This tag is sooooooooooo old.

I am late to the party, but hopefully doing this New Year's Tag will help me get back into blogging!

1.) What did you do in 2017 that you’d never done before?

  I started a stick fighting class, got hired on at a new job, successfully wrote out the plot and songs for some of my musicals, took a piano class, moved, bought a new dresser, and visited my sisters in North Dakota for the first time in 12 years. *loooooooooooong gasp* Okay, I did a lot. Those were the good highlights 8-D *cough* Don't ask me about the bad.

 2.) Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make one this year?

Resolutions?

Resolutions?

What resolutions?

3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?

    Um. Yes? I think a sister had a baby... I'm such a bad aunt, lol. I don't remember which month it happened in. I believe... April?

4.) Did anyone close to you die?

No.

5.) What countries/states did you visit?

I visited Dakota and Montana, because I went out to see my sisters! *boing*

6.) What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

*cough* A license. *Cough*

*COUGHCOUGHCOUGH*

Oh, and a gun, but that won't happen until 2019

7.) What date from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory? 

Prolly February 28th.

8.) Did you move anywhere?

AAAAAAH YAS! I moved into a beautiful little house with a few of my sisters. It's great, there are bedrooms, a nice kitchen, a lovely living room with space to visit - We even have a real fireplace! WITH ASH! IT'S AWESOME! SPAAAAAAAACE!

9.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

  

I actually have no idea. I got a new job. Is that an achievement?

10.) What was your biggest failure?

I didn't make myself present online as much as I should have. And I didn't fulfill all my resolutions.

11.) Did you suffer illness or injury?

 Nooooooooope. I live a rather unremarkable life. Lol.

13.) Whose behavior merited celebration?

Our sweet family friend Gavin, because Gavin is a good person. And my sister and brother-in-law, Regina and Dan. They were awesome this year. They're just wonderful, generous people, who are there when you need them and do what they can to help. *heart eyes*

14.) Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

        You know the person I've mentioned the last few times at this point? Yeah, that person again. The name shall still go unmentioned :-[

15.) Where did most of your money go? 

Rent, manga, and a freaking computer, and Christmas gifts.

16.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

November 28th. *dances* That's when I went to see my sisters!!!!

if you are wondering if the second photo was edited, yes it was. 8-) I put a fancy brick wall behind us because the other option was super unattractive. ;-)

17.) What was the best concert you’ve been to this year?

I didn't go to a concert. :-) I saw a Dear Evan Hansen bootleg though, and it was great. I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN IT ON BROADWAY! Why is New York so expensive? *dies*

18.) What song/album will always remind you of 2017?

      

  I don't know if they'll always remind me of 2017, but the song that resonated with me this year was"Oh My Soul" by Casting Crowns, and the album would be "Dear Evan Hansen."

Oh My Soul, You Are Not Alone (gif)

(Dear Evan Hansen)

when you're broken on the ground, you will be found

19.) Compared to this time last year, are you:

 Nostalgic. Wistful. So much changed this past year and I sometimes find myself getting stupid emotional about it. I have trouble with change - even good change.
      

20.) What do you wish you’d done more of?

Music

21.) What do you wish you’d done less of?

Being so anxious and emotional. 2017 was a hard sort of  year my friends.

22.) What was your greatest musical discovery?

       Dear Evan Hansen, and Beethoven's Last Night.

No one deserves to disappear.

Your candle's quite low, we've been watching it burn.

I quite like Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Yes they are crazy rockers, and yes their musical style is strange (it's called Orchestral Metal. Weird, right?) But I love how faith-based and pro-life all their story's are. They're Pro-life at every point too, whether it be an old life or a young life, a broken life, or a life well-lived. I think that's a beautiful thing.

23.) How did you spend Christmas?

       We had a sung Christmas Morning Mass (we sang it) and then the family got together at our beautiful new home for presents and food. It was a good Christmas, but a bit strange since it wasn't quite the same as usual. New house, new home... all a bit odd. 8-)

24.) How did you/are you spending New Year’s?

We watch The Lord of the Rings, and have agreed to do an annual rewatch. It's good to start off the New Year with Tolkien wisdom and encouragement!!!

25.) Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

My sister Tiny, and my friend Ana.

26.) What was the best book you read?

YAS, THIS BOOK!!!!

