there's that word again

wait. 

It's a word most Christian girls hear every day. Wait for the right guy. Wait for your first kiss. Wait to give it all to your husband. Wait just a little longer, and it'll all turn out okay.

Now, before you roll your eyes and exit this page, hear me out for just a second. Or two, depending on how fast you read.

Up until about a month ago, I was that girl who groaned at the idea of waiting. I understood the importance, and knew I had no choice....but my heart and mind were growing impatient. Waiting for one's Guy is tough! Especially when it seems like most of your friends have found boys who could {quite possibly} be their Guys.....or when you think you've found the perfect Guy yourself.

Then things happen, words are spoken, times are had---and you find that waiting actually isn't that bad. In fact, waiting for wonderful things to occur is sometimes the best part of the experience.

It never goes like I thought it should and that's a real nice thing
'cause the Lord is good,
so I believe that the lesson I'll embrace is wait /// Fike

 

I laugh, remembering when {not so long ago} I felt like my imagination thought up the most perfect scenarios ever. Uh, that would be a negative. My own imaginings versus what turned out to be God's plan is like comparing fire and water. Yeah, that was a lame comparison. Anyways....

*waves hand in air* I'm living proof that waiting actually benefits you. And, hopefully, I'll be sharing my own 'testimony' on waiting, love, and stuff like that. But until then, please remember: when you put your trust in the One who loves you unconditionally, there's no doubt about everything fitting perfectly into place.

Trust in Him at all times, O people;

pour out your hearts to Him,

for God is our refuge /// Psalm 62:8 

yours always,
-L

that urge you sometimes get to make a time machine, travel back to the Garden of Eden, and slap Eve right across the kisser

alternately titled: the wages of sin stinks

And if I could go back, after slapping Eve across the kisser, I'd give Adam a piece of my mind too. I mean, what sort of man actually does what his wife tells him to, at the exact moment?

This probably seems like a humorous approach to the wages of Adam/Eve's sin, which is of course Death. But honestly, I've really been thinking lately about this subject.

I've been blessed in my sixteen years to avoid the loss of many loved ones. Mom-mom's passing was the deepest pain I've experienced, but since then I have been touched by the aching Death brings.

As sinners, we obviously deserve Death, and eternal damnation in Hell. I'm the farthest thing from perfect, and I get it. But even for Christians, a loved one going to Heaven ahead of you is hard. You think of them every day, yet you know that they really don't/can't miss you. After all, missing someone requires a bit of sorrow, and we know that in Heaven there is no more sadness and no more tears.




So basically, this song sums up the pain of Death for those who have given their lives to Jesus: it doesn't hurt when we die, it hurts when those we love go on before us. Jesus has taken the penalty upon Himself, but we still have to wait a while before we can join Him and those special people.

and that's what stinks about Death.

No title really captures what I'm trying to say.....

My Sister in Heaven

Many years ago, I had a sister.

For a few moments she was here on earth.

But God wanted her with Him,

So she was whisked off to Heaven, 

In the safe arms of angels.

My parents were heartbroken over losing their firstborn,

Their precious baby girl.

Almost two years later I came along,

And lifted some sadness from my parents' hearts

When I was older, Mom told me about her,

My sister in Heaven.

I was shocked, confused, but mostly sad,

For I could never spend time with her here on earth.

And so I began to miss her too,

My sister in Heaven.

But I know someday when I die,

And angels carry me off to Heaven,

She'll be the first to great me,

The first to say, "Welcome."

Then, hand in hand, we'll stroll through Zion,

Singing praises to God our King

My sister and me in Heaven.

*takes breath*

I wrote this poem on July 17, 2009. It was a few days after my mom told me that I truly do have a sister.....except she's in Heaven.

It was such a shock for me, for I had never thought that I had an older sister. I had always dreamed of having one, of course, and sometimes I would even feel like someone was missing from our little family. 

But actually learning that I have a sister-----that was a complete mind blower. Even now, two years later, I still have trouble grasping the fact that my sister lives in Heaven.

I can't even remember the number of nights I cried into my pillow, asking God why He had given me a sister....then taken her away. He knew how much I wanted an older sister---how much I needed one. So why did it feel like He was teasing me?!?

