Blessings

Last night, I did something I don't do often enough. I counted my blessings. Not just the normal I'm thankful for food and a house kind of thing, but really. what is a real blessing in my life now? Here are some of the things I came up with
I'm blessed to have people that care about me and want what's best for me
I'm blessed to have friends that make me laugh
I'm blessed with peace and hope and joy and a content heart
I'm blessed with a God who loves me, no matter what, and will never leave me
It doesn't matter what's going on around me, I can choose how I want to respond.
It doesn't matter how everything is playing out, I have a God who will always love me
and that alone, is enough to make me start counting my blessings

My Quote wall

"Sometimes just believing in someone is enough for them to start believing in themselves"
"Hapiness is a choice, it isn't something that just happens to people."
"Love is a choice, not a feeling."
"And just when the caterpillar thought his life was over, he turned into a butterfly."
"Circumstances don't dictate how I feel, I do"
"It saved your life, and that makes it beautiful"
"God is with us wheither we're running away from Him or to Him"
"Real breakthrough happens when someone is scared to death to stop trying"
"Every hardship we face is an opportunity to either break down or break through"
"Crazy people don't know they're crazy, you're dealing with life"

With Love, from Mary

Since Christmas isn't very far away, does that seem unreal to anyone else, I wanted to share something that I wrote for Christmas.

My dearest Elizabeth,
It has been a while since that glorious night when Jesus was born, and I have yet to tell you all about it. As you know, an angel appeared to me and told me I was about to have a son. And, as you know, I was nervous and excited all at the same time. So, when it came time for a census to be taken in Bethlehem, Josheph and I packed up and went. The town was full of people. Everything was so full and crowded. All the inns were full, and there was no room, anywhere. It was coming time for Jesus to be born, and Joseph was frantically trying to find a place for me to stay. One of the inn owners offered us a place in his stable. It was smelly and dirty, but it provided a shelter from the cold. The pain was unlike anything else I had ever felt, Elizabeth. But the love I felt when Jesus was born erased all the memories. He was so perfect. I held him in my arms, memorizing every detail. Even though I was captivated by this child, I still felt some longing for the voices of women to welcome my son into the world. It was a selfish desire, a small want in the midst of Jesus's arrival, but I felt it all the same. Joseph made a bed for Jesus in a manger, and I wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him down. Somewhere in the night, shepherds were watching their flocks. Angels came to tell them that the newborn king had arrived and they came to worship him. I nearly cried when they told me of how a heavenly host of angels had sang their heavenly song. Instead of women's voices welcoming my son into this world, it was something of more value and importance, angels sent from heaven. Every little detail was so perfect, it was like God has arranged it with his own hands. I treasured each detail in my heart, wanting to remember every moment of this night. I am God's chosen one. I wish to see you and little John again, so that you may see little Jesus face to face. He still is a perfect child. I wonder how you are doing, and how God is blessing your life, my dear cousin. Write soon and tell me all about your life
With love, from Mary

As Christmas time is approaching, I think I connect with Mary more then I ever did before. It wasn't just some story. Mary was an average girl, who did average things. She would have been the same age that I am now when she has Jesus. It's hard for me to imagine. She embraced the gift that God gave her, Jesus, with great joy. She even said "My soul glorifies the Lord." It wasn't an easy journey for her, or for Joseph, but she embraced it with courage and grace. I only wish that I could embrace the challenges in my life the same way that Mary did. I wish, in the middle of my trials, I had the strength to say, My soul glorifies the Lord.

What Happened today

So, this is what happened today.
I woke up, and started doing school. I finished school around 2 something, and then I read and painted my nails and ate supper, and then my parents went to a Christmas party. So... I hung out with my siblings, and they were all ready to go to bed when... Jaxon puked, all over the floor. It was really gross. So, between the three of us, we managed to get it all cleaned up. We had to take shifts because one of us would start gagging and run outside, so we wouldn't puke. It was really gross. I really hope we don't get that flu that's going around. So now me and Jaxon are watching Dora the Explorer and the other kids are in bed. I cleaned the floor with disinfectent, and washed my hands about 12 times. Jaxon, and both the other kids, are armed with puke buckets. Oh yes, it has been an eventful evening. I hope tomorrow goes better.

Tournaments, cocoa and one wrong move

Tournaments, cocoa and one wrong move is the third book in the real life series by Nancy Rue. This is the story of the life of Cassidy Brewster, a basketball all star who tears her ACL, and is unable to play for the remainder of the season. It would be a pretty boring story, if it wasn't for dobermin pincsher dad's and her almost sister in law Gretchen trying to help, and giving her illegal steriods that get her kicked off the team, and put into the at risk class at school, and befriending some of those kids, and getting into loads of mischeif, and the surgery needed to fix her ACL, her friend's, her team, stabbing her in the back, and being a social outcast, and a strange book called RL. The main characters in this story are Cassidy, her friends Ruthie, Tank, Lizzard, Uma and Rafe, her basketball team, Kara, Hilary, M.J, Selena and her coach, her physical therpist Ben, her almost sister in law Gretchen, and her parents. The minor characters include her brother, Aaron, Emily, one of the second class girls on the team, Jimmy Sanchez, the trainer, Mrs. P.W, her art teacher, Dr. Horton, Ms. Edelstine, her study hall teacher, and Mr. Lasalle. Cassidy overcame the challenges that she faced regarding her family and friends, God, basketball, the use of sterioids and learning that there may be more then what meets the eye. My favorite character in this book was Cassidy. She was a strong person and wasn't affraid to get down on other people's level and stand up for what she believed in. My favorite scene in the book is probably when Cassidy and Rafe are saying goodbye, and Rafe tells her that she is not a loser. It is one of the last scene's in the book, and it is really a turning point for Cassidy, in my opinion. I really liked this book because most people can relate to at least one of the challenges Cassidy and her friend's face, and the real life answers Cassidy found, within herself, in God, and in RL. I would recommend this book, definatly. I am reading through it again, and I just can't stay away. I would rate this book a 4.8 out of five. Again, this was brilliant work by author Nancy Rue!

Buddy

We got a new horse yesterday. His name is Buddy, and He's a big, black, gentle giant. The other horses are still getting used to having this new guy in with them, and try to pick on him, but they are learning to get along.
I'll post some pics when I get some.

