
40. Who was the best person you met?
I made several new friends but two stand out more than anyone else. Nancy and Eric. I also made a better friend of Melody, but I knew her before this year.
41. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.
Never give up, never surrender. Also I am not alone.
42. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Place your empty hands in mind and show me all the scars you hide and hey, if your wings are broken please take mine so yours can open too.
43. Five personally significant events of 2016:
1. I published.
2. I became good friends with Melody.
3. Disney Land.
4. Trusting someone
5. Making new friends.
44. Five things I want to do in 2017:
1. Publish The Broken Blade.
2. Publish So Much Owed.
3. Get my passport
4. Camp more
5. Go and see Owl City if he does another concert.
45. Five people I'd like to know better in 2017:
1. Melody
2. Nancy
3. Eric
4.My sisters
5. Sammi
December 24, 2016
Merry Christmas and God Bless
Have a wonderful holiday! I have a little gift for all of you. This is a short afterward story from Brothers-in-Arms.
It was 1946, New Years Day. The war was over and Japhet and Franz were living in New York with Jimmy and Danny. It should have been one of those snow covered days one finds in books. Cool, crisp air with the promise of new life in the wind. As Franz shoved his way through the freshly fallen snow it felt anything but a chance at new life.The wind and air was bitter as it bit through his coat, though he didn't mind. He was in a foul mood and would have been in a worse one if the sun were shinning and people were smiling and telling him how wonderful life was. At that moment he didn't think life was at all wonderful.Japhet had finally be released from the hospital but the way the doctor had put it, it almost made it sound like he was being released so he could die in the comfort of his own home. To make everything even worse, the rest of his and Franz's family were not yet in the States, still trying to get passage from France to New York. Even with Jimmy and Danny, Franz felt like he was on his own, and he wasn't sure what to do.Getting Japhet out of Germany had been his first step in making things right with him. Then there had been the long months in different hospitals, months of doctors and nurses fighting to save his life. Franz rarely left his side during that time, only going with Danny to Jimmy's captain to help testify in his honor and get him out of court marshaling. It had taken all of them and a letter from Sam's family to save him. He had been dishonorable discharged but it was better then being shot.Most of the time in the hospitals, Franz spent his time telling Japhet stories, reminding him who he was and of their boyhood together. He had spent hours bandaging and keeping a close eye on his hand and leg, since the doctors were not concerned over those injuries but the ones which were killing Japhet. Now it had all been for nothing. Franz didn't know what he would do if Japhet died on him after all of that.“Hallo!”Franz's head snapped up and he looked skyward, snow falling on his face as he did so. He blinked it out of his eyes and found himself looking up into a smiling face haloed by blond hair. It was a face he knew, the face of the happy girl who worked at the cafe he always passed. She had the same smile she always wore, one reaching to her gray eyes and making them glitter.“Hallo.” He couldn't imagine why she might be smiling down at him, nor had he known she lived so close to him. All he could hope was that she didn't want to carry on a conversation since his English was still limited to Hello, I'm hungry, and Jimmy, if you don't shut up I'm throwing you out the window.Instead of speaking more, the blond haired girl waved and made motions that said she wanted him to stay where he was. Confused and uncertain – hoping her sweet smile was not something she hid behind to disguise the fact she stabbed Germans in the snow – he stayed put. It was only a matter of seconds he stood there, snow falling down on his hair and shoulders, before she appeared. She wore a red scarf and a gray coat and ran up to him like they were old friends.“Judith,” she said. She held one hand out while keeping the other safely in her large coat pocket.Still uncertain, and keeping his eye on the pocket, Franz held his hand out to her and they shook as he said, “Franz.”Pulling her other hand from her pocket, she held a little black kitten out to Franz. It was more unexpected then anything he had ever had happen to him in his life and only got worse when she placed the kitten in his hand. He stared down at it as it shivered in the cold air and was about to hand it back when the girl smiled, said something, and walked back into the apartment – leaving Franz alone in the snow with a mewing kitten. He had no choice but to turn and hurry to his own apartment, repeating over and over the words she had told him so he could try and say them to Jimmy in the hopes he could translate.It was cold in the staircase but warm in the apartment. Japhet was lying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling with little acknowledgment of where he was. Franz stopped in the doorway and stared at him, wondering how much time he had left in this world. It angered him to see him this way, angered him and cut his heart in two.About that time, Jimmy emerged from his bedroom carrying a shoe. He stopped when he saw Franz, stared at him for a moment, then asked, “What is that in your hand?”Mew, went the kitten as if in answer.It was a soft sound, barely seeming to reach past Franz's hand, but Japhet turned his head at it and blinked three times, then something happened Franz hadn't seen in a long time. Clarity replaced the fog in his eyes and he slowly – moving carefully because of his left hand – sat up and leaned against the arm of the couch.“Is that a kitten?” he asked.“Um – yes.” Franz didn't have to take time to think. He walked over to the couch and set it down on Japhet's chest. “It is for you.”“You got me a kitten?” Japhet plucked it off his shirt, even when it dug its claws in, and held it up level with his eyes. He and the kitten stared at each other, then he smiled and it meowed.“Yes, I sort of did.”“Where on earth did you get a kitten?” Jimmy asked.Franz didn't see why it mattered now. The kitten made Japhet smile, so it was obviously staying no matter where it came from.“Someone – it doesn't matter. And what does-” He repeated the words the girl had told him as best he could.“I think it means Merry Christmas, but it is hard to tell with you slaughtering it like that,” Jimmy muttered.“Well,” Franz shrugged, “that-” he wasn't sure what else to stay. Christmas was a hard subject around Japhet, though his friend didn't seem to be listening. The kitten was back on his chest and he was petting its small head.“There, that's its name,” he said without looking up. “Merry.”