After a few months of these questions, I decided to start a journal. And in this journal, I write letters to my sister in Heaven. She can't respond to them, and I don't think she'll ever read them----but it helps me soooo much to write down all the questions I have for God. Plus, I "tell" her all the things that normal sisters would tell each other......clothes I want, boys I like, and just girl stuff in general.

I don't know if this post makes much sense to those of you with sisters, 'cause you always have that sister there with you. You can talk to her, ask her questions, and laugh about silly stuff with her.

But those of you who don't have a sister---you know what I'm talking about, right? That longing to talk with someone of your own flesh and blood.............that slight twist of your heart when you see sisters together.......that feeling of loneliness you get sometimes.

Maybe someday, if I ever get the courage, I'll post some entries from my journal. Until then, though:

I love you, my sister!!! 

she's misunderstood, and kinda creepy....but totally awesome

Yay!!! Time for the second round of Beautiful People.

This time, I'm doing one of my favorite characters ever: Ella. She's in the same story as Lenai, but her personality is quite different. (:


1. How old is he/she?
Ella is around 19, give or take a few months.


2. What does he/she do with his/her spare time?
She likes making fire {it's her power}, watching over her little brother Keeran, or talking with her best friend Ruby.


3. Does he/she see the big picture or live in the moment?
Ella is pretty serious, so she likes to look at the big picture.....especially when it concerns Keeran.


4. Is he/she a perfectionist?
Sort of....I mean, she's the oldest, which guarantees that she's more of a perfectionist than Keeran. But she's not OCD or anything {or, CDO wink wink}.


5. What does her handwriting look like? (round, slanted, curly, skinny, sloppy, neat, decorative, etc.)
Cool question! Uh, hers is small and choppy, slanting slightly to the right.


6. Favorite animal?
Fictional: dragon
Real: mockingbird or lizard

7. Does he/she have any pets?
Any reptiles that live in the Silent Wood are her pets. ;)


8. Does he/she have any siblings? How many? Where does he/she fit in?
One, Keeran. He is four years younger than she, and Ella is extremely protective of him.


9. Does he/she have a 'life verse' and if so what is it?
Ella hasn't really accepted Christ yet......so I'm not sure what it is.


10. Favorite writing utensil?
*laughs* Does fire count? 'Cause she can write words in the air using smoke.

She stands in a corner, alone.

Though the room is stuffy, she keeps her sweater on. The long sleeves hide her scars; the ones she will never forget about.

She looks around the room. People are laughing and talking, but no one seems to notice her. She pushes back her bleached bangs as a group walks past. 

She smiles faintly, but they keep going. her small hands turn white as she clenches her fists. She smooths the front of her plaid dress.

Am I dressed wrong? Do they know about my scars? Should I leave?

The questions flash through her mind. A single tear runs down her cheek.  

But where can I go?

She takes a deep breath and starts to walk toward the chapel doors. Behind her, someone starts singing a hymn. She hesitates for a moment, then keeps walking. 

It's not like anyone will miss me.

She holds back the tears, but only until the doors close behind her. Then they come, freely. 

If no one wants me at a church, where can I go?

She sinks into the grass, her back against the church building. 

I can't go home, school isn't open.....where?

Her tears continue to fall. Suddenly, she hears footsteps on the sidewalk. Lifting her head, she sees a boy coming towards her. 

Seeing her face, the boy stops and kneels down. She furiously brushes away her tears, but he's already noticed.

"Why are you out here?" he asks in a quiet voice. He takes her hand and helps her to her feet. 

Studying her face, he adds, "I don't believe I've seen you around here. Did you come for the party?"

She sniffles and nods. The boy frowns. "Parties shouldn't make a girl cry. Didn't anyone talk to you?"

Another tear falls as she shakes her head. She whispers, "I, uh, didn't really get a chance to meet anyone. I ho have to go, though."

She tries to leave, but he still holds her hand. "Well, you've met me. Trenton Brown's my name." He smiles at her. "What's yours?"

Her eyes stare right into his. For a moment her guard comes back up. 

"Sophie," she finally answers. Her voice is stronger this time, with a new found confidence.