       Best new book would have to be Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner. Some others books that merit a mention are The Hollow Boy and The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud. I've yet to read the Empty Grave. *hides* The best reread would have to be the King of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner, and Pandora Hearts, by Jun Mochizuci

Lockwood and Co

Pandora Hearts

27.) Did you fall in love in 2017?

Still no.

28.) What was your favorite TV show?

I haven't watched many new shows this year, except Hawaii 5-0, So, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is still my favorite - although Marvel's The Defenders was pretty good, especially when Matt was on screen. I also liked Stranger Things, but I don't know how I feel about the ending of season two.

Bonus: Two shows I've officially boycotted would be Sherlock and Doctor Who (CURSE YOU MOFFAT!!!!) 

29.) Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? 

I don't hate. lol. Uuuuum, no. The people I didn't like last year are still on that list and no new people have emerged.

30.) What did you want and get?

A Nice House, a dresser, a bed, a new computer, Dear Evan Hansen, and Beethoven's Last Night.

*I think I should add I did in fact have a dresser and bed before now, they  just weren't my dresser and bed. 

31.) What did you want and not get?

A gun, because for some reason I can serve my country at eighteen with guns but I can't own one for personal use until I'm 21. Like.....why?

32.) What were your favorite films of this year?

        My favorite Live Action was Spiderman: Homecoming and my favorite animated movie was Coco. Coco made me cry.

miguel is so cute. I love him. 8-)

(Oh, and I've seen Book of Life before. It's been a couple years but I still think Coco is different enough to hold it's own. It's like a retelling of the same myth, you know, but with a different plot/twist.)

33.) What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

My 19th birthday was a bit odd. I had a couple friends over, got an adorable card from Gavin, and watched The Giver. This year I watched The Rise of the Guardians, ate some delicious cake/brownie thing, and received beautiful fairy lights to decorate my room with. Plus Beethoven's Last Night which is an awesome album and brings out the electric-guitar side of me. The Lost Christmas Eve is still my favorite album that Trans-Siberian Orchestra does, but Beethoven is great too.

34.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2017?

I was something between Bo-Ho and Casual. 

35.) What kept you sane?

Prayer, my musicals, my books, my tea, my family and friends.

36.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I didn't really fancy anyone, but there were a couple public figures that left me pleasantly surprised with their good choices and actions.

37.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? 

original source image

2017 was one of those years that I burned at Midnight on January 1st. Sooooooooooo.

38.) What political issue stirred you the most?

So Many. *le sigh* But I was particularly stirred when President Trump covered the March for Life. That was rather surprising, but in a good way.

Oh wait. That was this year. LOOOOOOL.

39.) Who did you miss?

Sammi, and my sisters.

40.) Who was the best new person you met?

41.) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

This isn't technically a new life lesson, but it's one I was reminded of a lot in 2017. My family always comes together for meals, we sing and do music together, and generally just have good times in good company. I realize how rare that is the older I get, but I also realize how precious and important it is.

42.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

"So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away; you're not alone stop holding on and just be held. Just be held... find your rest in the arms of the God who won't let go." - Be Held, Casting Crowns.

43.) Five personally significant events of 2017:

       1. February 28th, because reasons

       2. Moving into a new place

       3. When I applied for a new job
       4. When I was asked to be my friend's Confirmation Sponsor. She won't be confirmed for a while but it's still a privledge.

       5. Visiting my sisters at their homes for the first time. (Last time I visited Gina she was in a trailer house. Long story.)

44.) Five things I want to do in 2018:

        1. Make music.

        2. Finish my musicals. (yep, this is still a goal in progress)

        3. FINALLY get my license so I can visit my friend Sammi.

        4. Do more Catholic Action

        5.Buy a new rosary and a Saint Michael statue.

45.) Five people I’d like to know better in 2018:

Gavin. 8-) I'd like to visit my friend Ana and actually meet her in real life, so I guess she's one too. This question is stupid because I don't have five people to know better. 8-/ I guess I can still get to know Sammi. (????)

So now you're kind of caught up on my life 8-) ONWARD AND UPWARD!

In summary... 2017 was a hard year. It's up there with 2012 as a year of rough times. I had some special, beautiful moments, but also quite a few earthquake moments. It sounds like 2017 was hard for a lot of people, but God is ultimately in control and everything will be okay.

Here's hoping that 2018 is better than the years before it, filled with good times and good company. Eat, drink and be merry! Value good food and cheer over hoarded gold and be better for it.

