It's a Blog Hop!!!

*Posting a little early as I will be a little busy on the 26th :)

Click on the blog hop pic to find more wonderful giveaways!

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Deep below the deceptively blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, guarded by hundreds of dolphins, lie the astonishing remains of a mysterious lost city much like the legendary Atlantis.While mapping the ancient under water metropolis of Marinth, marine architect Hannah Bryson makes a shocking discovery: She may have finally uncovered the truth about the once glorious city's mysterious demise. Marinth's sudden disappearance has confounded scientists for years, but now, with the revelation of a key artifact, Hannah realizes that the long buried city's explosive secret could have dire consequences for the modern day world. When her key artifact is hijacked en route to a research lab, she is thrust into an adventure in which she must match wits against a terrifying enemy who will kill anyone who stands in his way. And when Hannah becomes his target, she knows that her best hope for survival lies with Kirov, a mysterious and deadly man from her past. Together they will race to unravel Marinth’s last great secret in order to prevent a catastrophe of global proportions. Before the lethal game is over, however, Hannah will realize that no one is above suspicion.

Dilara Kenner, an ambitious young archaeologist, must run for her life when an old friend is murdered right in front of her. Before he dies in her arms, he gasps a few cryptic words about a vast conspiracy to hide an awesome historical artifact and tells Dilara that the only person who can help her is a decorated former Army combat engineer named Tyler Locke. A second attempt on Dilara’s life convinces a skeptical Locke that there is truth to her story, that someone wants to stop her from discovering Noah's Ark. When a movie star’s private jet crashes into the Mojave desert, it proves to be another link to the conspiracy. Locke and Dilara head to Arizona, and their investigation reveals a chilling discovery. A group of religious fanatics has recovered a weapon from the Ark that will let them recreate the effects of the biblical flood and mold the remnants of humanity according to their leader’s twisted vision. Now Locke and Dilara have just seven days to find the Ark and the secret hidden inside before it is used to wipe out civilization again.

Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned unexpectedly to deliver an evening lecture in the U.S. Capitol Building. Within minutes of his arrival, however, the night takes a bizarre turn. A disturbing object--artfully encoded with five symbols--is discovered in the Capitol Building. Langdon recognizes the object as an ancient invitation... one meant to usher its recipient into a long-lost world of esoteric wisdom.

When Langdon's beloved mentor, Peter Solomon--a prominent Mason and philanthropist--is brutally kidnapped, Langdon realizes his only hope of saving Peter is to accept this mystical invitation and follow wherever it leads him. Langdon is instantly plunged into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and never-before-seen locations--all of which seem to be dragging him toward a single, inconceivable truth. 

Monday's Muse: Nature Inspired

Photo source: National Geographic 

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

Isn't this photo just breathtaking!?!? I love the colors and patterns that nature has produced on this canvas of sandstone. For my next vacation, I would love to visit this canyon.  

Quote for the Day: 

"Our subconscious minds have no sense of humor, play

no jokes and cannot tell the difference between reality

and an imagined thought or image. What we continually

think about eventually will manifest in our lives."

~Robert Collier~

The Secret of Spruce Knoll Giveaway Winner

And the winner is.........................

Lindy Legends!!!!!!!

Woot Woot!!!

Lindy please contact me with your info so I can send you your prize, The Secret of Spruce Knoll!!!

In the News...... Everyday Heros!!!

OMG!!! What a great way to end my day. There is still hope for future generations, as long as there are selfless, kind-hearted people like these, there is hope for a better more caring world!!

Tuesday Tunes: I Hope You Dance

Monday's Muse: Nature and Camping! *posting a little early*

Taken at Camp Burton Vashon Island, Wa

     Last weekend I went on a camping retreat. While I enjoyed myself there, it wasn't something I was truly prepared for. I was under the impression that I'd have a lot of time for leisurely pleasures like writing and reading. Well, I did get some writing down and some reading but I mostly spent time with the other campers, hiking, boating, telling stories around the camp fire (well, I mostly listened and watched for critters on the ground in the light of the fire *shudders*) the usual camp stuff. 

     While on a hike, I came across this tree. It was the only tree along our trail that had mushrooms on it. I thought it looked out of place for some reason especially since I had not come across any others along the way or even after. Those mushrooms stuck in my mind for a long time. That night, as I settled in for some write time working on the first prompt of The Rule of Three Blog Fest, the image of the lonely patch of mushrooms popped back up in my mind and writing. Somehow, they made their way into my story! These mushrooms will play a vital role in the Renaissance Awakening.

