WIP - Tangled Work

Here is a little something that I've been working on. It's an old piece of work that I've had for a while.

Using Paint Tool Sai is one of the best investments I've ever had.

I've also started working on a short story; here is a snippet of what's to come.

“We’re going to split into pairs, that way everyone has someone to go with.”

In a few moments everyone had divided, leaving only one out.

“Hey! Sorry I’m late, my alarm didn’t go off.” Mira practically bounced up to the group, “What did I miss?”

She looked at all the couples standing around, smiling. Something was off, she couldn’t put her finger on it.

“We split into pairs,” John smiled at her.

“Wait, you split into couples!”

Her stomach dropped a bit. If that was how they ‘split into pairs’, then she was in trouble.

“Wait….”

“You and Erik are park buddies! Have fun!”

They exited, leaving her alone with the tall professor. They eyed each other, each annoyed with the outcome of this unexpected pair off.

“Alright, so we’re, uh, stuck together.”

He rolled his eyes at her.

“Listen, I came to have fun while we’re here, so if you’re going to be surly we can split up and meet back later on. I’m not going to give up having fun at Disney just because you don’t want to enjoy some time off.”

Those are just a few of the things that I'm up to.

Leave a comment, what are you working on right now?

Book Nook: Classics Corner: A Book Review!

Well, it's been a week. Rough and rather frustrating.

The last book that I finished was the second in a rather spell-binding series. Each book in the series can be found on my new favorite book site: Thrift Books (if you spend over $10 - which is ridiculously easy to do - you get FREE shipping. Textbooks are also part of their stock, so win!)

The first book takes you on a dive down a rabbit hole and into a realm unlike any other. And any other other than Lewis Carol's realm. This are slightly more topsy turvy in this Wonderland than was believed or imagined by the whimsical author. Instead, it's dark place, inhabited by neatherlings.

A.G. Howard has come to be one of my favorite authors. The first book in this series was brilliantly done, and I loved her take upon the wonder that is Wonderland. The vivid colors she painted for the wonder realm left my imagination on a high overload.

Please, before reading this review (which WILL contain spoilers) - go and read "Splintered", which came out in February of 2014.

WARNING!

HERE, THERE BE SPOILERS!

"Unhinged", which came out in January of 2015, is the second book in the Splintered Series.

This time we follow Alyssa Gardner as she's finishing up the last week of high school. It's been a year since returning from the dreaded Rabbit Hole and Wonderland. Choosing to live her life out as a human, she's determined to keep her netherling side from coming out.

However, when have things ever gone as planned?

Being the new Red Queen has come with a few powers that Alyssa was not prepared for. When her mosaics at school begin revealing the future of Wonderland, she realizes things all might not well that ended well since coming home.

With Morpheus still in the human realm and causing her regular brand of mischief, she's uncertain as to his intentions.When an old toy clown begins following her around town, she's positive he's the one behind it - who else by this netherling could cause such havoc and mischief?

And then there's Jeb. She still hasn't told him about their trek through Wonderland last year, or how she took his memories of that trip away from him. She think's there's still time when he suddenly begins painting scenes of their trip to regain the crown. He's beginning to remember, but it's coming at a cost.

The previous Queen Red is coming to the mortal realm - to regain the host that narrowly escapse so she can regain the crown for herself. Bringing with her an army to wreck havoc on the world Alyssa loves and is a huge part of.

The last player in the game is Alyssa's mother, Alison. She's back from the asylum, but keeping secrets. She's bent on keeping Alyssa from ever setting foot in Wonderland ever again - but she's also keeping other secrets. Secrets that involved the Quest for the Crown, how much she truly knows about Wonderland, her own powers, and Alyssa's father Thomas Gardner.

With the setting in their Texan hometown, there's a frantic race to finish school, save her realm from an invasion of netherlings, keep her boyfriend, keep away from Morpheus, and go to prom. Just an average for a half-netherling half-human Queen.

The ending will have you spinning round, eager and frantic to get your hands on the third installment. I know I am.

Pick up a copy of "Splintered" and it's subsequent sequels to find out how it all started, what happens next, and how will it end.



Do you have a favorite book you think I should read? Let me know in the comments below; now you know.

Hurricane Irma

I live down in the Deep South - on the East Coast.

While we didn't get a 'direct' hit where I'm at, we did get the Tropical Storm variation of it. Yesterday we lost power a few times, and the internet kept going in and out.

We were fortunate enough that our main power stayed on, keeping on the heat and air, and what-not.

However I know people who lost power for over twenty-four hours. It was something that happened so close, but kept us from the infected zone.

There are still people down in Florida who are without power, and many other amenities. I know there are people who want to help out in these areas - but here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Watch the news.
     Some of the areas are still under warnings, and don't have the resources for everybody to come down and help out just yet. If they're low on gas already, it would be more of a burdan to go down right now to help.

2. Pay attention
     Before the Help Army can come in for clean up, the proper authorities need to do a few things. I.E. Clear the roads so access to the hit areas are accessible; stores are stocked with what's needed; the gas stations have enough gas for those who live there and those coming down to help.

3. Know where you can donate
     If you can't make it down to help, that's OKAY. Not everyone can, but there are others ways in which you can help. Today while out shopping I was able to donate at the local Dollar Tree, Walmart, Sam's Club... you get the idea. Every single penny counts.

I you want to help, contact your local church or go to Just Serve.


Also - if you're in any of the states affected - BE SAFE!

Travel Plans

Since week one of each month is a freebie for me, I've decided to write today about traveling.

When traveling anywhere there are a few things that we need. Things that simply can't be left at home. Here's a list (YAY a list!) of things that I will not travel without - maybe you too?


1. Pillow

Here me out. Traveling with your own personal pillow(s) is important. It's the difference between a good night's rest and sheer unrest. When traveling by car I always make certain my body pillow is with me - perfect for sleeping, and rather perfect as a regular cushion.

2. Toothbrush

I put this as number two, because you can literally ask at any hotel desk and they will have one for you. (They also do this with razors, soap, and small items.) Though I do prefere my own, so I make certain it's in it's own little travelling case along with toothpaste, floss, and facial towel.

3. Extra Underware

(Heh, bet you thought I'd post a picture of underwear...yeah, right.)
How many times have you heard you mom tell you, "Wear clean underwear in case of an accident!" Well - it's always smart to add a few extra pair, in case of storms or lost luggage. It's also smart to keep a pair in your carry-on, should you be flying.

4. Cords

Nothings is worse than being without power. Well, unless you charged your device, then forgot the cords to full charge it back up again. These are items I usually wait until the last minute to pack, that way they are on top, right inside, and easy to reach.

5. Laptop/Cell

While it's sheer confusion to me how one could travel without a phone (I mean, really?), carrying a laptop for work is almost as vital as your phone. If you're flying it has to be in your carry-on, and within easy reach when passing through TSA. I always keep mine handy, in any case, whether or not I'm flying or driving. It's easy to take with me, that way I can dump any photos I've taken with my phone so that I can have more room to take photos.

6. Small Bottles

You can pick up a pack of small bottles at the Dollar Tree. I use them to carry shampoo, conditioner, and other things when flying. They are within the limit (though double check the size!) to get through TSA. And you can continue to reuse them after a quick washing.



What are some things you can't travel without? The number one thing that goes into your pack? Or the final one that gets put on top?