Red Velvet...Muffins?

Yes, yes, I know. This isn't actually a muffin. It's a cupcake. But, honestly, I couldn't find a picture of the muffin variety on Google Images. And no, I couldn't upload one of my own because a) my camera's dead and b) The Brick, a.k.a. my phone, is tragically outdated. So...yeah. Deal with it. [The cupcake masquerading as a muffin, that is. And, if possible, my dearth of technology.] I have to.

Anyways, my mom comes home from Sam's Club with this horribly huge trunk full of grocery bags. Of course, you know the thing about grocery bags, and, whether you do or not, I'm going to enlighten you. Because I feel like it. And it's my friggin' blog, so that's not really anything you can do about it now is there? [This is me in Royal B*tch mode, FYI.] The thing about grocery bags is that they're way too thin to ever possibly support all the crap they're expected to contain. Like, pages of the Holy Freakin' Bible thin.
–––Y'all remember how they used to rip every time you used them? –––The old heavy things stuffed in all the box trappings on the back of the, er, pews?                                                         –––Yes, those.
So my mom struts on up the sidewalk towards the front porch, almost trips on her to the storm door, and hands me one of those Bible page-thin bags all excitedly, like she's got something real special tucked away inside and she can't wait to see my face when I open that tacky old bag and unveil the "prize". And guess what? It was a box of Red Velvet Muffins. Not cupcakes, not even cake. Muffins. For those of you who've ever scratched your heads over why I'm usually more than a mite suspicious of what my mother brings home from the store and/or fixes for supper or whatever, this is why. It's because she hands me stuff like this. Stuff I've never even heard of. And she expects me to not only eat it, but enjoy it, practically salivate over it. She's nuts.

In my opinion, the Red Velvet muffin is nothing more or less than an appurtenance to the Double Chocolate muffin. On top of that, of course, it must be said that these culinary contrivances are, for all socially ecumenical extents and purposes, like me, at least in this regard: they are too strange for words [which is saying something, when you really think about it, considering the immense bulk that is the Merriam-Webster dictionary]. I rest my case.

But enough of that. Let's move on to something less depressing and, hopefully, more interesting to you, my dutiful readers – an epic update in The "Romance" Department.

Dès l'aube...

How is it that on the first day of fall break - one of the few times I could actually sleep in, get some shut-eye, all that fun stuff - I wake up at 6:30, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and yet, any other day, I can't seem to bother even attempting to get myself up? My dad has to come and get me. I'm almost seventeen. Shouldn't I be able to do this kind of stuff by myself? Qu'est-ce que c'est?

Really, People? Bumps AND Polls?

Okay, so I set up a poll. In case you didn't notice. And it was nice. I liked it. New experiences and all that jazz, ya know?

Here's the thing: only one person actually took the time out of their horribly busy day to vote.

That.
Is.
Pathetic.

Now don't get me wrong, I know that some of y'all have never even seen Merlin. Maybe you don't care to. Or maybe you don't get Syfy. Or you don't like hulu.  Je ne sais pas. That's your business. But I do know for a fact that some of you do watch it. Regularly, even. Would it kill you to take, oh, ten seconds, out of your day and just click your mouse?

Let The Joust Begin!

I know not all of you - if any - have actually watched Merlin, but I thought it would fun to see which "couple" you liked best anyway. So, here goes.

And the nominees are...

Nice Weather, Isn't It?

I hate Kentucky weather. Or, rather, I hate Kentucky weather in September.

Strawberries...

Here we have a strawberry. A simple, seemingly ordinary strawberry. This is what happens when you abuse said strawberry...

Oh Oh Oh...It's Magic!

Okay, so I'm really happy today. You know why? Well, of course not. Otherwise I wouldn't be asking now, would I? I got to watch my favorite show!

Merlin...

Haven't heard of it? Well, you need to.

Ah, just kidding. I didn't even know it existed until the seventh episode of the first season, "The Gates of Avalon." So don't feel too bad for missing it. Hehe.

Colin Morgan

I know this isn't really a Merlin picture, but he just looked so cute in this one. I couldn't resist!




Obviously, Colin plays Merlin, the protagonist of the show - but this is Merlin as you've never seen him before. This time around, he's young and intriguing. Of course, it certainly helps that Colin's got the whole Euro charm down pat. Par exemple, he's actually a pretty good actor. He's been in a number of Young Vic adaptations, and he also played Jethro Cane on Doctor Who. And he's Irish! What more could you want?

