Relaxing In The Rain

I haven't talked about kiddos in a while, so that's what I'm going to talk about today. :)

I spent the day with my little family of three.Yes, I have most definitely claimed them for myself. I know I'm only their babysitter, but they're mine anyway. :) Two boys and a girl, 8, 5 and 4. 

Today has been a very drizzly day. Not really raining, but thinking about it. 

We swung for hours and we got muddy and soaked our jeans by jumping in rain puddles and we rocked baby dolls to sleep and rode bikes. It was one busy day. :) And it was so nice to just relax, not to think about anything serious at all and just...be a kid. 

Sometimes I stress myself out, thinking about all the things that I have to do and  more recently all the changes that are coming to my life (college and so forth), so it was very nice today to just forget everything and enjoy life. 

It wasn't a 'picture perfect' sunny day with a gentle breeze or anything like that. It was cold, and wet and windy. But I couldn't have been any happier.

I Write For Jesus

I write for Jesus and for no other reason...unless maybe to bless people. :)

I told someone recently who asked me where my creativity came from that I only write, or am even ABLE to write when I let God do it. I sit back and say 'this story is yours, do what you want with it.' and then I just watch Him take over and write the story. It's amazing. :)

The man scoffed.

But I don't care. I spoke the truth. My 'creativity' DOES come from God. And everything that is good and praiseworthy in what I write, God wrote it. And all that is less, all that is bad, I take the credit for.

You don't have to like my work. But I do know that I can feel God smiling on me when I write with Him.

I love writing. I can't say whether I am good or bad at writing, I just love it. And when He writes with me it's like my whole world is perfect. It's like...like the sun shining on a green field, like a butterfly's wings, like a child's smile...all the warm and happy feelings in the world, that is what it feels like to write with Jesus.

Timelines and Snippits

I have been working very hard and for long hours the last two days. I have been making a 'timeline' for my Robin Hood series. And though it has been a lot of work...I am loving it! I love the detail, and putting everything on the 'calender'...it's just been amazing! I could do this for a living. :) 

The story spans several years...so of course my calender does too. It has been fun to watch the empty notebook fill up, first with years and months and then the months fill up with events, people dying and giving birth, getting married and doing all the things that they do.

The story spans so many years in fact that the calender is in THREE notebooks!! Right now it goes from 1170 to 1260, but I haven't finished and the third notebook still has plenty of space. :)

I have spent many, many hours on this project in the last two days. MANY hours. All of this started because the work on getting self-published got very serious. I am very close now to having that first book published...before the year is out hopefully. :P I would prefer sooner...but as we get closer to being 'done' more things pop up that need attending to. (oh the joys of writing...)

The first book I am publishing is Lucy's Legend-A Robin Hood Story. Because I can and because I'm feeling generous...I'm going to give you a little snippit from that book. :)

"What did he want?" Robin demanded. "Why was he here?"

"He asked me to accompany him to the Fair."

"Marian...I ought to be your escort."

"Can you even show up, Robin? You're an outlaw."

Robin sighed. "It would be risky, but worth it. I don't trust Gisbourne."

"Neither do I. But I might learn something. I'm not being watched."

"If they knew you were the Night Watchman..."

 "They'd have heart attacks. You know...maybe we should tell them. If they died from shock we wouldn't have to deal with them."

It Rains (The Adventure in Sunara)

When they had finished eating and cleaning up Sally said, “Well what next?”

“I think we should explore!” Joelle said.

“Alright.” Sally agreed. “Let’s take a hike.”

“I said explore, not hike.”

“Same difference.”

“Come on, you two!” Hadassah laughed.

They walked along the shore of the lake.

“Don’t you think you have enough shells?” Sally asked.

Joelle bent and retrieved a purple shell from the sand. “Nope!” She laughed.

Hadassah leaned against the wall of the bluff. “You might have to carry some, Sally. Our hands are getting full.”

Sally shook her head. “I will not. I don’t mind admiring beautiful shells by the lake, but I have no use for them anywhere else.”

Hadassah glanced up at the sky. “Those are nasty clouds.”

Joelle looked up. “Where did they come from?”

“We’ve been down by the lake for several hours.” Sally said.