I love nature, it is so inspiring! And now for some nature quotes :D

We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.
Navajo Proverb

"Trees give peace to the souls of men."
Nora Waln correspondent 1895-1964

To be whole. To be complete. Wildness reminds us what it means to be human, what we are connected to rather than what we are separate from.
Terry Tempest Williams

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
Robert Louis Stevenson

The moment one give close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
Henry Miller

If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.
President Lyndon B. Johnson

More Award Love..... :D

The Versatile Blogger award was given to me by the BornStoryteller :) Thank you!!

The rules (there are always rules!)

Anyone who accepts this is asked by the person selecting them to do three things:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.  

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Pass this Award along to 15 recently discovered blogs and let them know about it!

SEVEN things about myself:

1. Have traveled and worked in over 3 countries

2. Went kayaking for the first time in my life last weekend! :D

3. LOVE Green Tea with mint and honey

4. Many of my children's stories and poems are based on the real lives and experiences of the children I work with

6. Don't like to drive, prefer to be chauffeured

7. Cheese and dark chocolate are the loves of my life 

Now the fun part! The blogs that I really want to acknowledge are:

Abby Fowers 

Maeve Frazier  

Karen deBlieck 

Damyanti 

Chantele Sedgwick  

Jessica Love 

Michael Haynes 

Kerri Cuevas 

Ruth Hartman Berge 

Shannon Lawrence 

TL Conway 

Ruth Schiffmann 

Zan Marie 

Joanna Marples 

Cortney Pearson 

Alex J Cavanaugh ( I know this makes 16, but I really like this blog :D )

Liebester Love

As some of you may know from a previous post, I received this lovely award from the even lovelier Kate Swenson. Thank you so much Kate! Being recognized and encouraged is an awesome feeling especially by fellow members of the writing community!

The Liebster Blog award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers who other bloggers believe deserve more followers, which is then passed on to more awesome bloggers.

Here are the official rules:

1. Show your appreciation to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your top five picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Post the award on your blog.
4. Bask in the camaraderie of the most supportive people on the internet—other writers.
5. And best of all, have fun and spread the love.


Through this campaign, I have founds some really wonderful and fun blogs to join. So please check them out :) 


Now on to the even more fun part: here are my picks :D


Juliana L. Brandt I Aspire to be......


1000th.monkey


Nilganab 


Gail Shepherd Paradoxy


Lauren F. Boyd: My Path to Publication


So..... tag!!! You are it. Now go on and show some blogger love!

Author Interview + Book Giveaway: Heather McCorkle The Secret of Spruce Knoll

What a fabulous Friday! It is an honor and pleasure to introduce you all to a really wonderful person and author, Heather McCorkle and her debut novel, The Secret of Spruce Knoll.

I first found Heather's blog through another writer/blogger friend *smiles* I love the writing community! Since then, I have followed her blog (I L-O-V-E her Friday Feature Creature!) I went from reading one of her pitches for The Secret of Spruce Knoll to celebrating that her book was to be published!! I am so proud of her and would love for you all to get to know her! 

Oh, and did I mention there is a BOOK GIVEAWAY too!?! That's right, one lucky person will receive a SIGNED copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll!!! Trust me, you WANT a copy of this book, along with a cozy blanket and hot tea or cocoa or coffee if that is your thing :D you will need the caffeine to stay awake until the end ;)

Book Blurb:

It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands.

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they~and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, who shows her being a channeler isn’t all bad; in fact, it’s kind of cool.

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if young, inexperienced Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love. 

And now the moment you have been waiting for, the wonderful author herself!! Thank you for joining us today Heather! :D

So tell us, what inspired you to write The Secret of Spruce Knoll?

 I was watching a special on how deforestation is causing the extinction of several species. It was so sad that I couldn't stop thinking about it, I even dreamed about it that night. When I woke up, Eren was born.

What type of research did you do for your story? Was it difficult to research topics for The Secret of Spruce Knoll? 

All kinds! I love research. Of course I use the internet, a lot, but everything I find on there has to be backed up and verified from another source like a library or history book. For places I haven't been I like to use Google maps that zoom in on the area with satellites, it is awesome. It was challenging to research Spruce Knoll because of the four different cultures, but so fun and inspiring!

Has researching for your novel ever gotten you into any funny situations? 

