October is HERE!

My absolute favorite month of the entire year!

Spooky season is upon us once again!

Today I'm going to leave it open ended with you!

Share your favorite Halloween memes/videos and what-not!

Here's a few YouTube things for spooky season!
(I'm not paid, nor do I endorse.)

Have a fantastic week!!

WIP: Poetry in the Raw

Welcome back to another week!

I was somewhat confused (and honestly, please) that the first post of this month has a bunch of read through's. I'm uncertain if it was due to content or something I may have mentioned (I'm betting on the latter). Whichever the case - hello Readers!


Today is Work In Progress day!

As you can tell I'm a bit behind in most of my personal projects. Being back in school means I have about twenty new ideas for stories and other such schemes, but little time to devote to them. (I am an avid believer in sleep. And being a night-owl. And the prospect of being a highly-functioning-slacker.)

Regardless, I've been doing some other work for class that I thought I'd share with you this week.

As mentioned before I am in a Poetry class - creative writing: poetry. It's a workshop course where every few weeks we each write 2 poems and submit them for peer review and feedback on how to make them better. At the end of the semester everything will be submitted as the final portfolio.


Please feel free to post any critiques/comments/issues about these poems. I appreciate feedback of any kind.

When Life Was Good

Tell me something I don't know

A story of when life was good.

Back when the evenings were full

of laughter. Of smiles.

A time when love never thought of dying.

Of saying hurtful untruths.

Words to demean.

Words.

Life use to be filled with kind words.

A morning of frenzied eating, lunch packing,

running for the door. The bus.

Home once more to loving hands

To a full house of those who protect

Tell me a story once shared,

When life was good.

Autumn

Nighttime comes, I dream

the world is how I imagined.

Bright-lit streets, small, comfortable

house. Easy, soft, living.

Books fill the air,

the scent of parchment and ink prolific.

Mixed fragrances of honey, pumpkin,

cinnamon; spice.

Old burned furniture.

Scarred wooden panels.

Blaze of light, cackling away.

Chocolate: hot, steamy, white clouds

floating on the surface of foam.

Complete. Relaxed.

Home.

Mansion Fire

Haunted high

Ghostly wails

Tightening shadows

Footsteps

Lingering echoes

Spinning Darkness

Grim and Grinning

Ghosts

~

Older Than Time

A tune, a melody

older than the time

around it.

Long, golden, bright

shimmers like silk.

Spinning, high on

toes.

Melodies play

around the room, deep

tones that resonate.

Night darkens,

turning the sky to ink.

Pinpoints come,

littering the ink with

gems of the universe.

A tune, a melody

older than the time

around it.

Let me know what you think. Also - anything you're working on that you want to share? Leave a comment below.

Summer's Here Again

It's hot.

I'm trying to run a business (that's mostly online and by word of mouth and not doing so hot).

I'm trying to write this darn novel.

I'm trying to exercise every day (hasn't happened since last month when I got sick, though I do walk).

I'm trying to survive.


How about you?

WIP - A little writing

Right.

Christmas brain. That's why this is a day late.


In the past few weeks I've been working a few different things. Mostly an original little piece based around the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice.

I used a few characters of my own, and incorporated music into it. (Hmmm....I might post links to the actual songs as we go along.....or not.)

So - here you have it. It's a little Greek Mythology, a little Broadway, and a lot of me.

(Note: Not a self-insert.)


The Story Draft One:

10 Years.

That was a large number to think about. She'd been in the ghost realm that long - her body in a coma, more death like than sleeping. The Hat-Box Ghost had left her there, with a darkness deeper than him. Through the years they has successfully broken her memory - erasing all those she once knew and loved.

Erin moved out of the spotlight position of his company. Losing her had been unacceptable. He spent 10 years trying to find a way to bring her back. Some of the dwarves had made her a glass casket; holes near the bottom and sides to keep out the elements. Part of this curse was that she wouldn't age while asleep. For her time had all but  ceased moving. He would visit her every week. The place on the mountain offered a stunning view of the land still untouched by the hands of industry.