November Calender

ok, here's some wird, but cool holidays in the month of November.
November 1. National men make dinner day, world vegitation day, national authors day and national literacy day.
November 2. Look for circles day, deviled eggs day
November 3. Housewives day, national sandwich day, international toungue twisters day
November 4. King tut day, book lovers day, zero tasking day
November 5. Gunpowder day
November 6. Marooned without a compass day
November 7. bittersweet chocolate with almonds day
November 8. National parents as teachers day, cook something bold day (Which we did with our meatloaf)
November 9 (today.) chaos never dies day, guiness world record day.
November 10. forget me not day, area code day
November 11. veterans day
November 12. chicken soup for the soul day
November 13. national indian pudding day, young readers day, national kindness day
November 14. operating room nurse day, teddy bear day.
November 15. clean your refrigerator day, I love to write day
November 16. button day, have a party with your bear day
November 17. homemade bread day, take a hike day
November 18. occult day, mickey mouse day, married to a scorpio support day
November 19. have a bad day day
November 20. beautiful day, name your PC day, universal childrens day, absurdity day, national adoption day
November 21. false confessions day, pumpkin pie day, world television day
November 22. thanksgiving day (In the US), go for a ride day
November 23. National cashew day, your welcome day, buy nothing day
November 24. D.B Cooper day
November 25. National parfait day
November 26. shopping reminder day
November 27 (My birthday) Pins and needles day
November 28. make your own head day
November 29. electronic greeting day, international day of soliditary with the Palestinians people, square dance day.
November 30. Stay at home because you are well day, computer security day.

Hope you have as much fun reading about these fun holidays as I did finding out about them.

DTP

I just got back from a weekend at DTP! It was really good, like it usually is. The speaker this year was a guy named Brett Ullman. He was really good, really real, but funny. The Illusionist, Jared Hall, was really good. He was funny, and I laughed, a lot. The worship leader this time was Amanda Falk. She was really amazing, and it was amazing to see her 'live.' On Friday Night we had session #1 and then the illusionist and then Pizza! I didn't stay for the late night stuff, considering it went until 1:00 in the morning! On Saturday Morning, we had another session, youth group huddle ups, lunch and then I went to a worship session with Amanda Falk. After that we had the amazing race, and we did some pretty wierd stuff. Like cramming 9 people into the cab of a small truck, or sitting in a wheel barrow for a relay race, or putting a pedomiter on your head and banging it until it got to 1000, or human bowling. Our teamwas actually doing really good, but we ran out of time so we didn't get to finish. I went to the Reba concert after that, Amazing, so I missed the evening session and the junk yard poets concert. THEN this morning, we had another session and then brunch. It was all so good, and I really enjoyed it and learned.

Here it is...

Here's the interview with MaryLu Tyndall. Hope you guys like it. I'll put my questions in light blue and her answers in dark blue.
How did you become a Christian?
It's a really long story so I'll give you the short version. I wasn't a Christian most of my life. In fact, I was running from God. I believed I could find my own way, find my own happiness. But after I tried everything the world says will make you happy, I was miserable and empty. My life was in shambles. My marrige was failing, my kids were rebelling and I hated my job. So I picked up my old Bible and started reading, thinking maybe I could find some answers within it's pages. About halfway through Ezekial, I was reading about the prophecy about the Jews returning to their home land, and it struck me that the prophecy had come true in my lifetime. But Ezekial was written thousands of years ago! I didn't know exactly what happened, but it was like my mind was flooded with light and I remember thinking 'God is real.' Then I felt His precence envelop me and I've never been the same since!
What's your favorite Bible verse?
I have so many, but I have to say Romans 8:28. "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose!" That about covers it, doesn't it?
Do you have any pets, or did you have any growing up?
I had aquariams when I was growing up. I love them! And still have one. My mother wouldn't allow me to have any other pets, but I have 3 cats now.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes, One brother who is on the SWAT team in South Florida and one sister who lives in Tennessee.
Do you have any kids?
Yes, I have 6 children ranging in ages from 20 to 29!
What's your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
Relaxing with family or going to the movies.
Did you take anything in College that helped you become an author?
No! I was a math major. Isn't that wierd? It just goes to show that God can do anything, right? But if you're thinking of becoming an author, take English or Creative Writing classes.
How did you decide to write 'sea fiction?'
I've always loved the sea and the tropics. And I've always had a fasination with ships. So I guess it was just a natural thing for me to focus my stories around sea farring tales.
If you could say one thing that everyone would hear, what would it be?
Nothing in this world fufills except knowing God.
Where did you get your inspiration for the Legacy of the Kings Pirates series?
From the Pirates of the Carribean movies! After I saw the first movie several times, God put it on my heart to write about a Christian Pirate. At first I thought I'd heard Him wrong! But I guess I didn't because that book got published as soon as I finished it and my publisher wanted two more books in that series.
Where did you get your inspiration for the Charles Town Bellese Series?
From the Parable of the seed and the sower in Matthew 13. I wanted to show examples of all 3 seeds in the life of women who lived in colonial Charles Town. The Red Siren represents the seed that fell on rocky ground. She heard the word of God but the problems and struggles of life choked it out from her. In the story, instead of relying on God, she becomes a pirate to solve her problems! Hope, in the Blue Enchantress, represents the seed that fell amoung thorns where the word of God was strangled by the pleasures of this world. Her quest for the wrong kind of love causes her to be sold as a slave on a Carribean Island! And finally, in The Raven Saint, Grace represents the seed that fell on good soil. From all appearances, she seems to be a sweet, godly, perfect woman, but when she is kidnapped by a French mercernary, Grace discovers her darker side.
Can you tell us anything about the Book series you're writing now, the Surrender to Destiny series?
Yes, It's about finding God's destiny for your life. Each book follows the adventures of three different women that live in Baltimore, Maryland, during the war of 1812. Each of these women has something that is keeping them from God's destiny for their lives, insecurity, fear and unbelief. And as they overcome these struggles, they each get caught up in the war and play a huge part in changing the course of history forever.
What would you say to someone who wants to be an author?
Work hard. Take a lot of writing classes. Join ACFW ( it's an online group of writers) , ask for help and direction from God and never give up until He tells you to!
Who is your hero?
Glenn Beck
If you could do one thing and not fail, what would it be?
Bring everyone in my family to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
If you could write one book that everyone would read, what would the theme of that book be?
God's unfailing love for you.

Thanks again for doing this MaryLu.

Unlocked

I started the book Unlocked yesterday. I'm only a few chapters into it, but it's about an 18 year old boy with Autism, Holden Harris, and the key that unlocks his heart, music. I'm sure this is going to be another good book by Karen Kingsbury.
At riding yesterday, I rode a horse named Tidy. Next week, I'm going to be a 'guinea pig and ride Brooke. She's a Morgan Mare, and hasn't acually been ridden by a rider yet, so we'll see.
MaryLu Tyndall emailed me today and we should have the answers to that author interview thing by this weekend.

Did Anyone know...

That today is National Bologna day? That's right, today is officially known as National Bologna day. Yesterday was Mole day, alone with national IPod day, and tomorrow is Punk for a day day. Here's the wierd holidays for the rest of October, I found them really cool.
26: Mule day
27: Sylvia Plath Day
28: Plush animal lovers day and Chocolate day
29: Hermit Day
30: National Candy Corn day
31: Magic day.

I don't think I'll be celebrating any of these odd holidays, but I find it fun to know what they are.