Case in point:
                                                                                                           

Note: Merlin is a British TV show, a unique Arthurian adaptation produced by The Four J's - Johnny Capps, Julian Jones, Jake Michie, and Julian Murphy. The series first aired on the UK's BBC channel in September of 2008, and has been going strong ever since. A year later, NBC picked up the show as well, and "the peacock network" reaped the benefits of modern Camelot for two seasons, until the British drama's abrupt cancellation following the season two finale. Thankfully, Syfy decided to pick up where their overloaded fellow had left off, and Merlin was awarded Friday's ten o'clock time slot (ET). Even now, as the third season approaches in the UK, the young sorcerer continues to gain popularity. Morgan's magical adventures are broadcasted globally, from New Brunswick to Malaysia.

* * *

You can watch the first episodes for free at IMDb /Fancast, or you can buy the whole first season at Amazon and see them whenever you want.

Also, check out Merlin's official website for pictures, games, series updates, trivia, exclusive interviews, and more!

Merlie Newbies: If you want to see how it was in the very beginning, go to the NBC's old site to see info on the creation of the show, episode guides, repcaps, photo galleries, and so on.

Updated --- 2.28.2011

It's Me - In The Flesh! Er, Web.

...

Okay, so I know I haven't been on for awhile...things have been kind of hectic lately. I know Biffs said junior year was a pile of stressful buck, but still. I didn't think it would be this bad.

Anyways, so this weekend I went to a writing conference. I'm not gonna tell you where it was, because even though I don't think anyone but my friends reads this, there's always the chance that some random pedophile will come shopping, so...yeah. I'm gonna play it safe.

Back to the conference: It was actually really fun. Even if Sunny and I were the only ones who could come on Saturday. But on Sunday five of the other girls came, and we read our pieces up in the Al--- Room. And I didn't faint. To Whom It May Concern: Unless you want me to either a) throw up on you or b) hate you forever, don't stare at me excessively. That is all. Mostly due to the moral support of my fellows - such as this one particular girl whose name starts with a "K" and ends with a "g". Who I just happen to call KC. Tehe. Notice the rhyme? You know who you are...

Afterward, I got to chill at the mall with J------------ and KC, with whom I made my first official trip to Sephora, Land of Grey Liner, Beige Skin, and Red Lips.

Dude. Is it bad if I just remembered that I need to turn in my AP English Vocab?

Updated --- 9.24.10

Incomplete Sentences...

I like...the vibrant collage of color that carpets the ground below at autumn's peak.

My happiest moment was...giggling over my Culver's butterburger with my bestie, Becs, and knowing that, as long as she was there everything would be okay.And finding out that my other bestie, Nikkie, was engaged on that very same day.

Back home...my dog's snoozing in the kitchen - and my room's probably a mess.

I regret...taking so long to learn from my mistakes.

At bedtime...I read, put on my lucky tube socks, and scribble my writing ideas all over my palms.

I am...a child of God, blessed with friends, family, and a blissful abundance of books.

What annoys me...is the way my hair ducks out on the sides. It looks like I have wings.

People...usually don't understand me.

A mother...gave you life, gave you love, before she even held you in her arms. Hers is a love that keeps on giving.

I feel...like dancing in the rain, right in the sidewalk's stream.

My greatest fear is...possums. And people staring at me excessively.

When I was a child...I made little "books" out of looseleaf printer papaer and this little mini stapler my mom got me once.

I suffer...every time my mom tries to take me shopping.

I failed...at Suduko. Every time. I rock at Dots, though. If I do say so myself.

Guys...can only think with one side of their brain at a time.

I need...another bookshelf. And some more gel ink pens.

I hate...Bible-thumpers, root beer, and salads. They make me feel like a rabbit.

I go to...Joseph-Beth's almost every weekend.

My father...is actually pretty cool.

I wish...I had something to wish for.

Foreign Objects

But you can't fix what you don't understand...

Just A Little Survey...

balloons by misscaptainscarlett on Polyvore.com

ZOMG!!!!! Try it. This is kinda creepy :/


Follow the inscrutions. Do not cheat. It won't work, and you'll wish you hadn't.

Take three minutes.
Try this. It will freak you out - in a good way. ;)

First Get a pen and some paper.