 Taking her other hand, Trenton guides her back to the church door. "You just stick with me, okay? I'll make sure everyone meets you, Sophie."

She doesn't respond, for more thoughts are running through her mind.

He is really cute. Trenton is such a nice name. Perhaps I'll make a few friends. Will I ever work up the nerve to tell Trenton about my scars?  

Her last thought as they enter the church are:

I guess God finally heard my prayers.......and maybe I finally belong somewhere.

I know I've bared my soul before......but this girl, she's special

I may have said this before-----but I love writing. Like, one of my favorite things to do is plug Relient K into my ears {or Tenth Avenue North or Switchfoot}, take a freshly sharpened pencil, a blank notebook, and write whatever comes in to my head. I try to make it an actual story, with chapters and everything.....but oftentimes, all I can think of is a great beginning and a great ending. Never any 'filler' stuff. I obviously need to work on that.

Also, I don't like sharing what I write. I'm kind of private about what goes from my head on to paper. That being said, what I'm about to share with you is pretty darn special.

The amazingly-talented Sky is hosting this sort of challenge. It's where bloggers think up {or already have} a character, then answer questions about said character asked by Sky!!!

I'm participating, with a girl very dear to my heart: Lenai.

Meet Lenai....or, how I would like her to look.

First, a little background:

Lenai came to me while I was sitting in Study Hall with a blank page in my Public Speaking notebook. I was totally bored, and started to write down a weird thought that popped in to my head.

Lenai was then born, and from her came a score of other characters and thoughts {which I shall reveal some other time}. I'm still learning what Lenai is all about, and these questions will certainly help me. (:

1. What is their full name?  
2. Does his or her name have a special meaning?  
3. Does your character have a methodical or disorganized personality?
4. Does he or she think inside themselves more than they talk out loud to their friends? (more importantly, does he or she actually have friends?)
5. Is there something he or she is afraid of?
6. Does he or she write, dream, dance, sing, or photograph?
7. What is his or her favorite book? (or genre of books)
8. Who is his or her favorite author and/or someone that inspires him or her?
9. Favorite flavor of ice cream?
10. Favorite season of the year?

1. Lenai has no last name, nor a middle. Her parents left her to die, therefore she has discarded their name {the only reason she keeps Lenai is she loves the way Finn says it}.

2. No, not really----other than it makes me think of a bird. And I totally made it up. *wink wink*

3. I think she's somewhere in between---she's not boring and serious, but neither is she super hyper and all over the place. She's a well balanced kind of girl.

4. Lenai talks about everything with her best friend, Finn. He may be blind, but Finn always knows what to say when Lenai is confused or scared.

5. Lenai has this horrid mark on her forehead, which she's had since birth {it's the reason her parents left her}. The only thing she is afraid of is Finn regaining his sight, seeing her mark, and thinking she is ugly.

6. Lenai dances a little bit, and she has a fabulous singing voice.

7. Well......Lenai lives in a forest, and I don't think they have a library in the Silent Wood. In her head, however, Lenai likes adventure mixed with a bit of romance.

 8. Lenai doesn't have a favorite author.....but she is inspired every day by her little group of friends, each with their own set of problems.

9. Lenai is more of an Italian-ice girl, and her favorite flavor is lemon.

10. Autumn. Definitely autumn.

As a random addition, here's a song that Bleah introduced me to. I'm in love, and for some reason it totally reminds me of Lenai! Go figure. ;)

love y'all,

Day 15: I admire......YOU! *points finger*

Okay, before my actual post...I have some news!!!!!!! I will be getting my braces off March 28th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh my word, you have no idea how happy I am!!!! We went to the orthodontist yesterday, and my doctor was poking around, doing his stuff. He sits back, peels off his gloves, and says, "Well, we'll see you back in six weeks {my usual time} and we'll take off your braces!" He said it so calmly, and then he just walked off! I sat there, my mom squealed, and the hygienist was like, "Ooooh, congratulations!!!!!!!"
*happy sigh* So yeah, I'm super duper excited.

Day Fifteen: A person you admire
Today, it took me a while before I actually made the decision. I wasn't sure exactly how to write this post....but I think I finally decided to just write a letter to that person.
For most of  you, this post won't make very much sense....but this is my person I admire: my composition/French teacher, Mrs. Suder.

