My Blog is Five Years Old! (feat. the BIGGEST GIVEAWAY I have ever hosted!!)

I have been writing on this blog for FIVE YEARS now. Like WHAAAAAAAAT????!!?! Where did THAT time go? I couldn't pass up this special milestone without making a special post just for this moment. <3 So here I am.

 

My blog has taken me through some of the happiest and saddest moments in my life. I went through my tumultuous middle-teen years on it, and have been blessed beyond measure with an incredible community of followers. Seriously, y'all are the BEST. <3 <3 <3
I have written and published my first book, my first novel, and my first poetry collection during those five years, not to mention several short stories and songs.
I have met some amazing friends on here, and been introduced to some pretty fabulous authors, cover designers, editors, and writing mentors on here that I would never have met in person.
I know this post is bound to sound sentimental and mushy, but I really don't think I would be the author I am today without every single one of you amazing people. <3 You all mean the world to me, and I look forward to spending another five years (and more!) getting to know you better and hopefully meeting more and more of you face-to-face. (Trust me, I'm already planning a trip across the United States! :P)

In honor of this, I'm letting you fill out THIS FORM with as many questions as you want, (writing related, book related, person related, curiosity related, ANYTHING) which I will then write on pieces of paper and answer in my monthly wrap-up post at the end of this month. I'll only be accepting questions through the next couple weeks though, so hurry and submit as many as you can! ;) The only thing I ask is that you refrain from asking math problems. That's all I ask. Please. For the sake of my sanity. XD 

Another amazing thing happened a couple months ago...it marked the one year anniversary of the publication and release of my baby, my very first novel I've ever written! :D That's right, The Princess and I is OFFICIALLY a year old, as of March 5th of this year! In that time, I have sold hundreds of copies to friends and family, seen my book placed in libraries and bookstores, and even hosted my first book-signing!
I'm overwhelmed by the incredible support I've been shown by you, my online community, and my friends and family here in Washington. You have all made this last year incredible. <3

Because of these two HUUUUGE milestones, I'm going to be hosting the BIGGEST giveaway I have EVER hosted. Guys, I'm going to be giving out a total of TEN books. Five copies of "The Princess and I", three copies of "Sleeping Handsome", and one copy of "The Silver Flower" and "Alice and Alyssa".
AND THAT'S NOT ALL. I'm also giving away four scripture bracelets (for if a guy wins), and a pair of silver earrings (if a girl wins) as a grand prize to the person who gets first place. That means a grand total of TEN people are walking away from this post with a prize...
And, good news for my lovely Canadian followers, I will be sending you guys an Amazon gift card if you win (due to my pocketbook not wanting to send books across the border) so you can still enter and buy my book with your card. ;) You're welcome. ;) The only downer on that is that it won't be signed...but I promise that when I become a rich and famous author I will fly to your house in my private helicopter and sign it for you in person. :P

Before I give you the giveaway link, I have one more amazing thing to share with you:
I've been low-key working on the sequel to my novel The Princess and I, called, The King's Cousin. The main character is Susan, Megan's cousin, and the hope right now is to finish the first draft by the end of the year. I already have a lovely cover to share with you all thanks to the amazing Jessica Greyson. ;)

Yes, I know. SO LOVELY. What's even better? I came to deliver a snippet to you all. :) Can't get much better than that, right? :P Enjoy. :)

My cousin was getting married. The letter that had brought me the news lay open upon my dress, its words still fresh in my memory. I pondered them now, as I sat by the edge of the cliff, letting the salty wind I loved so much blow the wisps of hair away from my line of vision. My eyes focused on the horizon where sea met sky, but my mind was much farther away than that. 

            I welcomed news of any kind. As a small girl, I had longed to go on adventures like heroes from the songs of bards. My heart ached with an indescribable longing to go somewhere, to discover something, to experience something no one in my acquaintance had before me. However, as a daughter and only child, my options were limited. My parents needed me at home. 