HAPPY (late) 2018!!!!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

So. 2017. *crazed laughter*

As all of you know, I am not a good blogger. I have good intentions but I really don't blog half so much as I ought to. Back in the Summer, I gave my blog a face lift and talked a little bit about being a dreamer and how I was going to make this blog a "safe place" for people like that. Then I promptly crashed, losing any sort of inspiration. Now that the New Year is hear, I am going to try and remember this mission. Part of the problem was that I really didn't know how to approach my new blog idea. However, I think I have an idea now, of what I'd like to do here.

I want to start posting once a week for starters. *More Crazed Laughter* I want to try and post something positive, optimistic, or fanciful about my week. I'd like to start talking a little more seriously about stories, writing, poetry, and the overall stunning glory of God's world, which is so easy to miss out on now-days. I want to post about beautiful things. With this mission in mind, my blog should be much more themed this year. Here's hoping!!!!!!!

As a Kick-Off for the New Year I am going to do the New Year's Tag.

1.) What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?

Erm. I went to Frontsight, I got a job. I started writing a musical. Oh! And I visited the ocean with my friend Jack and my younger sisters! 8-D

2.) Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make one this year?

I don't properly remember my New Year's resolutions. I don't think I had any for 2016. But I do have tentative resolutions for 2017. Mainly to focus on my writing and take some freaking music theory. (MAYBE ACT???)

3.) Did anyone close to you give birth?

Oh yes! My sister did! His name is Dominic. He's adorable.

4.) Did anyone close to you die?

No, Thank God.

5.) What countries/states did you visit?

I only went to Nevada. That was it and it's not that big of an achievement, seeing as I live fairly close to that state. Probably the biggest thing I did travelling-wise was going to the Ocean. That crap was beautiful, and it was tons of fun. Behold God's untempered magnificence!

6.) What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Moooooooooney! Lol. I guess I'd like an actual house to live in, not a flat. A cute little two-room cabin would be nice.

7.) What day in 2016 will remain forever etched in your memory?

November 7th. The last and best day I had at Frontsight. I hope I will never forget it.

8.) Did you move anywhere?

Well, I was briefly in Nevada but then I came back home and am now living with two of my sisters. Otherwise, no.

9.) What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I'd love to say 'I got my license!' but alas, that isn't true. So.... I placed into the third round in the contest at Frontsight. And I can actually shoot now, even though I need to practice on speed.

10.) What was your biggest failure?

Failing my driving test. Twice. Curse you parallel parking! I knew I could do it but my nerves were less sure. *blows smoke from ears.*

I was not this kid.

11.) Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nah. I'm all good.

12.) What was the best thing you bought?

I bought my very own copy of the Fullmetal Alchemist; Brotherhood series. Complete with OVA episodes.

13.) Whose behaviour Merited celebration?

My Mom is the ultimate superwoman. Honourable mentions would be Gavin from the library, my sister Mahri, and my brother.


14.) Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?

A person whom I will not say the name of. Such a person made me very appalled and depressed. And angry too. *scowls at said person.*

15.) Where did most of your money go?

Toward books, Anime and Manga, and Reeses.. And I bought gifts for everyone at Christmas, which was very fun, by the way.

16.) What did you get really, really, really excited about?

FRONTSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT! And of course, my visit to the ocean. I am so grateful that Jack let me come with her to that. Oh! And my brother's wedding, way back at the start of the year!

17.) What was the best concert you've been to this year?

I saw no concert. I did however, see a bootleg of Les Miserables and it was magnificent.

18.) What song/album will always remind you of 2016?

My 2016 song is probably Battle Scars by Paradise Fears. The album would be.... hmmm. Bring Me Giants, by James Barbour.

19.) Compared to this time last year are you:

Determined. Determined to live my life as best and as hopefully as I can, and to make the most of what is given to me. God's got this. I'm determined to be a good, if anxious soldier under His banner.

20.) What do you wish you'd done more of? 

I didn't do any acting at all last year. I'm homesick for the Theatre. I wish I'd done more writing too.

21.) What do you wish you'd done less of? 

I wish I had done less of nothing. I was stuck without a car or anywhere to go within walking distance for most of this year, which meant I did almost none of the things I wanted to do. Like act and Dance

22.) What's your greatest Musical discovery?

Bring Me Giants (James Barbour) Ghost the musical, and as much as I hate the plot and premise, I liked a lot of the songs and music from Bridges of Madison County*. Kelli O'hara has an amazing voice, and that whole album inspires me to write music of my own. It showed me how much music can inflict mood on a scene; from contemplating and hopeful, to excited and bedazzled.

