Jack Lewis Baillot's Blog, page 21
March 2, 2016
Winter Reading List
This is the last seasonal reading list I will be doing. This year I want to reread some of my favorite books and I've reviewed and talked about many of them already. Therefore I won't be doing a Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall list like I did last year. I haven't decided how I'll do my new reading list post, but I'll figure it out when the time comes. As you can see, this list is considerably shorter than the others. One reason is because Winter contains Christmas and I was too busy having fun during the holidays to read. Another is because in January I officially started some of my rereads as well as finished up some promised book reviews and took part in a couple beta reads. But here is my list. As always, most of these books have been reviewed on my review blog if you want to learn more about them.
Yorien's HandThis is the third book in Jenelle Leanne Schmidt's series. I've been devouring her books since I first came across them soon after I started my blog. I loved this book, but it also made me sad because there's only one more after this and then the series is over.
The Crab with the Golden ClawsYes, Tintin. I got the final collection and wanted to finish the whole series by the end of the year.
The Shooting StarTintin
The Secret of the UnicornTintin
ResistTHIS book I've been waiting for what felt like YEARS. It is a WWII story based on true events. It was worth the wait, but painful
Kate's InnocenceBy Sarah Holman. I love her books and this one didn't disappointed even though it was very different from her other stories.
Tintin in the CongoThis was the last book I needed to complete my Tintin in a year reading...goal. I did it.
The 6th Dragon and Martin Book
The 7th Dragon and Martin BookMy friend's books she lets me read.
Little House in the Big WoodsThe start of the rereads.
ImplantWritten by J. Grace Pennington. I adore her books, and this one I'm still in shock over.
Pistols and PentagogsA fun book no longer in print about a man who can't seem to keep out of trouble and gets mixed up with drug dealers and mistaken identity.
He Whistles for the CricketAnother reread. Written by Jenelle's grandmother, this is a sweet story about a little girl and her dog.
A Time to SpeakOuch. The ending....ouch. I need the third and final book RIGHT NOW.
Tintin in the Land of the SovietsWith the start of the New Year I decided to reread Tintin. Again, all the books in a year, only this time since I have the whole collection I will be reading them in order. Which I've never actually done before.
Tintin in the Congo
Samara's PerilA beta read. Jaye Knight's newest book. (JACE!)
Tintin in America
Cigars of the Pharaoh
The Blue LotusSee, in order.
For EliseThis was a short story. A "Ghost" story which I wanted to throw a few pages near the end, and then I wanted to hug at the final end.
The Broken Ear
The Black Island
King Ottokar's SceptreAs you can see, I'm doing well with the Tintin reread.
And there it is. It was fun doing my reading list this way the past year. I discovered many new books. I do have some new ones planned for this year, but mostly I just want to revisit some of my dear old friends.
Yorien's HandThis is the third book in Jenelle Leanne Schmidt's series. I've been devouring her books since I first came across them soon after I started my blog. I loved this book, but it also made me sad because there's only one more after this and then the series is over.
The Crab with the Golden ClawsYes, Tintin. I got the final collection and wanted to finish the whole series by the end of the year.
The Shooting StarTintin
The Secret of the UnicornTintin
ResistTHIS book I've been waiting for what felt like YEARS. It is a WWII story based on true events. It was worth the wait, but painful
Kate's InnocenceBy Sarah Holman. I love her books and this one didn't disappointed even though it was very different from her other stories.
Tintin in the CongoThis was the last book I needed to complete my Tintin in a year reading...goal. I did it.
The 6th Dragon and Martin Book
The 7th Dragon and Martin BookMy friend's books she lets me read.
Little House in the Big WoodsThe start of the rereads.
ImplantWritten by J. Grace Pennington. I adore her books, and this one I'm still in shock over.
Pistols and PentagogsA fun book no longer in print about a man who can't seem to keep out of trouble and gets mixed up with drug dealers and mistaken identity.
He Whistles for the CricketAnother reread. Written by Jenelle's grandmother, this is a sweet story about a little girl and her dog.
A Time to SpeakOuch. The ending....ouch. I need the third and final book RIGHT NOW.
Tintin in the Land of the SovietsWith the start of the New Year I decided to reread Tintin. Again, all the books in a year, only this time since I have the whole collection I will be reading them in order. Which I've never actually done before.
Tintin in the Congo
Samara's PerilA beta read. Jaye Knight's newest book. (JACE!)
Tintin in America
Cigars of the Pharaoh
The Blue LotusSee, in order.
For EliseThis was a short story. A "Ghost" story which I wanted to throw a few pages near the end, and then I wanted to hug at the final end.
The Broken Ear
The Black Island
King Ottokar's SceptreAs you can see, I'm doing well with the Tintin reread.
And there it is. It was fun doing my reading list this way the past year. I discovered many new books. I do have some new ones planned for this year, but mostly I just want to revisit some of my dear old friends.
February 28, 2016
"Nice shot!" "I was aiming for his leg." "Give me the gun, Hardison!"
Wherein Jack is back to normal.
And by that I mean Music Monday starts again. At least until the blog party starts up. When will that be? Top secret.
I am surprised I've not done this one yet. It was one of the first songs recommended to me as a Brothers-in-Arms reminder.
Therefore, for those who understand, enjoy the pain. For those who don't...you will soon enough.
I leave you with a Leverage quote, since I haven't in a while.
And by that I mean Music Monday starts again. At least until the blog party starts up. When will that be? Top secret.
I am surprised I've not done this one yet. It was one of the first songs recommended to me as a Brothers-in-Arms reminder.
Therefore, for those who understand, enjoy the pain. For those who don't...you will soon enough.
I leave you with a Leverage quote, since I haven't in a while.
February 24, 2016
"Second star to the right and straight on to morning."
Wherein Jack went to Disneyland
And got horrible pictures. That's what happens when you let me loose with a camera when I'd rather be sight seeing than taking pictures. But I was good and I snapped pictures of everything so I could share with everyone. So, while they aren't the best pictures in the world, hopefully you get an idea of how exciting it was.