            With an almost inaudible sigh, I stood up, dusting the pieces of grass and rock from my skirts before turning around. The invitation to my cousin’s wedding had been addressed to my parents as well; it was time they read it for themselves. Perhaps hearing the good news would bring them some joy and lighten the depressing mood that seemed to have hung over our heads for the past few weeks. 

            Placing my fingers to my lips, I uttered a shrill whistle that would have made my mother’s delicate ears shrivel in horror. A joyful bark answered my call and a brown ball of excitement bolted toward me through the long grass. As he jumped around me, trying in vain to lick my face, I stroked his soft fur and laughed; his happiness was contagious. Named Beowulf after the famed hero of old, the hound held a very special place in my heart. He was my almost constant companion, though at times distracted by the many scents which led him on scattered trails throughout the tall, waving grass. 

            With an added skip to my step, I walked back down the beaten path which would lead me to my home. My smile was damped only a small amount when the dismal castle came into sight. The mossy and vine-covered stonework seemed to shout to everyone who passed our home that the money we used to have was lacking. All lords’ castles are much smaller and more simple compared to our king’s castle, but our castle and the surrounding countryside used to dwarf the other lord’s estates. Alas, due to difficult circumstances, my father had to sell much of our land and let go of many of the household servants. Despite the sunshine, it was always dark and dank inside our home, which did little to help my mother’s many aches and pains. However, this place was home. And though it was no longer a place of power and prestige, I loved it. 

            Giving a quiet grunt, I pulled open the door, which required all my strength. The wooden boards creaked in ancient protest, but gave way to my heaving with an eventual sigh. The air inside was a far cry from the fresh breezes lifting off the ocean, but with one experimental sniff, my grin returned and I followed my nose to the kitchen. 

            “Must be dinner time,” came the dry remark in thick Scottish brogue as soon as my feet crossed the cook’s threshold. 

            I came over to where my oldest friend was bent over by the fireplace. “Ah, you know my ways only too well, Dubbs.”

            The Scottish woman gave an expressive sniff. “That’s Mrs. MacDubbs to you, lass.” Her words were harsh, but as she said them, she shoved a plate of freshly baked biscuits in my direction and pointed to the cupboard with her knife. “You’ll find butter and jam over there.” 

            I hugged her around her plumping waist and prepared my biscuit with haste. The heavenly morsel was exactly what I needed after the long hike to the cliffs and back. My eyes rolled back and I gave an ecstatic sigh of contentment. “I swear, Dubbs, your biscuits can work miracles on an empty stomach.”

            “Most food does,” was the curt reply. However, I could tell that I had pleased the woman by the twitch of her mouth and the lightening of her steps as she busied herself around the kitchen. 

            “When is your little one expected?” I asked, eyeing her expanding stomach with interest. “You’ll let me help with the birthing this time, won’t you?” 

            The woman paused for a moment, and laid a hand on her bump. For a moment, a ghost of a smile danced across her work-worn face. Almost immediately it vanished and she turned her back to me before replying, “She’s bound to want to come at the most inconvenient time, which means she’s probably going to arrive right at the beginning of harvest.”

            “Will you let me assist with your birthing this time?” I repeated when it looked like she wasn’t going to answer. 

            Without pausing in her preparation for our dinner, she answered, “Births aren’t a pretty sight, lass.”

            “I know,” I answered, “but I feel like I should have the experience before I start having a family of my own.”

            Mrs. MacDubbs looked thoughtful. “Maybe so, lass…but you’ll have to gain your mother and father’s consent. It’s not my place to order you around.”

            Having her mention my parents, I suddenly remembered my original reason for returning to the castle. “Oh!” I exclaimed, dusting the biscuit crumbs off my hands and standing up abruptly. 

            The cook regarded me with a raised eyebrow. “What was that for?”

            “I received a letter this morning from Megan and Malcolm, and it contains some important information that Mum and Father need to hear about as soon as possible!” All the information came out in a rush as I tried to explain while dashing from the room and across front hall. I lifted up my long skirts in order to make short work of our flight of stairs into the upper level where my parents spent the majority of their time.