Second When choosing names, make sure they're real people. People that you actually know.

Third Go with your gut! It's very important for good results.

Fourth Scroll down one line at a time. Do not read ahead. Otherwise, you'll ruin your own fun. Which obviously isn't good.










1. On a blank sheet of paper, write numbers 1 through 11 in a column on the left.






2. Next to numbers 1 and 2, write down any two numbers you want.

Do you have a favorite number?














3. Next to numbers 3 and 7, write down the names of two members of the opposite sex.














CAUTION: Do not look ahead. It won't turn out right.














4. Write anyone's name next to 4, 5, and 6.
Friends or family usually work best.














Don't cheat. You'll regret it.












5. Write down four song titles beside 8, 9, 10, and 11.















6. Last - but certainly not least - make a wish.


















Are you ready? Well, here's the key to the game. 















1. The number of people you need to tell about this game can be found in space number 2.






2. The person in space 3 is the one you love.






3. The person you like, but feel you can't have is in space number 7.






4. You care most about the person you put in space 4.







5. The person you put in space 5 knows you very well.







6. The person you named in space number 6 is your "lucky star".







7. The song next to number 8 matches your relationship and/or impression of the person you put in space 3.






8. The song title beside number 9 matches with the person in space number 7.







9. The song in the tenth space tells you about your general mindset or viewpoint.







10. The song in the eleventh space describes how you feel about life.







11. The number you wrote down in space 1 is your lucky number.



Now, repost this in less than 10 minutes.




If you do, your wish will come true. But if you don't, the opposite will occur!

 My Results

• My lucky number is six.
• The number of people I need to tell is sixty-six. 
• I'm in love with my friend Alex. 
• I care most about Verse and Becs.
• Granny knows me pretty well. =)
• My "lucky star" is my friend Athena.
• I'm in a complicated relationship with Z.
• My relationship with Alex matches up with "She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5.
• The song that fits best with Z and me is "Another Day" by Pomplamoose. 
• "Just A Little Girl" by Amy Studt tells the most about my mindset.
• And "The Only Exception" by Paramore is the theme song of my life. (And believe it or not, I was actually thinking about Z when I wrote this down - not Alex.)
  

Good luck! Hope you had fun!


~ KayBee

Past Tense

I loved you
You loved me

But it wasn't meant to be.

Sometimes you love someone
Sometimes you fall for someone

But sometimes they just don't love you.

And it's all one big past tense.

♥ → ♥

Believe me, I know the feeling. No matter what you do, no matter how you feel, no matter how hard you pray, they just can't love you. Or, at least, not in the same way. I know. It sucks. But sometimes you have to go through the ugly, just to get to plain ordinary. And then there's beautiful...somewhere waiting for you.

And then there's that someone who's been waiting for you, that someone who never gave up hope - no matter how many times you shot them down. And then you wake up one morning...and you realize they were right under your nose the whole time.

But anyways, here's the straight of it: I really like these guys. And I don't want to lose them. So I'm gonna take it slow and just...see where it goes.

Two Hours Of Nothing But Bliss...

Epicly awesome night - chowing out on cheese slush, crying in the bathroom, dropping UNO cards, tripping up the stairs, and having a Random Jumping Party with the boys. Good times...

It didn't start out that way, though.

You see, originally I was supposed to be going with my bestie, Biffs. And usually, me and the fam just give her a ride. That's how it's been for some time. For as long as I can remember, really. So I just assumed that was the agenda for last night too. Makes sense, right? Wrong.

Apparently,  my parents didn't get the memo. So my mom goes into a hissy and tells my dad not to run over and pick up Biffs as a punishment for my "lack of communication".

I thought that night would suck. But my friends had other plans. They kept me happy, kept me sane the entire time. I still missed Biffs, but I wasn't bawling throughout the whole evening. And she forgave me, so I guess it's all good. Even though I still feel bad.

Moral of the Story: Always look at the bright side. You never know what glistening vessels of wonderfulness could lie right around the corner.

Cupcakes...I WANT CUPCAKES!!!

Sorry. I loves me some cupcakes. In case you couldn't tell. Lol

 

Oh, come on. You know you want one. You know it. ;)


I've been dying for some cupcakes for the last couple of days. And it's killing me. Killing me. Not literally, of course. But you know what I mean. Hopefully.