Disneyland was never one of those places I dreamed of going. I don't think I even wanted to. Go on a quest, sure. A life and death adventure involving lots of dirt, running, and bad guys, yep. A curse in which I spy on international jewel thieves, I'd be right there. But a vacation to Disneyland, never entered my mind. Whenever I thought about it all I thought about were crowds and people....and PEOPLE.
However, when I found out I was going to get to go I realized that I did want to go and that I was excited. Excited enough to randomly jump up and down - except for the rib - and tell almost everyone I met that I got to go to Disneyland. I planned to have lots of fun, and when my rib hadn't healed completely I decided I'd have even more fun and if I broke it again I'd not mind because at least I'd have had fun in Disneyland. (No, I didn't rebreak it. Hurt it again, yeah. Am back in the sling, yep. But it's not broken in two so its all good.)
Of course, as has been seen during my San Francisco visit, I don't do vacations normally. And I don't mean simply going to Disneyland and on the rides with a broken rib. No, that is just one of the things. The other is that I somehow left my backpack - and all of my clothes - behind. I arrived in LA with Sammy, Clara, and John and little else. Not even my book. Therefore, one of my first glimpses of LA took place in a Walmart buying shirts, socks, and those other things you need for a vacation.
Day two we didn't go into the Disneyland part of the park but the California Adventure side. I didn't know it, but these are two different parks and California Adventure has more of the "Let's scare you out of your boots" rides. Example? Tower of Terror.
I'd agreed to go on Tower of Terror when everyone was talking about it. Note here, I have many unrational fears which shouldn't even be considered fears. However, one of my biggest fears is falling to my death. A rational fear and one most people have except for those dare devil few like my cousin.
Now, I knew what Tower of Terror was. A ride which took you seven stories and dropped you to your death, only you didn't die at the end of it. I knew I could be brave...rather I pretended I could be brave enough for at least one ride. I prepared myself for the drop and even though I wasn't excited about the ride I wasn't ready to run out the door when I got on it. Little did I know the ride doesn't drop you once but four times - or three. I kinda lost count after the second drop. I did okay after the first drop, and I was more than ready to get off. But then the thing went back up and I lost it. I didn't scream or cry, no I gripped my seat hard enough I am sure I left imprints and nearly climbed into the lap of my friend's mom. I closed my eyes, buried my head on her shoulder, and begged the man working the ride to stop it and let me off. By the time he did stop I was shaking so bad I think people in Maine could hear my knees knocking. Good times. Needless to say once was enough and I didn't get back on that ride.
I did however ride my first roller coaster. I did California Screamin'. I impressed myself by getting on it, probably not my brightest move because the upside down loop is not a good idea with a broken rib, but I'm still glad I did it. After all, who knows if I will ever be able to go back to Disneyland?
I even went on my first Ferris wheel ride. I was quite pleased.
The second day we went into Disneyland, and the little kid in me which hasn't ever really gone anywhere, came out even more than usual.
Whenever someone says Disneyland is magical, believe them. It's true.
Not only was it pretty - it felt like I'd walked back into the early 1900's - there were Disney characters EVERYWHERE. We saw Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, Mickey - WHOM I HUGGED...I had to get a nudge from Ben because I'm an awkward hugger, but I hugged him. We talked to Cruella Deville and Bert and Mary Poppins. Ben and I stalked Peter Pan but we couldn't find him, which was sad. We even went around chanting, "I do believe in fairies," to help in our search. We did see him in the parade though which was better than not seeing him at all.
Of course, there were rides in Disneyland we went on as well. All of them were safer than Tower of Terror and fun. My favorite was the Indiana Jones one and the Pirates of the Caribbean. But...also the Star Wars one, so I guess it was a three way tie.
They even had a Marvel set there. I guess Marvel is part of Disney, and we got to see Thor. So, for future reference, Thor himself was concerned about me because of the sling. Take that.
It was really just a lot of fun. We spent day two and three in Disneyland. We ran around, got pictures with any character we could find, and got teary eyed over a room full of drawings from the movies. We even ate lunch at the Jolly Holiday, which if you don't know the meaning behind that you need to go and watch Mary Poppins.
We might have crashed a breakfast when we saw Tigger and Eeyore, but nothing can be proven. I also saw Pooh, but couldn't get close enough to say hi to him, so I got a picture from the distance instead.
We watched two parades. One was in the day and harder to see because we are short people and everyone else in the world - at least what I've run into - is tall. We got creative and peered between tall people's shoulders. The second parade was the light one at night and we got better seats because someone kindly saved them for us while most of us continued to run around and look at everyone. (Thank you kind person.)
The lights one was amazing and so pretty. After that parade we stayed for the fireworks show.
I'm sure all of you have seen some wonderful fireworks in your time, but this beat them all. They were amazing, and they played songs from old and new Disney movies. They of course did Let it Go from Frozen - the song probably everyone is tired of hearing, but while they played it they made it snow. PEOPLE, DISNEY MADE IT SNOW REAL SNOW! Told you the place was magical.
So, to conclude. I know I was ordered to relax while on vacation but I didn't. I walked non stop for about 12 hours a day, more on the last day. By the end of it my rib hurt, my feet ached, and my legs still hurt from it. But it was worth it and I'd do it again if someone asked. So, while I didn't relax, I had a ton of fun which is always better than relaxing anyways.
I was going to upload the pictures today but I think it will make this post to long, so I will show them on Friday.
Until then I will bid you farewell and get some writing done.
And got horrible pictures. That's what happens when you let me loose with a camera when I'd rather be sight seeing than taking pictures. But I was good and I snapped pictures of everything so I could share with everyone. So, while they aren't the best pictures in the world, hopefully you get an idea of how exciting it was.