Oh my gosh yes! I ask some of the strangest questions of the most random people at the most random times, or sometimes I just wonder them aloud. We were in a restaurant one time and I asked, "Do you think if I trapped him in a cave and left him there he'd die of starvation or exposure first?" The waitress walked up just as I was saying it and you should have seen the look on her face! Poor girl. 

In TSSK, there are only four cultures that live in Spruce Knoll. Are there other channelers from different cultures in other parts of the world? 

You'll find out in book three! ;-)

Have any of your characters demanded more page space than you originally planned? 

Definitely! Fane stole the scene the moment he came onto the page. Readers will see a lot more of him in book two. 

What was your favorite chapter to write? 

*Spoiler alert!* That's a tough one to answer because I love these characters so much and each scene was special in some way to me. But I'd have to go with the scene at the party, when the fight breaks out and Aiden and Fane come to help Eren.

Is there a specific character you’d like to go back to and further develop? 

*Spoiler alert* Alin, Eren's uncle, didn't get much page time and I'd love to write more about him.
Can you tell us a bit about what you are working on just now? I'm polishing up the sequel to Spruce Knoll which is scheduled to be out next March!

What is the best part of being a published author? What is the worst? 

The best part is the wonderful people I meet and connect with. When it comes down to it, that's really what it's all about, entertaining people. The worst part is the constant fear of 'how is my book selling? Do people like it?' They don't tell you about that part. ;)

How has writing and publishing changed you? 

I've been writing since I was twelve so I can't imagine how I'd be if I didn't write. Publishing has connected me to more people and has made me a better writer because of it. I know people will be reading my novels now so I strive even harder to make them outstanding.

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? How do you deal with it? 

That would have to be hearing that my manuscript was too slow paced and I needed more happening in each chapter. It isn't easy to hear that when you think you're done. But it was the best advice I ever received. I got back to work and made every single scene matter to the over all book. It took my writing to a new level.

Is there anything you wish you had known about the publishing industry before you became a published author? 

Many things! I wish I had known that agents and publishers will pass up a great book just because it will compete with another author or novel they already have. That's probably the biggest one.
What is your secret to a good ending? The plot threads and character arcs must all be tied up, but it doesn't hurt to leave room in the pattern for more.

As a writer, who are your main influences? 

There are so many lovely authors I admire! Saundra Mitchell, Judith Graves, Ebony McKenna, Jessica Subject, Krissi Dallas, Kristie Cook, Eisley Jacobs, Denise Grover Swank, Kitty Keswick. I could go on!

What do you do when you are not writing? 

I love the outdoors. Hiking, horseback riding, snowboarding, kayaking, and so much more!

And just for fun: If you had to choose between a walnut, almond or cashew, which would you pick?  

As a nut, I love almost all nuts! LOL! But it would a cashew, no contest! Though I do love almonds. Walnuts, not so much.

Thank you so much Heather for stopping by and sharing with us all about yourself and your book! Well there you have it folks! Heather McCorkle, author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll. If you are interested in knowing more about Heather, her book or where you can get your hands on a copy of The Secret of Spruce Knoll, I highly recommend you hop on over to her blog or visit her author page on Goodreads or Facebook.

BOOK GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!!!!!

AND THE WINNER IS............

The winner of the Back to the Books Giveaway is............

Ruth!!!

Congratulations Ruth!!! I will be sending you an email shortly to confirm and send you your prize!!!!

Thank you all for your support and participating in the giveaway. Please stay tuned for more fun and prizes!!

Writer Platform Building Campaign: First Campaign Challenge!

Rachael has posted the first campaign challenge:

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words willbe included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

So here is mine :D :D Vote for #128

The Creek

       The door swung open. Nani ran out clutching a red fleece blanket around her shoulders. It had been a good ½ a minute since a loud piercing scream shattered her peace and quiet, but it felt like an eternity. The silence that followed was just as deafening. 

     

     Nani rushed down a trodden and snow covered path from her backyard through the tree-lined woods to the frozen creek behind her property. She stopped in her tracks. She looked around. She was sure the scream came from this portion of her woods. 

     

     Nani has had to pull many hikers and kids out of the creek who got too close to its currents or slipped on the slippery algae covered stones and fallen tree bridges trying to cross it. 

     

     No one was there.  There was not a single footprint in the newly fallen snow. As she turned to leave, something caught her eye. A glint reflected off the solid cold creek. Underneath a broken tree bridge sticking out of the creek, Nani saw something familiarly red. 