"Erin, this idea is mad." The voice behind him was one of reason, one of her older, well younger brothers. "Even if you succeed, what's to say she'll be the same?"

He had a plan now. He knew how to save her. The answer had been staring him in the face. It was as much of history as He, but it had worked. It would work again.

"Jack's right, Erin, don't think -"

"I have thought, I've been thinking of nothing else for the past ten years," his own voice, mangled. "It's the only thing I haven't tried yet. It has to work!"

Erin straightened. Placing the flowers on the top of the glass he watched her. If you paid close attention you could see her slight intake of breath every few minutes. If you weren't looking for it you'd miss the sign of life altogether.

"Think of the risks man."

"Jack, I appreciate the concern, but this is my fault. I'm going to do it."

He stepped around the two. After the years of research he'd done, all the planning, everything was set. If Orpheus could do it to save Eurydice, surely he could do it to save Mira.

"Do you know what you're going to sing to lure her back," provided this half-brained dream works, the third man thought, yet didn't say.

Erin glanced back at the century (well older) old musician. They were on the campus now.

"Yes, Erik. I have a playlist all set," he strode into the apartment complex. As per usual the elevator was on the rocks again. "I put it together last week."

On the eighth floor he went down to the last door on the left. He could have afforded a nice house in any part of the world: instead he'd contended himself to this old building. It was close to where she was. He could have stayed at her house out in the woods, but it felt hollow.

"Right, so we're doing this. What can I do to help?"

Erik shook his head, "I've got everything I need. Just keep an eye on the entrance while I'm down there."

A few weeks ago one of the archaeology students had uncovered, well discovered by sheer accident a tunnel in the mountain. A spirit had emerged with it, claiming it was a portal to the ghost realm. After cooler heads had come and a few Demigods confirmed, it was confirmed as a route down to where the spirits were kept. The idea to go down and bring her back had slowly stemmed from that. He would do whatever it takes.

A half hour later he came to the cave entrance. Only Jack had come with him. No one else believed it would work. It was odd to think of this youth as an adult now. Ten years had gentled aged him well.

As they approached the Gate Keeper slowly looked up. It was a dark cloth over the frame of a corpse. There was no smell to it, no scent. It was a thing that always stood, patiently waiting for someone to come and pass through.

"What is your purpose?"

"I'm here to bring back the soul of Mira Penumbra."

For a moment the ravaged visage seemed to grin. Then it stepped back, waving its arm  toward the opening of the cave in a showmen's gesture. From the depth a set of stone steps appeared. There was only one direction to go: down.

"You know the rules Jason of the Argonauts. Break them and she is lost for eternity."

"I understand."

Erik took a breath and stepped inside.

He'd read, studied, been told the tale, yet finally going down seemed surreal. There was no echo of his step on the stores, no lingering echo to fade into the encroaching black. The light was dim, coming from sources he could not place. As he made his way down and further down still he began to see the signs of a vast dwelling. He knew that was where her soul, her spirit would be. Leveling out on the ground he looked behind him - there was no trace of the entrance. High above him the world lay, full of light. He was in the pit of night.

"What is your purpose here, mortal?"

Turning back to the path leading to the underground castle he saw a guard.

"I've come to free the soul of Mira Penumbra."

He didn't know if he imagined it, but the guard seemed to grin.

"Right this way."

Through a door of black granite was an outdoor throne room. Upon a throne of pure obsidian sat a figure framed in shadows. Erin couldn't make out any details about the form. Around him in the courtyard were the souls of those who had dearly departed their mortal coil. These spirits were grey, hazy as though they might vanish forever. When he looked near a broken and barren willow tree he saw a spirit that appeared brighter than the rest. He knew it was her.

"What is your purpose here, demigod?"