Disneyland was never one of those places I dreamed of going. I don't think I even wanted to. Go on a quest, sure. A life and death adventure involving lots of dirt, running, and bad guys, yep. A curse in which I spy on international jewel thieves, I'd be right there. But a vacation to Disneyland, never entered my mind. Whenever I thought about it all I thought about were crowds and people....and PEOPLE.
However, when I found out I was going to get to go I realized that I did want to go and that I was excited. Excited enough to randomly jump up and down - except for the rib - and tell almost everyone I met that I got to go to Disneyland. I planned to have lots of fun, and when my rib hadn't healed completely I decided I'd have even more fun and if I broke it again I'd not mind because at least I'd have had fun in Disneyland. (No, I didn't rebreak it. Hurt it again, yeah. Am back in the sling, yep. But it's not broken in two so its all good.)
Of course, as has been seen during my San Francisco visit, I don't do vacations normally. And I don't mean simply going to Disneyland and on the rides with a broken rib. No, that is just one of the things. The other is that I somehow left my backpack - and all of my clothes - behind. I arrived in LA with Sammy, Clara, and John and little else. Not even my book. Therefore, one of my first glimpses of LA took place in a Walmart buying shirts, socks, and those other things you need for a vacation.
Day two we didn't go into the Disneyland part of the park but the California Adventure side. I didn't know it, but these are two different parks and California Adventure has more of the "Let's scare you out of your boots" rides. Example? Tower of Terror.
I'd agreed to go on Tower of Terror when everyone was talking about it. Note here, I have many unrational fears which shouldn't even be considered fears. However, one of my biggest fears is falling to my death. A rational fear and one most people have except for those dare devil few like my cousin.
Now, I knew what Tower of Terror was. A ride which took you seven stories and dropped you to your death, only you didn't die at the end of it. I knew I could be brave...rather I pretended I could be brave enough for at least one ride. I prepared myself for the drop and even though I wasn't excited about the ride I wasn't ready to run out the door when I got on it. Little did I know the ride doesn't drop you once but four times - or three. I kinda lost count after the second drop. I did okay after the first drop, and I was more than ready to get off. But then the thing went back up and I lost it. I didn't scream or cry, no I gripped my seat hard enough I am sure I left imprints and nearly climbed into the lap of my friend's mom. I closed my eyes, buried my head on her shoulder, and begged the man working the ride to stop it and let me off. By the time he did stop I was shaking so bad I think people in Maine could hear my knees knocking. Good times. Needless to say once was enough and I didn't get back on that ride.
I did however ride my first roller coaster. I did California Screamin'. I impressed myself by getting on it, probably not my brightest move because the upside down loop is not a good idea with a broken rib, but I'm still glad I did it. After all, who knows if I will ever be able to go back to Disneyland?
I even went on my first Ferris wheel ride. I was quite pleased.
The second day we went into Disneyland, and the little kid in me which hasn't ever really gone anywhere, came out even more than usual.
Whenever someone says Disneyland is magical, believe them. It's true.
Not only was it pretty - it felt like I'd walked back into the early 1900's - there were Disney characters EVERYWHERE. We saw Cinderella, the Fairy Godmother, Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, Mickey - WHOM I HUGGED...I had to get a nudge from Ben because I'm an awkward hugger, but I hugged him. We talked to Cruella Deville and Bert and Mary Poppins. Ben and I stalked Peter Pan but we couldn't find him, which was sad. We even went around chanting, "I do believe in fairies," to help in our search. We did see him in the parade though which was better than not seeing him at all.
Of course, there were rides in Disneyland we went on as well. All of them were safer than Tower of Terror and fun. My favorite was the Indiana Jones one and the Pirates of the Caribbean. But...also the Star Wars one, so I guess it was a three way tie.
They even had a Marvel set there. I guess Marvel is part of Disney, and we got to see Thor. So, for future reference, Thor himself was concerned about me because of the sling. Take that.
It was really just a lot of fun. We spent day two and three in Disneyland. We ran around, got pictures with any character we could find, and got teary eyed over a room full of drawings from the movies. We even ate lunch at the Jolly Holiday, which if you don't know the meaning behind that you need to go and watch Mary Poppins.
We might have crashed a breakfast when we saw Tigger and Eeyore, but nothing can be proven. I also saw Pooh, but couldn't get close enough to say hi to him, so I got a picture from the distance instead.
We watched two parades. One was in the day and harder to see because we are short people and everyone else in the world - at least what I've run into - is tall. We got creative and peered between tall people's shoulders. The second parade was the light one at night and we got better seats because someone kindly saved them for us while most of us continued to run around and look at everyone. (Thank you kind person.)
The lights one was amazing and so pretty. After that parade we stayed for the fireworks show.
I'm sure all of you have seen some wonderful fireworks in your time, but this beat them all. They were amazing, and they played songs from old and new Disney movies. They of course did Let it Go from Frozen - the song probably everyone is tired of hearing, but while they played it they made it snow. PEOPLE, DISNEY MADE IT SNOW REAL SNOW! Told you the place was magical.
So, to conclude. I know I was ordered to relax while on vacation but I didn't. I walked non stop for about 12 hours a day, more on the last day. By the end of it my rib hurt, my feet ached, and my legs still hurt from it. But it was worth it and I'd do it again if someone asked. So, while I didn't relax, I had a ton of fun which is always better than relaxing anyways.
I was going to upload the pictures today but I think it will make this post to long, so I will show them on Friday.
Until then I will bid you farewell and get some writing done.
February 22, 2016
"We will not be silent."
Wherein Jack has returned
I plan to do a post about my vacation but it needs to wait until Wednesday, because today is the release date for Resist by my friend Emily Ann Putzke.
I had the chance to read and review this book, It has become one of my all time favorites and I'm so excited it is finally being released!!
Emily is hosting a blog party, which I'm joining in. I will be sharing her book trailer, which is fantastic!