It was 1946, New Years Day. The war was over and Japhet and Franz were living in New York with Jimmy and Danny. It should have been one of those snow covered days one finds in books. Cool, crisp air with the promise of new life in the wind. As Franz shoved his way through the freshly fallen snow it felt anything but a chance at new life.The wind and air was bitter as it bit through his coat, though he didn't mind. He was in a foul mood and would have been in a worse one if the sun were shinning and people were smiling and telling him how wonderful life was. At that moment he didn't think life was at all wonderful.Japhet had finally be released from the hospital but the way the doctor had put it, it almost made it sound like he was being released so he could die in the comfort of his own home. To make everything even worse, the rest of his and Franz's family were not yet in the States, still trying to get passage from France to New York. Even with Jimmy and Danny, Franz felt like he was on his own, and he wasn't sure what to do.Getting Japhet out of Germany had been his first step in making things right with him. Then there had been the long months in different hospitals, months of doctors and nurses fighting to save his life. Franz rarely left his side during that time, only going with Danny to Jimmy's captain to help testify in his honor and get him out of court marshaling. It had taken all of them and a letter from Sam's family to save him. He had been dishonorable discharged but it was better then being shot.Most of the time in the hospitals, Franz spent his time telling Japhet stories, reminding him who he was and of their boyhood together. He had spent hours bandaging and keeping a close eye on his hand and leg, since the doctors were not concerned over those injuries but the ones which were killing Japhet. Now it had all been for nothing. Franz didn't know what he would do if Japhet died on him after all of that.“Hallo!”Franz's head snapped up and he looked skyward, snow falling on his face as he did so. He blinked it out of his eyes and found himself looking up into a smiling face haloed by blond hair. It was a face he knew, the face of the happy girl who worked at the cafe he always passed. She had the same smile she always wore, one reaching to her gray eyes and making them glitter.“Hallo.” He couldn't imagine why she might be smiling down at him, nor had he known she lived so close to him. All he could hope was that she didn't want to carry on a conversation since his English was still limited to Hello, I'm hungry, and Jimmy, if you don't shut up I'm throwing you out the window.Instead of speaking more, the blond haired girl waved and made motions that said she wanted him to stay where he was. Confused and uncertain – hoping her sweet smile was not something she hid behind to disguise the fact she stabbed Germans in the snow – he stayed put. It was only a matter of seconds he stood there, snow falling down on his hair and shoulders, before she appeared. She wore a red scarf and a gray coat and ran up to him like they were old friends.“Judith,” she said. She held one hand out while keeping the other safely in her large coat pocket.Still uncertain, and keeping his eye on the pocket, Franz held his hand out to her and they shook as he said, “Franz.”Pulling her other hand from her pocket, she held a little black kitten out to Franz. It was more unexpected then anything he had ever had happen to him in his life and only got worse when she placed the kitten in his hand. He stared down at it as it shivered in the cold air and was about to hand it back when the girl smiled, said something, and walked back into the apartment – leaving Franz alone in the snow with a mewing kitten. He had no choice but to turn and hurry to his own apartment, repeating over and over the words she had told him so he could try and say them to Jimmy in the hopes he could translate.It was cold in the staircase but warm in the apartment. Japhet was lying on the couch, staring up at the ceiling with little acknowledgment of where he was. Franz stopped in the doorway and stared at him, wondering how much time he had left in this world. It angered him to see him this way, angered him and cut his heart in two.About that time, Jimmy emerged from his bedroom carrying a shoe. He stopped when he saw Franz, stared at him for a moment, then asked, “What is that in your hand?”Mew, went the kitten as if in answer.It was a soft sound, barely seeming to reach past Franz's hand, but Japhet turned his head at it and blinked three times, then something happened Franz hadn't seen in a long time. Clarity replaced the fog in his eyes and he slowly – moving carefully because of his left hand – sat up and leaned against the arm of the couch.