     

     Nani let out a loud piercing scream as a pair of bulging eyes stared back at her, clutching a red fleece around its frozen shoulders.

Back to the Books Giveaway!!!

Oh Happy Day!!!! Here is another fun blog hop that is sure to make everyone going back to school, happy! Hosted by two wonderful bloggers, this hop will run until the 7th. With lots of goodies out there up for grabs, be sure to check out these bloggers who are participating in the hop.

Now for the really good part. What better way to begin the school year than with a little school shopping!! I am giving away a

  $20 gift card from Barnes and Noble!!!!!

Rules: well, I have very few!
1. Follow my blog
2. Leave a comment with your email addy so that I can inform you if you win (or you can use my contact page if you don't want to put it in the comment space. But please put in the header, the name of this hop)

It is that easy! Here's wishing everyone a happy school year!!!

Fabulous Friday updates and more!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous Friday!! It is Labor Day weekend and I have got fun plans in the works. I am going on a retreat to Vashon Island this weekend and hope to get a LOT of writing in. :) I need some beautiful, serene nature right now. I need the flow of its energy to help me release big time. Not to mention, I have been dying to play around with my camera, so this is the perfect chance to do so! :D

I am 33 chapters into The Secret of Spruce Knolls. It is one hot tamale! I'm really enjoying the pace of the story. for every chapter I finish, a question is answered but two appear! I like that in a novel, sort of moves the story along. I also like the character Eren. While I can't relate to her experience, I definitely feel for her struggles and the situation she has found her self in. She makes me want to jump into the story and kick something but she is one tough young lady. She makes me proud! And Aiden, I am quite curious about his story. If Heather does not write a novel about him, I'm going to be crushed! I'm also a scifi fantasy lover so anything out of the ordinary peaks my curiosity! Channelers have peaked my curiosity. Such a mysterious bunch they are, scary, very scary but quite mysterious. I can't wait to gift one lucky winner with this book! :D You are going to like it!!!!

I was totally surprised and floored today when I came to my blog and found I had an award! I was gifted with the Liebster Award by fellow campaigner Kate Swenson Is she not the sweetest!!! This award is given to blogs with fewer than 200 followers. I will be passing this on shortly along with a few other fun blog awards!

In other news, the sun is shining here in Seattle and that is always good news :)

Kurious Kids-Fest

In celebration of of reaching 100+ followers, Abby is throwing a fun contest over on her blog. There is still time to join so hop on over to her blog and join the fun!

I was hardly a kurious kid growing up. Don't get me wrong, I loved learning and experiencing new things but what I wasn't a fan of was getting in trouble. My fear of trouble seem to always keep safe and well, not so kurious. But, my favorite place in the whole wide world growing up was the library. It was there that I got to go just about anywhere, learn just about anything. I loved to read. One of the things my mom did for me was taught me how to read to learn. If I wanted to read a "silly" book, I had to read two books (non-fiction). I had to write a short summary about each book so that she knew I read it :D But there was one book... my FAVE book which also happened to be her FAVE book as well... did not count.

My all-time favorite picture book was the Amelia Bedelia series. OMG! That book was so hilariously funny! Amelia Bedelia was a maid who worked really hard to please everyone. She was so kind. But, she was a little silly. Unlike most adults, she seemed so much like a kid to me. She took everything literally, just like a kid! If she was asked to dust the furniture, she dusted the furniture with powder. If she was asked to dress the turkey, she put a dress on the bird. If she was asked to draw the curtains, she pulled out her pen and paper and drew the curtain. :)

I loved it! And I still do to this day! Everyone should experience Amelia Bedelia. And guess what? You can!!!!! I will give away your choice of any Amelia Bedelia book in the series! All you have to do is tell me: What was YOUR FAVORITE PICTURE BOOK from when you were a KURIOUS KID and WHY was it your favorite! Make sure you tell me which book in the series you want.

Partay!!!!!! @Tara's!!!!

I love celebrating happy ocassions!! This happy occassion is dedicated to Tara's one year blogaversery at her blog, Tara Tyler Talks.

                                                       Happy Blogaversery Tara!!!!!