Dear Mrs. Suder,
I don't know if you'll ever read this letter, or realize how much your teaching has meant to me. You were the best Sunday School teacher I ever had, and now you are my most favorite teacher. You, my dear Mrs. Suder, are the reason I dream of becoming an English teacher. You've shown me what joys lie in reading literature and actually understanding it!!!! You've taught me how to write well, and even if I don't always exhibit the best work.....well, you understand. (:
Because of you, I want to enter the school system and show teenagers that writing and reading can truly be fun! I want them to discover the joy of a well-written paper and the hidden treasures of great literature......just like you have shown me.
You are hilarious, witty, smart, and totally loving. You know the right moments to tease me, and the right moments to back off. You understand when I am truly confused, and you never embarrass or belittle me.....you just give me a hug and assure me that it will all be okay.
When I have off days where nothing is clicking and my head is all a jumble, you understand and don't try to confuse me.

And so, I admire you for being such a fabulous, understanding, wonderful teacher and mentor. I'm so thankful that God has put a woman like you in my life.

Love always,
Me

Day 8: A BIG thank you plus an I-love-you

Day Eight: A thank you letter to somone who has changed your life

Like my dear friend Bleah, I decided to write a letter to you-----my followers.

Dear Followers,

I know, it might kinda cheesy to be dedicating a whole post to people I've never met.....but I truly feel like I know you all!!!!

When I started this blog almost a year ago, I thought I was just making a place where I could write and express my thoughts. For the first few months, I had hardly any followers. I figured that was normal....and then they started flooding in.

I remember how excited I was when I got some real {aka, not my parents} followers!!! Hope, Samarah and Angela were three of my very first 'real' followers....and they are still with me {ha, you guys are pretty loyal and steadfast ;)}.

After that, I realized how nice it was to have other people read my blog and actually comment on what I had written!! Pretty cool, when you actually think about it. ;)

Since those first few followers, I have come a really long way: I'm up to 60 now!!! And it's all because of you, dear, sweet, wonderful girls. Seriously, the comments you leave brighten my days.

I had no idea God would use this blog to give me such amazing and uplifting friends. I can't name you all right here....but you know who you are. You're my friends, my soul-sisters.....my sisters in Christ. And for that, I am thankful to you. For putting up with my rants. For actually commenting on my rambling posts.

And thank you for making my life so much better. (:

Love you all,

'And pondered these things in her heart'

Fast-forward six months. You and Joseph, still betrothed, are on your way to Joseph's hometown, Bethlehem. Caesar's decree that a census be taken has come at just the wrong time, you think. My baby could be born at any time!

During the long journey to Bethlehem from Nazareth, you have plenty of time to think back on all the past months has brought. After Joseph pledged that he would still marry you, the entire town shunned you both. Those who had once been close friends now avoided you and gossiped about you. The only ones who have remained faithful are Joseph, Anne and her husband, and your family. The Lord be praised for my family's understanding. Without them, I do not know what I would have done.

Suddenly, you gasp in pain. Joseph, leading you on the donkey, whirls around.
"Are you all right?" he asks worriedly. You nod, placing a hand on your bulging torso.
"It was just the baby kicking," you assure him. "I am fine."
Josephs nods. "We should stop anyway, just in case. It will be dark soon."

A few hours later, you lay beside a dying fire. Across from you is Joseph, fast asleep. Unable yourself to find sleep, you gaze at your betrothed.
Such a brave and kind man Joseph is. How could I have ever thought he was ruining my life?
Indeed, without him, I would not have as much faith in the angel's prophecy.

Your thoughts are interrupted by shooting pains in your abdomen. You sit up, gasping in pain.
Instantly, Joseph is on his feet.
"Is it time?" he asks. You nod, unable to even get words out.
 Rushing over to you, Joseph helps you to your feet. "We are only a few miles from Bethlehem," he says, bringing the donkey to you. He lifts you on, then hurriedly pulls the donkey on to the path toward Bethlehem.

The two miles to Bethlehem seem like an eternity for you. You make sure to keep breathing, as your mother instructed you. Finally, the pain is too great. You cry out, "Oh Joseph!"