Unfortunately, I've tried as many ways as I know how, and I can't get the video to pull up on my blog. So I am going to have to leave the link. You will want to click it though, you'll love the trailer. You will definitely want to see it!!!!!!!!! https://player.vimeo.com/video/153260...
There is also a giveaway, which you will want to join in. Because this book!!!!!! GIVEAWAY FOR RESIST
About the Author:
Emily Ann Putzke is a young novelist, historical reenactor, and history lover. You can learn more about Emily and her books on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.
I took a quote from Hans Scholl because he was an amazing man.
I plan to do a post about my vacation but it needs to wait until Wednesday, because today is the release date for Resist by my friend Emily Ann Putzke.
I had the chance to read and review this book, It has become one of my all time favorites and I'm so excited it is finally being released!!
Emily is hosting a blog party, which I'm joining in. I will be sharing her book trailer, which is fantastic!
Unfortunately, I've tried as many ways as I know how, and I can't get the video to pull up on my blog. So I am going to have to leave the link. You will want to click it though, you'll love the trailer. You will definitely want to see it!!!!!!!!! https://player.vimeo.com/video/153260...
There is also a giveaway, which you will want to join in. Because this book!!!!!! GIVEAWAY FOR RESIST
About the Author:
Emily Ann Putzke is a young novelist, historical reenactor, and history lover. You can learn more about Emily and her books on her blog, Facebook, and Instagram.
I took a quote from Hans Scholl because he was an amazing man.
February 18, 2016
COVER REVEAL FOR CLAIRE M. BANSCHBACK'S NEWEST BOOK!!
Synopsis
A witch and her master capture a young faery and command her to kill their enemy. Adela has no choice but to obey. If she does not, they will force the location of her people’s mountain home from her and kill her. To make matters even worse, the person she is to kill is only a man struggling to save his dying land and mend a broken heart. Count Stefan is a man simply trying to forget the woman he loves and save a land crippled by drought. When a mysterious woman arrives at his castle claiming to be a seamstress, he knows she is more than she seems. Adela enlists the help of Damian, another faery, to try and delay the inevitable. He insists she has a choice. But with the witch controlling her every move, does she?
Author BioClaire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, TX, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. She continues to write in her spare time (and often when she doesn’t have spare time). She hopes her strong foundation in God will help to guide her writing.
Contact InfoFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/clairembanschbach/?ref=hlTwitter – https://twitter.com/ClaireMB_AuthorGoodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7758532.Claire_M_BanschbachBlog – https://clairembanschbach.wordpress.com
Goodreads link
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29085448-adela-s-curse
A witch and her master capture a young faery and command her to kill their enemy. Adela has no choice but to obey. If she does not, they will force the location of her people’s mountain home from her and kill her. To make matters even worse, the person she is to kill is only a man struggling to save his dying land and mend a broken heart. Count Stefan is a man simply trying to forget the woman he loves and save a land crippled by drought. When a mysterious woman arrives at his castle claiming to be a seamstress, he knows she is more than she seems. Adela enlists the help of Damian, another faery, to try and delay the inevitable. He insists she has a choice. But with the witch controlling her every move, does she?
Author BioClaire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, TX, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. She is currently working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. She continues to write in her spare time (and often when she doesn’t have spare time). She hopes her strong foundation in God will help to guide her writing.
Contact InfoFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/clairembanschbach/?ref=hlTwitter – https://twitter.com/ClaireMB_AuthorGoodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7758532.Claire_M_BanschbachBlog – https://clairembanschbach.wordpress.com
Goodreads link
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29085448-adela-s-curse
February 15, 2016
THIS IS NOT JACK! But read anyways.
I'M NOT REALLY HERE! I'M ON VACATION!
THIS IS NOT JACK. JACK IS NOT BLOGGING THIS WEEK.
So, here is not Jack asking a question and making an announcement and then going on vacation tomorrow and leaving her computer behind. You heard that, COMPUTER IS NOT COMING!
But....there is going to be cover reveals, and emails being answered when I get back.....and cover reveals.
That is why I'm blogging today....well, not really, because Jack isn't blogging today.
BUT....I am holding a sign up for the cover reveal. To join in drop me an email at jacklewisbaillot@gmail.com. I am collecting names right now of everyone who wants to join in, and when I get back I will be emailing everyone else further details.
That is all.
There's no quote today because only Jack does that and JACK IS NOT HERE.
TTFN!
THIS IS NOT JACK. JACK IS NOT BLOGGING THIS WEEK.
So, here is not Jack asking a question and making an announcement and then going on vacation tomorrow and leaving her computer behind. You heard that, COMPUTER IS NOT COMING!
But....there is going to be cover reveals, and emails being answered when I get back.....and cover reveals.
That is why I'm blogging today....well, not really, because Jack isn't blogging today.
BUT....I am holding a sign up for the cover reveal. To join in drop me an email at jacklewisbaillot@gmail.com. I am collecting names right now of everyone who wants to join in, and when I get back I will be emailing everyone else further details.
That is all.
There's no quote today because only Jack does that and JACK IS NOT HERE.
TTFN!
February 12, 2016
"Ooo, sign me up for the next war!"
Wherein Jack won't be here next week.
I've not mentioned this before because I couldn't believe it was happening, and I didn't want to mention it for fear it would pop like a soupy bubble. Also, I was trying not to count down to it, because I wanted my rib to be completely healed before we went. It isn't completely healed, but I can get up and down without agonizing pain so I'll be good.
Curious yet?
I GET TO GO TO DISNEY LAND!
Yes, me.
For a week. Sort of. It will be gone nearly a week, but not in Disney Land the whole week. Part of it will be driving there.
But, I repeat....
I GET TO GO TO DISNEY LAND!
It was one of my Christmas presents, and I still can't believe I actually get to go.
I won't be posting next week. I think you can understand why. I will be too busy having fun. LOTS of fun.
I forgot though, I was holding a guessing game about what everyone thought my real name was. I figured since you all gave such good guesses I would give you a hint....
