Friday, March 29, 2013

A to Z Theme

Monday is the first day of the A to Z Challenge!  This will be my first year participating and I'm very excited about it!  (Last year I was a creepy lurk.)  

I've decided to share with you guys a poem a day!  I think it will be a nice way to showcase some of my favorite poetry/poets with everyone!  Some posts will be the actual poem, some will be videos of the poet doing the reading and some might be an artistic representation of the words. 

I love, love, love the abstract representation of human emotion that poetry brings to the table.  It's such an incredible art form.  I hope you guys will stop by during the month of April to get your daily dose!  I luckily finished the list a few weeks ago, so I'm hoping that the month goes by rather smoothly. 

Are any of you guys participating in A to Z?  If you are-- what's your theme?  If you're not- you still have time to get signed up!  (And you totally should!) 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Informative Articles and B*tches in Bookshops

I like to read about "the craft" (no-- not the witch movie with my doppleganger, Neve Campbell, though that is a good movie)-- I'm talking about writing.  I compiled a list of a few of my favorite reads from the last couple weeks.  I hope you find them as interesting/informative as I did!

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-Chuck Sambuchino discusses the Top 10 Worst Types of Critique Partners
-Wendy Van Camp @ No Wasted Ink has compiled an *awesome* list of need-to-know Twitter #Hashtags for authors
-Jocelyn K. Glei compiled a list entitled "25 Insights on Becoming a Better Writer"
-Out of print writing compiled an extensive list of Manuscript submission opportunities
-5 Ways To be An Unsuccessful Indie Author by Rachel Thompson tells you about the major "don'ts"
-Jane Friedman @ Writer Unboxed discusses 5 Industry Trends Requiring Every Writers Attention
---

And because this never gets old:
Read so hard libraries try to find me

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Sunday Confessions!

It's been awhile since I've participated in one of Alyx@Every Day is a New Adventure's Sunday confession-- and I'm waiting for eggplant to brown, so I thought Why the hell not?

1. I've been writing a lot of poetry.  And by a lot-- I mean about a poem a day!  (I feel like I'm constantly revising or working on something new and it feels so good!)  I've said more times than I can count that I'm not a poet, but I'm starting to feel comfortable with my poetry and am actually embracing it.  Maybe I am a poet.  Not to mention, it's a great break from the cluster-fuck that is my fiction writing at times.  I'm about to be knee-deep in Camp NaNo, and the pacing of poetry is helpful with my writer's block.  I've actually comprised a list of great poetry for the A to Z challenge.  I'm excited to share them with everyone!

2.  I am addicted to Tumblr.  Do you guys "tumbl"?  I can post all of these strange photographs, and songs, and words, and and and!!!!  All in one spot and it's just there for me like a collage.  I'm in love.  My Tumblr page is definitely a companion during my creative process.

3.  I am in utter shock that Kate Winslet has signed on for the Divergent movie franchise... She's like... a real movie star.  And those books are like... I won't go there.  But, how cool is it that the Turk who died in Mary's bed is going to play Four/Tobias!?  (Those of you who watch Downton Abbey know what I'm talking about.)

4.  Speaking of Y.A.-- Cinder by Marissa Meyer : GET YOUR HANDS ON IT.  it is gold, you guys.  GOLD.  I can't wait to get my hands on the second novel in the Lunar Series!  It's nice to read a Y.A. that is not a LOVE story.  It's incredible.  You will love it.  LOVE IT.  Cyborgs.  And Sci-Fi. And people from the moon.  It's a great read!

5.  Garrett and I have had such a strong pull towards the town we live in, like we are meant to stay here awhile.  It's hard when you've got such wanderlust and then life keeps telling you that maybe it has other plans for you.  There are so many things here that are in the beginning stages of development-- the community is just full of possibilities!  I've never felt so connected in my entire life.  Garrett and I are constantly networking and meeting some of the most incredible people who are full of passion... Our life is truly in a new, powerful and, beautiful stage.  I'm feeling overwhelmed with positive emotions and love.  Moving here has been the best decision we've ever made.