*I don't recommend this musical for a number of reasons, number one being that its about an affair. I only listen to a few select songs from it.

23.) How did you spend your Christmas?

Rather like the others, I spent Christmas at Homebase with my family, good food, and some very great friends. My brother and sister-in-law also came up with their kids, which was wonderful.

24.) How did you/are you spending New Years?

This was a nice New Year. Usually I slog through until midnight, say a small "Happy New Year," and vanish to my room. This year, my family (+friends) completed a Three-Day Lord of the Rings Marathon on New Year's Eve. We were invited to Sammi B's house for the last movie and finished the RoTK just a few minutes before midnight. After an epic count down to midnight, we toasted in the New Year with poppers and horns, and the sound of bagpipes flooding from outside, as they always do.  We kicked 2016 into the past with much ghusto, called out HAPPY NEW YEAR! And went home. We're such party animals it's ridiculous. Our New Year's are pretty freaking lay-back.

I honestly thing there are few better ways to start the New Year than with an LOTR marathon. It stirs up your soul in a big way. Let this be the hour when we draw swords together! Fell deeds awake; Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And the red dawn! ..... RIDE NOW!

25.) Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerm. My sister Tiny and... Jack?

26.) What was the best book you read?

My favourite book of this year was probably The Penderwicks in Spring by Jean Birdsall. Yes, it was a painful book and yes, I cried a lot in it, but it helped me with some of my own struggles. I found a kindred spirit in Batty. She is dear. It also got me back into my clarinet and made me feel like maybe I could write music, so there is that.

Honourable mentions include; Castle in the Air: Diana Wynne Jones, Screaming Staircase; Bartimeus:  Jonathan Stroud. Heist Society: Ally Carter. Pandora Hearts (10): Jun Mochizuki.* Noragami (11-14): Adachitoka**

*Yes, it's a manga.

** Yes, another manga. Don't judge me.

27.) Did you fall in love in 2016?

What? No way! *thrashing anime noises*

No love life for this girl, yet. This is probably good. I don't think I'm ready for that.

28.) What was your favourite TV show?

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Honourable mentions include: Hunter x Hunter, Hawaii 5-0, Pandora Hearts, and Lethal Weapon.

29.) Do you have anyone you hate now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Not really. There are some people are strongly dislike. Some that have annoyed me or caused me distress.

For example, I strongly dislike a certain party of people more than normal. #NewAgePharisees

30.) What did you want and get?

I wanted Musical Notation notebooks and by golly, I got them!

31.) What did you want and not get?

Ghost; the musical.

32.) What were your favourite films of this year?

Doctor Strange and The Magnificent Seven.

Mister... - It's Doctor. - Mister Doctor? - It's Strange.

33.) What did you do on your birthday and how old were you?

Here is the thing. My birthday is in January, so sweet 18-year-old me has been around all year. That's a long time folks. What I'll do is briefly recall my last birthday and tell you the plan for my next one.

Well, I was sick with Broncitas for my 18th birthday. *

I work this birthday, but I plan to have a few of my siblings and Jack over for dinner. I think I'll watch either The Giver or .... Something epic. I am on a Lord of the Rings high, so I'll need to watch something emotional and grand. Maybe one of the Marvel movies, or Gladiator.  Or The Eagle.

34.) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

I was basically Vanellope from Wreck it, Ralph!

I'm adorable!


35.) What kept you sane? 

Prayer. Anime. The library. My sister Tiny.

36.) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I actually didn't have a celebrity figure that I especially fancied this year. I like Chris Pratt and Il Volo, but that's old news. So, no public figure has made much of an impression on me since 2015.

37.) What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Passing my driving test would have made my year much better. *headdesk*

38.) What political issue stirred you the most?

The freaking Elections man. Oh my gosh. I was in Pahrump learning about guns all day; then I went home that night and worried (and prayed) about our next presidential candidate.

39.) Who did you miss?

Sammi Bender </3. Also, my adorable little nieces.

40.) Who was the best new person you met?

I don't really meet people. I guess Gavin has only been around a year, so I'll count him. He's dear.