And it's closed

I sent the questions into MaryLu Tyndall today, and I should be getting the answers back sometime soon.
I'll let you know what She says once I get the answers

It's time

It's time for another author spotlight! This time, the author is going to be MaryLu Tyndall! She is the author of The Legacy of the King's pirates series (One of my personal favorite series), The CharlesTown Belles Series (Another one of my favorites), The Falcon and the Sparrow, and the Surrender to Destiny series, in which the second book will be released next March. MaryLu is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are real and believeable, with some daring sword fights and cannon blasts, with love and passion, faith and really good story telling. I always find myself in love with the characters she creates. You can get more information at
www.mltyndall.com
You can submit any questions you might have here, through a comment. The cut off date is October 21, which is a Thurday is the internet is correct :)
Then I'll email the questions to her and we'll get some answers.
I'm really excited about doing this feature and am honored that MaryLu has agreed to do this.

Unanswered Questions

I finished it tonight. It wasn't like most of the stories I write. The ending wasn't closed off. There was still a lot of unanswered questions as I finished the book. I can't really say much without giving it all away, but basically it's the story of Jared, Trinity, J.T, Heather, Sheila, Darrel and McKenzie. It follows the characters over a month and a half, and their journies as their faced with an unthinkable situation. As I neared the end, I wasn't sure how it was going to end. I didn't think it would end like it did. I didn't think there would be so many questions unanswered. This is only the 3rd book I've written that's not in a series. The problem, I find, with writing only one book, is that I love finding out more about these people's stories and I hate to see them end when the book is done. But it is finished. Another story is complete. Like J.T said in the story, it's all over.

Real Beauty

On a blog I'm a part of, we're discussing beauty. So many people fail to realize that they are beautiful, and that they are perfect just the way they are. So on this blog, we're talking about our struggles in this area, and ways we can beat the voice inside our heads that tell us we're not good enough. Every time I log into that blog, I log on to give. I give encouragment and my prayers to girls I don't even know, but feel so close too from our online conversations. But every time I log on, I recieve. I recieve prayers from those girls that just fill me up. I recieve congratulations on passing a test in school or doing well in a competition or on poems or songs I wrote. I recieve medicine that makes me overflow with joy. I'm so blessed to be part of a blog with such beautiful young women.There is no words to describe the beautiful people these girls are. I've never seen them face to face, but I know that every one of those girls is beautiful. Real Beauty isn't how you look or what clothes you wear. Real beauty isn't being a size 0 or having clear skin that sparkles. Real Beauty comes from the heart. Our culture is so opsessed with outer beauty. We care so much about how we look, and forget about the inside. Let me tell you, I've seen so many people that are so pretty, and then they open their mouth and say some little thing that makes their beauty diminish. Real Beauty comes from the heart. It's the love I feel from those girls whenever I go on that blog. It's how encouraging them makes me feel beautiful. It's hearing their words of how my prayers impacted their life. It's seeing those beautiful role models in my life, and learning from their wisdom. It's reading my Bible and learning to be more like Jesus. It's picking myself back up and trying again when I fail. Real beauty isn't in what size of jeans someone wears or their hair. Real beauty radiates from inside. It makes them glow. I'm honored and blessed to have so many beautiful women in my life, both role models and friends. I'm blessed to have so many beautiful friends that give to me when I came to give. I'm blessed to have so many truely beautiful people in my life. Truely Blessed.

Masquerade Ball

The mask of being unreal. Is that even a mask? Is there such a thing as being unreal so you can please people? Aren't teenagers supposed to be these rebellious kind of kids? Aren't they supposed to be fake and not say what they really are thinking and feeling? Aren't they supposed to hide behind a mask of never showing how they really feel? I see the way adults are able to express their emotions without fear, and how some teenagers are afraid to speak their mind for fear of what people might think. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm the only one who doesn't say what's on her mind because of fear of what other people might think or how they might act. Wearing the mask of being unreal just seems easier then facing critisism and opening up. Wearing the mask is easier then being real, and maybe having people think you're a freak or embaressing you infront of the entire world, or at least everyone who knows what you just said. Sometimes your own over active imagination gets you into thinking that everyone would be happier if you just stayed your clone like self, even you becaus you would never have to face humilation or pain. Maybe it's easier just to act like the things that hurt you don't affect you at all and you can go onto being that unreal clone like robot that does everything to please people. Because if you step out of that box, maybe people will critize who you are and you'll retreat into that hole you just came out of. Maybe doing all that work to make sure your mask is always plastered on is easier then being real and, possibly, facing rejection or hurt or pain. Maybe the mask of being a robot is easier then being real with people. Maybe that's why I write. I can control everything, and I can be real and there's no chance of being told you failed or being hurt. There's no chance of being embaressed infront of the entire group of people that heard what you just said. It's one place where the mask of always having to please people can come off and I can just be myself. Maybe it's time that the mask of always trying to please people finally came off and I could be real and open. Maybe then I could always stop trying to please people and finally just be myself. Maybe it's time I took off the mask and left the masquerade ball. I put on the mask, I rushed around like a mad woman trying to please everyone, now I'm collapsing in a heap on the kitchen floor, and pulling off the mask and walking out the back door.

Real Life

This is the picture I'm using for the Real Life of Alisha. It was taken in Jasper this weekend. Just thought I'd let you all see it. Stay tuned for the actual page, with the picture, my mini interview, and the descriptive paragraph thing I wrote. :)

China's little girls

I'm doing a report on China for my English class. I learned some pretty interesting facts, like how long the great wall of China is, 8,850 km's, and that there are more then 8000 life sized terracotta warriors. I also learned some pretty sad news. Did you know that in China, sons are favored because they can carry on the family name, so 95% of the babies up for adoption in China are girls? Did you know that before the baby is born, the mother can test to see if her child is a boy or a girl. Abortion, Murder at birth, abandoned at an orphanage or kept but never registered, so it was like they never exsisted, are the families ways of getting rid of a girl, an unwanted child. Because of the one child policy in China, these are ways the family can get rid of the baby, like she never exsisted, and try again in hopes of a boy. Sometimes the child is just left alone to die, unless someone finds it before it takes it's final breaths. There are over 20 million boys in China that will not marry because of the lack of females in their country. That number rises by 1.5 million every year. At temples, expectant mother's pray that their child will be a boy, so that they may bring joy to their family. The result is that millions of nameless baby girls in China are just disapeering. If a parent has twins, they are allowed to keep both the children but usually can't afford it, sending one of their children to an orphanage. Some of the orphanages in China are nothing more then death camps, abandoning the children and letting them die, because they are girls. How scary is it that the baby girls in China are being killed, abandoned and given away, just because of something they had no control over, being born a girl.

In The Real Life Of...