“I believe it’s going to rain.” Hadassah observed.

“We’d better head back then.” Joelle said.

They hadn’t gone far before the shower started.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Hadassah asked.

“Us, wet to the skin?” Sally laughed.

“No, silly. The rain on the lake.”

The rain began to pour down hard.

Joelle started to run back to the camp but slipped in the slick mud and splashed into the lake. She came up laughing. “Brr! That’s cold! I won’t try that again.”

Sally and Hadassah pulled her to her feet.

“We’re going to be slush before we get back.” Sally said.

“Sally, we won’t melt.” Hadassah laughed.

The rain was pounding the earth, creating small canyons in the mud.

The three girls slipped and laughed their way toward the camp. They were wet through and splattered with mud.

Suddenly there was a loud boom.

Joelle and Sally covered their ears as the whole sky lit up in a flash of lightening.

Hearing a noisy crack Hadassah looked up…just in time to see a huge tree falling towards them. “Joelle! Sally! Look out!”

Hadassah scrambled forward through ankle deep mud. Sally and Joelle turned when Hadassah shouted. Both their eyes widened and they turned to scramble out of the way.

Hadassah felt a great weight on her back that forced her to her knees.

And then she felt nothing.

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There is one more piece of the story that I wish was complete for you to enjoy. :)

Star of Light

I read a beautiful story today called Star of Light, written by Patricia St. John.

The story was so touching, so moving...and I cried several times while reading it. It's so precious! :) I would definitely recommend this book to everyone! :)

It's about a little boy and his sister in Morocco and follows their trials and hardships and joys and triumphs...and it was just beautiful. :) I loved it! And I am so thankful to my friend who suggested it to me. It was a wonderful book.

The simple faith of the children made my heart sing. And in a way, they reminded me of myself.

The Incomplete Story (The Adventure in Sunara)

Hadassah poured herself a second cup of coffee and sat quietly at the picnic table in the crisp morning air. It was only the second morning of this amazing vacation, and Hadassah was drinking in the beauty around her as well as the coffee.

Hadassah watched a Robin hopping on the ground near the fire ring. "Hello, little Robin Red-Breast. Find any breakfast?"

Hadassah's musical voice caused the Robin to pause in his search for a worm. A doe peeked her head around a tree several yards away.

"Good morning." Hadassah called good-naturedly.

The doe blinked at her.

Hearing someone climbing out of the tent, Hadassah turned to see Joelle. "Good morning."

"Good morning, Hadassah. Don't tell me you are talking to animals again?"

Hadassah smiled. "I was. Sometimes I truly believe they can understand me."

"Oh look! There's a fawn with the doe!"

Hadassah looked where Joelle pointed. "Aw, he's adorable."

"Our very own Bambi." Joelle said.

"You can't be serious." Sally called from the tent. "Cooing over a fawn?"

The doe and her fawn disappeared. The Robin flew away.

"Look at that." Joelle said. "Your unkind words scared them off."

______________________________________________________________

"Lilianith...?" Hadassah began.

"Yes, Lady Hadassah?"

"Oh please just call me Hadassah. I've never been 'lady' anything in my life."

"I will call you Hadassah. But you had a question?"

"Yes. Alastair said that Areking sends visitors from 'beyond the world' such as Joelle and I when the country is in great peril. So my question is...is the country in great peril?"

Lilianith smiled sadly. "No, the country is not in peril. There have been some instances when Areking brought us visitors for other reasons, but that was long, long ago and few people remember them still."

"And those reasons were...?"

"I cannot tell you. It wouldn't be right. Not yet. We will wait for Areking."

______________________________________________________________

That's two more little pieces of the story I wish I knew fully. Maybe it doesn't tug at your heart the way it does mine, but I love this story so much!

A Piece of My Heart

A crazy turn of events. I don't even know where to begin. We were camping...we were collecting shells...it rained...a tree fell...something hit my back...and then here Joelle and I were, in the middle of our own fairy tale.

This is an excerpt from a story I have been trying to write for many years. It never gets very far. I have almost accepted the fact that it will not grow into the full fledged novel I've always wanted it to be. So I am going to share pieces of it here, to assuage my grief over the fact that it's a dead end.