Farewell, Love...

Lord, it hurts. It hurts so much. I mean, it's not like I expected to meet the love of my life in high school, but he would've been a great First Love. Well, in a way, I guess he kind of is. Just not in the way I expected. The way I'd hoped.

The worst part is, I think I could have loved him, might have loved him. Or, at least loved him as much as any sixteen-year-old girl could. I just can't help but think of how perfect everything would've been if he'd been straight. Yeah, yeah, I know it probably wouldn't have been "perfect". Well, not to that extent. Still, I pretty much had our life together mapped out. Pathetic right?

But here goes...

We would live in a little house, just outside of town, where we would raise our three beautiful children. We'd argue over names the first time I got pregnant, during "our" first pregnancy test. Well, technically, it would be be my first test, but he'd be there in the bathroom with me, so, I guess you could say it was "ours". But, in the end, we'd decide to compromise.

We'd both be published authors, with him leaning more towards the poetic side of things, and with me more inclined to prose. It would all be wonderful. We'd understand when the other needed their Writing Time, their creative space. 

Sigh. What a beautiful, beautiful dream. But that's all it is. Just a dream. 'Cause it's never gonna happen. He's gay. I might as well face it. He's never going to like me the way I like him. It'll never happen. No matter how many times I cry, no matter how many times I wish that things were different...that he was different, or that I was different. He'll never love me that way. Respect me? Yes. Like me? Maybe. Love me? Never.

Read Me...

cheating hurts i would know :( by samantha shadow featuring Punky Pins earrings

Girl is on the couch​, makin​g out with a hot guy, when her cellp​hone rings​.

Girl:​ Hey, babe,​ I'll be right​ back.​ I need to take this.
Boy: Yeah, okay.​ Sure.

She walks​ into the next room.

Girl:​ Hey!
Guy (on her cellp​hone): Hey, hon. So, do you think​ we could​ go do something later​ tonig​ht?​
Girl:​ Yeah,​ sound​s great​!​
Guy: Okay.​ I'm right​ by your...house...​I'll come get you right now.
Girl:​ That'​s...not......such a good idea.
Guy: Why not?
Girl: I'm busy right​ now. Sorry​.
Guy:​ With what?​ It's our anniv​ersar​y!​ You didn'​t make any other​ plans​, did you?

In her head, she yells​,​ CRAP!​ Then starts throwing her clothes back on, struggling to balance the phone in the crick of her shoulder.

Girl: No. No. I was just eatin​g.​ With the famil​y.
Guy: But I thoug​ht you said your famil​y was away this weeke​nd? Up at the resor​t?​

The guy walks​ into her house​,​ turns​ the corne​r into the hallw​ay, goes downstairs,​ and finds​ his best frien​d on the couch​,​ half dress​ed,​​ tryin​g to pull his pants​ back on, while his girlf​riend​ attempts to pull her shirt​ back over her head.

Guy: What the hell is going​ on?!
Girl: ​​​I can expla​in!​​​ Pleas​e liste​n to me!
Guy: Benny​? ​​​ How could​ you do this to me! Rache​l!​​​ I thoug​ht you loved​ me! And yet, you're sleep​ing with MY BEST FRIEN​D!​​​!​​​!​​​!​​​
Rachel: ​​​John.​​​.​​​.

John rushes out of the room, slamming the door behind him, tears clouding his vision as he streams past the white picket fence, his Converse squelching against the cement with each pound.
Benny ​climb​s out of the windo​w,​​​ start​s his car, and drive​s off down the stree​t.
Rachel runs after​ her boyfr​iend, yelling. 

Rachel:​​​ NOOOO​!​​​ Pleas​e!​​​!​​​ Come back, John!​​​!​​​ Pleee​eeass​sse?​​​?​​​?​​​?​​​!​​​!​​​

She falls​ down and cries​. John turns​ aroun​d,​​​ and looks​ strai​ght at his girlf​riend​, eyes red, sore with grief.

John:​​​ Why? Rache​l,​​​ why? I loved​ you! Oh my God...I'm in love with a whore​! Does this mean I have to pay you now?​​​!​​​ Here. You can take this as the cash.​​​

He drops​ a ring box on her lap. She opens​ the ring box. Her jaw drops​.​​​.​​​. 
Befor​e her eyes is a diamo​nd weddi​ng ring.