ME!!! Yes, In the real life of Alisha. So, you all might remember Nancy Rue and her book series called RL, Real Life. Anyway, she's starting up a page for her teen readers to share their stuff. Each month, one of her readers is chosen to do a mini interview, put up a picture, and do a little bit of her writing, mostly just poetry or a small bit of a story, not a short story though cause we need to keep it under 100 words. Anyway, I was the first reader chosen! I'm working with Nancy right now to get everything set up and it should all be ready to go by October. I just sent in my Q and A and my "mini story" thing tonight. My story was basically just the story, or the first 99 word of a story, about a girl who feels lost in her life and really learns to trust. I had to pick and choose but I think I picked a really good piece for the page. I'm really excited about doing all this. I still have to submit a picture, I'll have to take a new one cause I don't have one of me when I have my hair like it is now, but I don't have to have it all in until the last day of September. I'll post it on here once I decide on a picture, and post a link once the page gets all up and running. I just wanted you all to share in my excitment. I'm really excited for this opportunity and ready to go! I can't wait until everything all get's up and running. Welcome, everyone, to the Real Life of Alisha!

Back to...

I started school today. I'm doing six subjects, Math, L.A, Science, Social Studies, Word Building (Aka spelling) and Missions. I was finished by lunch time today. It wasn't actually that bad and frustrating. I also had my first riding lesson for the year today. I get a new horse this year, his name is King. He's sort of a caramel color with a black mane and tail. Jaxon started preschool this morning. They went to the park and he met a friend who was "matching," (Meaning his friend had brown skin.) Back to schedule, back to routine. I was actually ready for school to start again, if that's even possible. :)

on September 11...

On September 11, 2001, I started my first day of Kindergarten
On September 11, 2001, I was mad because they interupted my kid shows to show a news report
On September 11, 2001, I put on my backpack and stood at the front door, waiting to go to school
On September 11, 2001, Airplaines hit the twin towers
On September 11, 2001, thousands, if not millions, of people died
On September 11, 2oo1, they stopped my kid shows to do coverage from the twin towers
On September 11, 2001, Families lost their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, wives and husbands.
On September 11, 2001, Ground Zero was born.
On September 11, 2oo1, countries rallied together
On September 11, 2oo1, people frantically called their loved ones, hoping they would be alive
On September 11, 2001, some of them were not
On September 11, 2001, heroic men and women re-enlisted in the army, picked up their bags and flew to New York to help with the clean up, and lived amoung death
On September 11, 2001, it started out just like any other day, until the buildings started burning
On September 11, 2001, it is the day we all remember as 9/11
On September 11, We Remember

I did it, I did it, I did it

I'm eating ice cream, I'm eating ice cream. I got my two teeth out. The pulling of the teeth wasn't that bad but they just stopped bleeding. So I'm eating ice cream because my jaw hurts and I can't eat any hard foods for a bit. I did it, I did it, I did it!!!!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow, it's only a day away

Tomorrow. Well, it's the start, or the re start, or coffee break. That means getting up at some ridiculously early time, that probably starts with a 7, and eating breakfast and getting dressed and driving to the church so I can babysit some little kids, not sure what age group yet, hopefully the little ones, I did the older ones last year and was in the little kid nursery for like 2 weeks. It was so much easier. Anyway, at least I get payed. And it's fun, most of the time. And I have to go to the dentist tomorrow. Ok, in like 25 and a half hours. If playing with a whole bunch of kids doesn't make me crazy, maybe that will. Hopefully, I'll be able to maintain my sanity. Welcome to crazy.

The end of the begining

So, it's not about my trip but I thought I'd fill you guys in on what's been happening. Two days ago, I went to see Eat, Pray,Love, the new Julia Roberts movie. It was a pretty good movie, I liked it. I liked the way it showed the lessons that Julia's character, Liz, learned throughout the movie. Yesterday, we all went to collect bales. I drove the truck and only hit one person. Ok, It was my first time driving by myself (Gas peddle and all) and, in my defense, my dad said to go. how was i supposed to know that my brother was behind the trailer when I hit the gas? Well, he wasn't hurt too badly, he was still walking. :) This morning, I went to the orthodontist. I have to get two teeth pulled next Wednesday, and maybe, braces. I think, if my teeth aren't bothering me, then why fix them, but I didn't major in dental school now did I? I got my hair cut today. It's short again, but not too short. It's sort of to the middle of my ears, and all choppy like. It's really confusing to explain. We're going camping tomorrow. We picked up the camper today. And I finished the book I'm writing last night. It was the last one in the series. So exciting! It's the end of the begining. Can't wait to see what I'll come up with next :)

I'm home

I'm back at home sweet home. It was an interesting trip, but totally fun, and I'm so exhausted. I had a great time, but now I'm ready for bed. I'll write more about my trip later :)

It's FRIDAY

Well, it's Friday again. Time for more fun facts. But, there will be no facts next week because...we're going to B.C. We're going on a houseboat with 2 other families (and us, making 3) on a boat that sleeps 22 people. get ready for crazy! We're leaving on Sunday, getting on the boat on Tuesday, getting off on Saturday, and I think we're getting back on Sunday night. A whole week. Then, when we get back, school starts. well, for everybody else it does. I still have to wait to get all my stuff in. Jaxon starts preschool this year. It's about 10 minuets from our place and he's excited. Jacob and Catricia are homeschooled this year, too. More crazy. But, let's get this weeks fun facts under way. (if you haven't noticed, i love doing these, i find them too cool)
1. a pregnant goldfish is called a twit.
2. certain types of frogs can be fully frozen, thawed and still survive.
3. Bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers were all invented by women
4. Sherlock Holmes never said "Elementary, my dear Watson,"

Well, I'll see you all when I return from the ship (hehehe, I love calling it a ship)

Fun Fact Fridays

It's time for another Fun Fact Friday. I haven't posted since LAST FRIDAY so...
My horse is coming home from Camp today. He's been there for 3 weeks.
I'm finishing up the last level of my diagnostic test today. (I really don't like doing "school" in August)
On Monday, we're headed to the river for the birthday of two of my cousins, going to float on rafts!

Well, it's time for some more fun facts.
1. Banging your head against a wall burns 150 calories an hour
2. Orca's (Killer whales) kill sharks by torpedoing up into the shark's stomach from underneath, causing it to explode.
3. Inteligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
4. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesn't wear trousers.

Happy Friday the 13th to ya'll.

Fun Fact Fridays

This Friday came much to quickly. I didn't even realize today was Friday. I've been busy, I sprained my foot yesterday and am hopping along (My sister calls me kangaroo girl.) I'm doing diagnostic testing for school next year ( I think it's a rip off to do school in August)
So here's your four fun facts for the day, hope you enjoy them.
1. your stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks, otherwise it would digest itself.
2.ten percent of Russia's government income comes from the sale of Vodka
3. Einstein couldn't speak fluiently when he was nine years old. his parents thought he might be retarded.
4. Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine

Hope you enjoyed these cool fun facts.

Too many...