I keep hoping that the next time I go back to it, it will sprout wings and fly, as my other stories have done. But it refuses to do so. I have loved this story from the first day I discovered it in the recesses of my imagination. And I do wish, with all of my heart, that it was complete.

This is a story that I have, for now, named The Adventure in Sunara....that could change in the future though.

It's about a girl named Hadassah who was harmlessly camping with her two friends Joelle and Sally. One day something totally crazy happens to them and they find themselves in Sunara. How they got there, they don't know. All Hadassah knows is what she wrote in her journal, what you read above. They have somehow traveled to a medieval land, and of course they have many adventures there.

I've never gotten farther than just a few chapters into this book. I wish I knew the whole story. But for now I will have to be satisfied with the little that I do know.

Hadassah sifted through them, searching the titles. She did not recognize many. But then she found one she knew well from her childhood. Robert had read them aloud to her when she was only a little thing. Robert, the wonderful older brother she had lost when she was sixteen. Robert had only been twenty-three when he died in that terrible car accident.

An Average Day Of Writing

My little sister and I are both aspiring authors. We live and breathe writing (well I do at any rate). I've always loved making up stories. When my sister and I used to play Barbies when we were small I would spend at least an hour, before the game started, laying out all the Barbies and deciding who was related to who and how the whole game was going to work out. 

I was twelve years old when I first started actually writing stories, and my love of writing has grown in leaps and bounds since that day. I enjoy writing like I enjoy nothing else. Getting to know my characters, traveling to new places...it's an amazing world to live in. I feel so blessed to be able to write the way I do.

On an average day, this is what you will find in my bedroom:

I have come to the conclusion that I need a bigger desk!

This is Rebekah, working away diligently at her latest novel.

And here am I, busy as a bee with my book. :)

Here's a random fact for you: I type at least 45 words per minute. :)

I haven't yet decided which I prefer, typing out my books on my computer, or writing them in a plain old notebook. Typing it definitely is easier and faster. And it's so easy to edit. But writing in a notebook, on regular old paper...it just feels like home. So consequently, I do a mixture of both. Although I get far more cramps in my hand and arm when I write by hand than when I type on the computer...

My little sister is present constantly when I am writing, and we often share the chapters or even simple paragraphs we've just finished with each other. We love to share ideas, and talk through our stories together. She's a blessing to work with! :)

I often spend hours, long, long hours, a day just writing. It's marvelous! :) I started writing today at 9 AM and have had only very short breaks between then and now (it's 3 in the afternoon...)....this is what I love to do.

I have mentioned before that I am in the process of self-publishing my first novel...that is almost completed...I will let you know as soon as it is!

New Dresses

So...I woke up this morning, vaguely aware of someone knocking on the door and my mother answering. I heard something that sounded like my name. And then moments later my mother was in my room, sitting on my bed and placing a box in my hands.

And I woke all the way up. Fast.

I few weeks ago I ordered a couple dresses from Eshakti (I don't usually spend money at all, so this was a big step for me...). I came across Eshakti and their marvelous dresses in one of my friend's blogs. And I just had to get a dress.

In the end, I couldn't choose between two of my favorites, so I got them both.

I have been waiting anxiously for these dresses to come, and I was quite literally jumping for joy this morning when they arrived. :) A perfect way to start my day!

My little sister Rebekah took my pictures. I didn't like the interior of my house as a background, so we went outside after we did the first picture.

Of course, it was raining outside. And that rain was cold!!

I didn't realize my hair was covering the flowers when we took this picture, so of course we had to do it again.

Both dresses are a wee bit wrinkled, since I just pulled them out of the box...but they are gorgeous nonetheless!

After a while I could not see through the rain on my glasses....

Rebekah did not like my wristbands that I wear, but instead of taking them off, she just had me hide my hand behind my back.