41.) Tell  us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

-Noragami

Life is full of suffering and pain, but it is also full of joy and happiness. Everyone has their own crosses, their own burdens and trials that they must undergo, whether for the betterment of themselves, or the betterment of many, or both. I've known this for a while but it really hit me this year. Life is a walk in shadow, but that doesn't mean there isn't any light. And despite all the hardships life is actually worth living. To see a sunset, to feel wild wind, to witness the glory of a waterfall, to have good company and good meals, to enjoy stories and laughter, to experience love and friendship; all of these are good reasons to endure the bad days. The bad weeks. Even the bad years. And no matter how bad things get, one day all the suffering will end. The grey rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. Then you see it. White shores, and beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise. 

42.) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

Rain came pouring down when I was drowning, that's when I could finally breathe... And by morning gone was any trace of you, I think I am finally clean. - (Clean, Taylor Swift.)

Also, this incredibly relateable verse: On and on, like we're living on a broken record, hope is strong, but misery's a little quicker. Sit, and we wait, and we drown there, thinking, 'Why bother playing when it's unfair?' They say life's a waste, I say they lack belief. They tell me luck will travel, I tell 'em that's why I've got feet. Left, right, left, right,  moving along to the pulse of a heartbeat [....] Don't stop. March on. (Battle Scars, Paradise Fears.)

43.) Fiver personally significant events of 2016.

1.) My brother's wedding. We welcomed our new sister into the family with much merry making  and friendly company. Especially my sister Gina, her husband, and her kids. It was a good week.

2.) Visiting the Ocean in July with my best friend and some of my siblings.

3.) FRONTSIIIIIIIIIGHT. NOVEMBER 4-8th!!!

4.) February 16th, when my amazing brother treated the whole family to Disneyland.

5.) November 31st because, reasons.

44.) Five things I want to do in 2017.

1.) Take a music classes.

2.) Audition for a play or musical.

3.) Write at least the rough draft of a musical, and finish at least the first draft of my Cyril book.

4.) Spend more time with my sisters

5.) Pray hard, fight well, and live the life God gave me with fewer fears and more happiness.

45.) Five people I'd like to know better in 2017.

How was your 2016? Are you optimistic about 2017? Can you believe it's 2017??

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Fifteen-Day Anime Character Challenge

Hi y'all! Happy First Sunday of Advent!!!!

I've done some thinking and I decided that I am going to do the Fifteen-Day Character Challenge!!! I originally was going to do animated movies/TV shows/Cartoons, but I've decided to challenge myself even farther and do just anime!!! (Including Avatar;TLA because I count that one as I sort of anime.) If this challenge goes over well, maybe I'll do one for musicals next month, or in February! Anyone can join in this challenge, and you can take your pick between caroons, animated shows, and the like.

DAY ONE! The First Character you absolutely loved.

It's a toss up between Sokka and Zuko. But if I go by the very first character which made me go, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!," It's Zuko.

Oh my goooooosh! Talk about a solid, complex, beautiful character! Zuko was pretty much the embodiment of conflicted antagonist. Even in season one when he was actively hunting down the Avatar - sweet, lil' Aang -  I never hated Zuko.  He just seemed like someone who was doing what he believed had to be done. 

Prince Zuko

Zuko is one of those characters that is fantastic, because he is sympathetic, but he is never painted as being in the right when he is making bad choices. Which he does quite a bit. He's ridiculous, and he makes stupid mistakes, and half the time your yelling at him because ZUKO YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER! But he also has a big heart, and an incredible strength of character. He fails over and over. He does the wrong thing. Makes a bad decision. But he always gets up. When things are at there hardest, he doesn't give up. He may fumble - a lot - but in the end he does what he believes to be right. I love that about Zuko. 

Have any of you seen Avatar:TLA? Do you have a favorite animated character - anime or otherwise? 

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

"I've Got Plenty to be Thankful For. "

Hey Guys! Since It's Thanksgiving, I thought I'd do a quick tag. Feel free to steal it from me! I officially tag Christine Eyre, Amanda, and Tiny.

THE THANKSGIVING TAG!

THANKSSSSSS!!!!

What are you most Thankful for?

My amazing family, especially my Mommy who has become my Real-Life hero, especially this past year.  

What is your main source of Happiness?

Discovering new Musicals and revisiting old ones. I have become very interested in soundtracks and symphonies lately, since my pursuit in writing music and lyrics has become a huge passion of mine. It's always been something I was interested in, but I am finally chasing it down. 

What are some dreams and goals to Aim for

Completing my Fantasy Trilogy, and successfully writing at least the script and lyrics for my first musical. I also have a hope of actually performing on stage this year!!!!! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! 