Well, friends...what do you think? I've been enjoying creating a few new characters and heavily shipping some old ones. B-) I can't wait to share more about my book with you all when it starts coming together more, but this is all I can do for now since...you know, spoilers. :P

Now...for the last item of business. THE GIVEAWAY. *waves invitingly at link*

THIS IS THE LINK YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR!!!!!!

So what are you waiting for? Go enter the giveaway already! :) Looking forward to finding out who wins!!! :D The best of luck to you all. ;)

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

Birthdays, Figet Spinners, and a Giveaway

So, one of the problems with having a birthday a day before the last day of the month is that it makes it so I have two blog posts very close together. But that's ok, right? I mean, your weekend wouldn't be complete without a monthly overview of August from me, right? *cough* ANYWAYS...

(Plus, if you make it through to the end of my ramblings, you'll find a lovely surprise...not that I'm BRIBING you or anything...)

Summer is almost over guys. *distant weeping* Flip-flops, sunshine, and extra time to spend with friends and family is morphing into boots, rain, and school. But, some of that won't be so bad...and when has a little rain kept me from wearing flip-flops? Maybe my favorite season is over...but my next favorite season is just around the corner with awesome fashion changes and, let's face it, who doesn't like a good pumpkin spice latte? :P (Except those of you who don't like coffee...but you're crazy anyways, so whatever.)

With college life driving me slightly insane, I figured it was time for a little update on how I'm still alive and surviving. (Which goes to show, if I can do college and a writer's life at the same time, SO CAN YOU SO NO EXCUSES.) Let's jump right in, shall we?

~ Life ~
August started out kind of normal, but that changed the second week with our VBS program at church. Despite new management from a younger couple, it was pulled off extraordinarily well. I enjoyed every minute of taking "my kids" around to all the activities and having a whole week where I saw my friends every day. Exhausting, yes, but SO MUCH FUN.
Amidst babysitting and helping grandparents and family, I've tried to read, write, and do college...not all at once, I promise. It's been hectic, but I've learned a lot about life as an adult.

Us girls headed out to Port Gamble, location of the best UK store I've ever been too. There I ordered more Scottish fudge and English crumpets.

Crumpets are EXCELLENT when topped with some butter and raspberry jam/lemon curd. :)

Besides that, we took pictures by flowers ('cause why not) and ate ice cream ('cause DUH).

Our family went to the Kitsap County Fair, along with cousins and "my girls" that I babysit. :) Loads of cheap, free stuff and bags of cotton candy later, we headed home after a fun-filled day petting various animals (we did not pet the tiger...much as I wanted too.)and eating junk food.

Yeah, I got within five feet of a live tiger.
Totally not freaked out by that look in her eyes.

No trip to a fair is complete without cotton candy. ;)

My brothers discovered and bought (I'm not kidding) two pet sugar gliders that were being sold there, and although one of them died a few days later, which was very sad, the other one is still alive and as adorable as ever.

Guys, these pets are seriously amazing. Look them up and sigh with me over their incredible cuteness. We're hoping to get poor Max another one soon since apparently these critters have a decent warranty.  

Last week our family went to Northwest Trek and came within ten feet of a bunch of cool animals like bison, mountain goats, wolves, cougars, skunks, porcupines, lynx, beavers, golden eagles, bobcats, black bears, elk, and caribou. Though the day was a particularly hot one, we still enjoyed getting close to some of God's amazing creations.

After that we met and hung out with a local pastor's family who lived in the area. Yeah, we never turn down a chance to spend time with other likeminded Christians. ;) Besides...pizza and hilarious fellowship made a perfect end to our day. :P

Lastly, I kinda had a birthday...in case you hadn't noticed. XD Still feel like an eighteen-year-old. That probably won't change for another couple months. But I think I'll get used to being nineteen eventually. The scariest thought is that I'm turning twenty next year. Like, HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE??!!!? *freaks out* Ok, deep breath...that's not happening for another year. I've got time. (I got a fidget spinner for my birthday. That's really the only reason I put it in the title. I didn't realize how fun those things could actually be! I can kind of see why they're popular?)