“Is that a kitten?” he asked.“Um – yes.” Franz didn't have to take time to think. He walked over to the couch and set it down on Japhet's chest. “It is for you.”“You got me a kitten?” Japhet plucked it off his shirt, even when it dug its claws in, and held it up level with his eyes. He and the kitten stared at each other, then he smiled and it meowed.“Yes, I sort of did.”“Where on earth did you get a kitten?” Jimmy asked.Franz didn't see why it mattered now. The kitten made Japhet smile, so it was obviously staying no matter where it came from.“Someone – it doesn't matter. And what does-” He repeated the words the girl had told him as best he could.“I think it means Merry Christmas, but it is hard to tell with you slaughtering it like that,” Jimmy muttered.“Well,” Franz shrugged, “that-” he wasn't sure what else to stay. Christmas was a hard subject around Japhet, though his friend didn't seem to be listening. The kitten was back on his chest and he was petting its small head.“There, that's its name,” he said without looking up. “Merry.”
December 16, 2016
"If you use my name again I will remove your organs according to the alphabet. Any questions?" "Which alphabet?"
Wherein Jack and John and Sammy and Clara will be having a long holiday.
And adventures, because, let's face it - let the four of us loose on the world without adult supervision and adventures happen. And mishaps, but that is expected.
Until I have adventures to share with you, have a song.
And adventures, because, let's face it - let the four of us loose on the world without adult supervision and adventures happen. And mishaps, but that is expected.
Until I have adventures to share with you, have a song.
December 12, 2016
"Oh Lily, grow up! Fairy Land looks completely different."
Wherein Jack can't help but have mishaps.
Ever have an extremely pleasant day only to arrive home more than ready for your fuzzy jammies and your soft bed only to find you managed in the most round about way ever to lock yourself out of your house?
Did this happen to me recently?
My name is Jack, do you really have to ask?
Locking myself took a process of about three or more days. So, let me try and explain as best I can from the beginning.
I have mentioned my best friend before, the one I nicknamed Ben. She came to spend the night the other day, always something I look forward to. It is the best thing ever to live in the same town as your best friend.
Anyways, we had a nice evening and I dropped her back at her house on my way to work. Only she had forgotten her wallet at my house. Since I had no time to run back and get it before work I removed my house key from my key ring and gave it to her so she could head back and get it.
Later that night, after a long day of work, I went back home and found the key safely under a bird house outside my door. I went inside and set the key down on my books. It was late, I was tired, and I had forgotten my set of keys in my car. Too tired to get them I went to bed and decided to put the house key back on the next day.
During the night, and my constant flailings in my sleep, I knocked the key off the books which are beside my bed. The week turned out to be so busy that I didn't get the chance to look for it. I knew I would have time on Saturday so I just left my door unlocked all week.
Saturday finally came. Saturday mornings are the mornings I go to coffee with my oldest adopted sister. We go early because she has to work. So I wake up and get dressed and go to coffee. I was going to look for the key when I got home. But while at coffee I was invited to join my adopted sister to go down to the city and do a little bit of shopping and then go with her and her nieces to see the ballet of The Nutcracker. I couldn't refuse, even though I knew Dog would be mad at me since Saturday is our special hiking day.
I called my two youngest adopted sisters and asked them to play with Dog for the day so she could at least get out, then I headed down to the city. It was an extremely pleasant day. We went to Bucky and Donna's, talked lots, went to Hobby Lobby, and then headed to the ballet. Afterward we stopped to get a bite to eat.
Meanwhile my new friend invited me and a few others from our Bible study group to come to his house and watch a Sharespear play, Measure for Measure. Finally, after a wonderful evening, I headed home ready for my fuzzy jammies, my bed, and Dog.
