Questions, Questions, Questions
Hello!
I did a live Ustream chat in February and unfortunately it didn't record properly so I am answering all the questions again on Facebook. I kind of like that format so whenever you have questions you want to ask, send them to contactme@colleenhouck.com and I'll try to answer them on Facebook. Make sure you follow that HERE. I actually like being able to direct you to links, etc to help answer some of your questions which I can't really do live anyway.
_______________________________________________________________
BOLLYWOOD BOY OF THE MONTH
Imran Khan
Birthday: January 13, 1983 (Note: Ren's Birthday is January 15th so they are both Capricorns)
Height: 5'11
(Note: Abs)
[image error]
Khan married his long-time girlfriend, Avantika Malik on January 10th, 2011.
(Note: I think he looks a bit like Joey from Friends here)
(Note: I have great respect for a Hollywood guy who sticks with his girl)
Here is a list of the movies he's been in.
2008 Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
2008 Kidnap
2009 Luck
2010 I Hate Luv Storys
2010 Break Ke Baad
2011 Delhi Belly
2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
2012 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
2012 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Watch a trailer of his movie Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu HERE.
(Note: I really like the beginning producer's video when they use the colors with the martial arts)
(Note: This scene could be out of Quest when they are at the beach)
Leave me a comment below and let me know if you see Imran as Ren, Kishan, or neither.
_____________________________________________________
INSPIRATION CORNER
Gourds
When I was thinking of what challenges Kishan and Kelsey would have to face as they climbed the world tree gourds popped into my mind. Gourds are a much more interesting subject than you might think. There are stories that come from Africa that say the universe is a giant gourd that was cut in half. The top half contains the sun, stars, and moon and the bottom half holds the ocean. The land is considered to simply float atop the waters. There is an Asian myth about a rite of passage where a boy chooses a box or an oyster or something he needs to open and there is either something great inside which he gets to keep or something awful. Whichever he chooses determines the course of his life. I can't remember where I read that and its not in any of my mythology books but that story was essentially what inspired the House of Gourds in Tiger's Quest. Below are a few examples of of the many artistic ways gourds can be used. I think they're amazing!
[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]
When I set up the gourd room in the tree, I wanted it to be much more than just pumpkins and jack-0-lanterns. I imagined beautifully lit patterns and artistic renderings of all kinds.
Another thing that inspired this scene in my books was the idea that good or bad things could happen and it was simply the luck of the draw that decided your fate. One of my favorite movies growing up was Flash Gordan. I love those old campy movies. I drew inspiration for the House of Gourds from the scene where a boy becomes a man by thrusting his hand into a tree scorpion creature's den. It was called the Trial by Treebeast. If the boy was stung, he wasn't worthy and he died, but if he survived then he joined the other men of the tribe. A very young Timothy Dalton played Prince Barin of the tree realm called Aboria. Huh...and now I also know there were once Prince Barin action figures. Excellent.
_________________________________________________
REMEMBERING DAVY JONES
Now many of you may not know who Davy Jones was but he was a member of the first boy band I ever followed, The Monkees.
Keith Partridge was #2 but I'll save him for another day and maybe do a top ten boy bands list in a future blog. Sadly, Davy passed away this week and I thought a fitting tribute might be to show you my favorite clip from when he appeared on The Brady Bunch. Seeing him on that show gave me the faith that if you believe in your boy band crush strongly enough, he'll come through for you and take you to your prom.
As a personal tribute, I am revealing this never before seen outside my family clip of me and my sisters hamming it up to Daydream Believer. I'm the one in brown. Gotta love dad's old 70's shirts. Since I don't have a tambourine I'm playing a plate. We had great perms didn't we?
We'll miss you Davy!
____________________________________________________
FEBRUARY CONTEST WINNERS
FEBRUARY WINNERS
Winner for tweeting about Colleen's ustream chat: jpbessler
Design a Date Winner: Jessica Gussias
She wrote: For my dream date it would be a little messy!! Around 4:30p.m. I would want him to pick me up. We would go to a lake and first have a picnic. Then we would go in a canoe and I'd splash him. He would splash back and then I would push him in! I would go in then too. We would swim and have a good time for a while (this dream date takes place sometime in the summer). We would go to shore and cuddle together trying to dry. We would watch the sunset over the lake and look up at the stars after. When he takes me home, I'd end the date with a kiss on the stairs!!!
Tiger's Voyage Poetry Winner: Sarah Harding
She wrote two poems but this is the one that is the winner. Can anyone else relate?