I am bringing yummy Cheesy Pan Enchiladas!!! My Fave!!!1 :D I have so many variations that I love, chicken, beef, vegetarian and even a mix of a few like the other day, I mixed refried beans with tuna :D

Now don't turn your nose up at it, it was actually really good! LOL! But here is a recipe for my beef enchiladas. Enjoy!

didn't have olives this time round :(

                     

Recipe: Easy Cheesy Pan Enchiladas

This recipe is really easy because you can pretty much make it with any ingredient you like, whether it is leftover rice or pre-cooked chicken. It can even be a vegetarian meal as well.

½ pound       Ground beef/chicken  

1 sm             Onion                

1 sm bunch  Chopped green onion  

1 tbsp           Crushed/chopped garlic

½ package   Taco seasoning        

 (to taste)      Black pepper          

10 shells       Corn Tortillas

1 sm can       Enchilada Sauce      

2 ½ cups      Sharp Cheddar Cheese      

1 sm can       Sliced Olives                

1 tbsp            Vegetable Oil      

* For a vegetarian substitute, use one can of vegetarian refried beans. I sometimes like to add leftover rice to the refried beans.

1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

2. Brown the beef/chicken.

3. Once meat is cooked, add the garlic and onions and sauté until onions are soft.

4. Add seasonings to meat mixture; mix well.

5. Remove meat mixture from heat.

6. On a low flame or heat setting, heat the oil in a small pan.

7. Place a corn tortilla in the heated pan. When the shell is soft, turn over. Place another shell on top of it then flip over so that the second shell can be heated till it is soft. Continue in this fashion, turning the shells as you add new ones.

8. In a 9 in baking dish, place about 4 tbsp of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of the pan. Make sure the entire bottom of the pan has some sauce.

9. Arrange 4 or 5 of the shells at the bottom.

10. Spoon more sauce over the shells. Then, spoon some of the meat mixture over the shells.

11. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the meat mixture then cover with remaining shells.

12. Cover remaining shells with sauce, then cheese, then green onions and olives.

13. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an addition 10 minutes to brown a little.

Feeds 2-4

Monday's Muse: Teacher Power and more!

I LOVE THIS!!! :D Not just because I am a teacher and I love it, but some of the most amazing people in my life were/are teachers and believe it or not, I, to this day think they had/have superpowers! Can't really explain it but I NEVER got away with anything! But I guess that is what I love about these amazing teachers. I learned so much from them. They did not just 'teach' me, they motivated me, they encouraged me, they supported me, they shared the love of learning with me. I think was the best thing they could have done for me. I am not all that surprised that after looking at a host of possible careers that teaching was the one career that suited me the most! So tell me, what is YOUR superpower?

I have a host of goodies to come this week!!!!!

On the 30th as part of Tara's Blogaversary Blogfest. I will be posting one of my all time favorite recipes (hopefully pictures included if the item does not get eaten before I can take a picture of it! :D)

From Sept 1-7th I will be participating in the Back to the Books Blog Hop co-hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.  I will be giving away books and prizes away to three lucky winners!!!!! So don't forget to stop by.

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: I just received and started reading The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle. I'm loving it so far!! On the 9th, Heather will be joining us to talk about her book and some of her interest. Heather is such a fun person so I'm going to love interviewing her! If you have not met Heather or visited her blog then You. Must. Do. It. Now! Ps. Check out her "Friday Feature Creature" posts. They are awesome! :D


Were you a Kurious Kid growing up? What was your favorite picture book? Why was it your favorite? Hop on over to Abby's blog and join her Kurious Kids-Fest as she celebrates reaching 100+ followers.  The Kurious Kids-Fest will run from aug 29th to Sept 10th. Quick, you still have time to enter to win a really fun book or a $10 Amazon gift card!! I will be posting MY fave picture book soon so don't forget to come back to see what mused my childhood :D

Picture Prompts: Cosmos

The night sky explodes with brilliance and color. A sound so deafening it lingers on even after the explosion. The ground shakes, trees fall and the mountains tremble. My body is thrown to the ground. Every building lay toppled or completely destroyed. Not even our fortified bunkers and sanctuaries are spared. But we knew this day was coming. 

For generations scientists warned of the great event. We knew our world would witness the birth of a new star system. We prepared for it. At least we thought we did. What we didn't know was that the new star system would open up a rift in our own galaxy. A rift that would either be a new beginning or a horrifying ending. 

But it is too late now. As the rift opens, we are bound to the fate of our world. Those who left before the great event, my family included, are likely safe in a faraway galaxy. But here I stand witnessing with my own eyes the most powerful birth of all. In all its beauty and glory, I  brace myself for what will come.