I have way too many blond moments for someone whose blond came from a box.
I was making muffins the other day and was going to mash the banana's to put in the batter. So I put them in a bowl, took a fork and started mashing and mashing but it wasn't turning to goop. The reason for this was: I didn't peel the banana's before I started mashing them.
It's moments like these when I have to look back and laugh at myself.
HeHeHe

Fun Fact Fridays

It's Friday, and that means another Fun Fact Friday! I'm totally excited to get to do another one. I've been waiting for Friday since LAST FRIDAY. And now It's finally here and I can't wait to give you all 4 more fun facts on this wonderful Friday morning.
So let's begin, shall we?
1. More people are killed anually by donkeys then die in an air crash
2. Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13
3. A Saudi Arabian woman can get a divorce if her husband doesn't bring her coffee
4. Mel Blanc, the voice of Bugs Bunny, was allergic to carrots.

Hope you enjoyed the second addition of Fun Fact Fridays!
Stay Tuned for more, coming next Friday to a computer screen near you.

Fun Fact Fridays

Everyone else has Worldess Wednesdays or such. So i thought I'd create my own... Fun Filled Fridays. Every Friday, starting today, I'll give you four fun filled facts. Hope you enjoy reading these fun filled facts as much as I did finding them.

1. Every time you lick a stamp, your consuming 1/10 of a calorie.
2. A cockaroach can live 9 days without it's head before it starves to death.
3. The fingerprints of a koala are virtually indestinguishable from a humans, so much so that they may be confused at a crime scene
4. Nutmeg is extremely dangerous is injected interveniously.

Hope you enjoy the first ever, fun fact friday.

It's back!!!

I'm "accidentally" back in blonde! Really blonde! It started out as just streaks, but it ended up all over. no worries though, it looks great. and it's cut in sort of a Katie Holmes style bob thing, but blonde.




It looks great, even if it wasn't on purpose. The only downside will be the blonde jokes I'll have to endure. and no, I don't want to hear any.

And that makes 3...

We got another kitten today. A brother to the two we already have. His name was Holmes but we changed it to Oreo, as his color is black and white. He is clearly the runt of the "triplets." It was as if these brothers hadn't been seperated for a month or so. They play and wrestle like old friends. Oreo isn't taking a strong liking to our dog like the other two have, trying to swat her in the nose a couple of times. I guess it will just take time. And we got another "new" outside cat today. Our cat that used to be an inside cat, Tinkm got introduced to the outdoors today. His constant whining finally got him somewhere. We brought him back in for night, since the little triplets are in the cage, where the cat house is. Now he's back to staring out the window, without the constant meows. Maybe he knows that tomorrow he will get another chance at the big wide world. Or maybe he's tired out from a day of play. Either way, I'm happy to have Tink in the house and the kittens back in there cage, where I can keep them safe just a little bit longer.

A long time coming...

Well, here are the pictures I promised. I FINALLY got them uploaded. So these are Calgary and Jasper, I know it took a while for me to get them up here.


Jaxon and the Mascot

All the cowboys, and girls

One of the bullriders

And Me and Cai.

And there's her baby brother, Ephraim.

This is Jasper. and Yes, we're going up there.

This is at the old swimming pool

Note the look of pure joy on Jaxon's face

And the fear on mine

We were going white water rafting!

I was so freaked out at first but it ended up being a really good time.

I'm Home!!!!!

I'm back from Calgary! And what an interesting trip it was. So first, on the drive up, we almost ran out of gas, literally running off of gas fumes, and barely made it to this little town of no where. THEN we blew a tire. We stopped at this little shop to get it fixed but they didn't have the right size of tire so we just got the spare put on. That leads to my first first, my first time eating lasagna on a shop bench. We finally made it to Calgary and the next day we went to the stampede. It was so totally cool, besides getting rained out. The cowboys and cowgirls made it an awesome show, as well as a really good show put on by the animals.One horse broke it's back and had to be put down but it was still really good, other then sitting there and biting my nails and willing the cowboys to just stay on for eight seconds and feeling really bad when they didn't. My second first was watching the Calgary Stampede. The third first was eating supper in a bar that night. I had this really yummy southern fried chicken. The next day I went to Cairo's. I earned a new nickname, Dish (by her little brother Gage) and got barfed on 3 times by her baby brother, Ephraim. (Did I spell that right, Cai? I think I did.) On our way home this morning we got a little lost and spent an hour touring Calgary. But we made it home alright and it was a good trip.

Motercycles, Sushi and One Strange Book

Moterecycles, Sushi and One Strange Book is the first book in the RL series by Nancy Rue.
The story is the life of Jessie Hatcher, a 15 year old girl with ADHD living with her bi-polar mother. When Jessie is given the shocking news that her father is back in town and wants to meet her, it sends her world crashing. When her mom is taken to the mental hospital, Jessie goes to live with her dad in Saint Augustine, Florida. There she meets new friends, learns to master the art of sushi, get along with a less then easy to get along with sister and sees the sights from the back of a motercycle, and finds RL. The main characters in this book are Jessie, Rocky, Weezie, Jessie's dad Lou, Rose and Bonsai, her sushi teacher. The minor characters include Jessie's mom Brooke, her friend Chelsea, her friend Marcus, Jessie's grandpa, Simone, Emma, Katrina, Travis, and Hank. Jessie overcame the challenges of her ADHD, and learned to accept herself as who she was, a child of God. My favorite character is Rocky. He doesn't pretend to be something he's not. he's real and honest. My favorite scene in this book comes at the end of the book were Jessie is finally sure of herself enough to stand up to her mom. I really liked this book becaause of how relatable the characters are and the real life answers RL gives. I would totally recommend this book. I loved it. I would rate it 4.8. Not quite a 5 because sometimes it was hard to follow Jessie's thoughts but all over, a totally amazing book.
Again, Nancy Rue has blown me away. This book definatly goes on my list of favorites

Calgary

I'm going to Calgary tomorrow! We planned the trip this morning and we're leaving tomorrow morning. We'll see some of the stompede, and I'll get to see Cairo and meet her new baby brother! I'm so excited. But no worries, I'll being my computer with me and do the book review for Motercycles, Sushi and One Strange Book while I'm down there. And if I can figure out how to upload the pictures from my camera to my computer, I might put up some pictures too.

(Sorry about the Jasper pictures. I do have them, they are just not on my computer. hopefully I'll get them up soon.)

YEEHAW!