Not even a hint. EMILY guessed correctly! It is true, my name is Rumpelstiltskin. Good guess, Emily. I guess this means you all don't have to give me your first born babies.
Now that you all know my real name you can sleep better at night.
As for me, I am going to go. Read some Tintin again, because you can't reread those too much. Listen to Silly Songs with Larry. Maybe have some tea, because that is how I spend my Friday nights.
SEE YOU ALL IN A WEEK!
You get another Mulan quote, because a coworker and I were talking about the movie the other day and quoting it.
I've not mentioned this before because I couldn't believe it was happening, and I didn't want to mention it for fear it would pop like a soupy bubble. Also, I was trying not to count down to it, because I wanted my rib to be completely healed before we went. It isn't completely healed, but I can get up and down without agonizing pain so I'll be good.
Curious yet?
I GET TO GO TO DISNEY LAND!
Yes, me.
For a week. Sort of. It will be gone nearly a week, but not in Disney Land the whole week. Part of it will be driving there.
But, I repeat....
I GET TO GO TO DISNEY LAND!
It was one of my Christmas presents, and I still can't believe I actually get to go.
I won't be posting next week. I think you can understand why. I will be too busy having fun. LOTS of fun.
I forgot though, I was holding a guessing game about what everyone thought my real name was. I figured since you all gave such good guesses I would give you a hint....
Not even a hint. EMILY guessed correctly! It is true, my name is Rumpelstiltskin. Good guess, Emily. I guess this means you all don't have to give me your first born babies.
Now that you all know my real name you can sleep better at night.
As for me, I am going to go. Read some Tintin again, because you can't reread those too much. Listen to Silly Songs with Larry. Maybe have some tea, because that is how I spend my Friday nights.
SEE YOU ALL IN A WEEK!
You get another Mulan quote, because a coworker and I were talking about the movie the other day and quoting it.
February 10, 2016
"And I'll do it with my shirt on."
It is hard being an Author.
Of course, I love it. I love everything about it. Writing, dreaming up new stories and characters, sitting at my desk and getting threatened by new characters if I don't write their stories, creating new worlds and going on new adventures. It's the best job in the world....with the possible exception of pushing buttons with cause explosions of dirt to shoot up into the air. Because when that job becomes available I am snatching it.
There are other things which gets lumped in with the Author title. Things which keep me busy, and things I never seem to get to.
1. Reading. Authors should read. And read a lot. I might read more than most Authors, I usually read a book a week. I try and slow down, but when I walk to work I read, when I eat lunch I read, when I eat dinner I read. I just prefer to read more than watch something. The problem is, I either volunteer to do a ton of beta reading and have to finish eight books in a month, or I have NOTHING to read. There's never a nice in between. I want to get to a point where I can just sit down and enjoy a book, not that I hate the books I beta read, I just don't like to feel rushed when I read. It throws my dyslexia into some kind of overdrive thing and things get crazy.
2. Blogging. Authors should keep up on this sort of thing. Let readers know what is going on with their books. Not only that, I like to read all of your blogs and comment. Blogging alone is hard enough sometimes. When I have time to post I can't think of any ideas of what to post about, and when I have ideas I don't have time to sit down and write. Then commenting...at the end of the day I somehow manage to get everything on my daily lists down, except read and comment on blogs. I am working on this, trying to figure out a way to make it work. I miss reading your blogs.
3. Editing. Ha. Ha.....*Sniffle*...Ha. Editing and I are enemies. We don't get along. Mostly because of my dyslexia. I can write with it, I can read with it. (What happens with me is letters never appear in the right order.) So, while I can write first drafts with ease it is a pain to go back and edit them. I find so many sentences where I wrote something and can't make sense of it.
4. World Building. This one I love, but again, never seem to have time for. And when I do have time I forget about it. I even have a large notebook special for it.
5. Social Media. I'm getting better at this, and by better I mean I will show up on Facebook and Twitter and sprout the strange ramblings which go on inside my head. Keeps everyone amused at least.
6. Keeping up on current books. This I like to do but it can be hard. I've finally worked a method though. I have some Authors I follow and I mostly keep up on their books. I try to read and review them almost as soon as they come out, I sometimes get behind on my reviews but I attempt it as best I can. I like to keep an eye on other Authors' books though, so I know which genres are popular. (I'm waiting for Steampunk to come back, but don't worry, I am not going to wait around to republish Haphazardly Implausible. It would just be nice if Steampunk was big when I published it.)
All of this could keep me busy, the kind of full time job busy, but since I can't pay my rent on a full time job which doesn't pay yet, I try and do all the full time work between my other jobs. It helps that I'm one of those people who doesn't need eight or more hours of sleep.
That is all. I am going to try and get some editing done before it gets too much later.
Quote is from Mulan
Of course, I love it. I love everything about it. Writing, dreaming up new stories and characters, sitting at my desk and getting threatened by new characters if I don't write their stories, creating new worlds and going on new adventures. It's the best job in the world....with the possible exception of pushing buttons with cause explosions of dirt to shoot up into the air. Because when that job becomes available I am snatching it.
There are other things which gets lumped in with the Author title. Things which keep me busy, and things I never seem to get to.
1. Reading. Authors should read. And read a lot. I might read more than most Authors, I usually read a book a week. I try and slow down, but when I walk to work I read, when I eat lunch I read, when I eat dinner I read. I just prefer to read more than watch something. The problem is, I either volunteer to do a ton of beta reading and have to finish eight books in a month, or I have NOTHING to read. There's never a nice in between. I want to get to a point where I can just sit down and enjoy a book, not that I hate the books I beta read, I just don't like to feel rushed when I read. It throws my dyslexia into some kind of overdrive thing and things get crazy.