He faced the throne, stepping before it.

"I am Jason, leader of the Argonauts. I have come here to return the soul and spirit of Mira Penumbra, who is not fully deceased. I am here to bring her back."

The mass of shadows moved, swirling and slithering like snakes.

"Come forward."

Erin watched as a spirit, brighter than the others, stepped up next to the throne. He withheld a gasp as he recognized her. She hadn't aged a day in ten years, still wearing the dress she'd been in. Everything about her was the same, except the gleam in her eye was gone. Instead she appeared lost.

"You know the rules Argonaut: you will walk forward, she will follow. If you look back once, she remains here. Forever." There was a grin in the shadows voice, "You are free to persuade her however you choose."





Tune in next week - when I'll finally be back on track!

Master Builder

I've decided to take this week and briefly (as in a paragraphys, if that) discuss something that everyone loves. Or has at least played with temporarly.

LEGOS

There has been some point in any school course where you've had to use LEGOS for math. I can almost guarantee it. Whether its been for adding and subtracting, or multiplication and division, these little bricks can help with little kids learning their fractions.

They can also be used for music. Think about whole notes (the 4 dot blocks), half notes (2 dot blocks), ectra. It's a wonderful way to learn how to handle the notes on the page and read the sheet music.

Also - let's face it, who hasn't tried making their own massive pyramid before?

(Disclaimer: I found this pics using Google, I do not own the rights to any of them. No copyright infringement intended.)

What are some of the cool creations you've made with LEGO's before? Post a pic!

Being Alive

Since I utterly mucked up yesterday with this weeks' post I figured I'd do a plain little tid bit.

I am not the best at keeping up with things. I can't believe that this blog has lasted as long as it has. Seriously. It is rather miraculous.

There are so many things that will be happening this summer. I can't wait to post pictures for you!

(Well, the one viewer that I have. If you have any cool costumes you want me to look out for at Momocon, let me know!)

Well, there's a music event on the 13th, the Georgia Renaissance Festival the following weekend, and then about five days at Momon Con!

With all this happening, I'm super excited for summer!

... for once....

Prepare for the inslaught of pictures that will be coming. I will also be updating various shows that I volunteer at - "Lord of the Dance", "Finding Neverland", and couple of others.

I will also be reviewing movies and books that I read as I finish them.

And, hopefully I'll get a better schedule for this blog.

Cheers,
Have a safe week!

Music Beats All

I find that music is rather soothing. It's calm, relaxing, meaningful . . . if you find the peaceful music for study time or while at work.

Or it can be quick, fast, scary, and overwhelming . . . perfect for a scary movie or horror flick.

Due to an awesome job where I can work from home, I have had plenty of time to scour youtube (okay not "plenty", I've barely scratched the surface) for some awesome music.

So - here are a few songs that I would like to share with you. Some of them are hour+ long, being compiled from various places.

Let's start out with some Gibli - this is a wonderful mix list that can send you back to awesome childhood memories.

Video Game music is rather awesome. Even if you don't play games the music can be rather catchy.

Movie Soundtracks will not be left out. There are some rather epic scores out there right now - I will try to add a few of my favorites. Dracula: Untold is one of my favorite movies and the music did not disappoint.

I couldn't not add this. I mean - just watch and you'll understand. *sigh*

Pretty - right?

You wouldn't believe how many concerts these guys have on youtube! This one in particular celebrates the early pioneers of the world.

I would be a sore musician if I didn't add some Jazz. I love this style of music. It's so classy, and soft, and awesome.

And I leave you with a man who does Rock covers of various songs. His phantom ones are my personal favorite. (All I Ask Of You)


What are some of your favorite songs to listen to?

What is the Go-To song for when you have a fantastic day?

Leave a comment below and I will answer!

(Note: I am NOT paid for any name dropping, or anything like that.)

Time Off from Class

In my final post of August - the final post centering around school - I'm going to discuss something school seems to miss:

Time off.