Boyfriends, Burrito's and an Ocean of Trouble

Boyfriends, Burrito's and an Ocean of Trouble is the second book in the RL series by Nancy Rue. It's the story of Bryn Christopher. She was in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Preston Oliver. When a Car accident reveals Bryn's bruises, she is talked into testifying against him, the most powerful jock in school. It's an Ocean of trouble when Bryn's grandmother, Mim, arrives and decides to teach Bryn the ways of surfing, and a good old Mexican Burrito. It's a lot of ups, and downs, for Bryn in the days leading up to the trail. One things brings her comfort and understanding in these long days, a strange book she found in the hospital waiting room. It seems to speak to her, and understand her real life. The main characters in this book are Bryn, her dad, Mim, Preston, Andrew, Regan, Fielding and Shawn. The minor characters, in my opinion, are Bryn's Mom, her sister Tara, Goof, Kale, Kayla Dorchester, Will Quintera, Vanessa Woodhouse, Isabel and Emma. My favorite character in this book is probably Bryn. She was forced to deal with the trial, and Preston and his friends. She had to cope with the retaliation of Preston's posse and with personal attacks being made against her. But in the end, Bryn learns more about herself and who she is as a person. My favorite scene in this book was probably the one where Bryn finally stands up to Preston. She tells him who she is and is strong in the face of a challenge. When He says he'll destroy her, that she'll never be the same, she say's he's right. She has God. I liked this book because of the real challenges Bryn faced and how she dealt with them. It was amazing to watch her transform into a new being once she began reading about Yeshua. My rating on this book is 4.5 out of 5. I think it was very well written and had a lot of great lessons in it. The surfing and court language did get to be a little bit much once in a while but maybe that's just me. Over all it was a really good book. I'd recommend it for it's great lessons in friendships, dating and family values. Besides all that, it had a really good story line and very real characters that you can relate with. Once again, Nancy has created a book that went beyond my expectations.

To check out the rest of the RL books, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IQaovHGmx8

One more day!

Apparently my days are really off. I was thinking I didn't do my first review until Thursday but I just realized I do it TOMORROW! That means I should probably get everything ready so I actually have something to say to you. It was Jaxon's birthday yesterday. My family came over here for burgers and hot dogs and a Car's cake. Jaxon got a kid's quad, which he already loves riding. Tonight is my parent's anniversary and I'm babysitting the kids while they go out for supper and a movie. 19 years, and sorry if I wasn't supposed to say that mom.
On Canada day we went over to some friend's house for a BBQ. The old ladies, aka the mothers, decided to be really cool and go ride the golf cart. They decided to drive past the window doing all these goofy poses, then switch people and come around again. It was all fun and games, until someone fell off. It was hilarious watching these old ladies act like they were 12, maybe even younger because I'm sure no 12 year old, in their right mind, would do that. But it was funny to watch. Me and my Dad went to see twilight Eclipse the other night. Let's just say I like the books better. So, I guess I'll be writing to you tomorrow with my first review. Can't wait.

Nancy Rue!!!!!!!!

Well since I'm going to be doing the book reviews (motercycles, sushi and one strange book and boyfriends,burritos and an ocean of trouble, both by Nancy Rue) I thought I would show you a little bit about who Nancy is. I did the author spotlight a while back (I'm not sure how to add a link so you can just find it. I think it will be on the side, under author spotlight) anyway that has some Q and A's with Nancy. In case you didn't know, Nancy is a tween, teen and adult fiction writer. Here are some pictures of Nancy, to prepare you for the book reviews, on July 7 and 13.


Here are some of the other books Nancy has written.

This is the picture of Nancy Rue, as seen on the back of her books

And this is a lovely picture of Nancy, on one of her many travels. I personally really love this picture.

Can't wait until I can do the first review. I'm counting the days!

OWH!!!!

I had to go to the dentist today, again! They had to snip a muscle or something in my mouth. I had to get frozen (with a needle!) and 2 stitches. clearly this was not a very smart idea. ok, maybe it was but it hurts. I can't eat hard foods (soup for lunch and pasta for supper) and it hurts whenever I smile. it's really not a good thing when your brother and sister follow you and tell you not to smile so that you really have no choice and end up smiling and then saying "owh!!!!"

Exciting News!!!!

I have some exciting news! I'm going to be part of a blog tour!
I'll review the books listed below on the dates listed.I'll tell a little bit about what the book was about, the main characters, the challenge they overcame and who my favorite character was. I'll tell you how I liked this book, my favorite scene from the novel. I'll tell you if I would recommend this book to anyone else and why. I'll give my overall score of this book, the author, title, genre...
The books and dates are... (drumroll please)

• July 7- Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble
• July 13- Motercycles, Sushi and One Strange Book

I can't wait to review these books for you.

...Not a chance

It's my first day of almost freedom (I still have some science left to do) and it's turning out to be an interesting day. I did my test this morning, it took me not as long as I thought it would. After my exam, me and my mom and Jaxon went shopping, picked up the kids, and got some lunch. So when we got home, My mom had to pack up and leave for Calgary, leaving me in charge of the littles. Well, not even half an hour into my "adventure" I had another adventure. Our kittens got out. I tried to bring them inside but our big cat, Tink, wasn't too thrilled about sharing his space. My solution, bring out the towels, the clothespins and the paperclips. No, I didn't suffocate the cats. I went into their outdoor pen and hung towels over every wall, pinning them in place. Like to see you try and get out of that one, kitties. (For the record, they are still in, curling up in their "house" and sleeping like little angels. Can't fool me, I know the adventerous spirit inside.) I've finished making my little jail, finished almost all of my schooling and finished lunch. Catricia and Jaxon are playing wii and Jacob is over at a friend's. I'll make pizza tonight, which both kids have agreed to help me with. We'll watch a movie and eat popcorn and wait for my dad to come home. Sounds like a relaxing night, right? Sounds like it will be an easy day of babysitting. Want to know what I say to that... NOT A CHANCE!!!

Happenings

Hope you all like the new design. I changed it 3 times before I finally got the one I wanted. Well my tests have been changed for Thursday and Friday which gives me a few more days to study. We got our kittens today! We got a grey one, that me and Jaxon share, named O'Malley and a black one, that's Jacob's, named Vader. They are so cute and tiny. I don't have any pictures yet but I'll post some when I get some. We didn't go visit our horses today. As you can probably imagine, we had a pretty busy day. We might head out tomorrow, though, if we have enough time.

And the forecast for the next week is... BUSY

Well I'm back! The pictures are still in my camera but I'll post them as soon as I get them downloaded. This week (or last couple of days) has been busy with more then just Miette stuff. Let me give you the offiicial countdown of how many days until...
1 day left to study for my exams
1 day until we get our kitties!
1 day (hopefully) until I get to go see my horsey (I'll post the story below)
2 days left until my first exam, Math
3 days until my last exam, L.A
3 days until my dentist appointment, (I dislike the dentist, even if my mom does work there)
4 days until school, besides science which I don't count because I can do that out in the sun, is DONE!!!!!!
6 days until the Reba concert, which I'm going to with my Auntie
7 days, 3 hours and 21 minuets (from the time of writing) until Take 4 is going to be released!
7 days until I'm going to Red Willow day camp with my family for a day of family fun!