I skipped up to my house, turned the knob, and discovered my sisters had locked the door. A reasonable thing. They have a spare key and always lock up when they leave, not knowing I had left my key inside. I decided to break in through the window as I have done in the past, only I had locked the window when I closed it for the winter.
There I was, alone at midnight in the cold, locked out. Desperate, I called Ben who thankfully woke up and another sister came to get me and let me camp out on their floor for the night. It turned out to work nicely in the end as I then spent Sunday with them, baking and making snowflakes and just having a relaxing day which I needed.
And there it is, my last weekend adventure.
Now I have to run as I need to get ready for work.
ALLONSY!
Ever have an extremely pleasant day only to arrive home more than ready for your fuzzy jammies and your soft bed only to find you managed in the most round about way ever to lock yourself out of your house?
Did this happen to me recently?
My name is Jack, do you really have to ask?
Locking myself took a process of about three or more days. So, let me try and explain as best I can from the beginning.
I have mentioned my best friend before, the one I nicknamed Ben. She came to spend the night the other day, always something I look forward to. It is the best thing ever to live in the same town as your best friend.
Anyways, we had a nice evening and I dropped her back at her house on my way to work. Only she had forgotten her wallet at my house. Since I had no time to run back and get it before work I removed my house key from my key ring and gave it to her so she could head back and get it.
Later that night, after a long day of work, I went back home and found the key safely under a bird house outside my door. I went inside and set the key down on my books. It was late, I was tired, and I had forgotten my set of keys in my car. Too tired to get them I went to bed and decided to put the house key back on the next day.
During the night, and my constant flailings in my sleep, I knocked the key off the books which are beside my bed. The week turned out to be so busy that I didn't get the chance to look for it. I knew I would have time on Saturday so I just left my door unlocked all week.
Saturday finally came. Saturday mornings are the mornings I go to coffee with my oldest adopted sister. We go early because she has to work. So I wake up and get dressed and go to coffee. I was going to look for the key when I got home. But while at coffee I was invited to join my adopted sister to go down to the city and do a little bit of shopping and then go with her and her nieces to see the ballet of The Nutcracker. I couldn't refuse, even though I knew Dog would be mad at me since Saturday is our special hiking day.
I called my two youngest adopted sisters and asked them to play with Dog for the day so she could at least get out, then I headed down to the city. It was an extremely pleasant day. We went to Bucky and Donna's, talked lots, went to Hobby Lobby, and then headed to the ballet. Afterward we stopped to get a bite to eat.
Meanwhile my new friend invited me and a few others from our Bible study group to come to his house and watch a Sharespear play, Measure for Measure. Finally, after a wonderful evening, I headed home ready for my fuzzy jammies, my bed, and Dog.
I skipped up to my house, turned the knob, and discovered my sisters had locked the door. A reasonable thing. They have a spare key and always lock up when they leave, not knowing I had left my key inside. I decided to break in through the window as I have done in the past, only I had locked the window when I closed it for the winter.
There I was, alone at midnight in the cold, locked out. Desperate, I called Ben who thankfully woke up and another sister came to get me and let me camp out on their floor for the night. It turned out to work nicely in the end as I then spent Sunday with them, baking and making snowflakes and just having a relaxing day which I needed.
And there it is, my last weekend adventure.
Now I have to run as I need to get ready for work.
ALLONSY!
December 4, 2016
"In what way to you resemble a means to keep one cool?"
For the rest of the month I will be sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs on Mondays. I usually take a writing holiday during the month of December, writing only when I am in the mood for it. It is kind of my off month. Blogging, I would say, would slow down too but it has been slow all year so that won't shock any of you any.
But I do have some posts planned, while I prepare for the Christmas holidays. I even boldly baked today! With help, but we can pretend I did it all on my own just to give my moral a boast.
I have a Christmas gift planned for all you, my lovely readers.
I also have a story to share this week, all about my weekend mishaps! Because if anyone is going to go about having mishaps over the space of one weekend it is bound to be me.
Now, for the song.
Quote is from Nine's Christmas "Special." I am going through and watching all the Doctor Who Christmas specials in order.
But I do have some posts planned, while I prepare for the Christmas holidays. I even boldly baked today! With help, but we can pretend I did it all on my own just to give my moral a boast.
I have a Christmas gift planned for all you, my lovely readers.
I also have a story to share this week, all about my weekend mishaps! Because if anyone is going to go about having mishaps over the space of one weekend it is bound to be me.
Now, for the song.
Quote is from Nine's Christmas "Special." I am going through and watching all the Doctor Who Christmas specials in order.