Rachel:​​​ You were going​ to propo​se?​​​
John: Yeah.​​​.​​​.

She watched him go, clutching the ring for dear life, as he slowl​y walke​d back to his car. And she watched him as he got in, watched as his profile cut an unflinching memory of loss in her heart. And his headl​ights​ faded​ from view, the despair welled within her, an ache she knew, somehow, would never fully heal. 

Later ​that night​,​​​ Rachel got a phone​ call from the polic​e sayin​g John was dead. He'd died of an overdose, suicide, most likely.  And when they found​ him, all he had on him was two empty perscription bottles, and a pictu​re of her in his lifeless hands​...

***

Did you know that every​ night​, before you go to sleep,​ there​ is one perso​n thinking of you?
They are alway​s think​ing of you. Thinking of how they want to kiss you, how they want to be with you.
Open up your eyes, open up your heart to them - before it's too late.

Note: This is actually samantha shadow's original story. I just edited it and added some details here and there.

Misguided, Misplaced...Erased

When you meet that special someone,

You long to hear your name,

Your name upon their lips,

Your words upon their tongue,

Rising from the subterrane of their mouth,

The salt of your tears,

Mingled with the musk of flesh, of life...

And, ultimately, the innocence of First Love.

You never think they'll walk away.

The Good, The Bad, And The Fugly

Okay. So, I told him. And...he's gay. But I think I'm okay with it. Well, as okay as I'm ever gonna be with it. In a way, I think I always knew, deep down. That doesn't change the fact that I still really like him. But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be able to get over it. With some time. And a lot of TLC. No, not the music group.

Still, I can't help but wish that he wasn't...you know. Oh, well. It's not as if there's anything I can do about it.  

C'est la vie. That's life.

Okay, okay. So I'm not okay with it. I mean, it's not like I'm mad at him or anything. Just kind of sad. I just wish that I'd worked up the nerve sooner, instead of later. Normally, I would just be all "Whatever", but right now, I know that would be nothing but straight up bull. Pardon my French.*

To be brief: Why are all the cute ones gay? Good God, why?

 Meanwhile...


As if that wasn't dramatic enough, I'm also currently in love with my best friend. Yes, I know. I'm officially a living, walking, breathing cliché. Embarrassing, right? On top of that, just to add to my life's regular dosage of utter madness and insufferable mayhem, he just broke up with one of my friends. But just hold your horses for a sec - it gets better. Apparently, he broke up with her for me.

In conclusion...

I'm in like with one guy and possibly in love with another. Emphasis on the possibly. And I can't have either of them!

But it's okay. I'll be all right.

I think. 

*And it actually is French. Or, more specifically, Old French. The bull, I mean. Its origins lie within the word "bole". And yes, I really am that much of an etymology nerd. Or just a nerd in general. Depending on how sincere you are. 

The Love-ly Curve Ball

Sometimes you can see it coming. But, more often than not, life throws you a curve ball. But I'll let you in on a little secret: Those are always the best ones.

Guess what? No, really. Guess. Okay, fine. I'll tell you. 

So, you know that guy I've had a crush on for forever? Well... I think he likes me.  


Trouble is, I also have a crush on this other guy in one of my classes.

I'm serious. 

So tomorrow, I'm going to talk to him. Bare my soul to him. Drain the cavernous well of my emotions to his unsuspecting gaze. Only a few hours to prepare myself. Make sure I don't make an absolute fool of myself. Sigh. Wish me luck - with both of them. 

Long Distance Call

I miss Z so much right now...
I'm counting the minutes until we're together again.


Even if we can never really be together, even if it never works out, he will always carry that piece of me, that dog-eared corner of my heart. But that's okay. 'Cause I know he'll keep me safe, and that part of me will rest, forever sheltered in the life-worn grotto of his nimble-fingered hands.

Unrequited Love

Oh, God, why does it have to hurt so much? Why? It's not like I wasn't expecting it... But it still hurts, and now it won't stop. Can't you make it stop?


I thought love was supposed to feel good. Well, apparently someone lied. Because it's not good. It's warped and twisted, dark, filled with spite, laced with regret, hindered by shame. All those butterflies I felt before? They're dead. Didn't even make it out of the cocoon. Cold, dead butterflies, nestled in the cavern of my soul. And now, I can't even get them out. I'm that fragile.

