Happy Birthday, Erudessa!

Hello one and all.  I'm Melody, Dessa's sister, hacking her blog in revenge for what she did to me on my birthd... er, I mean in celebration of her birthday.  I asked several of her friends to help me by telling how they met Dessa, what she means to them and what character in literature or movies she makes them think of.  Thank you to Taz for helping me bring this all together.

~ TAZ ~

 How I met her- On Ravelry. We found each other through the group western hearts. And once two crazy people meet they can't forget it. So we have been friends ever since.

What she means to me- That is a hard one to put into words! You are the most loving, understanding, trustworthy, interesting, sweet, caring, funny, smart, pretty (inside and out!), and creative person I know. Your heart is pure and it shows in everything you do. You bring happiness to my life (much needed happiness lol) You listen to my sorrows and pain. And support me anyway you can. You make me laugh in the times when I want to cry. You have made me a better person just knowing you. My mom still blames you for getting me addicted to Korean Dramas. Which I now can't stop watching. And I love you for it!
Even though we have never met. You are the closest thing I will ever have to a sister. And that means the world to me. You have forever changed my life for the better. And I hope I can be as good of a friend back to you, as you have been to me.
So here is to my best friend/sister Happy birthday! Let all your dreams come true, Worries stay small. And don't ever change who you are. Because you are perfect just the way you are!
I love you.

What fictional character does she remind me of- Belle from the Beauty and the Beast. Because she is smart, kind and unique. She is exactly like her!

~ KETURAH ~

HOW WE MET:
Some people meet while trying to kill someone. Others might meet over a kind smile while sitting in a strange airport. And some may even meet because of others.
But Erudessa and I have an even more epic story. For we, yet best friends, met only once.
It all started in the enchanted land of Ravelry.com. The place where dreams do come true if you keep your fingers busy with hitting sticks against each other.
I was quite the activist back then, as many of my friends will testify. But still my eyes were pealed open for true friends. Always I had The Test in mind.
The sign that the person had integrity and ferocious quick fingers.
And my, the shock when I found her! She gave it away in one comment!
"I love Henty Books!" She had said.
G. A. Henty fans mean only one thing: True character. Loyalty. And a promising friendship.
Heart beating wildly at my unexpected joy I sent the dear Henty reader a message, "I'm friending you because of that comment about Henty books. I figured any one that that both knew of and loved Henty must be a great person!!!"
And then I went back to life forgetting about that smart book girl and my message.
But what was this?
A reply...ah yes!!!
And a long one too..with interesting statements and questions and...hmm...interesting....
And so I replied.
And so did she.
And I did so again.
She did again.
We were messaging all the time. So much more than we could be on Ravelry. So we exchanged emails.
But even that wasn't enough for us - for we were starting to talk every day!!!! It then came time to exchange numbers. Texting was great...
And then I heard the Henty Girl's voice! What exoticness! Born right out of the pages of brilliance herself.
I never gave her my address though. That was a surprise. This dear Henty Girl found a way to get it with out my knowledge and sent me a surprise birthday gift! Ah the joy!!!!! The excitement! And now we could write letters!!!
And so the friendship grew, and not only wider and bigger, but deeper too. Down. With such long roots that our friendship may never be totally destroyed.
It was a great! But even greater was the day when my family went to see the Henty Girl!!!!!
It was then complete bliss. :D
Happy happy birthday, my favorite Henty Girl!!!!! Thanks for being such an awesome friend, one so full of joy! Remember even when I'm busy and seem to ignoring you, that you are one of my best friends!
And I'm never too busy for you!!!! Love you! And remember that if you ever need a friend to help or talk to, in funny good times or dark evil times I'm here!!!!!! :)

FAVORITE THING ABOUT HER:

Besides the fact she reads Henty books?
Ummmm...
Oh..yeah. How loyal she is to me, even when I stink at being a good friend.
 And her sweet disposition towards things unfair.
She's a true friend...one out there for others, not herself.
And because of that, I hope God blesses her soooo much filling her with His wisdom and directing her towards God's perfect destiny for her.

WHAT SHE MEANS TO ME:

She means coconut cream pie and Sweet William to me. And pink teddy bears, too.
Let me explain.
Every year when I was young mom asked me what I wanted to eat for my birthday. 
I didn't like cake.
 I always chose coconut cream pie.
In Missouri there grows these little lavender blossoms that have four or so heart shaped petals. 
The flower has the sweetest smell in the world. 
It grows wild every where in the spring. 
It is my favorite flower.
When I was little I had a pink teddy bear that...ummm... died. I begged and begged my mom for another. A couple year later for a birthday she bought me my pink teddy, who I named Kelly because of the name-brand tag on her that said Kelly.
 I still have her :D

FICTIONAL CHARACTER SHE MAKES ME THINK OF:

Oooh....a villain or good guy (I mean girl)?
Lol. Just kidding. ;)
Beth from Little Women.
To tell you the truth though...my Henty friend is her own person. Never to be compared to any fictional character.
I mean, yeah, she's sweet and kind like Beth. But she also had Amy's spirit and temperance (in a good way), and Jo's love for adventure.