Go Huskies! ;)

Well, August was definitely no less busy than any other month of this year. It had its moments of relaxation...though few and far between. Its been crazy, but fun. Am I looking forward to having a little more structure in my life since the school year is starting for our family? Actually, yes. Despite being a naturally NON-structured person, nothing helps keep priorities straight like a schedule. So maybe I'll actually get some decent writing done this month...along with studying for college classes and doing my job well and spending time with family and making some kind of dent in my TBR list and...ok so I guess we'll have to see. ;)

~ Writing ~
Well, as you know, I got to 20,000 words in my current WIP, "A New Name"...well, that number has changed. Not by much...but every little bit counts. :) I'm at close to 25,000 now, and I'm hoping to add 10,000 by the end of this month. I actually know where I'm headed next with the plot, which gives my writing a HUUUUGE advantage. Nothing like knowing where I'm headed in a book to keep the words count building at a steady rate. I'm hoping to give y'all snippets at roughly every 20,000 words, but we'll have to see if I can keep to that schedule.

~ Editing ~
Well, due to an insane life recently, I haven't gotten nearly enough time to spend on hardcore editing. I'm hoping to get Ocean Mist edited by the end of fall, and ready for publication in time for Christmas, but that's only a hope at this point. Due to some medical issues with grandparents, our family is being stretched a bit thin. Prayer for us and my grandparents would be appreciated. <3

~ Reading ~
*distant, maniacal laughter* Let's just say reading is not really happening for me right now. I'm in middle of, like, five different books...non of which I've had time to finish. I finally got my review for "London in the Dark" up on Amazon and Goodreads, and I started a book called "Story Thieves" which I picked up kind of at random at the library. So far its been an pretty good read...but I need to finish it before it's due. *gulp* The other book I'm in middle of is "The Old-fashioned Etiquette of Falling in Love" by Eric Ludy (he also wrote "When God Writes Your Love Story"). Guys, its AMAAZING. I've only gotten in about five or so chapters and I love it! The way he writes is so much fun to read and his sense of humor is awesome! Definitely recommend it, even though I should probably wait to do that until I've finished reading it. *whistles and looks into sky*

~ Music ~

~ Quotes ~
I'm going to give you some of my favorite quotes from my WIP, "A New Name". Let me know which one was your favorite! :)

This last one made me laugh. Hope it makes you laugh too. ;)

~ Goals Reached ~
1: Write five chapters in "A New Name"
(Well, so I didn't FINISH writing five chapters...but the fifth chapter is STARTED. That counts, right?)
2: Read 5+ books
HA. Yeah, nope.
3: Visit the Scottish/Irish/English store in Port Gamble again
Done and DONE. Got me some Scottish fudge and crumpets. ;)
4: Write a poem/compose a song
I did write a poem. On Evangelism. It'll be posted on here sometime this month probably. ;)
5: Finish surviving my eighteenth year! ;) 
YES. I DID. Barely...but I DID. XD

Heyyy...four out of five! Not bad...not bad at all! ;) Wish me luck for this month's set of goals! I set myself some hefty ones.

~ Goals for September ~
1: Write 10,000 words in "A New Name"
2: Read 5+ books
3: Take (and hopefully pass) 2 college CLEP tests
4: Keep up better with out of state pen/email pals
5: Do some hardcore editing on "Ocean Mist"

Speaking of my birthday...we were, weren't we? Well, even if we weren't...I'm hosting a giveaway!!!!! *fanfare, confetti, and the works* I'm giving away one copy each of three of my books: "The Silver Flower", "Alice & Alyssa", and "The Princess and I". You're welcome to enter any and all of the giveaways ONCE. And please, feel free to share about this giveaway. It'll only help. ;) So without further ado...