2. Blogging. Authors should keep up on this sort of thing. Let readers know what is going on with their books. Not only that, I like to read all of your blogs and comment. Blogging alone is hard enough sometimes. When I have time to post I can't think of any ideas of what to post about, and when I have ideas I don't have time to sit down and write. Then commenting...at the end of the day I somehow manage to get everything on my daily lists down, except read and comment on blogs. I am working on this, trying to figure out a way to make it work. I miss reading your blogs.
3. Editing. Ha. Ha.....*Sniffle*...Ha. Editing and I are enemies. We don't get along. Mostly because of my dyslexia. I can write with it, I can read with it. (What happens with me is letters never appear in the right order.) So, while I can write first drafts with ease it is a pain to go back and edit them. I find so many sentences where I wrote something and can't make sense of it.
4. World Building. This one I love, but again, never seem to have time for. And when I do have time I forget about it. I even have a large notebook special for it.
5. Social Media. I'm getting better at this, and by better I mean I will show up on Facebook and Twitter and sprout the strange ramblings which go on inside my head. Keeps everyone amused at least.
6. Keeping up on current books. This I like to do but it can be hard. I've finally worked a method though. I have some Authors I follow and I mostly keep up on their books. I try to read and review them almost as soon as they come out, I sometimes get behind on my reviews but I attempt it as best I can. I like to keep an eye on other Authors' books though, so I know which genres are popular. (I'm waiting for Steampunk to come back, but don't worry, I am not going to wait around to republish Haphazardly Implausible. It would just be nice if Steampunk was big when I published it.)
All of this could keep me busy, the kind of full time job busy, but since I can't pay my rent on a full time job which doesn't pay yet, I try and do all the full time work between my other jobs. It helps that I'm one of those people who doesn't need eight or more hours of sleep.
That is all. I am going to try and get some editing done before it gets too much later.
Quote is from Mulan
February 7, 2016
"What are you a Doctor of?" "Of Lies!"
Wherein Jack is healed!!!!
Well.....enough that it counts as far as she is concerned.
It's naughty of me, but there's a little girl at work who talks in the third person....and I encourage it because it is cute. So if ever she dates Shawn Spiencer...I'm sorry but not really.
If any of my Instagram followers are on here, I shall be AWOL until further notice. My phone died, so my mom sent me an old one which works, but it doesn't feel like Instagram, so...not that I posted much anyways. I mean other than books and tea.
Back to my rib though.
I can ALMOST get my arm all the way above my head. I know I said this last time, but I can get it higher than last time. Not much, but just a bit. I could have gotten it even higher by now but I had a bit of a set back...I caught the flu which has given me a small cough I've been battling. It was the sneeze though which made it hurt again though. I don't have pretty, lady like sneezes, but full body sneezes. In good news, I didn't REbreak my rib.
I have no book news. Which makes me sad because I have a small amount of patience. For some reason refreshing my email aggressively doesn't seem to get the message across that I am eagerly waiting.
Don't worry, I have a song for today. I'm just taking my time getting there for some reason.
Never mind. I've changed my mind. Here it is!
This is one song I listen to when I work on the Blade books, which I've started work on again. I want to try and get book one edited this year. (Heads up, I will be looking for beta readers if anyone is interested. I need to read through it once, maybe this month, then I will want to send it to some other readers. If anyone is interested you can email me now. I'll make a more formal announcement later when I know for sure what is going on.)
There it is. Enjoy
Quote is from Doctor Who, when Clara pretends to be the Doctor. I use the quote far too much in real life...
Well.....enough that it counts as far as she is concerned.
It's naughty of me, but there's a little girl at work who talks in the third person....and I encourage it because it is cute. So if ever she dates Shawn Spiencer...I'm sorry but not really.
If any of my Instagram followers are on here, I shall be AWOL until further notice. My phone died, so my mom sent me an old one which works, but it doesn't feel like Instagram, so...not that I posted much anyways. I mean other than books and tea.
Back to my rib though.
I can ALMOST get my arm all the way above my head. I know I said this last time, but I can get it higher than last time. Not much, but just a bit. I could have gotten it even higher by now but I had a bit of a set back...I caught the flu which has given me a small cough I've been battling. It was the sneeze though which made it hurt again though. I don't have pretty, lady like sneezes, but full body sneezes. In good news, I didn't REbreak my rib.
I have no book news. Which makes me sad because I have a small amount of patience. For some reason refreshing my email aggressively doesn't seem to get the message across that I am eagerly waiting.
Don't worry, I have a song for today. I'm just taking my time getting there for some reason.
Never mind. I've changed my mind. Here it is!
This is one song I listen to when I work on the Blade books, which I've started work on again. I want to try and get book one edited this year. (Heads up, I will be looking for beta readers if anyone is interested. I need to read through it once, maybe this month, then I will want to send it to some other readers. If anyone is interested you can email me now. I'll make a more formal announcement later when I know for sure what is going on.)
There it is. Enjoy
Quote is from Doctor Who, when Clara pretends to be the Doctor. I use the quote far too much in real life...
February 2, 2016
"Bring the new human...no, don't bring the new human. I'll just get distracted."
I don't talk about my faith all that much, at least not on here.
It isn't as if I am ashamed of it. I am a child of God's, His daughter, called by Him before the creation of the world. What do I have to be ashamed of?
I don't talk about it much because everyone nowadays is ready for a debate. You push the wrong buttons and suddenly you've declared war. "Oh, YOU think that?! WELL! Let me tell you why you're wrong!" No one really wants to listen anymore, or just talk. They want to argue, to have a point and the need to prove it. They bristle. I encounter it at work all the time, and I realized when I tell someone I'm a Christian and they get defensive.
So I stopped.
But I did something else instead. I started to live it. In all I do I try and live my faith. And I stand out. My co-workers started to notice. I didn't have to tell them what made me different, a lot of them seemed to just KNOW. And they didn't get defensive...if anything they got curious.
I want to try the same through my writing.
But things have happened and I've felt like sharing.