~ HOPE ~

I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer on this count. We met on Ravelry…over a year ago now, maybe? Dates and time blurs. We were part of the same writers group, exchanged e-mails, and then started e-mailing each other. I enjoy contact with other Christian girls, and I’ve enjoyed emailing with Erudessa.  I hope she has a wonderful birthday!!!

~ ANDIE ~

Queenie/Dessa and I met in the Christian Writers group, in a thread I had started for a sort of ‘collaborative diary’ story, but I had to look for like ten minutes to pin down exactly when we met, as she has been a friend of mine pretty much since I started Ravelry!
My favorite thing about Queenie is how she is always there for everyone. If you’re down, she’s there to talk to. If you are super excited and need someone to chatter to, she’s there then too.
I think that Queenie most reminds me of a combination of Lucy and Susan from Narnia. She has Lucy’s openness, friendliness and willingness to listen, but she also has Susan’s responsibility and maturity.

~ JAMIE ~

Well, I met Dessa here on Ravelry, in the Lonely Mountain group. She’s very outgoing, kind, and has been an awesome friend. I haven’t known her for very long but I’m so glad I met her!
My favorite thing about her how her cheerfulness tends to spread through whatever conversation she’s a part of. Her presence makes a big difference!
She rather reminds me of Juliette from “I Will Repay” (in the Scarlet Pimpernel series). Strong, smart, and determined yet sensible and gentle.
I hope Dessa has the best birthday ever!!!!!!!

~ MELODIE ~

I met your sister on the Lord of the Rings group and I really enjoyed her so I added her as a friend….NO wait as a Best Friend!!!!
My Favorite thing about her is that she understands how I think!! I love Lord of the Rings and Narnia and she does too! (to me we think alike!)
She reminds me of….um… Legolas! (She is just so cool(even more so than Legolas!))
HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUEENGRAINNE!!!!!

~ RACHEL ~

I first met Queenie on Ravelry two years ago. She was in the first “group” I joined here, and one of the first people to befriend me!
My favorite thing about her? I don’t know, it’s really hard to choose just one. She’s wise, kind, thoughtful, lighthearted, caring, loves the Lord, has excellent taste in books and movies (and just about everything else), what more can I say?
To me, Queenie is a wonderful friend who’s opinion I trust.
Hmm, I think probably Uncle Alec from Eight Cousins.

~ ANNA S. BRIE ~

I met her through the Christian Writers group. I love how she’s always been enthusiastic about my ideas and remembers little things I didn’t even remember telling her. She remembered that it was a Rapunzel retelling, when I’d started to wonder that it even was.
And I love how she chooses to communicate with me through Pinterest, despite having my email address. It’s unique.
I’m afraid I don’t really know her well enough to associate her with a particular character, but she always reminds me of LOTR.

~ HER TORMENTING ELDEST SISTER ~

Dessa has and will always hold a special place in my heart, since the moment this delighted seven-year-old held her baby sister for the first time and those little eyelids opened and brown eyes stared up at me from a frowning button face.  Over the years, that tiny baby has grown into one of the cutest people I know.  She's one of my strongest supporters, staunchest defenders, and most eager listeners.  She reminds me to have hope when I don't really see any reason or sense in doing so.  She's smart, clever, sweet, and her kindness constantly provides a foil for my sterner nature.

Even on the days when we want to strangle each other for a myriad of reasons, I can't imagine life without my beloved Melian.

Happy, HAPPY birthday, dearest baby sister.  May fairies grace your dreams, hope shine on your path, and love and light follow you throughout your future.

Also, HAPPY BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY, Sister.  Wow.  One year today.  How the time does fly.

~ MOM ~

A happy smile …

Sparkling eyes …

Bouncy curls that are now thick waves ….

These are the things about my Birthday Girl that most people see when they meet her.

But I remember the things that make her ‘her’.  

The cute baby memories,  like screaming for dear life when her sister would pick her up.  Or the time, when she was a toddler, that I used to say ‘Otay Buckwheat’ to the children, and this girl thought I was saying  ‘Okay, Broccoli’ … and it stuck.  (Yes, I still call her Broccoli, but only occasionally, and mostly for sentimental reasons.)

As she grew older, her sensitive and caring nature began to take shape, and action.  She has become a vital team member for town trips, helping with everything from the basics of the shopping, itself, to offering herself as a special assistant to her younger siblings so they can have a town trip, even though Mom doesn’t really want the extra bodies along.   I truly can’t even imagine going to town without her anymore.

Many times she has stepped in to fill in the gaps as we navigate family life, and all the changes that has meant for ours in the recent past.  Just a week ago, or so, she rallied the teams for an all day kickball event, including sprinklers, in the back yard.  They had a blast, I had a break, and she didn’t even complain about the sunburn.