Ok, now I'll post the story. Our horses aren't here right now because we have too much clover in our new pasture and they got alsikes poisoning which means they ate too much clover and it does something to their liver and if we don't get them out now they could die. SO we moved them out, or my dad did, on Friday. Thank God that a wonderful Judy was inside, (Judy taught me riding lessons for a while back and she's friends with my cousin Carly) and answered her phone ( a real surprise if you know Judy) and she had extra pasture and was willing to take on the job of caring for our five little ponies. We might be heading out to visit them tomorrow.

I might be really busy with exams in these next few days so I won't post. I'll catch up as soon as my 'busy week' is over.

Miette

We're headed to Miette tomorrow! The down side is that I got sick this morning. I have a headache and a sore throat and a ear ache. hopefully that won't make this trip TOO bad. But as you can tell, it's always a good time when we go up the mountain. So here are some pictures from LAST YEAR and I'll post some new one's when I get back. I just want you all writhing with jealousy as I go 'round the mountain and soak in the hot springs, lol.

P.S I got a secret for you. I got PURPLE streaks in my hair. I'll add pictures of that when I get back, too.

It's the Little Things

I was just reading a blog from a girl who lives in Africa, taking care of 12 (yes 12) little girls. I couldn't help but think as I read her blog how amazing it is that she got an opportunity to serve God in such a way. I know it was hard for her, to leave her family and her country, her home and her life, but everything seems so amazing. (Note I'm saying this BEFORE I've even stepped foot into a foreign country!) I think it would be so cool to serve like that. But then I'm reminded. God put me in this place for a reason. God gave me this calling so I could touch people HERE. I don't need to travel halfway around the world to find my calling and do what I'm supposed to do. Right now I'm called to serve right here, I'm called to love right here, I'm called to bless right here, I'm called to give right here. I don't have to be half way around the world to show God's love to people. It's weird how when we think of ministry, it's in a foreign country. Africa, Asia, wherever but not here. not in North America. Fact is, we don't need to go half way around the world to serve. Fact is, God is calling us to serve where we are, right now. We're not in this place by accident or mistake. We're not here because there was no where else on this earth for us to go. We are here to touch lives, to make a difference, to change the world. Changing the world doesn't just start in Africa. We are put in the place we are to change the world. I have a sponsor child, Lilian. She's five and writes me the sweetest little letters. She always tells me how she and her family are doing, asks about my life and tells me about hers. She's not in school yet but she's already very excited to learn. She lives in Guatamala with her family. When ever I write her back, I always tell her how precious she is to me, that I'm praying for her and I begin with the same thing almost every time, 'hey beautiful girl.' It's funny to think that the small letters I send her or the money I give her every month is changing her life. It's weird to think that something that's so small for me is giving Lilian food to eat, clothes to wear, fresh water to drink and a chance at a better life. I'm changing the world from where I am. I'm changing her community, her family and her life. Changing the world doesn't even have to start in Guatamala, like the change I'm doing in Lil, changing the world can be as simple as saying hello to someone as you walk from class to class (or whatever.) It can be as simple as handing out giftcards to homeless people on the streets. It can be as easy as volunteering at the soup kitchen. The little things we do, that we don't think of as changing a life, can actually have a big impact on people. When we hear of a big calling, like the girl I talked about earlier, it's easy to think of our own calling as small or insignificant. It's easy to say that we're not in a place to help people. Truth it- you're own calling is not small or insignificant, no calling is small or insignificant to God. You are just in the place where God wants you to be, to reach out and show people His love and touch them with His touch. Some People are called to do big things, like work in Africa raising 12 daughters, and some people become doctors and lawyers and flip burgers at McDonalds. But where ever you are, whatever you do, how ever you do it, you are touching lives. It doesn't matter where you live or what you do, there are no insignificant callings with God. there are no small roles in the plans He has to touch this world. It doesn't matter if we're a nation away or right here at home, we all have a place in reaching this lost world. there are no small parts with God. And even the little things we do can be part of something amazing.

We're Here!!!!

Yes, we are here at our new place! We moved here on Friday and are still settling in. I have ALMOST all of my boxes unpacked. I'll post some pictures once I take some. Just thought I'd let you all know we're here, safe and sound :)
blog more later

WE'RE MOVING TOMORROW!!!!!!

Well We're moving tomorrow! For those of you who don't know, we bought a quarter section out by Sexsmith, ok Webster but it's considered Sexsmith. We already moved our horses out there, we did that yesterday, and we're headed out there, to stay!, tomorrow after school. We already moved some of our stuff, ok a lot of our stuff, and we've been coming back and forth since the begining of May. We live on the top of a hill, you can see it from Webster Road, (in case your looking :) and we can look down all the hills. We're going to live in a trailer, for now. My dad's been really busy adding an addition to the trailer because right now it only has 3 bedrooms. I get the bedroom with the big window overlooking the horse pasture. My room is a robins egg blue. Can't wait until we actually get down there. :)

Ordinary Happenings

We were supposed to be moving yesterday. We had a lot of rain, though, in the last couple of days and that didn't happen. So we're still in our 'old' house. Our homeschool lady came last night. (I know she has a proper name, I just don't know how to spell it.) We figured out what we're doing for next year. Online there's a create a course thing that I'm doing and I'm doing a creative writing course. I get to plan the course and then take it, it sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun. On my friend Cairo's blog, she's doing this cooking thing. I just submitted my recipe for a dish with cheese, and now I'm hungry. Well not really, just that kind of feeling you get when you talk about food and then you want to eat it, like if people talk about Thanksgiving you want turkey, or at least I do. I'm writing book #4 in the series, you know the one that's un named but I talk about sometimes here, Shane's story is part of that. Anyway I started book 4 and I'm on this chapter that Shane narrorates and I'm not going to tell you what it's about because my mom is reading the first one, Shane's story, now and She still has to read the other 2 before she gets to this one and it would totally give it away if I told you guys. So I won't. We went to see Shrek the final chapter last night. It was good, but I love pixar movies. I can't wait until toy story 3 comes out this summer. I'm writing an essay for school about L.M. Montgomery. She's actually a really interesting person. Once I finish the essay all I have left is finals (and science) and then I'm done school for the year!

It's time...

I keep putting off this entry because I have nothing to say, and I thought I might bore you all to death and now I decided that I've put this off long enough and it's time to bore you all to death. :) I haven't really been doing anything interesting. I'm studying for Math final, almost done (yeah!) and only have one unit left in my L.A (a report thing on a canadian hero) and well... I'll be doing my science until August. Ok, maybe July! It's not that I'm totally against science, I mean it's not my favorite, but it can be really useful. But I don't want a career as a scientist or anything and it's not really that interesting, to me anyway. I got my hair cut short for the summer. and... oh, I'm almost done writing another book, very exciting! It turned out totally different then I expected but it's still really good, I think. Well, I told you I would bore you all to death and I did :)

Nancy Says...

Here's the answer to Nancy's questions. I'll put the questions in green and Nancy's answers in pink.