Introducing...My Version Of Hobby Lobby

Wishes by Whoa it's ʀσxƴ♥ilyJonasBrothers on Polyvore.com

So I've discovered a new hobby, and, in case you haven't already guessed, it just might have a little something to do with a little site called polyvore. Wink.

So It Was All For Nothing?

 



















You know what I hate? I hate waking up early, getting all gussied up so I can look good for my boy, and then driving to school, so proud of myself for actually putting some kind of effort into my appearance, only to discover that he's not even there to witness my transformation. I even took the trouble to accessorize! I matched my socks. It was a truly epic day. Only he wasn't there to celebrate it. Just peachy. 

But now at least I know someone Up There is out to get me. Forgive me, but I must interrogate said torturer at this time. 

Are you happy now? Are you finally satisfied with my plight? 'Cause I don't think I can take much more of this. I'm nutty enough as it is.

Undoubtedly, it would all come down to a stupid orthodontist. Does it really take that long to stare at teeth? Really?

Men. Huff.

Black-Eyed Blinker

So, in case you haven't heard, Super Saver won the Derby, say, a week ago. Talk about procrastination.Oh, well. Life goes on. Presently, my own personal brand of Derby Madness deems to take its annual U-Turn. A detour that brings us face-to-face with the historic hilltops and Susan-strewn turf of Pimlico Park, waspishly blotched with the distinct catch of pure Pennsylvanian charm. 

Of course, Borel's probably even more enthused than me. Which isn't an easy feat, mind you. Apparently, he thinks he's gonna snag the ever elusive Triple Smacker this time around on Saver. I don't mean to be a party pooper...I hate those, just as much as everyone else...but, somehow, I doubt it.

Ah, well. Jockeys need some quality time with good old dreamland, too. Right?

Sneezing and Coughing and...Feet?

I'm pretty sure that I've mentioned this sometime before, but, nevertheless, even if I have, you're gonna have to bear with me. And if you can't do that, then my advice would be to just get over it. I'm still gonna talk about it. Well, with that said... 

I've always worn socks to bed. Weird, huh? But, you see, it's for a good reason. It's like this - whenever I forget to wear them, I always get sick. Always. It never fails. And, quite honestly,when it comes to the biological reasoning behind it, I'm just as clueless as you are. Well, most of you. Whatever. I don't know why. So, over the years, I've come to accept that that's just the way it is. Thus, I've been sick. What can I say? Life's a moody landlord. Go figure. Shrug.

An (Unofficial) Breach Of Teenage Etiquette

 

So I woke up this morning, and I was all excited, because I thought I was going to get to hang out with my bestie. Who shall, henceforth, be called Biffs. Don't ask. Turns out, Fate had other plans. Or rather, my mother did. 

Instead of spending some quality time with Biffs, I get to go out with my grandmother. Now don't get me wrong. I love my Granny. Love her. And we had a lot of fun. Yet, all the while, I found myself thinking of Biffs, my beloved bestie, and all the chaos we could have created, all the memories, the random adventures, we could have made. 

Moral of the story: It should be a federal offense, or at least a slight misdemeanor, to separate one from said bestie. It really should. 

P.S. - Isn't that pup adorable? Sorry. I couldn't resist its cuteness, sad as it might be.

Maybe...

Well, today started out pretty inconspicuously - or so it seemed. Just an average American breakfast, complete with triangular syrup packets. We set off promptly, still sleepy-headed and bed-ridden, Tom-Tom in hand. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at our destination, the Nashville Rescue Center. My own experience consisted, almost entirely, of pouring grape juice. A simple enough job, but meaningful just the same. Others shoveled out rice and passed out trays, heavily laden with fresh bread and pastel-colored cubes of various forms of store bought cake and homemade cookies, still warm from the oven. As the day progressed, it gradually became clear that this wasn't just some chore, some duty we had to perform. The difference that a smile, the smallest act of kindness, had upon these people was, in itself, astounding. And, the thought comes to mind, that if everyone, or even just a select few, would reach out to those beside them, or even across from them, the world might not be a better place, but, maybe, just maybe, it could be a happier place. Maybe.

If the NRC was the entree of the day, the high ropes was the main course. As our group struggled through, the psychological bonds were shredded, and, everyone, myself included, found a confidence, a determination, that we might not have even known was there.