Do you guys have anything to confess?  What about Camp NaNo?  Anyone participating?  What about the A to Z challenge- what's your topic?  Have you read Cinder?  And what do you think of the Divergent casting?  TELL ME!  Most importantly- ARE YOU ON TUMBLR?

Thursday, March 21, 2013

FSF : Conquer

I sure do love Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction!

Lillie McFerrin

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.
This week: CONQUER
---

"I can't do this," Joseph's fist wrapped tightly around the crystal hanging from his neck, "I'm not strong enough."  Steadying himself with his back against the wall, he pleaded with Amara, his weakness sending static electricity to every corner of the room.

"You're wrong, god dammit!" Amara's voice, deep and strong, echoed with each syllable.  "Crush the damn thing!  Crush it!"  she pushed the hammer into his free hand.

Joseph locked in on Amara's glaze and in one swift gesture, ripped the crystal from his neck and threw it on the floor, greedily crushing the crystal with each blow, the Queen's screams ringing in their ears, "Nooooo!"

Monday, March 18, 2013

Top Ten Movie Countdown

 

 I know- you are probably thinking, Another blogfest, Azia?   But, can you really blame me?  They are such fun and I love reading what other people have to say about similar topics!  Make sure you head on over to Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog and check out all of the entries!

All we have to do is list our Top Ten favorite movies. How easy/awesome is that?  Here we go!

Step Brothers:
It's too funny... stupid, yes.  But, hilarious.

It's Kind of a Funny Story:

This movie just makes you feel good when it's over.

Something Borrowed:

 When I need to watch a chick-flick-- this is my go-to film.  The story line is a little twisted, and I'm not the biggest fan of the novel... But, the casting is great and John Krasinksi is amazing!

District 9:

WHEN IS THE SEQUEL COMING OUT.  Seriously.  This story is GOLD.

What's Eating Gilbert Grape:
One of the best movies of ALL TIME.

Snatch:
No explanation needed.  This movie is genius.

Fight Club:
YOU ARE NOT YOUR FUCKING KHAKIS!!!!

Wild Target:
HILARIOUS.  Get your hands on this movie NOW.

The Royal Tenenbaums:
I could watch this movie a thousand times over and never get sick of it.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:

My absolute favorite movie of all time EVER.

Bonus :Favorite Christmas Movie- The Family Stone

Okay, this was A LOT harder than I thought it would be!  I have some honorable mentions: Jerry Maguire (I know, Tom Cruise is such an annoying actor- but hot damn do I love that movie!), Legends of the Fall, Drive, Across the Universe, ALL of the Harry Potter movies (obviously), A Lot Like Love, Avatar... just a name a few.  Ha.

Have you seen any of the movies listed above?  What are some of your favorite movies?

Friday, March 15, 2013

Got Green Blogfest 2.0 - Kiss Me I'm Irish

Click the image above to check out all of the entries
Mark over @ Aloha! Mark Koopmans says hi from Hi is hosting the Got Green Blogfest 2.0 -- he's giving us free reign to write about whatever we'd like-- so I'm going to take this opportunity to share a song and the story of Finn.
---
I had the pleasure of seeing Gaelic Storm in 2010-- talk about a high energy show!  Okay, okay-- they may be L.A. based and, the music may be both Irish & Scottish in inspiration-- but this celtic band knows how to jam.  (Neat fact- they played in the famous dancing scene between Jack & Rose in the movie Titanic-- how cool!)

Kiss Me I'm Irish - Gaelic Storm

Eyes glazed over, Finn stumbled left and then right and then left again as the music blasted from every speaker.  The bar was full of people covered in glittering green hats, dressed as Leprechauns and enjoying green Miller Lite beer on tap- $2.  With his eyes closed, he began to sing,
Kiss me, I'm Irish!
I am the wild rover.
My eyes they are smiling,
And I'm seldom sober.
I like my whiskey,
And I love to dance,
So if you're feeling as lucky as me, take a chance,
And kiss me, I'm Irish...
Suddenly, a large pair of lips pressed against his.  At first gentle, the mouths movements became  hurried revealing the sandpaper like roughage of his assailants upper lip.  Startled, Finn popped his eyes open.  There stood his roommate, John, laughing hysterically, 'You said you were Irish, bro!'