November 29, 2016
"Sherlock, tell me where my bloody wife is, you pompous prick or I'll punch your lights out!"
It's been far too long since I last posted. I've been having a hard time lately, probably because of the up coming holidays. Not only do I miss my friend and am still trying to work through my grief, I am really homesick. The combination has made it hard to do anything, including blogging and writing.
I have been keeping up on NaNo. It's been hard and slow, but I've managed so far and should be able to finish in time.
Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means I have my tree all set up and am busy Christmas shopping. And as you can see, I really have little to say. Probably because this is a long week, even though it has just started, and I kind of wish I could be in my fuzzy jammies aright now and curled up in bed. but I am being a good girl, posting and getting ready for a meeting I have to go to.
What else can I ramble about to fill time and space? Nothing, nothing at all. I can't get my mind on anything besides my PJs. THEY ARE SO FLUFFY AND WARM AND I WANT TO SNUGGLE IN THEM!
Okay, that is all I have. I have to go rummage around for a shirt...because isn't that how everyone passes their evenings?
You can guess where I got the quote.
I have been keeping up on NaNo. It's been hard and slow, but I've managed so far and should be able to finish in time.
Thanksgiving has come and gone, which means I have my tree all set up and am busy Christmas shopping. And as you can see, I really have little to say. Probably because this is a long week, even though it has just started, and I kind of wish I could be in my fuzzy jammies aright now and curled up in bed. but I am being a good girl, posting and getting ready for a meeting I have to go to.
What else can I ramble about to fill time and space? Nothing, nothing at all. I can't get my mind on anything besides my PJs. THEY ARE SO FLUFFY AND WARM AND I WANT TO SNUGGLE IN THEM!
Okay, that is all I have. I have to go rummage around for a shirt...because isn't that how everyone passes their evenings?
You can guess where I got the quote.
November 13, 2016
An Earthly King blog tour!!
http://hazelwest.blogspot.com/2016/10...
Synopsis
On top of that, there seem to be stirrings of rebellion in the Faelands, as not all the Fair Folk like the High Court's treaty with the Goblins. So it's up to Ciran Mac Cool and his company to stop the rebellion before it goes too far, while also trying to keep Eamon safe from potential assassins. And with all the prospective brides rubbing elbows with the High King, that's easier said than done.
With the help of their friends and a spunky agent from the Bureau of Protection Against Fair Folk, Ciran's Company attempts to stop the Faery plots before Ireland is thrown into all out war. Again.
An Earthly Kingis another action packed book in this Celtic urban fantasy series with lots of friendship, humor, angst, and even traces of the Ballad of Tam Lin.
Title: An Earthly King (The Modern Tales of Na Fianna #2)Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Alternate History
Purchase Links:
Createspace Paperback:Kindle:Smashwords:
(Links for Blood Ties –Book One)Createspace Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/5165155Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/150...
Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
About the Author
Hazel West lives in Purgatory, er, Florida, with her books and her hedgehog Horatio. When she’s not writing, she’s reading other people’s books, studying folklore, or binge-watching something on Netflix—drinking coffee is also a given.
Links
Blog: http://hazelwest.blogspot.com
Writing blog: http://talesfromamodernbard.blogspot.com
Twitter
Goodreads
Youtube Channel Pintrest
Excerpt: Everything happened at once. Eamon had bent over to unlock the passenger side door for me, turning, likely to ask why I was standing so far away, when a dark shape came hurtling out of the shadows and bowled him over before I could shout a warning.A wicked blade came into the attacker’s hand and I threw my knife as soon as I saw it, catching the figure’s wrist and causing him to fall back with snarl. Before I could do anything else, Killian had come up from behind the creature and swung his sword, decapitating it in one swift movement. He reached down to help Eamon up while I went to inspect the attacker.“Redcap,” I told them grimly, seeing the distinctive red cap on the decapitated head as well as the pointed ears and lean figure. I stepped on the thing’s arm and bent to pull my knife from its wrist, wiping it on the sleeve of the Fae’s coat. I turned back around to see Killian cleaning his own blade.“Are you all right, Eamon?” I asked.He nodded, as Killian turned to me with a glare. “Oh, it’s Eamon is it? By the bloody fae, this really is getting into the gossip rags.”“She saved my life, Killie, I think she deserves to call me by name; and is this really the time?” he said, still looking at the dead Faerie. “So, what exactly am I supposed to make of that?”I shuddered slightly despite myself, and it had nothing to do with the cold wind. “I’m afraid this might mean we have quite a bit to worry about after all.”