I can hardly believe my baby is this old, but I’m so grateful for the young woman that she is, and that God blessed me with her for a daughter.

Happy Birthday, Broccoli.  I love you!!

To the friends I wasn't able to reach by email or message, I invite you to comment with your story of how you met Erudessa, what she means to you, and what fictional character from literature or media she reminds you of.

~ MELODY MUFFIN ~

One Year Blogaversary

  Good morning everyone!  As of today, I have been blogging for one year.  For my One Year Blogaversary, I told my lovely followers that they could ask me questions.  Here are the questions and the answers.


From: Chloe
What is your favorite animal? 
  Horses

Do you play an instrument? If so, which one? If not, which one do you wish you could play?
  I do not play an instrument, but I want to learn how to play the violin.
 
What is your favorite song as of right now?
  Eternal Love by Michael Learns to Rock.  It is off the soundtrack of one of my favorite kdramas.
 
Do you wear glasses/contacts? How long have you had them?
  No I do not.


From: Olivia
~ Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? Or a verse/passage that's meant a lot to you recently?
  My favorite book of the Bible, is Esther.  A passage that has helped me a lot is Isaiah 41:10.

~ In what form do you usually listen to music? (i.e. iPod, CD, radio, record player)
  My laptop on YouTube.  My lovely MP3 'gave up the ghost' about 3 years ago.
 
~ Do you learn towards dressier or more casual in your everyday outfits?
  Casual.  A t-shirt and skirt.  I have a few dresses, but prefer a t-shirt and skirt.
 
~ How many books, on average, would you say you read per year, off the top of your head?
  Close to 200.  But some of those are re-reads.
 
~ What's the story behind your blog title? (I'm pretty sure I know it, but just in case.)
  The poem in J.R.R. Tolkien's Return of the King that speaks of all who died in the Battle of Pelennor Fields.
 
~ Shoes: Delights of the Soul or Uninteresting Necessities?
  Uninteresting Necessities.  I prefer bare feet.
 
~ Is there anything you wish was an automatic part of your personality, but isn't, such as seeing colors for different people, naming everything, rocking scarves and/or hats, etc.?
  Well sometimes I wish I wasn't so shy.
 
~ Old movies: Yea or Nay?
  It depends on the genre.
 
~ Would you rather be slightly colder or slightly hotter?
  Slightly hotter.
 
~ And, totally random, do you like wearing makeup or no?
  Yes I enjoy wearing make up.  Though I don't wear it as often as I could.  Most days I just can't find the time.

From: Meredith
-What is the longest book you've ever read? 
  I think The Silmarillion.
 
-What is the hardest book you've ever read? 
  Hardest?  G.K. Chesterton's The Club of Queer Trades.
 
-Is there a fictional character you consider a role model?
  Samwise Gamgee.

-Off of Olivia's makeup question, do you like wearing nail polish? 
   I adore wearing nail polish, but because I live on a farm and I wash a lot of dishes, it doesn't usually last for very long, also there is always so much to do that it is hard ot find the time to paint them and actually have them dry thoroughly.

-Cats or dogs? (I'm sorry that's not a very nice question. xD)
  It's a perfectly nice question!  I like both, but I prefer dogs.....as long as they aren't always trying to lick you!
 
-Lastly, is there a book you've been meaning to read for a long time? 
  The Lost Heir by G.A. Henty. 


From: Mairwen
~ If you could have dinner with anyone past or present. Who would it be?
  I would love to have dinner with the CT (Celtic Thunder) boys.

~ If you could live anywhere in the world. Where would it be? (I think I know the answer to this)
  Oh, you know the answer quite well......having heard it 55 million times.  Dear old Ireland.  But if I couldn't go there, it would be a rambling old farmhouse int he Vermont hills.  You haven't heard as much about that, but Mom Melody have heard gaZOBS!

~ Is there a book that you have heard of and want to read, but you can't find it?
  Well it's not that I can't find it, I just haven't been able to purchase it.  The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge.

~ Is there a movie that you could watch every day and never get tired of?
  Ummmmm......the 1960 version of The Swiss Family Robinson. 


From: Cordy
Do you have a favorite post that you wrote? Which was it?
  A favorite pot that I wrote.  Hmmm.  Probably Happy Valentine's Day: My First Ever OTP's.

Do you have a favorite mythical creature?
  Yes.  Unicorns.  And Dragons.  
  

Movies I Watched In: June 2016

Titles with nothing before them I watched for the first time.

Titles with ** before them are re-watches.

Titles with # before them I watched with my little siblings.

City Hunter ~ 2011 ~ 4 eps

Ouch!  These last 4 episodes hurt something awful!!!  But it was/is a very good drama.  One that I will definitely be watching again!

Descendants of the Sun ~ 2016 ~ 4 eps

This one is hilarious!  It is a perfect mix of romance, comedy and action!

Books I Read In: June 2016

Titles that have nothing before them are books that I read for the first time.