Oh dear Kelsey,
please make up your mind.
You know two great guys,
that really are kind.
They love you both,
we can see its true.
Oh dear Kelsey,
we envy you.
Who wouldn't love to know,
two noble men,
who are also part tiger,
and the perfect male specimens?
Oh us crazy fans,
like to believe
that you and the brothers exist.
We are not in our right minds you see?
We can't get you guys off our minds.
We think of you in the shower,
(yes we are very obsessive)
and even in the wee hours.
Oh us crazy fans,
have decked out our rooms and walls,
with everything tiger,
that we could find in our local malls.
We've read all the books,
oh a few hundred times through.
Absorbing every moment,
fight, quest, and kiss too.
We agonise terribly,
waiting for the next book.
We count down the months, weeks, days,
just because Colleen has got us hooked.
So dear Kelsey,
when will you make up your mind?
But I guess Colleen
will reveal in her own good time.
Our honorable mention this month comes from Ana Barrios who titled her poem "A Confused Dream". It is from the view point of Kelsey when she had a dream.
As I walked through a forest,
I felt the soft grass beneath my bare feet.
Lush and green,
Wet with dew from the morning rain,
Each drop captured the sun's light,
Becoming little stars upon the earth,
Shining like jewels.
I heard the sound of rushing waters.
I ran as fast as I could,
The forest becoming a blur of green,
Passing by me as the winds blew through the trees
Like a whistling sound.
The sound became louder as I came closer.
Suddenly, I slowed down
For what I saw was a breathtaking sight.
A waterfall surrounded by a garden of evergreen.
Thousands of colored flowers in full bloom,
Many petals fell upon my long hair,
As if the petals were snow in winter.
I walked towards the water.
Clear and blue as sapphire,
Glittering from the sun's reflection
As if gold coins were shining within the waters.
Looking down upon the waters,
I saw the reflection of a beautiful woman.
I realized the woman was me.
I was wearing a dress as white as the moon,
Long and flowing down the forest floor.
My hair cascaded down my back
Like a veil of brown curls.
My lips colored as red as a rose,
And my face was radiant with happiness as I smiled.
I closed my eyes as I listened to the sound of the garden.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching me.
As I turned around,
My breath was caught within my throat.
Standing in front of me was a warrior angel.
His eyes were as blue as the skies,
His hair as black as night,
And his skin was golden as bronze.
Wearing robes of white silk he approached me.
His hand gently touched my cheek.
Warmth radiated from his touch.
All of a sudden, I heard another set of footprints
Approaching us.
I turned around and was shocked to what I saw.
Standing in front of us was a dark pirate
With skin the color of antique bronze,
His hair was black as the hair of my angel.
Wearing robes of black silk he approached us
With a devilish smile formed upon his lips.
I turned towards my golden angel.
Anger was sketched upon his artistic face.
The dark pirate had suddenly become sullen
Once he saw his rival.
I looked at them both and finally understood.
The warrior angel was Ren.
The dark pirate was Kishan.
My heart bound to them by a red string,
Yet the string was pulled both ways.
Tighter and tighter the ends were pulled
By the Indian princes
To win a game of love's tug-of-war,
Deciding who shall gain my heart.
As I kept my eyes tightly shut,
My beautiful dream transformed into a horrible nightmare
Once I had opened my eyes.
The skies became gray,
Thunder and lightning erupted,
The leaves fell from the trees,
Dried up and turning to dust.
To what I saw next was frightening.
Two tigers,
One white, one black,
With faces so ferocious,
They had become beasts of my nightmare.
A war had finally come between my two princes.
A war to whom shall win my heart.
Finally, it had begun.
Fangs were bared, claws tearing through skin.
Crimson blood was shed through each bite and swipe.
Running away in fear,
I ran into a forest of silence.
Yet as I heard the sweet voices of the princes,
I dared not to look back.
The ground began to crumble,
Disappearing until a void was formed.
Running far beyond the void,
With all my remaining strength,
I headed towards a light.
But it was too late.
I fell into the darkness.
As I opened my eyes, I could see light.
The forest was once again as green as emerald.
Lying down on the soft grass, I realized I was not alone.
Looking down upon me were my Indian princes.
Their wounds were healed as their skin was smooth as marble.
Carrying brilliant smiles, I smiled back at them.
But, all of a sudden, my smile faded away,
For I had realized as I lost consciousness,
My heart belongs to them.
Awakened with shock, I walked over to a boat window.