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Five Sentence Fiction : Paradise

 It's that time of the week for Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction!
Lillie McFerrin

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.
This week: PARADISE
---


The sound of murmuring voices flooded his ears but he no longer had eyes that allowed him to look in their direction.  There wasn't much of anything to see-- just darkness and the sound of his own thoughts, an echo against the black walls surrounding him.  It was just a dream he thought to himself, a euphoric paradise encasing his mind as pictures of beautiful moments snapped passed him-- children running up and hugging his legs, wiping the sweat from his brow after a long day of work, the sun setting against the backdrop of the farm- a burnt orange that made the sky look as if it was on fire, the glint in his wife's eyes on their wedding day.  Suddenly, he felt trapped, my wife, my wife!  Thrusting back and forth in his mind, a scream no one else could hear filled his head, Gloria!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday : Spring To-Read

Today I'm participating in The Broke & The Bookish:
 Taken from the site: Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This feature was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

This week, we are to list the Top 10 books on our Spring To-Read list!   

And for my list:
 
In a distant, timeless place, a mysterious prophet walks the sands. At the moment of his departure, he wishes to offer the people gifts but possesses nothing. The people gather round, each asks a question of the heart, and the man's wisdom is his gift. It is Gibran's gift to us, as well, for Gibran's prophet is rivaled in his wisdom only by the founders of the world's great religions. On the most basic topics--marriage, children, friendship, work, pleasure--his words have a power and lucidity that in another era would surely have provoked the description "divinely inspired." Free of dogma, free of power structures and metaphysics, consider these poetic, moving aphorisms a 20th-century supplement to all sacred traditions--as millions of other readers already have. --Brian Bruya

Monogamy Songs is some kind of new beast. Maybe it's a memoir. Or a book of prose poems. Or maybe those "poems" are really mini-snapshots of true, horny, heartbroken, frustrated, medicated, nervous, passionate, jealous, sweaty domesticity. Sherl's language in this book is spiked and unguarded, sometimes in shocking ways. It's also breathtakingly beautiful. Monogamy Songs is the most personal book so far by this exciting young writer.

The story takes the form of a series of letters from a senior demon, Screwtape, to his nephew, a junior "tempter" named Wormwood, so as to advise him on methods of securing the damnation of a British man, known only as "the Patient".

Screwtape holds an administrative post in the bureaucracy ("Lowerarchy") of Hell, and acts as a mentor to Wormwood, the inexperienced tempter. In the body of the thirty-one letters which make up the book, Screwtape gives Wormwood detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith and promoting sin in the Patient, interspersed with observations on human nature and Christian doctrine. Wormwood and Screwtape live in a peculiarly morally reversed world, where individual benefit and greed are seen as the greatest good, and neither demon is capable of comprehending or acknowledging true human virtue when he sees it.

When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.

Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Children of divorced parents, sisters Sarah and Emily Grimes are observed over four decades, and grow into two very different women.Sarah is stable and stalwart, settling into an unhappy marriage.Emily is precocious and independent, struggling with one unsatisfactory love affair after another.Richard Yates's acclaimed novel is about how both women struggle to overcome their tarnished family's past, and how both finally reach for some semblance of renewal

Richard Yates's unflinchingly realistic stories explore loneliness, but they don't neglect failure, cruelty, and heartbreak. Most of the stories feature men who have been disappointed, somehow, by their inability to fulfill the promise of their youth.

Awe and exhilaration—along with heartbreak and mordant wit—abound in Lolita, Nabokov's most famous and controversial novel, which tells the story of the aging Humbert Humbert's obsessive, devouring, and doomed passion for the nymphet Dolores Haze. Lolita is also the story of a hypercivilized European colliding with the cheerful barbarism of postwar America. Most of all, it is a meditation on love—love as outrage and hallucination, madness and transformation.