Titles with this ** before them, are books that I re-read.

 Titles with # before them, are books that I read out loud to my little siblings.

Riders of the Purple Sage ~ Zane Grey

Rainbow Trail ~ Zane Grey

** Papa's Wife ~ Thyra Ferre Bjorn

** A Woman Named Damaris ~ Janette Oke

** A Bride For Donnigan ~ Janette Oke

** The Shadow Riders ~ Louis L'Amour

** Mountain Valley War ~ Louis L'Amour

# ** The Silver Chair ~ C.S. Lewis (Mel actually read it aloud)

** Kilkenny ~ Louis L'Amour

Every Little Thing About You ~ Lori Wick

Texas Sky ~ Lori Wick

City Girl ~ Lori Wick

** The Best Gift ~ Irene Hannon

** Gift From the Heart ~ Irene Hannon

** An Unexpected Gift ~ Irene Hannon

Quentin Durward ~ Sir Walter Scott

# ** The Magician's Nephew ~ C.S. Lewis (Mel read)

** Spice Box ~ Grace Livingston Hill

Amazing Singers

  So I just ran across the video of 13-year-old Laura Bretan on America's Got Talent.  I don't watch the show, I found the video on YouTube and this girl is amazing!  She sang opera and OH MY GOODNESS!!  The kind of voice that takes your breath away!  Mel B gave her the Gold Buzzer and.....it was priceless.

  And then.....she sang one of my favorite songs, The Prayer.  She is AMAZING!!

  I'm really proud of this girl and cheering for her!

Bookania Character Interview: Enna

  Today I have the privilege of interviewing Princess Enaline (Enna) of Reference.

  Welcome to The Flowering Vales Enna!

  I am very excited to interview you, because you love books.  So do I.

  Does your head ever feel like it will explode from all of the knowledge stored inside?
  Not often. Occasionally, if I've read too much in a day, I'll get a nasty headache, but it's usually gone in the morning.
 
  Do you have a favorite genre of books to read?
  I prefer history, learning about the past and all that. I also enjoy the occasional novel. 
 
  Was there a young man that you had feelings for when you fell asleep?  If so, did he also attend the party?
  I think my parents were in the process of evaluating proper suitors for me, but I must confess that the only young man to have stolen my heart would be my young nephew, little Joseph. Babies are just so precious. 
   That they are.  My nephew is too adorable for words.
 
  What was your reaction when you learned of your hundred year sleep?
  I was rather surprised and suspected that Madeleine was playing one of her jokes ... yet it soon became clear that it was not a joke and very much real. I suppose it is frightening for my whole world to change so quickly ... but then again, it presents so many new things to learn!
 
  During the preparations for the fight against Mordreth, you and Conia are put in charge of gathering the food.  Do you enjoy cooking?
  I can't say I've ever turned my hand to actual cooking. We were gathering food for them to cook on the way, not cooking it for them.
 
   Your gift is remembering everything you have ever read.  Do you have any skill with weapons?
  I have theoretical knowledge of how to use many weapons, but I've never actually tried to use any of them.
 
  Did the castle on Reference have a very large Library?
  *laughs* My home is almost entirely library. *laughter turns to a sigh* I do wonder what happened to it ... Kendra says we'll find it again in book 5.
  That castle sounds like a heavenly place!

  Well, thank you for joining me, Enna.  I can't wait to see how your story goes.
  
  For those of you reading this, be sure to check out Kendra's blog.  Also, three of the Bookania books are free today.  Sew, It's A Quest, The Prior Quest and Woodcutter Quince.

Inkling Explorations: July 2016

 A scene with a traveler arriving home in book or film.

My choice is this scene from Rose In Bloom.

 

 

   Three young men stood together on a wharf one bright October day awaiting the arrival of an ocean steamer with an impatience which found a vent in lively skirmishes with a small lad, who pervaded the premises like a will-o'-the-wisp and afforded much amusement to the other groups assembled there.

  "They are the Campbells, waiting for their cousin, who has been abroad several years with her uncle, the doctor," whispered one lady to another as the handsomest of the young men touched his hat to her as he passed, lugging the boy, whom he had just rescued from a little expedition down among the piles.
   "Which is that?" asked the stranger.
  "Prince Charlie, as he's called a fine fellow, the most promising of the seven, but a little fast, people say," answered the first speaker with a shake of the head.    "Are the others his brothers?"
   "No, cousins. The elder is Archie, a most exemplary young man. He has just gone into business with the merchant uncle and bids fair to be an honor to his family. The other, with the eyeglasses and no gloves, is Mac, the odd one, just out of college."
   "And the boy?"
   "Oh, he is Jamie, the youngest brother of Archibald, and the pet of the whole family. Mercy on us he'll be in if they don't hold on to him!"
   The ladies' chat came to a sudden end just there, for by the time Jamie had been fished out of a hogshead, the steamer hove in sight and everything else was forgotten. As it swung slowly around to enter the dock, a boyish voice shouted, "There she is! I see her and Uncle and Phebe! Hooray for Cousin Rose!" And three small cheers were given with a will by Jamie as he stood on a post waving his arms like a windmill while his brother held onto the tail of his jacket.