Giveaway: http://hazelwest.blogspot.com/2016/10...
Synopsis
On top of that, there seem to be stirrings of rebellion in the Faelands, as not all the Fair Folk like the High Court's treaty with the Goblins. So it's up to Ciran Mac Cool and his company to stop the rebellion before it goes too far, while also trying to keep Eamon safe from potential assassins. And with all the prospective brides rubbing elbows with the High King, that's easier said than done.
With the help of their friends and a spunky agent from the Bureau of Protection Against Fair Folk, Ciran's Company attempts to stop the Faery plots before Ireland is thrown into all out war. Again.
An Earthly Kingis another action packed book in this Celtic urban fantasy series with lots of friendship, humor, angst, and even traces of the Ballad of Tam Lin.
Title: An Earthly King (The Modern Tales of Na Fianna #2)Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Alternate History
Purchase Links:
Createspace Paperback:Kindle:Smashwords:
(Links for Blood Ties –Book One)Createspace Paperback: https://www.createspace.com/5165155Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/150...
Smashwords:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
About the Author
Hazel West lives in Purgatory, er, Florida, with her books and her hedgehog Horatio. When she’s not writing, she’s reading other people’s books, studying folklore, or binge-watching something on Netflix—drinking coffee is also a given.
Links
Blog: http://hazelwest.blogspot.com
Writing blog: http://talesfromamodernbard.blogspot.com
Goodreads
Youtube Channel Pintrest
Excerpt: Everything happened at once. Eamon had bent over to unlock the passenger side door for me, turning, likely to ask why I was standing so far away, when a dark shape came hurtling out of the shadows and bowled him over before I could shout a warning.A wicked blade came into the attacker’s hand and I threw my knife as soon as I saw it, catching the figure’s wrist and causing him to fall back with snarl. Before I could do anything else, Killian had come up from behind the creature and swung his sword, decapitating it in one swift movement. He reached down to help Eamon up while I went to inspect the attacker.“Redcap,” I told them grimly, seeing the distinctive red cap on the decapitated head as well as the pointed ears and lean figure. I stepped on the thing’s arm and bent to pull my knife from its wrist, wiping it on the sleeve of the Fae’s coat. I turned back around to see Killian cleaning his own blade.“Are you all right, Eamon?” I asked.He nodded, as Killian turned to me with a glare. “Oh, it’s Eamon is it? By the bloody fae, this really is getting into the gossip rags.”“She saved my life, Killie, I think she deserves to call me by name; and is this really the time?” he said, still looking at the dead Faerie. “So, what exactly am I supposed to make of that?”I shuddered slightly despite myself, and it had nothing to do with the cold wind. “I’m afraid this might mean we have quite a bit to worry about after all.”
Giveaway: http://hazelwest.blogspot.com/2016/10...
November 9, 2016
BLOG TOUR!
I am behind. Because life stinks sometimes.
I am taking part in the Crannig Castle Blog Tour!!!
Monday, November 7th
Tour Introduction at Morgan Elizabeth HunekeBook Review at Sarah AllerdingBook Review at Written RestCharacter Interview at Jenelle Schmidt ~ RaeCharacter Spotlight at Bring Your Own Books ~ ToarnaCharacter Spotlight at However Improbable ~ Jill Hubbard
Tuesday, November 8th
Book Review at ReadingAnyoneBook Review at Books, Braids, and Born AgainCharacter Interview at Bring Your Own Books ~ Jill HubbardCharacter Spotlight at Jaye L. Knight ~ Allan Hubbard The End of This Story and the Beginning of All the Others at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Wednesday, November 9th
Book Review and Author Interview at Reflections of the HeartAuthor Interview at Bookish OrchestrationsCharacter Interview at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Samantha HubbardCharacter Spotlight at HOPE Through the Pages ~ ArielaYou Might Also Like… at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Thursday, November 10thBook Review at Scattered Journal PagesAuthor Interview at The Overactive ImaginationAuthor Interview at The Epic PlaceCharacter Interview at Books, Braids, and Born Again ~ Jonathan HubbardCharacter Interview at HOPE Through the Pages ~George HubbardThe Effects of Writing at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Friday, November 11thBook Review at Bring Your Own BooksAuthor Interview at HOPE Through the PagesCharacter Spotlight at Written Rest ~ ConnorCharacter Spotlight at Leah’s Bookshelf ~ Jonathan HubbardCharacter Q&A at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Saturday, November 12th
Book Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical WritingsBook Review at O. Scarlett! ReviewsCharacter Interview at The Epic Place ~ Theodore HubbardCharacter Spotlight at Bookish Orchestrations ~ Thomas HubbardWriting Forward at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Monday, November 14th
Tour Recap at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
About the Book
God, please look after Adriel. Keep him safe and keep him from acting foolish. And please help him to be able to find me.