Have you always wanted to be an author or was there something else along the way you wanted to turn into a career?
When I was really little I wanted to be a nurse but that disapeered when I read my first Nancy Drew novel, and decided to be an author. For a while in high school I wanted to be a choral director but that was never as strong as the desire to write. I still think it would be fun to be a back up singer as a side job.

What was your inspiration to write the Lily books?
A man named Steven Arterburn, who founded women of faith, wanted to see a young women of faith library and he asked my agent if he knew anyone who could start off that series with a book about an 11 year old named Lily. my agent did -me! I took it from there- it was as if God was waiting for a seed to be planted because God blossomed it into an image in my head. After that, all mini women were my inspiration.

How did you become a Christian?
I was born into a Christian family and baptized as an infant. It never occured to me growing up NOT to believe in God and love Him and worship Him. My true commitment, however, came when I was 12. I was in a confirmation class, being prepared to make a personal decision, and I began to pray, really pray, with no one guiding me. It was real, Jesus was real.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
John 1:12-13, as translated in the Message. 'Whoever did want Him Whoever believed He was who He claimed and would do what He said, He made to be their true selves, Their Child of God selves' my ministry and life are wrapped around those verses.

What was one thing you were told as a tween (or teen!) that you wished you'd listened to?
I can't remember anything but I can tell you something I wish someone HAD said to me "You are a late bloomer but you will come into your own, God has a plan" That would have saved me from feeling like a geek

Did you have any pets growing up and do you have any pets now?
We only had one dog, Lucky, who died when I was a tween. My parents weren't big on animals. My husband, however, was and from the time we were married we at least had one dog. Right now we have two five month old yellow labs named Guiness and Genevive. They are wonderful companions, despite the slobbering and the chewing and the getting into michief.

Do you have any siblings?
I have an older sister, Phyllis. I had an older brother but He died when I was only 7, I still miss him sometimes.

Did you take anything in Collage that helped you become an author?
I think about it and everything I took in collage helped me as an author! Some of it I didn't think was of any use at all to me at the time when I was yawning through it, but I'm constantly realizing that biology set me up for medical things in my stories and psycology helped me create characters and, of course, all those papers I had to write as an English major taught me to use words and be disciplined and express myself. One of the most clearly influential courses was Public speaking! I've had to do a great deal of speaking and teaching as an author and I'm so glad I had that. I think everyone who wants to be an writer should have a good Liberal Arts education at a solid university.

How did you decide to write tween fiction?
It chose me! I was writing for teenagers and happened to meet the editor of clubhouse magazine, a focus on the family magazine for tweens (boys and girls) who asked me to do a story. I liked doing it so I wrote more. That same editor went to the book publishersat focus and said" Please ask this lady to write some books for kids" that's how it started. I have been in love with 8 to 12 years olds, ecspecially girls, ever since. It seemed to work not only because I could vividly remember those years in my life but because God apparently wanted me there.

If you could say one thing that every young woman would hear, what would you say?
You have one power and that is the power to be who God made you to be. Spend your life peeling off the false selves the world puts on you and find your true self, the self that was made to love, serve, and live in joy and peace and compassion.

Where did you get your inspiration for the Sophie books?
I had a student named Sophie when I was teaching in high school. I used to call her Sophie-Lophie-Loodle. She fascinated me with her imagination as a theater student (and her tinyness and high pitched squeaky voice). Years later, when I was asked to create a series that followed Lily she came immediatly to mind. Sophie Lacroix, of course, took on a life of her own, but I could always see the real Sophie in my mind.

How did you decide that Sophie was going to be a daydreamer?
I was something of a daydreamer myself as a kid, though not to the extent that Sophie is, because there was enough Lily in me to keep me focused in school. I also once read a short story called "the secret life of Walter Minny"that I dearly loved. If you read that story(I think it's by James Thurber but I'm not sure!) you'll understand where I got the idea for Sophie's dream life.

Where did you get your inspiration for the Lucy books?
I was meeting a lot of tween girls who were tomboys , and who didn't go to schools with a big sports programs or churches with large, active, youth groups. But nobody seemed to be writing books for them. And, like Lucy, I had a blind father who I was very close to. It all came together in a character I dearly love. I set the books in New Mexico because I love it there and I have family who lives nearby.

What's your favorite way to spend a Saturday?
Curled up on a chaise lounge chair on my screen porch with my dogs, reading a book- or going out on the boat with my husband and having a picnic in the cove. There must be a nap in there somewhere for it to be a perfect Saturday.

What would you say to someone who wants to become an author?
If he or she is a young person, like under 25, I would say do 3 things. (1) Read, Read, Read! (2) Write,Write, Write, not to publish but to practise the craft and develop style. (3) Live as much as you can (within the limits of safety, good sense and the law!). I would say not to worry about getting published. Most great authors don't get published until they are over 25, and usually closer to 30. The longer you wait and practise at your craft and find your writing voice, the longer it will take to get published, even when you hit 30 and have some importent things to say. Enjoy the deliciousness of writing freely now- then take writing classes in high school and collage. Know that becoming a good writer takes time and practise. Never lose the joy

Who is your hero?
Besides Jesus? My earthly hero was my father, who lived his life with God to the fullest because he knew he wouldn't live to be very old. He died when he was only 48 after suffering the devistation of Diabetes. He was a great father-he seldom complained- and he always, always trusted God. I wish he could have lived past my 14th birthday but his memory lives with me still, and I consider him my best role model.

If you could do one thing that you knew you wouldn't fail at, what would you do?
Have a mentoring acadamy for teen girls who want to seek a closer realationship with God and share that through writing.

If you could write one book that everyone would read, what would the theme of that book be?
Be who God made you to be, no matter what

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this interview Nancy. I hoped you guys liked it

AND IT"S CLOSED!

And the author spotlight is CLOSED. I'll be sending all the questions to Nancy today and I'll post her answers as soon as I get them.

FIRST EVER AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT!!!

Ok, I'm going to try something new here on the blog. We are going to have an author spotlight, and the first author is tween,teen and the taller types (adults) Nancy Rue! Now I know most of you probably have no idea who Nancy is so let me give you a quick bio. As I said before, Nancy is a tween, teen and adult writer and has 3 blogs, one for tweens, teens and adults. She lives in Tenesse with her husband, and her two puppies Guiness and Genevive. Feel free to check out her tween site at www.faithgirlz.com (maybe some of you have read her tween series about Lily, Sophie or Lucy) and then her teen blog link is http://tweenyouandme.typepad.com/in_real_life/
So go ahead and check out Nancy's sites and post your questions by TUESDAY MAY 5Th and I'll email them to Nancy (including some of my own questions) and once Nancy reply's I'll post them to my blog. Can't wait to find out what you questions Nancy to answer. You can ask her anything about faith, family, friends, her writing career, her life, Anything. Can't wait for your questions
And remember, THEY NEED TO BE IN BY TUESDAY, MAY 5