  Yes, there they were Uncle Alec swinging his hat like a boy, with Phebe smiling and nodding on one side and Rose kissing both hands delightedly on the other as she recognized familiar faces and heard familiar voices welcoming her home.
   "Bless her dear heart, she's bonnier than ever! Looks like a Madonna doesn't she? with that blue cloak round her, and her bright hair flying in the wind!" said Charlie excitedly as they watched the group upon the deck with eager eyes.
   "Madonnas don't wear hats like that. Rose hasn't changed much, but Phebe has. Why, she's a regular beauty!" answered Archie, staring with all his might at the dark-eyed young woman with the brilliant color and glossy black braids shining in the sun.
   "Dear old Uncle! Doesn't it seem good to have him back?" was all Mac said, but he was not looking at "dear old uncle" as he made the fervent remark, for he saw only the slender blond girl nearby and stretched out his hands to meet hers, forgetful of the green water tumbling between them.

  During the confusion that reigned for a moment as the steamer settled to her moorings, Rose looked down into the four faces upturned to hers and seemed to read in them something that both pleased and pained her. It was only a glance, and her own eyes were full, but through the mist of happy tears she received the impression that Archie was about the same, that Mac had decidedly improved, and that something was amiss with Charlie. There was no time for observation, however, for in a moment the shoreward rush began, and before she could grasp her traveling bag, Jamie was clinging to her like an ecstatic young bear. She was with difficulty released from his embrace to fall into the gentler ones of the elder cousins, who took advantage of the general excitement to welcome both blooming girls with affectionate impartiality. Then the wanderers were borne ashore in a triumphal procession, while Jamie danced rapturous jigs before them even on the gangway.
   Archie remained to help his uncle get the luggage through the Custom House, and the others escorted the damsels home. No sooner were they shut up in a carriage, however, than a new and curious constraint seemed to fall upon the young people, for they realized, all at once, that their former playmates were men and women now. Fortunately, Jamie was quite free from this feeling of restraint and, sitting bodkinwise between the ladies, took all sorts of liberties with them and their belongings.
   "Well, my mannikin, what do you think of us?" asked Rose, to break an awkward pause.
   "You've both grown so pretty, I can't decide which I like best. Phebe is the biggest and brightest-looking, and I was always fond of Phebe, but somehow you are so kind of sweet and precious, I really think I must hug you again," and the small youth did it tempestuously.
   "If you love me best, I shall not mind a bit about your thinking Phebe the handsomest, because she is. Isn't she, boys?" asked Rose, with a mischievous look at the gentlemen opposite, whose faces expressed a respectful admiration which much amused her.
   "I'm so dazzled by the brilliancy and beauty that has suddenly burst upon me, I have no words to express my emotions," answered Charlie, gallantly dodging the dangerous question.
   "I can't say yet, for I have not had time to look at anyone. I will now, if you don't mind." And, to the great amusement of the rest, Mac gravely adjusted his eyeglasses and took an observation.
   "Well?" said Phebe, smiling and blushing under his honest stare, yet seeming not to resent it as she did the lordly sort of approval which made her answer the glance of Charlie's audacious blue eyes with a flash of her black ones.
   "I think if you were my sister, I should be very proud of you, because your face shows what I admire more than its beauty truth and courage, Phebe," answered Mac with a little bow full of such genuine respect that surprise and pleasure brought a sudden dew to quench the fire of the girl's eyes and soothe the sensitive pride of the girl's heart.
   Rose clapped her hands just as she used to do when anything delighted her, and beamed at Mac approvingly as she said: "Now that's a criticism worth having, and we are much obliged. I was sure you'd admire my Phebe when you knew her, but I didn't believe you would be wise enough to see it at once, and you have gone up many pegs in my estimation, I assure you."
   "I was always fond of mineralogy you remember, and I've been tapping round a good deal lately, so I've learned to know precious metals when I see them," Mac said with his shrewd smile.
   "That is the latest hobby, then? Your letters have amused us immensely, for each one had a new theory or experiment, and the latest was always the best. I thought Uncle would have died of laughter over the vegetarian mania it was so funny to imagine you living on bread and milk, baked apples, and potatoes roasted in your own fire," continued Rose, changing the subject again.
   "This old chap was the laughingstock of his class. They called him Don Quixote, and the way he went at windmills of all sorts was a sight to see," put in Charlie, evidently feeling that Mac had been patted on the head quite as much as was good for him.
   "But in spite of that the Don got through college with all the honors. Oh, wasn't I proud when Aunt Jane wrote to us about it and didn't she rejoice that her boy kept at the head of his class and won the medal!" cried Rose, shaking Mac by both hands in a way that caused Charlie to wish "the old chap" had been left behind with Dr. Alec.
   "Oh, come, that's all Mother's nonsense. I began earlier than the other fellows and liked it better, so I don't deserve any praise. Prince is right, though. I did make a regular jack of myself, but on the whole I'm not sure that my wild oats weren't better than some I've seen sowed. Anyway, they didn't cost much, and I'm none the worse for them," said Mac placidly.
   "I know what 'wild oats' means. I heard Uncle Mac say Charlie was sowing 'em too fast, and I asked Mama, so she told me. And I know that he was suspelled or expended, I don't remember which, but it was something bad, and Aunt Clara cried," added Jamie all in one breath, for he possessed a fatal gift of making malapropos remarks, which caused him to be a terror to his family.
   "Do you want to go on the box again?" demanded Prince with a warning frown.
   "No, I don't."
   "Then hold your tongue."
   "Well, Mac needn't kick me, for I was only..." began the culprit, innocently trying to make a bad matter worse.
   "That will do," interrupted Charlie sternly, and James subsided, a crushed boy, consoling himself with Rose's new watch for the indignities he suffered at the hands of the "old fellows" as he vengefully called his elders.
   Mac and Charlie immediately began to talk as hard as their tongues could wag, bringing up all sorts of pleasant subjects so successfully that peals of laughter made passersby look after the merry load with sympathetic smiles.