Rae knew she could trust God to look after both of them. It was all she had now.
The Time Captives have been reunited. The rightful king has been freed. Now all that remains is to defeat the strytes who still hold a tyrannical rule over the people of Calhortz. But with their lack of soldiers, it’s a task that is easier said than done. They need allies, but are they worth it when it requires facing ghosts from their pasts?
Returning to his home country only brings the loss of Adriel’s family to the forefront of his mind. His determination to find Rae has never ceased, but now that determination could potentially destroy all that he and the Time Captives have been working towards. And his new-found faith may not be able to withstand the challenge.
Will they be able to set aside their personal struggles for the sake of the freedom of all or will they allow their pasts to consume them? Will they manage to win back Crannig Castle from the rule of the strytes? The fate of Calhortz hangs in the balance.
Crannig Castle is the final book of the Time Captives trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom.
Kindle~ Paperback ~ Signed Copy
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28689391-crannig-castle
Creighton Hill and The Crossways will be free on kindle November 7-11, so if you’re posting on one of those days, please include links.
Creighton Hill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XV5R5XGThe Crossways: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015OTSCJ2
About the Author
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.
You can connect with Morgan on her website, blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.
Giveaway
Join in the excitement of Crannig Castle and enter to win a special prize! The first prize winner will receive signed copies of the entire Time Captives trilogy. The second prize winner will receive a signed copy of Crannig Castle. The third prize winner will receive an eCopy of Crannig Castle in the eBook format of his/her choice. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/63d9bc8b7/
Jill Spotlight
Physical Appearance: Shoulder length brown hair, gray eyes, average height and weight.
Age: 11
History: Jill is a fairly normal girl, or at least my normal, which may not be normal at all. She’s right smack in the middle of five children; she has an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister. She’s more of an academic type, good at school, likes to read, does like the outdoors, but is very dependent on having an indoors to go to. She’s a fan of Noel Streatfeild and Rudyard Kipling, but it’s her love of E. Nesbit and C.S. Lewis that prepare her the most for her own excursion into a fantasy world. After investigating the disappearances of her long lost ancestors, she and her siblings journey through a fantasy world to find them, find the slave boy who is required to free the rightful king, and prepare for war against the strytes who hold a tyrannical rule over the people.
Author’s Notes: Jill, named after Jill Pole, was my original POV character and spring boarded from me. Most of my main girls do that. Jill is, probably, a good mixture of me and Jill Pole, only with brothers and a better attitude. My sister, however, didn’t really like her POV, so I switched it to her younger brother Joey. I was able, gladly, to bring in some Jill POV in Crannig Castle. I liked writing Jill because I could make her a better version of me. I could give her my likes and dislikes, my taste in books and clothes, but I could help her overcome some of my faults. Not that she’s perfect—she isn’t—but it was like exploring a might-have-been. And that’s what writing is, isn’t it? Exploring all the might-have-beens in life?
I am taking part in the Crannig Castle Blog Tour!!!
Monday, November 7th
Tour Introduction at Morgan Elizabeth HunekeBook Review at Sarah AllerdingBook Review at Written RestCharacter Interview at Jenelle Schmidt ~ RaeCharacter Spotlight at Bring Your Own Books ~ ToarnaCharacter Spotlight at However Improbable ~ Jill Hubbard
Tuesday, November 8th
Book Review at ReadingAnyoneBook Review at Books, Braids, and Born AgainCharacter Interview at Bring Your Own Books ~ Jill HubbardCharacter Spotlight at Jaye L. Knight ~ Allan Hubbard The End of This Story and the Beginning of All the Others at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Wednesday, November 9th
Book Review and Author Interview at Reflections of the HeartAuthor Interview at Bookish OrchestrationsCharacter Interview at Knitted by God’s Plan ~ Samantha HubbardCharacter Spotlight at HOPE Through the Pages ~ ArielaYou Might Also Like… at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Thursday, November 10thBook Review at Scattered Journal PagesAuthor Interview at The Overactive ImaginationAuthor Interview at The Epic PlaceCharacter Interview at Books, Braids, and Born Again ~ Jonathan HubbardCharacter Interview at HOPE Through the Pages ~George HubbardThe Effects of Writing at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Friday, November 11thBook Review at Bring Your Own BooksAuthor Interview at HOPE Through the PagesCharacter Spotlight at Written Rest ~ ConnorCharacter Spotlight at Leah’s Bookshelf ~ Jonathan HubbardCharacter Q&A at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Saturday, November 12th
Book Review at Elvish Pens, Fantastical WritingsBook Review at O. Scarlett! ReviewsCharacter Interview at The Epic Place ~ Theodore HubbardCharacter Spotlight at Bookish Orchestrations ~ Thomas HubbardWriting Forward at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
Monday, November 14th
Tour Recap at Morgan Elizabeth Huneke
About the Book
God, please look after Adriel. Keep him safe and keep him from acting foolish. And please help him to be able to find me.