Third Writers' Platform-Building Campaign

I want to thank the lovely Heather for sharing this wonderful opportunity called the Writers' Platform Building Campaign that is being conducted by Rachael Harrie at Rach Writes. This campaign is all about getting us writers together, networking, supporting each other and creating lasting friendships. Here is a snippet from her blog regarding the campaign:

Basically, the Campaign is a way to link those of us in the writing community together with the aim of helping to build our online platforms. The Campaigners are all bloggers in a similar position, who genuinely want to pay it forward, make connections and friends within the writing community, and help build each others' online platforms while at the same time building theirs.

I am really looking forward to this campaign. As the only writer in the family and very few of my close friends who are interested in writing or reading picture books or scifi short stories, it often feels like a lonely road. But i have been fortunate thanks to the online community to find some wonderful ladies who have inspired me so much and in the short time I have tweeted and blogged with them, have learned so much. This Writers' Platform - Building Campaign will be a fun way to meet other writers who share our love and passion for the written word and love and passion for writing it! :) Hope to see you all there!!! :D


Thank you Rachael for this wonderful campaign and as always, thanks Heather for sharing this with the rest of us!!! :)

Haven't you heard.........?

.................There is a new book in town and it is making its rounds all over the web!

Join the tour band wagon and see what secrets Heather McCorkle reveals as she travels and tells us all about her new book, "The Secret of Spruce Knoll." :D If you tag along, you have the opportunity to win a ton of fabulous prizes and swag! Join now or forever lose out on all the fun! You still have a chance to check out all her previous stops. Just check out her cover! Does that not intrigue you????? :D

PS. If you don't win anything the first time around, don't fret. You will get a second chance to own your very own copy because Heather will be here in September with her awesome book and one lucky winner will get to learn about the Secret of Spruce Knoll! *Knoll, Knoll, Knoll*

No Secrets. No Lies. Part Two (an interview)

Interview Part One:

Interview Part two:

Q: What does it mean to be telepathic on your world?

A: It is our form of communication. It means to have a complete understanding and to be one with my sisters

Q: Is there any kind of privacy when it comes to mind reading and communication? A: We have no need of privacy, only respect and honor.

Q: Is it difficult not having private thoughts?

A: No. I have nothing to hide. But I can see how a being such as your self would find it difficult, and would need to hide and protect yourself and your weak and feeble desires. But we have overcome those desires of greed, lust, envy and power. We Naqabashi are masters of our Hakana, our being, and therefore have no need for secrecy. We have evolved.

Q: So, it hasn’t always been this way for the Naqabashi?

A: No. We were once like you and the land dwellers of Naqaba. We did not understand our abilities; we were feared by non-telepaths and often used it against each other for our own gains.

Q: Then what changed?

No Secrets. No Lies. Part One (an interview)

Character Interview: Nusa

Place: Spaceship Hablas

Q: What is your name?

A: I am Nusa, daughter of Hidana

Q: Where are you from?

A: My home Naqaba. I was born and raised in Sky City.

Q: Did you go to school? Can you read and write?

A: Hai, all young Naqabashi go to school. I can read and write in the ancient language as well as the Naqaban language.

Q: What is your rank?

A: I am a warrior guard.

Q: What are some of your duties?

A: I patrol the sky cities and the valleys, I join the elite guards and warriors on various space missions, and I am an apprentice to elite guard, Zurana.

Q: What is a typical day like on your home world?

The Sum of All Things....

It has been a great week all and all (despite the naptime hiccup on Monday :D) I actually got a little creative write time in, got some reading done, visited with friends and the annual summer family picnic that center hosts was a success! A lot of families showed up and had a great time. It has been a good week!

This week on the blogoshpere I have come across some great items and fun contests!

Heather McCorkle is hosting a tour of secrets for her new book "The Secret of Spruce Knoll"! She will be giving out lots of secrets along her tour route with many opportunities to win big! Check it out and join the fun! Her tour schedule can be found on her blog.

Tara Tyler is hosting a food/recipe blog fest in honor of her upcoming blogoversary. Join the fun and post your fave food, drink or dessert recipe and enter to win some fun prizes. Come back on the 30th and you will see MY favorite recipes. :D

There is always something fun going on over at Kristi's Book Nook. She has fabulous book giveaways every week! I won "The Greedy Bee" from the wonderful and generous Kristi! It is a fun and favorite read in my toddler classroom. Check her out and win big!