Who is a Neighbor you are especially grateful for, or have recently found friendship with?

First, my sister Tiny who puts of with my GUSHING over musical after musical after musical. And also she watches Anime with me, which is a bonus. Second, my best friend Jack who doesn't mind me crashing at her house and eating her food all the time. Third, the Librarian Gavin who has become like a big brother to me, and is always super encouraging with my dreams. Also, my best friend Sammi Bender who is fan-freaking-tastic. AND ALL THE GUYS AT FRONTSIGHT WHO MADE MY GUN CLASSES EPIC.

What are some acts of Kindness you will always remember or treasure?

My Singing Teacher Mr. Williams telling me my voice was beautiful, a gift from God. Tom Nott and Dennis MCcarthy, FS Instructors who took the time to make sure I was okay when I was super emotional on the Line. (WHICH WAS SO STUPID. I WAS HAVING FUN. BEING A GIRL SOMETIMES SUCKS) 

What are some Special Thanksgiving Memories or Traditions?

Well, we always listen to our First Christmas Song on Thanksgiving, which is Oh Holy Night, by Nat King Cole. That is a very special memory for me, and thus Thanksgiving always feel like the first, unofficial start of the Christmas season. My awesome brother in law, Dan, visited for the first time at Thanksgiving. (And we had a terrible Thanksgiving play. *shudders* ) I especially like our Tradition of watching Holiday Inn on Thanksgiving, because that is one of my favorite Holiday Movies, and it makes me super emotional. It also the only version of I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas, that I actually like. LOL.

Well, Happy Thanksgiving everybody! I hope you all make new memories, and I sincerely hope that we all have new wonderful things to be grateful for. Many Happy Memories to all!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage.*

Bella

Writers Camp [ Day Three ] The Writers Tag

DAY THREE: THE WRITERS TAG

1.) How long have you been writing? 

I've been writing for a long time now. Even when I was little I always told stories to my little sisters, and would write short stories in notebooks. I've had story ideas for as long as I can remember, but I think I successfully completed my first book at about seven. However, I didn't actively become a writer until about four years ago.

2.) Why do you write?

Well, because stories bound about in my head until I can't stand it anymore and need to put them on paper?

I write for lots of reasons, the biggest is that story telling is a way of expressing myself and connecting to others. It also is a good way to send a message to the to other people, even if the message is subtle. You can touch others, inspire them, help them.

3.) What are your favorite type of books to write?

I really like writing fantasy. I like Adventures/Quests, and I really like writing about friendships and family. There isn't enough of that in society today. I want to attempt a romance, but since I've never been in love, I'm not sure how to do that. 8-)

4.) How many books have you successfully completed as of now?

I have successfully completed a grand total of two books. The others I am still working on.   (I may or may not have had half-a-dozen books deleted from my computer two years ago. Demoralizing.)

5.) What are three things you hate about writing?

Writers Block. Writing the In-Between moments. The Why-Am-I-Even-A-Writer Quandary. When you want to write, and you have your pen and your notebook (or laptop or whatever) and Writing is like, No.

That was four things. Oops.

6.) What are three things you love about writing?

World-building!!! It is so much fun fitting your world together, like connecting pieces of a puzzle!!! 8-) Also, character arks. Those things are difficult, but very, very rewarding. Oh, and that amazing moment when you get feels from your own writing and you just need to sit back a moment and breathe, and smile (or cry) because you really can write, like, wow.

7.) What story are you working on Right Now?

I am working on a Detective series, a brother story which concerns five swords, and a sort of dystopian-ish/fantasy story. I don't know how to describe what it is. BUT IT HAS TRISS AND RYAN AND IT'S A BROTHER AND SISTER AND THEY ARE COOL.

8.) When is your favorite time to write?

I like writing any time, but I like writing in the evening/night best. If I can lay out on the grass in the sun, I really like doing it in the afternoon too.

9.) Do you write short stories, children's books, novels? 

I guess I write novels, fantasy novels mostly.

10.) Do you draw inspiration/is your writing style influenced from any particular author?

My writing is influenced by Megan Whalen, my sister Kat, Diana Wynn Jones, and Tolkien. I tend to draw a lot of inspiration from them, and I've adopted aspects of their style into mine. I think this is mostly because like fantasies with a higher aspect to them, rather than just modern writing mixed with magic. This means I'm more slanted toward Medieval-like writing. I hate modernistic books that are supposed to be fantasy/other-worldly, but their characters say things like "Gosh" or "Crap," or just use modern language/phrases in general. They're written out like the story is taking place on earth in the twentieth century. No. Don't do it.