Joseph urges the donkey in to a careful trot. The bouncing increases the pain, but you hold in a scream. I cannot make Joseph any more worried....
You jerk your head back. Oh God, please let us get there soon.

"Mary!" Joseph points ahead, and you see the houses of Bethlehem just ahead.
"We are almost there! Just hang on, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You bite your tongue and nod, concentrating on the houses ahead. If Joseph can just find an inn, then the baby can be born. Oh, he has to find an inn!

You enter Bethlehem. You cannot hold in the cries any longer. Tears pour down your face as the pains increase. Joseph looks at you, then runs to a house. Banging on the door, he cries, "Is there any room?"
A woman opens the door. "Sorry, all full."

Joseph runs back to you. Placing a hand on yours, he stares in to your tear-filled eyes. "Do not fear, Mary. I will find a place for you."
You clutch his hand, and he runs off to another building. "Is there any room?" he yells to the windows. "My wife is in great pain!"
A man opens an upper window. "Sorry, sir, but all the inns are full."
You take a deep breath. "Joseph, we do not have much time!"
Frustrated, Joseph yells, "Isn't there any place we can stay?"
The man points behind Joseph. "Across the way, there is a stable there. 'Tisn't much, but it is warm."

Without a word, Joseph runs back, lifts you off the donkey, and carries you to the stable. As he ducks your head to enter the cave, you notice a bright star shining in the sky. What a beautiful star, you think.

The next hour goes by in a flash. Joseph lays you down on a pat of straw covered by his cloak. Holding your hand, he keeps encouraging you as you push and scream.
"Keep going, Mary! You are almost there! Just one more, one more!"

With a final push, you fall back, exhausted. All is silent, save for one small, thin wail.
You open your eyes to see Joseph, cradling a small baby in his arms. He carefully wipes the baby with a cloth, then hands it to you. You see that, indeed, what the angel said as true. You, a virgin, have given birth to a son. And this son will be the greatest king; the Messiah Israel has been waiting for.

"Welcome, little Jesus," you whisper softly. "We have been waiting."

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring  you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds sad to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

-Luke 2:8-19

I'm so pleased at all the positive feedback I have gotten about this 'Mary' series! I was really inspired by the movie, The Nativity Story, which shows all the events leading up to Jesus' birth. It is such a great movie, which you all should see!!!

I had soooo much fun writing these little segments, all from Mary's point of view. It's amazing to think that the mother of Jesus could have been just a little older than me{or even my age}!

God gave Mary wonderful faith and patience, and I for one cannot wait to meet her in Heaven.


Merry Christmas, my dear followers!!!!!


Love always,
~Lily

'Blessed are you among women'

A hand presses your shoulder. "Mary, Mary! Wake up----we have arrived at your cousins'."
Raising your head, you face your friend, Anne. She smiles at you. "We'll miss you!"
You hug her, then jump from her cart. She waves goodbye as her husband turns the cart and heads back to Nazareth. You thank God for friends like Anne.

Taking a deep breath, you walk toward Elizabeth and Zechariah's home. "Elizabeth? It's your cousin, Mary!" you call out.
Elizabeth appears in the door, her hand on her belly. You can see it is swelled with child. In a loud voice Elizabeth exclaims: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed she who has believed in what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"
You run to embrace Elizabeth.

For three months you stay with Elizabeth and Zechariah, helping them prepare for their baby. You share with Elizabeth your fears and doubts.
"What will happen," you ask, "if no one believes what the angel told me?"
Elizabeth lays her hand on yours. "My child, not everyone will believe. But God has a plan for everything, and especially for your son. Let God have your worries, and He will make them disappear."
At the end of the three months, you are beginning to show signs of your pregnancy. Anne and her husband return to take you home.
 You give Elizabeth a last kiss goodbye. She grips your hand. "Have faith, dear Mary."