Tuesday Tunes: From A Distance

This month of Ramadan I pray for peace, love, understanding and harmony for all of God's creation. There is just way too much violence and death. Too much hunger, poverty and pain. Mankind is failing his duty and obligation of being God's vicegerent on earth. Tonight, all of mankind are in my thoughts and prayers.

When one person hurts, we should all feel their pain.

Prayers of hope for the despair. Prayers of peace for distressed. Prayers of guidance for the lost. Prayers of love for the forgotten.

Picture Prompts: The Dark Side

Rumor has it that no one has ever returned from the dark side of the moon. Rumors that divide; rumors that conquer. Rumors that enslave and oppress. They say there is no turning back once you've reached the outer limit, where light disappears into the black of darkness. They say the dark side is an abyss of nothingness, where even thoughts can get lost in the vast expanse of mute space. But tonight I will take that chance. A chance to free myself of the rumors, perhaps even the lies. There is no turning back for me as I extend my shaking hand into the unknown of the dark side. It is a matter of uncertain life or excruciating death.

The Little Girl Who Would NOT Go To Sleep

There was a little girl who would not go to sleep. No matter what she tried, she could not close her eyes.

She drank her milk. She hugged her bear. Then she lay flat upon her bed. She cuddled her blanket and nuzzled her pillow. But her eyes only got bigger and bigger.

She crept and she crawled, sneaking here and there, but to her bed she always returned. She took off her socks and threw down her blankie, bear and pillow and when there was nothing left, she got cranky.

She kicked and she screamed, she thrashed and threw a fit. Soon she began to cry. But the little girl would not close her eyes.

She pulled out her ponytail and twirled her hair. Tuckered and tired she soon counted sheep. 1, 2, 3 she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep...........

..... but only for a little while.

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This story was inspired by a little girl in my toddler classroom who refused to take a nap today. :) Luckily, she got a half an hour of sleep to sort of hold her for the rest of the afternoon!

And the Winner is!!!!!!

And the Winner of the summer hop giveaway is...............

Janelle Ashton!!!

Congrats Janelle! you will be receiving a confirmation email soon. :) I hope you enjoy "Listen to the Wind" just as much as I do!! :)

Thank you all for joining the Summer Hop. Stay tuned for more hops and book giveaways in the near future! :D

The Gratitude Challenge - Day #20 many days, many thanks...

It has been a long while since I posted up some of my many blessings and thanks. God be praised, I have been doing well. I have been quite busy and things are hopefully looking like they will start to settle down to a nice simmer :D So getting straight to my challenge!

Blessing #15

Yay! my co-teacher Jessie is back from a one month vacation!!! While it was probably not as stress free as a vacation should be (she went home to get married <3) she was definitely missed! It is interesting how children rely heavily on continuity and familiarity. The month that Jessie was gone, I wouldn't say it was horrible or devastating to the kids, but it was stressful for them (and me) at times, especially the first couple of weeks. Getting to know a new face/teacher is a bit frightening for little ones so it made for a challenging month as the children learned to adjust. But she is back and Yay!!!

Blessing #16

I'm the type that likes to put on a brave face and smile no matter what. And, I like to make others feel relaxed and comfortable and smile too. But it also feels nice to be appreciated and valued. Well, the parents in my classroom are just wonderful. They gave me the most heartwarming card and gift when Jessie returned acknowledging and thanking me for all my efforts, love and care in maintaining the classroom all without breaking a sweat. Really, I have the best parents and it is such an honoring being their children's teacher/caregiver.

Blessing #17

It's nice when parents value you, but even sweeter when their children do. I recently visited a family and the first thing I got upon walking in the door was a gift and hug. The gift was a drawing of me and the child. PRICELESSSSS!!!!!!

Blessing #18

I have been following the news about the EAST AFRICAN CRISIS. My heart breaks into millions of pieces as I look at the pictures and hear about the suffering that the people of Somalia and other East African countries are going through as the famine rages on in their countries. I can't imagine how a mother (or father) feels watching and hearing their baby cry and wither away of hunger and are powerless to do anything about it. We (I) am so blessed to have food, clean water, sanitation, health care and more. I am making an even greater effort now to not waste these precious resources.

Blessing #19

I am equally blessed to have some money to donate to some really trust worthy organizations that are working hard to bring food, water, sanitation and medical aid to the devastated areas in East Africa.

Islamic Relief USA/Worldwide is a great humanitarian organization that I trust and often volunteer for. Learn more about them here.