Overlooking the midnight sea, the waves had calmed,
The moon glowed with a light of silver,
And many stars twinkled upon a curtain of violet.
My heart began beating as fast as drums,
Swirls of emotions and thoughts spun through my mind.
My breathing was heavy, my face red with blush.
As looked up at the night sky,
I saw the two faces of my warriors.
My heart suddenly became small
As I became saddened of what my dream meant.
My heart yearns for Ren and Kishan,
Yet my heart was filled with guilt.
A choice must be made.
Who do I love?
My heart has become a confused heart
For I do not know who is true within my heart
That lies within my soul.
Those were great! Congrats to the contest winners!
_________________________________________________
MARCH CONTESTS
(Note: Suki hasn't added the rafflecopter stuff yet so check back in a few hours for that)
MARCH CONTEST #1: My Dream Movie Cast
Use the Rafflecopter form to submit who you would like to see cast in Tiger's Curse. This will be fun to see! Maybe I will even tally up votes and share who the most popular choices are. Each character that you have an actor or actress for gives you an entry for the prize. You can earn up to seven (7) entries for this giveaway.
The prize is a movie-themed prize pack! The prize pack is put together by me (Suki) and every prize pack has something made by me.
{rafflecopter goes here}
MARCH CONTEST #2: Goodreads
Goodreads is like wandering a larger than large library or bookstore. You can organize and review books that you've read, vote for books in lists, join virtual book clubs, connect with friends, and even enter giveaways. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter to win the prize. You will need to sign up for an account if you don't already have one. You can earn up to ten (10) entries for this giveaway. You must complete the first four entries (the ones you can see right now) before the remaining six entries show up.
The prize is a signed book or an audiobook of Tiger's Curse, Tiger's Quest, or Tiger's Voyage. Winner's choice!
{rafflecopter}
MARCH CONTEST #3: Design A Nail Polish
Use the Rafflecopter form to design your own nail polish. You can earn up to four (4) entries for this giveaway. You must complete the first entry (the one you see right now) before the remaining three show up.
The prize is a nail polish-themed prize pack! The prize pack is put together by me (Suki) and every prize pack has something made by me.
All giveaways will accept entries until Saturday, March 31, 2012 at midnight eastern time.
_____________________________________________________
That's it for today my friends!
Colleen
I did a live Ustream chat in February and unfortunately it didn't record properly so I am answering all the questions again on Facebook. I kind of like that format so whenever you have questions you want to ask, send them to contactme@colleenhouck.com and I'll try to answer them on Facebook. Make sure you follow that HERE. I actually like being able to direct you to links, etc to help answer some of your questions which I can't really do live anyway.
_______________________________________________________________
BOLLYWOOD BOY OF THE MONTH
Imran Khan
Birthday: January 13, 1983 (Note: Ren's Birthday is January 15th so they are both Capricorns)
Height: 5'11
(Note: Abs)
[image error]
Khan married his long-time girlfriend, Avantika Malik on January 10th, 2011.
(Note: I think he looks a bit like Joey from Friends here)
(Note: I have great respect for a Hollywood guy who sticks with his girl)
Here is a list of the movies he's been in.
2008 Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na
2008 Kidnap
2009 Luck
2010 I Hate Luv Storys
2010 Break Ke Baad
2011 Delhi Belly
2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan
2012 Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu
2012 Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola
Watch a trailer of his movie Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu HERE.
(Note: I really like the beginning producer's video when they use the colors with the martial arts)
(Note: This scene could be out of Quest when they are at the beach)
Leave me a comment below and let me know if you see Imran as Ren, Kishan, or neither.
_____________________________________________________
INSPIRATION CORNER
Gourds
When I was thinking of what challenges Kishan and Kelsey would have to face as they climbed the world tree gourds popped into my mind. Gourds are a much more interesting subject than you might think. There are stories that come from Africa that say the universe is a giant gourd that was cut in half. The top half contains the sun, stars, and moon and the bottom half holds the ocean. The land is considered to simply float atop the waters. There is an Asian myth about a rite of passage where a boy chooses a box or an oyster or something he needs to open and there is either something great inside which he gets to keep or something awful. Whichever he chooses determines the course of his life. I can't remember where I read that and its not in any of my mythology books but that story was essentially what inspired the House of Gourds in Tiger's Quest. Below are a few examples of of the many artistic ways gourds can be used. I think they're amazing!
[image error][image error][image error][image error][image error][image error]
When I set up the gourd room in the tree, I wanted it to be much more than just pumpkins and jack-0-lanterns. I imagined beautifully lit patterns and artistic renderings of all kinds.