I don't know if it is everywhere, but I've encountered it. The belief that if you're a Christian life is supposed to be really good. You will get a nice job, your car will always run and be in perfect shape, you'll get a nice sized house, meet someone dashing and caring to take care of you and spend your life with....
There are Biblical examples of how untrue this is, not to mention more modern lives which show the same.
I never really struggled before. I mean I did, a lot. I had a lot of problems and such, but it wasn't ever anything with money. I had my parents to take care of me. I didn't understand the struggle behind not knowing if there would be enough money every month for those lovely things called bills.
And then I moved out on my own.
I prayed about the move, I planned and made sure I'd have enough for everything I would need. Gas for my car, check. Food, check. Bills, check. Rent, check. All that stuff. I would even have a little left over every month and enough to save. The little cabin worked out in impossible ways - I pretty much went from considering it to blinking and getting one. Everything just worked out so well. I got it and the next day I got the job I'd been praying about.
Then things happened. As I've said, I lost the job I needed. I am now working a part time one, and they can't work me full time for insurance reasons and all of that which I don't really understand but which makes sense to someone somewhere. Since then I've been frantically looking for another job. I am the world's fastest application...applier? Filler-outer? I'm really good at it, I've even got a system. I've been filling them out for months, and no one wants me.
I've almost gotten a couple jobs. But last minute something happens - someone more qualified shows up - and they get it instead.
At the end of 2015 I decided I'd begin to pray in earnest for a job...I had before but I thought I would ask, really ask, for one. After all, my request wasn't made for selfish reasons, like wanting more money, but because I really did need one.
So I prayed hard. And suddenly things seemed to finally be working out. I got another job, my car's problem got fixed, everything would work out so nicely! I wouldn't have to borrow money from friend's, that little extra a month for one bill or food.
And then it happened. My rib broke. I could barely move, let alone pick up little kids. I was useless at work, but my boss didn't hold it against me. Her biggest concern was not over working me while I was in so much pain. She had no problem with me sitting on the floor, pretty much useless, only reading stories.
But I was given time off, so much time. It was only out of concern, but I needed the money. Rent. I has it.
Then, when I thought nothing could possibly get worse then working about only eight days out of the month, my car decided to randomly sprout power steering fluid everywhere.
Normally I'd be fine. I've driven without it before. It wouldn't have been a problem before.
But I can't drive a car which fights me at every turn with a rib still not completely healed. And I couldn't afford to get it fixed, so it is sitting very happily in my driveway. I think it was just annoyed with me driving to work at seven thirty in the cold. I'd give up my power steering too to not have to do that.
The day it happened was bad. I was done I decided. I crippled it to Starbucks and parked it.
I'd spent the day babysitting. I was tired, my rib hurt and the steering only made it worse, I knew I wouldn't have enough money for everything due in the next month. So I hid in Starbucks, I ordered a coffee with a Christmas gift card, I stuck in my headphones and listened to Enya, and read while sneaking sly glances at a guy who looked just like a modern Striker - my character from the Blade books. And I tried not to cry in front of total strangers.
Everything I didn't really believe but which had been bombarded on me came back and I started to wonder. What had I done wrong? Had I done something horribly rebellious against God and this was my punishment? A broken car in the head of winter, a broken rib which not only hurt but hindered me from working AND doing things I liked like going on long walks. Surely I had done something terrible to have all of this happen to me.
While I blinked back tears, because I don't really cry in front of anyone let alone strangers and men who look like my characters, I texted a friend of mine. I needed someone to talk to, kind of a shoulder to cry on without the actual crying.
She soon helped me calm down. I slowly drank my wanna be coffee thing and then I began to pray.
I prayed a new prayer. I prayed that I could make it through all of this, being the example God wanted me to be. Learning the lessons I was so obviously supposed to learn. I prayed that I might learn to trust Him when everything, EVERYTHING, was going wrong. When I thought it couldn't get worse and it did.
It's still hard. I still have a month in front of me and only eight days on the paycheck. I still have a broken car in my drive way, happily relaxing under a blanket of snow as it waits out the coldest part of the winter. I still sometimes want to hide under my blanket and cry.
But I am learning. So so much.
I am learning that I can rely on my friends without being scared they will all grow so annoyed with me they won't ever want to speak to me again. I am learning God provides for what is needed, in impossible ways sometimes. And I'm learning to find joy and happiness and not let it all rest on money. I'm not rich, I never will be likely unless Tom Hanks decides to buy the rights to Brothers-in-Arms and make a mini-series, but I still have more fun sliding up and down the snow packed streets in my trackless boots then most people do.
The point I think I'm trying to make is this, God never promises wealth and a new car and a large house. He never said we'd get a million dollars on our doorsteps wrapped with a bow. But what He did promise is so much better. He promised to be with us in every trail and struggle. He promised us a home in Heaven. He promised to provide for our needs, the real ones, sometimes we get needs and wants mixed up but He never does. He promised to be my Father, in the times when everything seems to be going perfectly and in the times when I am stuck in the house with a broken rib.
Don't let the same happen to you which has happened to me. Don't get confused about what it means to be a Christian. Because it does mean suffering and hard times, but it just means we have GOD to help us through them. What could be better?
(This is a little PS. He has also given me some incredible friends and family who helps me out when I need it, who fight my stubborn car home across town when it decides to be a pain, who drives me places so I don't have to trudge about in the below freezing weather to work at six thirty in the morning. I've been very well taken care of.)
I used a Doctor Who quote today. It is one from 12 when he sees a baby. I can relate to him.
It isn't as if I am ashamed of it. I am a child of God's, His daughter, called by Him before the creation of the world. What do I have to be ashamed of?
I don't talk about it much because everyone nowadays is ready for a debate. You push the wrong buttons and suddenly you've declared war. "Oh, YOU think that?! WELL! Let me tell you why you're wrong!" No one really wants to listen anymore, or just talk. They want to argue, to have a point and the need to prove it. They bristle. I encounter it at work all the time, and I realized when I tell someone I'm a Christian and they get defensive.