I absolutely adore these dresses already! I'd recommend Eshakti dresses to anyone. :) I love the feel of the fabric against my skin. I love the pockets too. :) The dresses are just so cute, and I feel so beautiful when wearing them! I would not recommend standing in the rain for a long period of time. It's very cold and very wet. ;)

I'm so happy right now, I can't describe it. :) It's almost the same bubbly feeling I had last night, when I started writing my newest novel. You just feel so excited and happy and blessed....it's wonderful. :)

Little Quotes

These are just a few little quotes and sayings that make me happy or make me laugh, so I thought I'd share them. Some are from candy wrappers, some from movies and books, some from my own family and friends...some from who knows where! I hope you enjoy them. :)

"The only certainty in life is smooth chocolate."

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

"Happiness never decreases by being shared."

"If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly, and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child."

"To be able to find joy in another's joy, that is the secret of happiness."

"Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused."

"If I can be of any help, you're in more trouble than I thought."

"There's nothing wrong with having nothing to say, as long as you don't say it out loud."

"When it's hard to look back and you're too scared to look ahead, you can look beside you and your sister will be there."

"The great advantage of living in a large family is that early lesson of life's essential unfairness."

"Love in the heart wasn't put there to stay; love isn't love til you give it away."

"I just thought that comment needed a 'duh' at the end of it."

"But courage, child: we are all between the paws of the true Aslan."

"Oh dainty duck, oh dear!"

"Seeing as how you are a governess, perhaps you can explain to me the idea of a 28 day week."

Home From Nationals

I am home from my trip!!! Did you miss me? (Don't answer that question)

Bible Bowl Nationals was amazing. As always, I enjoyed the test and competition. And again, as always, I loved the family atmosphere of our team. I'm still sad that it's over, that I'm done forever now. But this was such a great tournament. I was surrounded by an amazing group of people, doing things I love to do...I couldn't ask for more.

This was my absolutely wonderful team at Nationals. These girls were so much fun to be with!

This sweet girl had a birthday on our trip.  

Besides competition in Indianapolis we also got to tour the courthouse in St. Louis on the way home, and go up in the Arch. :) That was a blast.

I'm feeling so content right now. I had an amazing week. I spent time with amazing friends, made some amazing memories and am now looking forward to the amazing future. :)

Enrolled

Yesterday I enrolled at the community college. 

I was out of my comfort zone, talking to the adviser and all of that. And then walking over the campus, seeing which buildings my classes were in...the reality just set in. I'm going to college in the fall. Oh. Dear.

I will leave off my complaining there, because I have decided I am going to face this challenge with a cheerful countenance. 

I'm going to meet new friends, which will be fantastic. I love people, as long as I know them. So I will get to know them quickly. That is the goal. Otherwise I'll hide in my chair with  my head down the whole semester, which would not be fun.

I'm going to be learning. I have always loved school, so this should not be scary. I'm going to enjoy my classes.

I can't honestly say that I am "looking forward" to the fall, but I'm not hiding under my bed like I was a while back, so we're getting better. 

Before the semester starts I want to be more than that. I don't want to say "Well I'm not dreading college, so I guess it's okay." I know I will probably never jump up and down for joy at the thought of college, but I do want to be more cheerful about it than I am now. Whenever I think of college I want to play a dirge. And I don't want it to be that way. 

College will not kill me. College will in fact be very good for me. At least, that's what I keep telling myself.

Self-Publishing

I spent hours today, quite literally, doing agonizing work in the self-publishing realm. All I can say is that I am glad actually writing the book is fun, easy, and my favorite thing in the world. Otherwise, I might give up. Not that anything I did today was hard. It wasn't. But it was long, and boring and often frustrating. Formatting pages and editing and re-editing and re-editing and formatting pages....in circles, over and over. I don't understand why it couldn't just work the first time. But I suppose the finished book, held in my hands, will be all that much sweeter because of the headache I endured to get it done.

Despite the challenges though, I am getting very excited! My first novel about to be published...for REAL! :) I cannot wait. One very fun thing I got to do today was design my cover...I could do that all day. :)

When the book is finally finished and published I'll be sure to let you know. :) Right now I'm off to go do some more 'finishing touches'....those take FOREVER.

On a different subject altogether...I'm heading off on another long trip, so there will be another lengthy silence. My apologies. I should stop being so busy, huh? We're leaving for Bible Bowl Nationals on the fourth. Hopefully we'll all do amazing and come back with bizarre stories to tell, wonderful memories to cherish...and maybe even a trophy or two. (Here's hoping)