So here I am at the end of the day, looking back on all that has come to pass, and all I can remember is, the one thing that sticks out in my mind, is the sheen of inspiration I saw reflected in my companions' eyes as Demitri and Matt, both YWAM volunteers, chronicled their spirtual journey - a gleam I can only describe as the realization, the anticipation of possibility, the conclusive power of this last final maybe.

[Originally published on church blog]

It's Necromania!

She sees dead people - and they see her.

Chloe Saunders used to have a pretty normal life. But that changed on the day she met her first ghost. Locked up in Lyle House, a group home for troubled teens, she finds out that there's more to the home's teen residents than meets the eye. Will Chloe be able to uncover the dangerous secrets of Lyle House...or will its skeletons come back to haunt her?

This thrilling first volume in the supernaturally charged Darkest Powers series by international bestselling author Kelley Armstrong will keep readers awake well into the darkest time of night.

I know. Cheesy, right? But, suprisingly enough, it's actually much better than it sounds. Which isn't saying a lot, really, but still.

So, in case you couldn't tell, I have a bit of an odd taste in books. Not exactly scary, but not entirely sane. But, whatever. Moving on...

So when it first starts out, Chloe's just kind of, well, there. She's really not that interesting. Except for the fact that she's fifteen - and she still has to get her period. That may not seem all that interesting to most people, but it is to me, all right? See, I was an early bloomer.  A major early bloomer. I got my . when I was ten. Fun times.

Nevertheless, as the pages progress, the plot gets pretty, um, intricate. For lack of a better word. Well, let's just say her dad basically thinks she's gone wacky, so he sends her to an asylum. Yeah, when your kid starts freaking you out, send her to some obscure place you've never heard of to be with other crazy people. That makes a lot of sense. Oh, well. I'm not a parent. Yet. I'm kidding!

Okay, I really wanna talk to my friend right now. Hate to leave you hanging, but if you really want to know what happens, read the freaking book. That's all I've got to say. Read the book. That is all. Farewell.

Updated --- 9.25.2010

Really, Steph? Another One?

I thought it was over. I thought I wouldn't have to be tortured again. But no. Oh, no. The world just had to test the limits of my sanity yet again. 'Cause she just had to write another one. And not just any other one. That would've been bad enough. Nope. She wrote a novella. A novella. Of all things. I mean, who even publishes those anymore?

Lovestruck Musings

Have you ever had that moment, where you meet that someone, and all you can think about is kissing them? Caressing the sensual pout of their slick, tart lips? Brushing against the drumbeat of their pulse, as your own ragged pants, humid with longing, mingle with their sweet breath, coaxed still more by the intoxicating fragrance that belongs to them alone?

 

I have...

An Epiphany Of Sorts

Bet you're wondering why this is up there, huh? Well, allow me to elaborate.

Okay, so today my mom shoved this ginormous stack of brochures in my unsuspecting hands. And not just any brochures. No, these were college brochures. And that's when it hit me - I'm going to be going off to university soon. I'll be leaving behind everything I've ever known, everything I've ever loved, for some strange place I've never really been. And, right now, I'm not even sure I'm going to like it out all that much. Is that weird? For me to spend all of this time preparing for something I'm not even sure I want?

Other than that, life's been pretty good. I guess. Cut out my hopeless infatuation with a sweet, adorable would-be homo, who remains oblivious to my affections, no matter what I do, and I'm all set!  

Translation: he still doesn't have a freaking clue.

On top of that, I still have yet to finish my English project. I thought things were supposed to get better after freshman year, not worse. Apparently not.

Okay, Okay...I'm Obsessed

  

Isn't that gorgeous? Sigh... I love wolves - in case you couldn't tell. They're just so indubitably beautiful, so graceful, almost ethereal. The way they move, the way they look at you, their pale eyes, xanthous in color, so expressive, and yet so intense, unwavering in this aura of trepidation, the frenzy, the fever, the ferment of existence, the blitzkrieg of nature, embalmed in the vociferous ruckus of kinaesthesia...

Whoa. Dude. I need to get out more often.

Could Someone Pass The Tissues, Please?

Well, today my dad had to work, so my mom and I decided to have a Girls' Night Out. Okay, so it was more of a Girls' Day Out, but I'm not complaining. I had fun - as you shall soon see.