Her words stay with you the trip home, as Anne chats about all that you have missed from home. "....and more Roman soldiers have been passing through, each day. Your little sister has missed you something fierce. When I told her we were bringing you home today, she--" Anne's voice drops off, and she gently moves your shawl away from your torso. Your face burning, you cover it again. You meet Anne's gaze. Her face shows surprise and hurt. "Mary.....I don't  understand. How......"
You take her hand. "Anne, I don't expect you to understand. But please, hear me out."
With lots of pauses and tears, you explain to Anne (and her husband, of course) all the angel told you, and what happened to Elizabeth. When you finally finish, you wait for Anne's reaction.
She still looks confused, but the hurt has left her eyes. She hugs you, then says, "Well, I suppose God has it all figured out then. And don't you worry," She gently touches your belly. "Luke and I will be right here with you, even if the others don't believe you."

As you enter the town limits, you smile. It is good to be home. Besides, if Anne and Luke believed me, surely my parents will!

to be continued

Mary, did you know?

Imagine yourself as a teenage girl, 15 or 16 years old. You live a rather normal life: going to the well with your mother, harvesting food with your entire village, or giggling with your friends. You might even have your eye on a certain boy.

With your light, olive skin, long black hair, and brown eyes, you are pretty, but not beautiful. You dream of falling in love, having a family, and living in a fine house. Life seems just about perfect.

One day, you and your friends are playing tag. Just as you are about to get tagged, you hear your mother's voice. Her tone is sharp and her voice tense. Puzzled, you follow her home.
As you cross the threshold into your house, your father and another man rise to greet you. As you walk toward them, you see it Joseph, the town carpenter. Your heart stops. Joseph has been coming around quite a bit lately, you realize. And sometimes he would just happen to be at the well with you, where he would insist on carrying your jug. you can feel your face get hot as you remember the old women pointing and whispering.
Surely Father would not betrothe me to Joseph, you think frantically.
Mother pushes you forward, toward the men. Josph smiles at you, but you keep your eyes fixed on Father. Please God, you pray, do not let Father say it!

Your worst fears are soon confirmed.
'Mary, Joseph has asked for you to be his wife. And I have accepted his offer."
Time seems to stop. You raise your eyes to meet Joseph's. Dark and majestic, they stare at you from beneath thick eyebrows. His mouth opens. "I do hope you will have me, Mary." His voice is deep and warm, but you cannot stand it. This man wants to snatch you from your happy home and make you his wife?
Your turn and run from the house.

To be continued.....

Shadow, shadow, such a silly shadow

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,

And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.



The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.
He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!



One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

--Robert Louis Stevenson


This is my favorite Robert Louis Stevenson poem. I used to have it memorized, back when I was a kid (lol). Now, I can only remember bits and pieces of it. Perhaps, next summer, I will make it a priority to memorize old poems and songs I used to know.

Happy November 1st!!!
ps--This is my 160th post!!! WHOOT WHOOT!! And I have 30 amazing followers. Love you guys!

Totally weird and totally awful------not to mention disgusting!

Yes, I know I've already posted today----but I couldn't resist writing this down!!!!

I believe my composition teacher, Mrs. Suder, has mentioned this contest before---lol!

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE A WEAKISH STOMACH, PLEASE DO NOT READ.

From the most recent issue of World magazine:

Since 1982, San Jose State University has awarded a prize for the best opening "for the worst of all possible novels." The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest--named after the writer who first wrote "It was a dark and stormy night...."--recently announced its 2010 winner: Molly Ringle of Seattle, Wash.

Her sentence was as follows:
For the first month of Ricardo and Felicity's affair, they greeted one another at every stolen rendezvous with a kiss---a lengthy, ravenous kiss, Ricardo lapping and sucking at Felicity's mouth as if she were a giant cage-mounted watter bottle and he were the world's thirstiest gerbil.

Can you say, "EW?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?" I would rather not have that picture in my head----but I just had to share that with my blogging peeps. :)


Here is another awful beginning. Mind you, this is all one sentence.

Rick Cheeseman of Minnesota grabbed the Fantasy award for this beauty:
The wood nymph fairies bissfully pranced in the morning light past the glistening dewdrops on the meadow thistles by the Old Mill, ignorant of the daily slaughter that occured just behind its lichen-encrusted walls, twin 20-ton mill stones savagely ripping apart the husks of wheat seed, gleefully smearing the starchy entrails across their dour granite faces in unspeakable botanical horror and carnage------but that's not our story; ours is about fairies!

Can you believe someone would actually write that?!? I pray he was doing it on purpose and only for this silly contest!