Rae knew she could trust God to look after both of them. It was all she had now.
The Time Captives have been reunited. The rightful king has been freed. Now all that remains is to defeat the strytes who still hold a tyrannical rule over the people of Calhortz. But with their lack of soldiers, it’s a task that is easier said than done. They need allies, but are they worth it when it requires facing ghosts from their pasts?
Returning to his home country only brings the loss of Adriel’s family to the forefront of his mind. His determination to find Rae has never ceased, but now that determination could potentially destroy all that he and the Time Captives have been working towards. And his new-found faith may not be able to withstand the challenge.
Will they be able to set aside their personal struggles for the sake of the freedom of all or will they allow their pasts to consume them? Will they manage to win back Crannig Castle from the rule of the strytes? The fate of Calhortz hangs in the balance.
Crannig Castle is the final book of the Time Captives trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom.
Kindle~ Paperback ~ Signed Copy
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28689391-crannig-castle
Creighton Hill and The Crossways will be free on kindle November 7-11, so if you’re posting on one of those days, please include links.
Creighton Hill: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XV5R5XGThe Crossways: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015OTSCJ2
About the Author
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.
You can connect with Morgan on her website, blog, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest.
Giveaway
Join in the excitement of Crannig Castle and enter to win a special prize! The first prize winner will receive signed copies of the entire Time Captives trilogy. The second prize winner will receive a signed copy of Crannig Castle. The third prize winner will receive an eCopy of Crannig Castle in the eBook format of his/her choice. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/63d9bc8b7/
Jill Spotlight
Physical Appearance: Shoulder length brown hair, gray eyes, average height and weight.
Age: 11
History: Jill is a fairly normal girl, or at least my normal, which may not be normal at all. She’s right smack in the middle of five children; she has an older brother and sister and a younger brother and sister. She’s more of an academic type, good at school, likes to read, does like the outdoors, but is very dependent on having an indoors to go to. She’s a fan of Noel Streatfeild and Rudyard Kipling, but it’s her love of E. Nesbit and C.S. Lewis that prepare her the most for her own excursion into a fantasy world. After investigating the disappearances of her long lost ancestors, she and her siblings journey through a fantasy world to find them, find the slave boy who is required to free the rightful king, and prepare for war against the strytes who hold a tyrannical rule over the people.
Author’s Notes: Jill, named after Jill Pole, was my original POV character and spring boarded from me. Most of my main girls do that. Jill is, probably, a good mixture of me and Jill Pole, only with brothers and a better attitude. My sister, however, didn’t really like her POV, so I switched it to her younger brother Joey. I was able, gladly, to bring in some Jill POV in Crannig Castle. I liked writing Jill because I could make her a better version of me. I could give her my likes and dislikes, my taste in books and clothes, but I could help her overcome some of my faults. Not that she’s perfect—she isn’t—but it was like exploring a might-have-been. And that’s what writing is, isn’t it? Exploring all the might-have-beens in life?
November 7, 2016
"Let it begin! Let it begin!"
I have once again been AWOL. In all fairness this time, I have been really sick and trying to recover. But now I am not as exhausted anymore, and NaNo has started.
This year I am being a NaNo rebel, for various reasons. Instead of writing a book I am editing So Much Owed, my next to be published historical fiction about the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.
I know, this is short and to the point, but I am still tired and bed sounds nice right now. So I am going to sleep, with the promise to return and do introductions for the characters.
ALLONSY!
This year I am being a NaNo rebel, for various reasons. Instead of writing a book I am editing So Much Owed, my next to be published historical fiction about the Tuskegee Airmen of WWII.
I know, this is short and to the point, but I am still tired and bed sounds nice right now. So I am going to sleep, with the promise to return and do introductions for the characters.
ALLONSY!