While you get 'vacation days' every few weeks or so, it's good to take a few extra days off.

Keeping yourself fit and healthy is a great way to ensure that your grades don't slip, your on time, and you are continually looking your best.

There are dozens of things you can do on your Day Off:

1. Guiltless Netflix
     We all have friends that guilt us over how much we binge watch. If you are taking a 'You' day, don't let anyone tell you it's bad. Not only is it relaxing, but you can catch up on all those episodes. :)

2. Cookies
      Who doesn't love cookies from scratch? Or from the package. Fire up the oven and make up some of your favorite flavors, grab milk and hunker down with #1.

3. Music
      Have a Music Hour. Find that album you've been meaning to listen too, set up, and just let the music flood over your. It will be relaxing and fun.


What are some things you'd love to do on a Day Off? Leave a comment below.

The Trials of a Blogger

A spoofed title taken from the last book that I finished.

While there are dozens of amazing book series that have a lasting impression - Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia - there are some new ones that are stepping up to the plate.

Over the last few years Rick Riordan has given us a new twist on Greek Mythology. He's even gone into Roman, Egyptian, and Norse Mythology. Spinning tales set in modern times with the old legends.

While these series are well-worth the read, I have found new love in the latest series.

"The Hidden Oracle" series, follows a disgraced god as he becomes human to atone for mucking things up and causing a massive war.

"The Trials of Apollo" - aptly follow Lester Papadopoulos, a sixteen year old who falls from the sky to land in a dumpster. He angered his father, who punished him by making him a human.

Oh?

Lester was Apollo.

The God of Music, Poetry, Archery, Medicine, bringing the sun across the horizon - is now reduced to a teen who can't seem to make any of these things work for him.

While in the service to a feisty young girl named Meg McCaffrey, he has to redeem himself in order to become a God again.

Follow his first person whining, er, tale-telling, as he goes from dumpster beatings, to battling plagues, to being the worst in everything he's supposed to be good at - to having to deal with an old "friend".

Oh.

And he has to find and save all the Oracles.


Trust me - this book is far better than I am making it sound. So please PLEASE - go check out this amazing book.


And, if you have a favorite myth, post it in the comments below.

Memorial Day

Yesterday we celebrated the men and women who spend their lives protecting their country.

In honor of those who work tirelessly for the freedoms we have here is a list of songs that celebrate our great country:

(Yes, I know all of these are Mormon Tabernacle Choir - but find me another choir who can do these songs the justice they deserve. Leave me a comment in the section below.)


Armed Forced Medley

My Country, 'Tis of Thee

This Land Is Your Land

Hymn To The Fallen

America The Beautiful

This Is My Country

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Flag of the Free

The Stars and Stripes Forever

God Bless America

However you celebrated (if you did) - I hope you remembered those that came before us. Those that gave their lives so that we can live in freedom. Speak in freedom (or blog - hello Freedom of Speech). And have many opportunities to live out our lives in pursuit of freedom.

Thank a Soldier - they are why we can complain.

Exercise

Not the word most people want to hear - but one that is rather vital to the health and upkeep of our physical bodies.

I'm not the first one to be all "Health! Exercise! Running! Kale!"

First of all, I do take care of my health by eating correctly.

Second, I've been doing stretches each and every day - currently I added Zumba (which my hips were not too thrilled with) and Tai Chi.

Thirdly, if I ever start to run there's probably something/one chasing me. My ankles would have a conniption if I ever tried this professionally.

Fourth, um. No offense to Kale lovers, but it's not for everyone. And there are lots of other healthy things that are leafy and green that we can eat.


So - why exercise? What does it have to do with me?

There are two different aspects of Exercise.

      1. The aforementioned Upkeep of the physical body. (I.E.: running, walking, Zumba, etc.)

      2. Mental Exercise


While we need to keep our bodies in fit condition - or even start by doing something little - there is another part of us that we need to keep fit and trim.