Leo Tolstoy’s classic story of doomed love is one of the most admired novels in world literature. Generations of readers have been enthralled by his magnificent heroine, the unhappily married Anna Karenina, and her tragic affair with dashing Count Vronsky.

In their world frivolous liaisons are commonplace, but Anna and Vronsky’s consuming passion makes them a target for scorn and leads to Anna’s increasing isolation. The heartbreaking trajectory of their relationship contrasts sharply with the colorful swirl of friends and family members who surround them, especially the newlyweds Kitty and Levin, who forge a touching bond as they struggle to make a life together. Anna Karenina is a masterpiece not only because of the unforgettable woman at its core and the stark drama of her fate, but also because it explores and illuminates the deepest questions about how to live a fulfilled life.

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Buddha and Christ, perhaps the two most pivotal figures in the history of humankind, each left behind a legacy of teachings and practices that have shaped the lives of billions of people over two millennia. If they were to meet on the road today, what would each think of the other's spiritual views and practices? In this classic text for spiritual seekers, Thich Nhat Hanh explores the crossroads of compassion and holiness at which the two traditions meet, and he reawakens our understanding of both.
 --
(all descriptions were taken from Goodreads) 

What are some of the books on your To-Read list this Spring? 

Friday, March 8, 2013

Liebster Award

The amazing Lara Lacombe @ Romance With An Edge nominated me for the:



She actually gave this to me a few weeks ago-- but I am just now coming around to answering the questions!  (Is that super lame of me?!)


But, Lara-- Thank you so much!  I really appreciate the shout-out :)  You rock!

There are a few rules for this award, so before we get started, let me list them here:

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you.

2. Answer the 11 questions from the nominator, list 11 random facts about yourself and create 11 questions for your nominees.

3. Present the Liebster Blog Award to 11 blogs of 200 followers or less who you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen. (No tag backs)-- I chose 4.  I know-- slacking.  But, most of the blogs I follow far exceed the 200 follower mark!

4. Copy and Paste the blog award on your blog.
So without further ado, here are the questions from my nominator:

1. What's your favorite writing/reading snack?
I like to sip on coffee, tea, Advocare Spark (basically anything with caffeine in it) or ice (FREEZING) cold water.  Or a Woodchuck.  Or a New Castle.  Yeah, those are nice too.  But, I don't drink alcohol enough too much.  But, when writing-- and things get a little edgy/you start to feel really vulnerable-- a drink helps with the nerves a bit.

2. Where have you always wanted to visit?
I have never been ANYWHERE-- so I want to visit EVERYWHERE.  We are starting with the North American Continent at the end of 2014-- after we've seen everything there is to see on the continent  we were born on, we will then choose our next destination.

3. What's your favorite accent?
English.  Obviously.  But, since German accents are kind of scary-- that's definitely a close second!  It is hilarious-- to be able to say 'I want an ice cream sundae!' yet invoke the fear of God into a non-speakers heart.

4. What movie do you always watch when you find it on TV?
I don't have cable television-- not even basic.. so, can I change the question?  Okay-- I'm changing it to: What is your favorite movie?  In that case, I have quite a few!  Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Royal Tennenbaums, Wild Target (British humor at it's best IMO), Jerry Maguire, The Family Stone, Snatch and Step Brothers are the first few that come to mind.

5. What's your favorite hobby?
I'm not going to say writing-- because writing is just a way of life.  So, in that case- baking.  I loooove to bake!  I will be selling baked goods at our local farmers market this spring/summer and I'm very excited!  I've been perfecting a lot of recipes-- for example-- I have made the perfect vegan banana bread with brown sugar crumble, as well as rockin' vegan "cheese" loaf and a cinnamon swirl bread that is to die for.  And don't get me started on all the non-vegan goodies I have in my oven-o-tricks.

6. Say you can quit your day job and do whatever you want.  What would you do?
Travel with my children-- that way I can ensure they don't get sucked into the American subculture commonly referred to as "YOLO" but  more closely resembling the retardation of the soul.