  You can find my dream casting for this movie HERE, on Pinterest.

Five Years of Bookania ~ Tag

1. How long have you been blogging and why did you start?
  I have been blogging for almost a year.  I started blogging because I liked the idea of connecting with people and sharing the things that I love.

2. How long have you been following my blog and how did you find me?
  I have been following your blog for about as long as I have been blogging.  I knew about your blog because my older sister Melody has been following you for awhile and I had read most of your books.

3. Which of the books on my WIP list sound the most interesting to you?
  The Worth of a King.
 
4. What are three of your favorite fairy tale?
  Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and The Princess Pourquoi (a retelling of Sleeping Beauty).

5. What is the strangest fairy tale you've ever read?
   The Seven Studious Sisters by Margaret Sherwood

6. What are some things that you're looking forward to/hope will happen in future Bookania Quests? (Or, if you haven't read the Bookania Quests yet, in the series in general, or, you know, you could just delete this question and pretend it never existed...)
  I am looking forward to the Cinderella story arc.  I have a suspicion as to who 'Cinderella' is.

7. Recommend a book for me to read. (You can check my Goodreads shelf to see what I've already read/my interests)
  The Princess Pourquoi and The Princess and the Microbe.  They are in the same collection and can be found HERE on Project Gutenberg.

8. What, to you, are the essential elements of a good story?
  Something (I can't quite find the words to describe) that will envelope me and make the story live.  Sorry if that doesn't make sense.

9. What is your favorite fairy tale retelling, whether film or book, and why?
  Ooooo.  It's a toss up between Stephanie Ricker's A Cinder's Tale or Mirror, Mirror.  Both are unique and enjoyable.

10. Tell me about a project (preferably a book, but I'll understand if you're not a writer), that you're incredibly excited about.
  Ummmmm.....I don't have a project of my own that I am excited about, but I am very excited for the release of Lady Dragon, Tela Du because I want to read that book sooooooo much!!!  And I have a very darling older sister who every now and then very sweetly tells me, "I received the next chapter of LDTD this morning."  Grrrr.  :)

  Thank you for coming up with these questions Kendra, it has been a lot of fun answering them.

Introducing.........Frank

  In multiple Christmas movie posts last winter, I mentioned "snuggling up with Frank" and in THIS post, I told about him as a funny fact.  Well I thought I would introduce him to you all.

  An old friend (whom I no longer have contact with) gave him to me and he makes a very nice pillow. And he is very cuddle-able.  And seeing him brings back good memories.  Also, when I am watching movies, I like to squeeze things at the exciting parts.  I used to squeeze Mel's hand, but since I apparently can't squeeze gently, I would bruise her hand.  So Frank is very useful for squeezing!

Sometimes I will also wring my hands during the exciting parts, and if I am wearing my ring, I hurts, so with Frank, I can take off my ring, but not be in danger of losing it.

  So that is Frank, folks, and now begins, "Operation Take Frank To The Movies".  I want to take Frank with me if I go to watch Beauty and the Beast in theater next March, but Mom thinks it's a horrible idea.  One friend suggested slipping him into my purse, but as you can see, he is a little too big for that!  So I need some way to convince Mom to let me take him.

A Few Things

  Hey guys!  Just a quick information post.  First of all, today is the beginning of Kendra's blog party.  It is going to be a lot of fun.  You should check it out.

  Also, a week from today will be my One Year Blogoversary.  You guys can ask me any question you want, and I will answer them in my post.  Ok, not quite any question.  You aren't allowed to ask me my true name, my age or where I live.  I can't wait to see what you all com up with!  Talk to you later!