With those images in your head, I bid you all adieu (for today, anway :)

More embarrassing stuff!

I found another of my old notebooks! These notebooks really hold some, er, interesting stuff.

When I was nine, I took a writing class at our library. One of the assignments was to write a limerick. Who knew that six years later, I'd still be writing these crazy poems????

Anyway, here is my untitled limerick:

There once was a boy who had a great toy.

He loves his toy, but he gave it to Roy.

Roy is his best friend.

They loved to pretend.

The toy gives them joy, they love it, oh boy.

Okay, so maybe it wasn't that bad. But I do think I've improved a lot since then.

Now here is a limerick from this past school year.
My composition class was assigned a patriotic poetry project. It turned out to be a lot of fun, writing all these poems. One, however, was just a little sillier than the rest.

"Betsy Ross"

The woman who was Betsy Ross,

Sewed to and fro with her floss.

She made the first flag,

With a jig and a jag,

And totally wowed Mr. Ross.

Funny, right? My composition class seemed to like it, though, so I thought I might as well share it with the blogging world.

Have a great day!

Definitely LOL

In one of my first posts, I promised to show you some stories I've written. Well, I decided it was high-time for you all to experience my quality workmanship.


WARNING: THE FOLLOWING UNEDITED EXCERPT WAS WRITTEN BY AN EIGHT-YEAR OLD GIRL. NOT SUITABLE FOR VIEWERS WHO HAVE TROUBLE READING BAD GRAMMAR, SPELLING, OR JUST A DUMB PLOT.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!

Let us begin:





If you look very hard in the ocean, past the coral reefs, past all the seaweed, you will see the kingdom of the sea people.
Now, in this wonderful kingdom, there is a king who rules all of the sea kingdom. He has four daughters and he loves them all very much. The girl's names are: Shelly, Pearl, Coral, and Kelp. Here is their story........

"I wish I could see a land child," said Kelp. "I don't," said Pearl. "I do," said Shelly.
Coral sighed and swam to her room to rest. When she woke up, it was time for dinner.
She put on her best earings and necklece, for some young mer-men were to be there. Then she called for her seahorse, and got some seaweed for her. The the seahorse (who's name was Sparkle) pulled up to the door, so Coral gave her the seaweed and hopped on.
Since Coral was eighteen, and very pretty, many mer-men liked to court her. She didn't court very much, although many of the mer-men were very handsome.
Her older sisters, Shelly and Pearl, liked to court. They wre always flirting with mer-men. The mer-men didn't pay very much attien to the, although Shelly, 24, had the blackest hair you ever saw, and Pearl, 21, had eyes so blue, you would the think the sky was reflecting off her eyes.
Kelp, on the other hand, had such long eye-lashes, that you would think she was 20, instead of 13.
Coral was much more beaitufl than her sisters. She had red hair and eyes so green, you'd thinks he had seaweed in her eyes.
Their mother had died six years ago and their father, King Triton, was trying to find a queen. That is why Coral was so dressed up.

"Whoa, Sparkle!" Coral said, for they were at the dining room. Coral hopped off, and went into the dinning room, where the guests were waiting. Since her father and sisters were not ready yet, she greeted them and told them her father would be out shortly.
"Oh, no hurry, dear," said the duchess. "We ate some canned seaweed on the way here, so I am not very hungry. But I am sure Alex, Dave, and Kate would like some food," she said, pointing to her son and servants.

"I also have a daughter about your age, Coral." the duchess said. "She will be along tomorrow."
"Oh, what is her name?" asked Coral.

"Jenna" said the duchess.

"She is really pretty," said Dave.

"He really likes her," said Kate.

But does she like him?" asked Coral.

"I don't know," said Kate. "But I think I've made a friend.

"Me too!" said Coral. "How old are you?

"I am 17."

"Why, I'm 18!" said Coral.

Just then King Triton came in, along with Shelly, Pearl, and Kelp.

"Oh, so gla dyou could come, Maria." said King Triton to the duchess. "Ah, and you too, Sir Alex. I see you have met my daughter, Coral."

Oh yes, and what a fine daughter is is. You have brought her up well, Triton. Oh, who are these sweet girls?"