11.) Do you write trilogies/series?

Trilogies are my favorite things to write! I feel like just one book is never enough for my whole story ark. I get a bit over-zealous, Write ALL the character arks! Explore ALL the plot twists! Use ALL the ideas!

12.) Have you experienced Writer's Block?

Ah, Yes, I have indeed. I'm experiencing it right now. It is quite dreadful.

13.) What was the fastest you ever wrote a book? 

I wrote a full book in thirty days. It was NaNo. 8-) I never did that again.

14.) Do you hope to be published one day?

That would be wonderful!!! I definitely hope to be published one day!

15.) What are some things you hope to share through your books?

A few thing I'd like to share through my books are the importance of Faith, Family, and Friendship. I want to show that whatever happens you should never give up the fight, and no matter how bad things get, there is always hope. I want to show good VS evil in a realistic light, and I want to show that even if someone is broken, there is always time for a second chance. I want to show you are never too damaged to come back. Even if someone is a real, malicious villain, there is almost always a scrap of humanity left in them somewhere. (Unless that person is Alexander Pierce. People like him have no Humanity left in them at all.)

Okay, Writers! Write!!! 

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella

Glass Beach

Before I get started on anything else, here are the Official Dates for Writers Camp. You are free to be flexible with the days you post, so long as you finish by September 7th. 8-D

Day One: August 10th.

Day Two: August 12th

Day Three:  August 15th

Day Four:  August 17th.

Day Five:  August 20th

Day Six: August 22nd

Day Seven: August 24th

Day Eight:  August 26th

Day Nine: August 27th

Day Ten:  August 30th

Day Eleven: September 1st

Day Twelve: September 4th

Day Thirteen: September 6th

Random Life Update! A few weeks ago my amazing friend Jack to me and my sisters to Fort Bragg. That's right folks! I finally went to the Ocean!!!!

We drove down on a Friday. The drive there took us about five hours. We left around noon and didn't get into town until about seven. We made some stops... stops at places you should never stop at. Like the Nice Market in the Nice Town. Don't ever go there. The town looked like a zombie apocalypse had wiped out the population and left the houses to waste away. And the Market looked like an out-of-date dollar store where everything is expired and costumers get shot by the cashier. But we hadn't had water in like, two hours, so we had to stop somewhere, and it was the only place for miles. (until after we got the water, that is. Then a nice little town cropped up off the freeway about fifteen minutes later. Isn't it funny how that works?)

There was this really cool area right before we got to Fort Bragg. All the trees were bowed over a narrow, curvy road so it looked like we were driving through a tunnel made of trees. Most of the time they were so thick it looked like dusk even though it was still afternoon. Everything we be grey and quiet, then a small gap would appear in the trees and all at once there would be sunlight and you would remember it was three o'clock, not seven. It was so exciting! The air smelled like sweet pine, salt, and sea. It made you want to set off on a search for buried treasure, right-now-immediately. This lasted for close to half an hour and it was the most thrilling, fantastical drive I have ever taken. It was like a forest from a fairy tale. The forgotten road. The encroaching trees. The smell.  Perfect story material.

It was about 20x more epic when you drove through it. Trust me. Just go there yourself sometime.

When we got to our destination we had nowhere to stay. I know. Aren't we great planners? We rode into a Camp Sight about fifteen minutes from Glass Beach, and prayed there was a place open. We prayed hard. And God was very good to us. We got the last camp sight available. It was in a nice corner area, slightly away from everyone. We even had indoor facilities!! They were only about a camp sight and a small hill away, which was very convenient. And even better we had running water in our camp sight! It was a pleasant surprise. It was a very nice evening. We had roasted mushrooms and peppers and onion, and some very tasty corn of the cob, with extra spice. Yuuuuuuuuum. Then we tried to tell a creepy campfire story but somebody kept making it a comedy. *squints at person* You know who you are.