Another thing that inspired this scene in my books was the idea that good or bad things could happen and it was simply the luck of the draw that decided your fate. One of my favorite movies growing up was Flash Gordan. I love those old campy movies. I drew inspiration for the House of Gourds from the scene where a boy becomes a man by thrusting his hand into a tree scorpion creature's den. It was called the Trial by Treebeast. If the boy was stung, he wasn't worthy and he died, but if he survived then he joined the other men of the tribe. A very young Timothy Dalton played Prince Barin of the tree realm called Aboria. Huh...and now I also know there were once Prince Barin action figures. Excellent.
_________________________________________________
REMEMBERING DAVY JONES
Now many of you may not know who Davy Jones was but he was a member of the first boy band I ever followed, The Monkees.
Keith Partridge was #2 but I'll save him for another day and maybe do a top ten boy bands list in a future blog. Sadly, Davy passed away this week and I thought a fitting tribute might be to show you my favorite clip from when he appeared on The Brady Bunch. Seeing him on that show gave me the faith that if you believe in your boy band crush strongly enough, he'll come through for you and take you to your prom.
As a personal tribute, I am revealing this never before seen outside my family clip of me and my sisters hamming it up to Daydream Believer. I'm the one in brown. Gotta love dad's old 70's shirts. Since I don't have a tambourine I'm playing a plate. We had great perms didn't we?
We'll miss you Davy!
____________________________________________________
FEBRUARY CONTEST WINNERS
FEBRUARY WINNERS
Winner for tweeting about Colleen's ustream chat: jpbessler
Design a Date Winner: Jessica Gussias
She wrote: For my dream date it would be a little messy!! Around 4:30p.m. I would want him to pick me up. We would go to a lake and first have a picnic. Then we would go in a canoe and I'd splash him. He would splash back and then I would push him in! I would go in then too. We would swim and have a good time for a while (this dream date takes place sometime in the summer). We would go to shore and cuddle together trying to dry. We would watch the sunset over the lake and look up at the stars after. When he takes me home, I'd end the date with a kiss on the stairs!!!
Tiger's Voyage Poetry Winner: Sarah Harding
She wrote two poems but this is the one that is the winner. Can anyone else relate?
Oh dear Kelsey,
please make up your mind.
You know two great guys,
that really are kind.
They love you both,
we can see its true.
Oh dear Kelsey,
we envy you.
Who wouldn't love to know,
two noble men,
who are also part tiger,
and the perfect male specimens?
Oh us crazy fans,
like to believe
that you and the brothers exist.
We are not in our right minds you see?
We can't get you guys off our minds.
We think of you in the shower,
(yes we are very obsessive)
and even in the wee hours.
Oh us crazy fans,
have decked out our rooms and walls,
with everything tiger,
that we could find in our local malls.
We've read all the books,
oh a few hundred times through.
Absorbing every moment,
fight, quest, and kiss too.
We agonise terribly,
waiting for the next book.
We count down the months, weeks, days,
just because Colleen has got us hooked.
So dear Kelsey,
when will you make up your mind?
But I guess Colleen
will reveal in her own good time.
Our honorable mention this month comes from Ana Barrios who titled her poem "A Confused Dream". It is from the view point of Kelsey when she had a dream.
As I walked through a forest,
I felt the soft grass beneath my bare feet.
Lush and green,
Wet with dew from the morning rain,
Each drop captured the sun's light,
Becoming little stars upon the earth,
Shining like jewels.
I heard the sound of rushing waters.
I ran as fast as I could,
The forest becoming a blur of green,
Passing by me as the winds blew through the trees
Like a whistling sound.
The sound became louder as I came closer.
Suddenly, I slowed down
For what I saw was a breathtaking sight.
A waterfall surrounded by a garden of evergreen.
Thousands of colored flowers in full bloom,
Many petals fell upon my long hair,
As if the petals were snow in winter.
I walked towards the water.
Clear and blue as sapphire,
Glittering from the sun's reflection
As if gold coins were shining within the waters.
Looking down upon the waters,
I saw the reflection of a beautiful woman.
I realized the woman was me.
I was wearing a dress as white as the moon,
Long and flowing down the forest floor.
My hair cascaded down my back
Like a veil of brown curls.
My lips colored as red as a rose,
And my face was radiant with happiness as I smiled.
I closed my eyes as I listened to the sound of the garden.
Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching me.
As I turned around,
My breath was caught within my throat.
Standing in front of me was a warrior angel.