"These are my other duaghterss: Shelly, Pearl, and Kelp. Girls, say hello to the Grand Duchess."

"Hi," was all they could say, for they were looking at Alex, and they thought he was the most handsome mer-man they had ever seen.

"Uh, hi," said Alex, looking uncertain.

Coral rolled her yes and whispered to Kate, "Looks like Dave isn't the only one gogle-eyes over someone."

Kate giggled. "Oh, I want to show something to you." said Kate.

She swam to her sea-horse, dug around in the bags (which were on the sea-horse) and pulled out a little shell. (In our world, it would be a box)

Coral swam over to her. "Well, what's in it?" asked Coral.

"I can't show it to you here," said Kate. "It's kinda a secret.

"Oh." said Coral. "We can go to my room."

They hopped on their sea-horses and went to Coral's room.

"Oh, it's so pretty!" said Kate, comenting on Coral's room.

"Thanks," said Coral, but what's in the shell?"

"Oh, its a family heirloom." said Kate. She opened the shell and, inside, lay a beautiful ruby.

"Oh my!" said Coral. That's really pretty!"

"Thanks, but please promise not to tell anyone, 'cause if word gets out, I'm in big trouble."

"What do you mean?" asked Coral.

"What I mean," said Kate, "is that its a magic ruby."

"You mean......"

"Yep, it's that magic ruby. Said Kate.

"Oh mer-man." said Coral. "Does the duchess know?"

"Uh, well, not excatley."

"What! You mean to tell me that you have a magic ruby in your hands, and the Duchess doesn't know! This is bizzar!" yelled Coral.

"Shush, otherwise she will know." whispered Kate.

"Does anyone else know?" asked Coral, in a lower voice.

"Yes, Jenna knows."

"Oh, this is perfect, just perfect." said Coral. "The daughter knows, but the Duchess doesn't."

"Well, I know that Jenna won't tell, but I can't be sure about my mistress." said Kate.




You all still here? Well, if you are, I thank you for making it through that rather embarrassing story. I can't believe I was writing about flirting at age eight! Goodness me.
Now, this is where the story in my old, ratty notebook ends. It continued on my family's old laptop, but the laptop brokedown and that story..................didn't make it. A shame, too, because that story deepened the plot. Whatever, you probably didn't want to read that, my precious eight followers. It's bad enough I'm baring my very soul (well, from age eight, anyway) in front of you.

Comment if you like, and email me if you dare. See ya!

Memorial Day

What a crazy weekend! I apologize for my lack of posts.................I don't usually get much done during Memorial Day weekend. =)

So, anyway, I decided to share with you some poems that I like to look back on Memorial Day.

Remember

Sometimes we forget to pray

For those who keep the terror away

From the land of the free
Let us remember them on bended knee.

As we deal with bustle and fuss

And remember those who have died for us

Let us not forget to pray

For the ones who fight for us today.

The Unknown Soldier

There's a graveyard near the White House
Where the Unknown Soldier lies,

And the flowers there are sprinkled
With the tears from mother's eyes.

I stood there not so long ago

With roses for the brave

And suddenly I heard a voice

Speak out from the grave:

"I am the Unknown Soldier,

The spirit voice began

"And I think I have the right
To ask some questions, man to man.

"Are my buddies taken care of?

Was their victory so sweet?

Is that big reward you offered

Selling pencils on the street?

"Did they really win the freedom

They battled to achieve?

Do you still respect that Croix de Guerre

Above that empty sleeve?

"Does that gold star in the window

Now mean anything at all?

I wonder how my old girl feels
When she hears a bugle call.

"And that baby who sang

Hello Central, give me no man.

Can they replace her daddy

With a military band?

"I wonder if the profiteers
Have satisfied their greed?

I wonder if a soldier's mother

Ever is in need?

I wonder if the kings, who planned it all,

Are really satisfied?

They played their game of checkers

And eleven million died.

"I am the Unknown Soldier,

And maybe I died in vain,

But if I were alive and my country called,

I'd do it all over again.

We love you, dear defenders of America. No matter what the mainstream media might say, we are proud of you and we do appreciate everything you give up to keep our country safe.

God bless you and keep you all safe.