The Mind.

As with physical exercising there are plenty of ways that we can keep our minds engaged and active. I've thought of a few for you to try out:

1. Crossword puzzles. This one is rather cliche, but has to be added. I'm terrified of these puzzles because I'm not that well versed in, well, anything that has to do with a crossword. These are a brilliant way to learn new words and new things. (Even if you take a hint from the answer page!)
2. Sudoku. I'll admit, I hate this. I'm not a math oriented person, so when we had to do one for our math class back in high school, I thoroughly hated it. But I got it done. It worked my brain in ways I was unaccustomed too. Perhaps that is why it's a great way to keep up the mind.
3. Free Writing. This can be used for anyone. Pick a topic and just write. Make up a story, do something creating while putting words down. I find that writing helps sooth the mind. It takes things you worry about and gets them out.
4. Music. This one's a no-brainer (heh, get it?). Learning to play an instrument (at any age) is going to be difficult, but the benefits far exceed their limits. Music is an ingetral part of our lives. Everywhere we go there's some sort of music. Learning to play any instrument helps keep your brain focused. It also teaches math skills (which I never seemed to get because math just didn't work for me).
5. Art. Tangling is the new art that has everyone up and buying adult coloring books. While it's soothing and calming for the mind to sit and color, creating a new piece is another way to exercise our minds. By creating something only you can see, you are unlocking a new part of the mind. Try it. See what you come up with.

I know that most of these are "arty" related, anything you can think of can be an exercise for the mind.

Take a walk, bring along a notebook and write down the things you see. See if you can identify the trees, the flowers or the animals around you.

Sit in a cafe, listen to the gentle thrum of life.

The only thing that's preventing you from exercising of any kind, is you. Take it from a girl who's not a fan of the word or deed. Once you're up and moving, it's hard to go back and settle in one place.

(If you do try any of the ideas above, feel free to post pictures in the comments below.)

Yanni

First of all, for those of you who follow I apologize for the delay in this week’s post. The internet at my house decided it was the end and abruptly died.

This morning the service expert came out and called it – so I have a shiny new little box and a boosting signal. (You can’t stop the signal!)

So – without further delay – here is this weeks post.

Last weekend I was able to experience the treat of my lifetime. I went to my second concert ever (I know, I’m not as hip as everyone else out there) at the Fox Theatre, as an usher, but I was able to see it for free. For those of you who haven’t heard of him or his music – or simply don’t know who he is – one word:

Yanni.

Back in the 90’s he helped revamp the general interest in music along with Enya.

Yanni’s music is classic, soft and wonderful. In recent years he has begun adding singers to his repertoire. All of the music is still fantastic. If you haven’t been blessed enough to listen – GO SNAG AN ALBUM!

There’s a few of them at your local library for sure. And if you’re a musician, there’s piano books (though, after seeing him play, I feel highly underqualified for performing any of his works ever again). Some of these can be found at your local library as well.

Though, I’ve taken the time to add some youtube links (yay!!) of some of my personal favorites.

(Links listed below.)

Music is a wonderful way of expressing yourself, of connecting with emotions, and feeling something on the inside. It’s a way to understand life, to connect dots, to study by. Without music I life would simply pass on as a dull and dreary existence.

Take the time to pass on some music – sharing sounds with those you love, or appreciate – this is what makes memories last.

In the Morning Light

So Long My Friend

To the One Who Knows

Almost A Whisper (one of my personal favorites!!)

Before I Go

In the Mirror (another of my favorites)

First Touch

Enchantment

Felista 

Secret Vows

To Take Hold

What artist/play/musical/movie should I review next month? List your favorites in the comments below!

Bonus Track: In the Mirror - feat. Nathan Pacheco and Chloe

(This was part of the '08 tour where singers came on tour and, well, sang with Yanni (who is on the piano.)