7. What made you want to start writing?
It was less of a want and more of a necessity.  The words would bleed from my hands.  I've been journaling since I was in kindergarten.

8. What is your favorite genre?
I LOVE dystopian-- always have, always will.  I also love YA (that's why I fell in LURVE with The Hunger Games-- a mix of my two favs!)-- I love NA, though some would dispute it being a genre (I tend to write NA)-- Sci-Fi... poetry, memoir.  Who am I kidding?  I LOVE IT ALL.  Minus erotica.  You can take 50 Shades of Grey and shove it where the sun don't shine.  (That is, unless you like 50 Shades of Grey-- because I assume you'd like it shoved up there.  Sick burn.)

9. Where is your writing/reading nook?
Play room/office-- next to a large window that the sun pours into.  Though, lately, I've been doing a lot of writing at the kitchen table in the foster home I work at.

10. What book do you wish you had written?
Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood and/or The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.  Also- Harry Potter, because who doesn't wish they were J.K. Rowling!?

11. Early bird, night owl, or something in between?
I am unfortunately a night owl and, that is why awake overnights from 11pm-8am don't really phase me.  That being said, if I don't work, I like to be in bed by 8pm-9pm because my children are early birds!

11 Facts About Me:
-Thinking of 11 facts is hard work for me/I hate this
-I recently cut off 14 inches of my hair-- all by myself-- I should eventually go to a stylist because it's kind of Sponge-Bob-Square-Heady
- I tell things like it is... sugar coating is for the birds... Though, I'm getting better at distinguishing the appropriate timing to say said things.
-I'm working on a project called Dirty Chai Mag (named for my favorite espresso drink) with my good friend, Samantha.  We hope to launch and begin accepting submissions by the end of the month!
-I am a very forgiving person--  I always accept apologies, always.
-I actually really enjoy this Rhianna song: I typically hate pop music:
-I looooove Woodchuck Cider,  LOVE.
-I  have a sister from another mister and a brother from another mother.
-My favorite color is blue (I bet you had me pegged for a 'green' person, eh?)
-I love waking up in my bed with both of my kids, Garrett and our two cats all in a giant cuddle puddle
-I met Anthony Hopkins once-- he introduced himself as "Tony" and it was Bad Ass.  BAD ASS..

Annnnd I nominate:

I really enjoyed the questions that Lara came up with- so you guys can answer those!

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Five Sentence Fiction : Whisper

It has been awhile since I participated in Lillie McFerrin's Five Sentence Fiction.   I feel a little bit rusty in regards to my flash skills-- so I thought I'd see what I come up with.  FSF is a fun/awesome exercise that always delivers a wide variety of entertaining entries- check them out and know that I highly suggest joining us!

Lillie McFerrin

What it’s all about: Five Sentence Fiction is about packing a powerful punch in a tiny fist. Each week I will post a one word inspiration, then anyone wishing to participate will write a five sentence story based on the prompt word. The word does not have to appear in your five sentences, just use it for direction.
This week:WHISPER

--
source

Extending my arms above my head, I slowly begin to bend at the waist, first to my left and then to my right.  My hands, magnetic to the atmosphere around me, extend into the air.  Breathing in, I become aware of the way my lungs whisper inside of my body, a slow, melodic pulse against the beating of my heart.  I focus on the rhythm, allowing it to become the beat of my footsteps.  I walk to the center of the room, removing my robe, allowing them to see me naked for the first time. 

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

IWSG- Am I a REAL Writer?!

It's the first Wednesday of the month!  And that means that it's time for Alex J. Cavanaugh's:

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer - aim for a dozen new people each time 
 ---

Claiming the title of writer when you haven't been published in anything but small press magazines is tough business, guys.  (I feel I need to note that small press magazines are freaking awesome-- but unless all of your friends/family/acquaintances are literary: they have never heard of the publications-- Especially online journals!)  

Upon explaining to people that I'm a writer, they always ask me what I'm writing/what I've written.  That is then followed by a slew of other questions: Am I published?  Do I have an agent? Why don't I just release an e-book?  etc. etc.