The Rose and the Balloon Cover Reveal

  Today I am revealing the gorgeous cover of Kiri Liz's short story, The Rose and the Balloon.

In a kingdom where fauna and flora are held in higher esteem than breakfast, Dmitri is a prince who yearns for change and plans it in a single daring act that will alter his life forever.  However, when his demented mother accidentally causes the destruction of a prized garden of roses, Dmitri is horrified when she proposes his hand in marriage to make up for it.  Not only will a wife hamper his glorious plans, he doesn't even want one.  

Janelle has spent her whole life on her father's rose farm, tending the roses and staying simple.  But she really yearns for something greater than the flower beds. But now there's a wrench thrown in the works – the crazy Queen Maeva wants her to marry the prince, and all for ruining her father's beloved roses.

This is Beauty and the Beast with a twist like you've never seen it before.

Kirsten Fichter is a twenty-something Christian writer who is trying to find the balance between being one of six kids, a church pianist, a college student, a movie buff, a disaster in the kitchen, and a writing INFP.  If you know what the secret is to balancing all of that, she’d be grateful to hear from you.  Otherwise, don’t contact her unless you want to send her homemade gingerbread. Or a new piano book. Or an autographed Charles Dickens novel. In the meantime, she’ll be somewhere under a maple tree – trying very hard to finish the seventeen and half other stories she unwisely started all at once.

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Liebster Award (Tagged by Keturah)

Thanks Keturah for tagging me!!

1. Tell me the most fun fact about YOU.
  Seriously Keturah?  The most fun fact about myself?  Ummmm.....I don't know!  Maybe the fact that I stick out my tongue and make faces at the bad guys in the LotR movies?

Edited to add:
  I thought of a better one.  Mom and Mel would say that it isn't a funny fact, but a ridiculous one!  I have a stuffed frog named Frank, that I cuddle while I am watching movies or TV shows.  I seriously won't watch anything without him.  It drives Mel and Mom crazy and I caused an uproar when I said that I would take him with me if I got to watch Beauty and the Beast in theater.  Mom says absolutely not!  :(  ;) 
 
2. Now think of someone you might not like very much. Tell me something really awesome and nice about them :D (I'm not cruel...just original ;b)
  Well there aren't that many people that I dislike very much, so I'll just say my little brother.  We don't always get along, but he has recently discovered an amazing talent (for someone his age) for poetry.  He is writing a poem about Leif Erickson right now.  It's really good.

 3. What's your best work you've ever written, in your opinion?
   Probably a scene that I wrote once for Melody's Quote Queste (but my mom and sister were the only ones who saw it.)

4. Is money or are books more important?
  More important?   Well I like books better, but money is the more useful of the two.

5. What is something you are known for?
  I don't know!  Among my family, probably good cooking, among my friends....I haven't a clue!
 

6. What makes your family unique?
  All the kids!  Lol!
 

7. What do you think of dreams (the ones you have at nighttime)?
  Well if they are interesting ones, it annoys me that I can never remember them.  Also they are very disappointing when I dream of having delicious Chocolate Farina for breakfast......and then wake up to find that we are actually having unappealing Oatmeal.  I don't like plain Oatmeal.  I prefer raisins and cinnamon in mine.

8. What made yesterday special and worth living to you?
  Yesterday?  Ummm.....the fact that if I lasted out the day I got to watch the next episode of a drama that I really love!  ;)  Hehe.

9. Is God real enough to you that you want to share about Him?
  Absolutely.

10. What is the last book you read?
  The Girl Philippa by Robert W. Chambers.  A fascinating story set in France at the beginning of World War One.

11. What is knowledge to you?
  The dictionary's description of the word.  Sorry, my brain isn't working very well right now.

  I tag anyone who has seen a cat in the last 12 hours.  And now I am off to make cookies.

Fire on the 3rd

  Where I live we have wildfires every summer, and we have them quite often....we just don't usually have them less then a mile away.  Sunday night at 5:15, it started to sprinkle.  There was a little bit of laundry on the line, so Sam and I ran out to bring it in.  As we came around the corner of the house to the side door (it faces west) Sam yelled "Fire in the trees!"  I whirled around and sure enough, there was fire in the trees over the hill.  I ran into the house and told Mom who immediately called 911 (she actually was the first person to call it in.  That had the boys pretty excited because it was the first time).  When I got back outside, I saw that it wasn't as close as I thought it was.  There were 2 roads between us and the fire, and the wind, (which had been coming from the west) had shifted, and was blowing from the southwest.  Which meant that it was driving the fire away from us.....but right towards another house.

This is how far it had spread by the time I go the camera. 

See that house roof?  Well I thought it was right behind there.  It was actually behind his brothers house across the dirt road that runs to the west of that house.

It was kind of scary because the hay was down in that field...and that field is right across the road form us.

Getting worse.

Spreading up towards cows.

Standing next to our west fence, so you can see just how far away it was.