The next day bright and early we headed off to the Coast. This is when I get to the fun bit. We went to see the ocean of course, because it's the OCEAN. But also, there is this place called Glass Beach. Apparently from the 1920's to the 1960's, Glass Beach was used as a dumping ground for a lot of California's trash; glass, canisters, cooking utensils, and the like. During World War II the same beaches were used as a dumping ground for bullets, scrap metal and other such leftovers. Over the years the different debris was tossed and turned into beautiful shapes which washed up on the shore like stones made of glass.  It's also super cool because there is some things embedded in the actual rocks. Like giant bullets, and corkscrews, and bottle tops, and the other strange things you wouldn't think about. Like drinking glasses! It was fascinating!

We found a nice little cove to have a picnic in. We didn't know you couldn't bring a BBQ so we ended up having to cook our hot-dogs in the parking lot. But it was fun anyway.

It was a good thing we got to the ocean early, because by about 11:00 the shore started to feel up pretty fast. Some people even charged through our picnic sight! RUDE!

The stones were so pretty!!!!! I was irritated because I could see people carting off stones, and you're not supposed to take glass off the beach. It is against the law. A lot of fascinating glass pieces and historical odds and ends have been swept off the beach because the public won't leave them alone. Stupid public. I was so irritated I actually asked a family to leave the bag they were collecting. It was just so upsetting to see people taking what is meant for everyone to see. There are two other beaches you can take glass from. Do not take it from the official Glass Beach! It's wrong and selfish. If you ever visit this amazing sight, leave the glass and other historical stuff on the shore where it belongs!!! SPREAD THE WORD BECAUSE HISTORY IS DISAPPEARING AND IT'S SAD! #saveglassbeach

Me and my sisters on the shore of glass beach, being very tourist-like.

LOOK AT THESE JEWELS!!!!

I got a picture just as the wave hit the glass. Isn't it fabulous?

 The waves were incredible! I have come the the conclusion that the two most beautiful and breath-taking places in the world are the ocean and the mountains. There is an amazing amount of raw beauty in both those places that is hard to find anywhere else.

 We decided to dig a massive hole, and Jack and Cinta found a couple massive rocks that they just HAD to unearth. Very archaeological those two.

The ocean is so wild and amazing! Tiny and I even swam in it! It was freezing, but so exhilarating! I definitely want to try playing in it again in December, when the water is warmer. Oh, and I kind of liked the taste of the ocean. I wouldn't want a mouth full or anything, but when you get a bit in your moth and spit it out, the after-taste is rather of interesting. (saaaaaaaaalt.)

Look at us being all tourist-like. This is right before Tiny and I plunged into the waves. 8-) Even Jack joined us for a little bit!! It was loads of fun. The waves were fantastic guys!

LOOK AT THE MAGNIFICENCE!!!

Looking for treasure....

We were dopes and stayed by the water until sunset. We were shivering and slowing going numb, but we were going to watch the sunset if it killed us! It didn't matter if the wind was brisk and the air was sharp! It didn't matter that we were still damp from diving into frigid waves. We had to watch the sun dip behind the Ocean!!



The sun took a very long time to set. We stayed down on the shore for like, an hour, and then Annie sensibly reccomended that we go up a little so we'd have shelter on the cliffs. As our luck would have it, we were climbing the cliff and Cinta was like The sun is setting!!!!!!!! And we all had to scramble like mad so as not to miss it fall off the face of the earth.

It was gorgeous. The water turned violet and pink and green and silvery all at the same time.  Definitely well worth the wait.

That was my very blessed, very happy weekend. The Ocean is amazing. It's strong and beautiful and frightening and wild. It helped me remember the breath-taking beauty which God has put into the world, and I was able to lay down a good deal of my worries and just enjoy the sheer wonder of God's creation. Things like the Ocean, The Mountains, Waterfalls, Giant Stone cliffs, massive Oak Trees... They're reminders that God is an artists and an architect, and that He flooded His world with incredible sights for us to enjoy. It's an amazing thought that God made all of this for us. The animals can't properly enjoy natural beauty. Neither can insects. Only humans can see foaming blue waves crash on the shores of a wild, untamed coast and think, Wow. That is so beautiful. And God put it there just for us. In fact, while we were sitting on the soft sand, watching the ocean flow free, Cinta said something beautiful that I'm going to share with you. Because it was a very lovely thing. She said,  "Just think, Bella. God made this moment just for you. Every time something makes you feel joyful or excited, every time something puts a smile on your face, just think... God made that moment just for you. Just because He knew it would make you happy."  It was such a lovely thought. It made my heart ache a little.


There's my story. I have lots of others, but that is all for now. Peace out y'all!!!

*swings around cape and leaps off stage*

Bella