His eyes were as blue as the skies,
His hair as black as night,
And his skin was golden as bronze.
Wearing robes of white silk he approached me.
His hand gently touched my cheek.
Warmth radiated from his touch.
All of a sudden, I heard another set of footprints
Approaching us.
I turned around and was shocked to what I saw.
Standing in front of us was a dark pirate
With skin the color of antique bronze,
His hair was black as the hair of my angel.
Wearing robes of black silk he approached us
With a devilish smile formed upon his lips.
I turned towards my golden angel.
Anger was sketched upon his artistic face.
The dark pirate had suddenly become sullen
Once he saw his rival.
I looked at them both and finally understood.
The warrior angel was Ren.
The dark pirate was Kishan.
My heart bound to them by a red string,
Yet the string was pulled both ways.
Tighter and tighter the ends were pulled
By the Indian princes
To win a game of love's tug-of-war,
Deciding who shall gain my heart.
As I kept my eyes tightly shut,
My beautiful dream transformed into a horrible nightmare
Once I had opened my eyes.
The skies became gray,
Thunder and lightning erupted,
The leaves fell from the trees,
Dried up and turning to dust.
To what I saw next was frightening.
Two tigers,
One white, one black,
With faces so ferocious,
They had become beasts of my nightmare.
A war had finally come between my two princes.
A war to whom shall win my heart.
Finally, it had begun.
Fangs were bared, claws tearing through skin.
Crimson blood was shed through each bite and swipe.
Running away in fear,
I ran into a forest of silence.
Yet as I heard the sweet voices of the princes,
I dared not to look back.
The ground began to crumble,
Disappearing until a void was formed.
Running far beyond the void,
With all my remaining strength,
I headed towards a light.
But it was too late.
I fell into the darkness.
As I opened my eyes, I could see light.
The forest was once again as green as emerald.
Lying down on the soft grass, I realized I was not alone.
Looking down upon me were my Indian princes.
Their wounds were healed as their skin was smooth as marble.
Carrying brilliant smiles, I smiled back at them.
But, all of a sudden, my smile faded away,
For I had realized as I lost consciousness,
My heart belongs to them.
Awakened with shock, I walked over to a boat window.
Overlooking the midnight sea, the waves had calmed,
The moon glowed with a light of silver,
And many stars twinkled upon a curtain of violet.
My heart began beating as fast as drums,
Swirls of emotions and thoughts spun through my mind.
My breathing was heavy, my face red with blush.
As looked up at the night sky,
I saw the two faces of my warriors.
My heart suddenly became small
As I became saddened of what my dream meant.
My heart yearns for Ren and Kishan,
Yet my heart was filled with guilt.
A choice must be made.
Who do I love?
My heart has become a confused heart
For I do not know who is true within my heart
That lies within my soul.
Those were great! Congrats to the contest winners!
_________________________________________________
MARCH CONTESTS
(Note: Suki hasn't added the rafflecopter stuff yet so check back in a few hours for that)
MARCH CONTEST #1: My Dream Movie Cast
Use the Rafflecopter form to submit who you would like to see cast in Tiger's Curse. This will be fun to see! Maybe I will even tally up votes and share who the most popular choices are. Each character that you have an actor or actress for gives you an entry for the prize. You can earn up to seven (7) entries for this giveaway.
The prize is a movie-themed prize pack! The prize pack is put together by me (Suki) and every prize pack has something made by me.
{rafflecopter goes here}
MARCH CONTEST #2: Goodreads
Goodreads is like wandering a larger than large library or bookstore. You can organize and review books that you've read, vote for books in lists, join virtual book clubs, connect with friends, and even enter giveaways. Use the Rafflecopter form to enter to win the prize. You will need to sign up for an account if you don't already have one. You can earn up to ten (10) entries for this giveaway. You must complete the first four entries (the ones you can see right now) before the remaining six entries show up.
The prize is a signed book or an audiobook of Tiger's Curse, Tiger's Quest, or Tiger's Voyage. Winner's choice!
{rafflecopter}
MARCH CONTEST #3: Design A Nail Polish
Use the Rafflecopter form to design your own nail polish. You can earn up to four (4) entries for this giveaway. You must complete the first entry (the one you see right now) before the remaining three show up.
The prize is a nail polish-themed prize pack! The prize pack is put together by me (Suki) and every prize pack has something made by me.
All giveaways will accept entries until Saturday, March 31, 2012 at midnight eastern time.
_____________________________________________________
That's it for today my friends!
Colleen
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