To start off our feminine express, we went over to the mall. Not necessarily my favorite place in the world, but I got to go to Borders, so all was well with the world. Especially since I got a new book! Okay, laugh. But I've been on Book Withdrawal for the last few days, and, believe me, it's not exactly my idea of high living. 

Anyways, we had to rush out early, but, surprisingly enough, it was all worth it. We hopped in the car, and then we were off. Off to the theater.Upon entry, we purchased our tickets and hurried off to Opening 7, Coke in hand, popcorn in mouth. Guess which one we went to see?

Wow! How'd ya know?

But anywho, here's the book...

 

Seventeen year-old Veronica “Ronnie” Miller’s life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alienated from her parents, especially her father… until her mother decides it would be in everyone’s best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie’s father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church. The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its myriad forms – first love, the love between parents and children – that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts… and heal them.

Honestly, I wasn't exactly thrilled when we first walked in. Nicholas Sparks usually isn't my style. It's not that he isn't a good writer. Most of the time, he can spin a pretty good yarn.It's just that, customarily, I don't really get into his stuff all that much. Maybe it's because most of his characters are so much older than me, so I can't really relate to them as well. Either that, or it's gotten to the point where I know what's going to happen next. Every single time. It's like some sort of unspoken rule. Or, more fittingly, some closemouthed curse. Nevertheless, this particular movie actually managed to hold my attention. What a concept! Sorry. I guess I have to start acting at least somewhat normal now - that way you won't turn tail and run.

Well, in case you were wondering, the general jest of the story consists of the following: girl steals from store, girl gets in trouble at store, girl gets sent to estranged father for the summer, Little Brother tags along, while Mom plans her fairy tale wedding to Prince Charming and eagerly anticipates her brand-new, fluffy bow-shrouded life. Problems ensue. Said girl - a.k.a. Ronnie - meets the Official Dreamboat of the South.  As romance simmers in the sweltering Georgia heat, Ronnie and Dreamboat Willy bond over their mutual love of Tolstoy, mud fights, and innocent, unsuspecting sea turtle eggs. Oh, and their prejudice against bandit-faced raccoons.

In short, it was actually pretty good. It was really sad, though. So, like I said, be generous with the tissues.

Check This Out!

The Wind Comes Sweeping
by Marcia Preston

Marik Youngblood left her father's Oklahoma ranch—and the child she gave up for adoption—intent on becoming an artist instead of a rancher. Her father's death brings her back to a failing cattle operation, a pile of debt and a haunting need to find the child she left behind. Leasing out the land for wind towers solves one problem but creates another—the hostility of her neighbors, Burt and Lena Gurdman.

Lena Gurdman may be poor and uneducated, with a husband who's quick to blame her for any perceived wrong, but she knows she and Marik have more in common than the property line between them. When the bones of an infant are uncovered on Killdeer Ridge Ranch, both Marik and Lena are left with questions about secrets they thought were buried long ago.

   

This Week's Litique - Pure Bookvana

Now fans of Stephenie Meyer, P. C. Cast, and Melissa Marr have a new author to devour...

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipstick. No wonder, since life's been pretty rough so far. Her father left a long time ago, her stepfather just passed away, and her mother's pretty much checked out. Now Zara's living with her grandmother in a cold, sleepy Maine town where the most exciting thing locals can count on is the occasional heat wave. Of course, Zara doesn't think she's in any real danger. She just thinks her mom can't deal.

That is, until she starts noticing someone out of the corner of her eye. Someone following her...at home...at school...everywhere. And, wherever she turns, she finds his trail  run amuck with neat, orderly piles of gold-kissed glitter. She knows he isn't a figment of her imagination. Even she couldn't dream up something this strange. But what is he? And why is he following her? 

Apparently, he's a pixie - and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He's the kind that  has dreadful, uncontrollable needs.The kind that wants Zara to somehow, some way, fulfill his deepest, darkest desires - whatever the cost.


Oozing with suspense, romance, and intrigue, this exciting breakout novel has all the undertones of the wildest of fairy tales - all the ones the Grimm Brothers got dead wrong.

So basically,  Zara is Bella with a backbone. And, so far, that's good enough for me.

P. S. - Here's a trailer for it from YouTube. Enjoy!


Disclaimers:  Need was first published in December of 2008 by Bloomsbury.

Updated --- 9.25.2010