When I answer no to these questions--  I can tell they are thinking (and some have downright said) "How can you be a writer if you aren't published?"

Fudge.  As if being a writer isn't scary enough... allowing yourself to be vulnerable with every stroke of the keyboard... But, then constantly worrying if you are a REAL writer-- ugh!  Exhausting!

I have yet to query a manuscript-- nor have I begun to look for an agent.  I participated in GUTGAA (hosted by the lovely Deanna Barnhart) a few months back to get a feel for the entire process.  Hopefully, if Deanna hosts it again- I will have something ready!  I also think I'm going to participate in Camp NaNo in April (and July?  We'll see)-- I might cheat and use one of my 500 unfinished manuscripts, but it will be the swift kick in the behind that I need.

 

Well said, Mr. Orwell.  Well said!  And-- all this exhausting work makes me a writer, right?  Not all of the fancy titles?! 

Monday, March 4, 2013

Even in the midst of madness, one must continue on...

                                                                Source: huff.to via Azia on Pinterest


I have yet to meet a writer who isn't crazy all of the time from time to time.  There is much to be said about those who toss words back and forth in their brain, simmering the placement and delivery of each sentence with care.  Writers, we watch people in different ways than non-writers.  Being uncomfortable isn't necessarily a bad thing- it's an experience that allows us to later write what we have just witnessed- we recognize new feelings, in ourselves and in others.  We note the twitch in a stranger's eye when he says the name, "Guinness"-- a nervous tick that possibly arises from guilt.  Maybe he lost his wife recently, and drinks to numb the pain?  Or worse, maybe his wife isn't dead at all- maybe she left him because he loves that Guinness more than her.  That stranger sticks in our head for hours, days, weeks-- "Why?" plaguing our mind, a need to understand his character.

We are a crazy, crazy lot.  Isn't it wonderful?  Maddening, yes-- but I'm thankful to have a critical view of the world, to see it through my eyes.

We must remember, that even in the midst of madness, one must continue on writing.  We must not stop due to laziness, or fear the emotions that are desperately trying to surface through our fingers.  Allow the vulnerability to transform you!


Saturday, March 2, 2013

I Quit Sleeping

If there's one thing you should know about me: I'm always looking to improve as a person.  I expect a lot from myself.  I mean, my son is almost 8 months old and has 2 teeth and I'm still breastfeeding him.  (He has had less than 10 bottle feedings in his life-- that is pretty good, right?) 

Well, the opportunity to work as an overnight staff in a Group-Foster Home setting (for privacy purposes, I can't go into much detail about the company I am working for) arose, I had to jump on it!  I work from 11pm-8am / Friday and Saturday from 11pm-9am.  The house I'm working at serves females who come from various backgrounds.  It is a therapy-centered setting, as most of these children are victims of different types of abuse, neglect, hardships, etc.

Adjusting to my new sleep schedule has been strange- but I feel fortunate because my children are asleep when I leave the house and just waking up when I get back.  This job doesn't take any time away from them.  And, now I have peace and quiet to get some writing done since I'm going to be awake anyway.  It's a win/win situation.

I feel that as long as I'm young enough and have the motivation and energy, I should be working.  Garrett and I strongly live by the motto, "Sic Parvis Magna" -- Latin for "Greatness from Small Beginnings" -- and by seizing the opportunity that God lays out for us-- I feel that we are living that motto.  Is it an ideal situation?  Probably  not.  But, more money in the bank for our family makes other things possible in the future.  (Like the 2014 RV plan!)

This job has been a bit taxing on the heart.  One of my girls attempted suicide on Thursday morning.  It is something I cannot explain, to see such young girls in the depths of despair.  As most of you know, I had a very non-traditional upbringing and I have an unfortunate ability to relate to them because of that.  I very, very easily could have been in a setting like this had the State ever become involved in my home life.  I feel like this is a calling for me, to be a constant bearer of strength for these girls.  It's a healing process and a reminder of how delicate and fragile children really are.  I am now a Foster mother and I intend to do right by these girls.  I want to show them that one day it will be okay. 

So-- that's what is new with me.