Wooo!  Someone is finally up there!

It was close to 5:30 before any of the fire trucks went past.

The neighbor who owns the field on the other side of the hill.

Ooo!  The guy who owns that house whose roof you could see?  He had his backhoe out!

The first of the fire trucks.

And another one.

A fire truck up on the hill.

And there was a rainbow on the other side of the valley.  God's promise.

A water tank truck.

And after the fire was over.

  Thankfully no one was hurt and no homes were destroyed.  But please keep us in your prayers because there have been more fires then usual in our area lately.  Since the above fire, there have been 3, but none of them have been closer then 6 miles.

"Life In the Old Green Valley..."

  It's Saturday night and as I was sitting here going through my blog feed and eating my peanut butter/honey/cocoa powder/coconut mixture (it's really yummy and healthier then potato chips), I thought, "You know, I really should write a post about what I have been doing lately.  So far, I haven't done very much this month....but that might have something to do with the fact that this month has barely begun!  But last month...I did do a fair amount last month.

  Besides absolutely roasting in the heat (seriously, on June first, the temp hit 80 Fahrenheit and hasn't gone down since), I went to my nephew's dedication....wait....did I even tell you all that I have a nephew now?  I don't think I did!!  He was born in May and is the sweetest little thing!!  Before I saw him at his dedication, I got to baby-sit him and his sister for most of a day.  It was a lot of fun.  See their mother, my older sister Bobbie, cleans this big, fancy lodge sometimes and she had to clean, her cleaning partner wasn't able to help, my brother-in-law had to do outside work at the lodge and my niece (16 months) and my nephew (1 month) weren't being very co-operative!  So she came and picked me up, and the kids and I had a really good time.  And this lodge was AMAZING!!  I really love cooking and the kitchen was to DIE for!!  Not to mention the whole place was just wonderful!!  The bedrooms, the living-room and it is right next to a lake and has a sweet outside fire-pit!!
  I have also gone grocery shopping multiple times with Mom and we bought these delicious Cappuccinos at the gas station!!  Ok, well I had Cappuccino, she had Hot Cocoa, she doesn't like coffee.  And I know, some of you are probably asking WHY I was having a Cappuccino in the above mentioned roasting heat?  Well I let mine cool off, I even stuck the rest in the fridge when we got home because it was too hot to drink in this weather!

  Let's see.  What else have I done?  Well I made homemade Strawberry Ice Cream!  It was really, really, really yummy and I am going to make Oreo Cookie Ice Cream tomorrow in preparation for the 4th when Bobbie, Logan and the kids are coming.  It is going to be amazing!!  I am just going to use the above Strawberry Ice Cream recipe, but cut down on the honey and use smashed up Oreo Cookie's instead of Strawberries.  I'll tell you how it turns out.

  I finished an amazing kdrama.....that officially killed my emotions for a few days. 

I mean SERIOUSLY!!!  This drama is amazing!!

Lee Yun Sung.  A sassy, storytelling little brat, but strong and steady when it comes to right or wrong and messing with the people he loves is a REALLY BAD idea!!  As more hen one person learns to their sorrow!

Kim Na Na.  Sassy, smart, sweet and strong.  And not only physically strong!  She is a Black belt in Judo and a Presidential bodyguard, so don't try pulling any nonsense on her!!

Lee Yun Sung and Choi Da Hye, the president's youngest daughter who he is tutoring.  She has a crush on him which he very much does not reciprocate and I love his sarcastic replies to her sentimental comments.

Na Na and her wise logic!! 

Yun Sung and Shik Jung Ahjusshi.  Na Na doesn't want to listen to their quarrels!! 

Ain't this boys fighting amazing!!

Yeeeee hawwwww!!!

Lee Yun Sung and Kim Young Joo.  These two are the reason my emotions were killed.  Not this scene, but it's their fault.

  And now I apologize for the outpouring of City Hunter pictures and gifs, but it was such an amazing drama!  Now we are on to another one, Descendants of the Sun.  The boys are Special Forces soldiers, and the girls are doctors.  It is turning out to be pretty hilarious.

Don't it look good?

Heeheehee!  Our hero, Yoo Si Jin.  So busy looking at the heroine, that he walks into something.  His best friend right behind him, isn't amused!

Our first lead couple, Yoo Si Jin and Kang Mo Yeon.  Nice catch ain't it?

He is quite the sassy pill!

And our second lead couple.  Left to right: Yoon Myung Joo and Seo Dae Young.  When she helps him crash his ex-girlfriend's wedding.

Here they are again.  And this is one of the sweetest moments so far.

  And there was another dump of pics and gifs!  Sorry!!  And yes I have done many other thigs besides watch kdramas, but at 10:35 pm (when I should be in bed) I can't think of them!!

  OH!!  But this month I DID get to watch my first Leverage episode!!  And I love it!!  Hardison and Parker are my favorites!!

  Well so long for now!!  I really need to go to bed!!