So I stopped.
But I did something else instead. I started to live it. In all I do I try and live my faith. And I stand out. My co-workers started to notice. I didn't have to tell them what made me different, a lot of them seemed to just KNOW. And they didn't get defensive...if anything they got curious.
I want to try the same through my writing.
But things have happened and I've felt like sharing.
I don't know if it is everywhere, but I've encountered it. The belief that if you're a Christian life is supposed to be really good. You will get a nice job, your car will always run and be in perfect shape, you'll get a nice sized house, meet someone dashing and caring to take care of you and spend your life with....
There are Biblical examples of how untrue this is, not to mention more modern lives which show the same.
I never really struggled before. I mean I did, a lot. I had a lot of problems and such, but it wasn't ever anything with money. I had my parents to take care of me. I didn't understand the struggle behind not knowing if there would be enough money every month for those lovely things called bills.
And then I moved out on my own.
I prayed about the move, I planned and made sure I'd have enough for everything I would need. Gas for my car, check. Food, check. Bills, check. Rent, check. All that stuff. I would even have a little left over every month and enough to save. The little cabin worked out in impossible ways - I pretty much went from considering it to blinking and getting one. Everything just worked out so well. I got it and the next day I got the job I'd been praying about.
Then things happened. As I've said, I lost the job I needed. I am now working a part time one, and they can't work me full time for insurance reasons and all of that which I don't really understand but which makes sense to someone somewhere. Since then I've been frantically looking for another job. I am the world's fastest application...applier? Filler-outer? I'm really good at it, I've even got a system. I've been filling them out for months, and no one wants me.
I've almost gotten a couple jobs. But last minute something happens - someone more qualified shows up - and they get it instead.
At the end of 2015 I decided I'd begin to pray in earnest for a job...I had before but I thought I would ask, really ask, for one. After all, my request wasn't made for selfish reasons, like wanting more money, but because I really did need one.
So I prayed hard. And suddenly things seemed to finally be working out. I got another job, my car's problem got fixed, everything would work out so nicely! I wouldn't have to borrow money from friend's, that little extra a month for one bill or food.
And then it happened. My rib broke. I could barely move, let alone pick up little kids. I was useless at work, but my boss didn't hold it against me. Her biggest concern was not over working me while I was in so much pain. She had no problem with me sitting on the floor, pretty much useless, only reading stories.
But I was given time off, so much time. It was only out of concern, but I needed the money. Rent. I has it.
Then, when I thought nothing could possibly get worse then working about only eight days out of the month, my car decided to randomly sprout power steering fluid everywhere.
Normally I'd be fine. I've driven without it before. It wouldn't have been a problem before.
But I can't drive a car which fights me at every turn with a rib still not completely healed. And I couldn't afford to get it fixed, so it is sitting very happily in my driveway. I think it was just annoyed with me driving to work at seven thirty in the cold. I'd give up my power steering too to not have to do that.
The day it happened was bad. I was done I decided. I crippled it to Starbucks and parked it.
I'd spent the day babysitting. I was tired, my rib hurt and the steering only made it worse, I knew I wouldn't have enough money for everything due in the next month. So I hid in Starbucks, I ordered a coffee with a Christmas gift card, I stuck in my headphones and listened to Enya, and read while sneaking sly glances at a guy who looked just like a modern Striker - my character from the Blade books. And I tried not to cry in front of total strangers.
Everything I didn't really believe but which had been bombarded on me came back and I started to wonder. What had I done wrong? Had I done something horribly rebellious against God and this was my punishment? A broken car in the head of winter, a broken rib which not only hurt but hindered me from working AND doing things I liked like going on long walks. Surely I had done something terrible to have all of this happen to me.
While I blinked back tears, because I don't really cry in front of anyone let alone strangers and men who look like my characters, I texted a friend of mine. I needed someone to talk to, kind of a shoulder to cry on without the actual crying.
She soon helped me calm down. I slowly drank my wanna be coffee thing and then I began to pray.
I prayed a new prayer. I prayed that I could make it through all of this, being the example God wanted me to be. Learning the lessons I was so obviously supposed to learn. I prayed that I might learn to trust Him when everything, EVERYTHING, was going wrong. When I thought it couldn't get worse and it did.
It's still hard. I still have a month in front of me and only eight days on the paycheck. I still have a broken car in my drive way, happily relaxing under a blanket of snow as it waits out the coldest part of the winter. I still sometimes want to hide under my blanket and cry.
But I am learning. So so much.
I am learning that I can rely on my friends without being scared they will all grow so annoyed with me they won't ever want to speak to me again. I am learning God provides for what is needed, in impossible ways sometimes. And I'm learning to find joy and happiness and not let it all rest on money. I'm not rich, I never will be likely unless Tom Hanks decides to buy the rights to Brothers-in-Arms and make a mini-series, but I still have more fun sliding up and down the snow packed streets in my trackless boots then most people do.
The point I think I'm trying to make is this, God never promises wealth and a new car and a large house. He never said we'd get a million dollars on our doorsteps wrapped with a bow. But what He did promise is so much better. He promised to be with us in every trail and struggle. He promised us a home in Heaven. He promised to provide for our needs, the real ones, sometimes we get needs and wants mixed up but He never does. He promised to be my Father, in the times when everything seems to be going perfectly and in the times when I am stuck in the house with a broken rib.
Don't let the same happen to you which has happened to me. Don't get confused about what it means to be a Christian. Because it does mean suffering and hard times, but it just means we have GOD to help us through them. What could be better?
(This is a little PS. He has also given me some incredible friends and family who helps me out when I need it, who fight my stubborn car home across town when it decides to be a pain, who drives me places so I don't have to trudge about in the below freezing weather to work at six thirty in the morning. I've been very well taken care of.)
I used a Doctor Who quote today. It is one from 12 when he sees a baby. I can relate to him.