~ Giveaway ~
That moment you've all been waiting for... (Or, you know, you might have just scrolled to the bottom, skipping every golden word I've typed before this...in which case, shame on you! Go back and read EVERYTHING ELSE. Then come back and enter this giveaway. ;)

Our cat decided to pose right next to my books while I was trying to take pictures of them...so helpful, Mouser... >_<

I'm going to give you the link to each Rafflecopter giveaway (still haven't figured out how to embed these thingies into my blog) and let the fun begin!!!

First giveaway: An autographed copy of "The Silver Flower"!
Second giveaway: An autographed copy of (my yet to be released) "Alice & Alyssa"!
Third (and final) giveaway: An autographed copy of my newest novel "The Princess and I"!

All three Giveaways go through the end of September. I'll announce (and afterwards email) the winners during my monthly overview post. So hurry and enter and share with as many people as possible. Let's see how many entrees I can get, k? :P

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

A Birthday Post (ft. A Look at Me in the Past)

It's that time of year again. That thing that happens to all of us...every year...happened to me today. I had a birthday. I'm nineteen.
Wait, wait, wait, that's not nearly as excited as I want to sound. Take two.

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY AND I'M NINETEEN GUYS!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

Better.

Since this is a special blog post all about the fact that I'm now a year older, I looked back through my previous birthday posts and tried to come up with something equally entertaining, while not copying last year and the year before.
So today, you're going to get a few fun facts about the number 19, a look at what I was like as a child writer (including some cringe-worthy works from my six-to-eleven year old self), and 19 facts that you probably don't know about me.
Ready? Let's jump in with both feet.

~Random Facts About the Number 19~

RF#1: Apparently, the number 19 is THE luckiest number out there. So I'm expecting good things this year. (Just kidding. ;P)

RF#2: This made me chuckle: 19 is a "masculine" number. I guess that's a thing? XD I had to wonder though, what makes a number masculine/feminine?

RF#3: Did you know there's a bronze anniversary like there's a silver and gold one? Yep. And guess how many years marks your bronze anniversary? 19.

RF#4: The number nineteen, being made of the first and last number (1 and 9) makes it a number of completions; the number of beginning and end.

RF#5: In a 24-hour clock, the 19th hour is in conventional language called seven, or seven o'clock.

~A Look into My Past as a Writer~

>>Early Poetry: composed at age six and a half
The Pond:
Waddle, waddle, look! There's a pond!
Waddle, waddle, SPLASH
Paddle, paddle, look! There's a fish!
Paddle, paddle, GULP


>>Early Writing:
First short story composed at the age of eleven: Sam and the Scalliwogs
Because it's so short, I'll give you the whole thing. I honestly can't remember why I wrote this story...but I found it in my archives so I thought I'd share it with you all. ;)

“Sam!” A loud cry jerked Sam’s attention away from studying the far horizon with his newly acquired telescope, given to him by his older sister, Olivia. He quickly closed it up and scooted towards the sound.

As he neared the house, he yelled out: “Who calls me?”
"I do,” and from around the corner of the house came his older sister Olivia. “I say, Sam, where have you been? I’ve been calling and calling for you.” 
Sam apologized, explaining that he had been looking through his telescope at the horizon.
Olivia grinned and told him that she was glad that he liked it. “However,” she added, “we’ve just been sent new orders from Birds of Prey Headquarters.”
Sam’s eyes lit up. “A new order?” he asked. “Great! When do we start?”
Olivia grinned again. “Hold your horses, Pal, we’ve not received the entire message yet. It might take a while yet, but I thought I’d call you anyway, since you always have enjoyed getting a new order.”
Sam nodded his head enthusiastically. “Sure do!”
“Come on then, it may be finished now.”
It was. Sam waited, somewhat impatiently, for his sister as she scrutinized the note.
“Well?” he finally asked. “What does it say?”
Olivia laughed at his impatience. “Hold on a sec. I’ve almost got it…” she paused and continued scratching out the message again onto a new piece of paper. Soon She gave the triumphant declaration; “Ah ha! I finished. Here’s what it says:

_{To Olivia and Sam of the Birds of Prey Scouts:}

_{I am afraid that I need to have you switch jobs for a moment. I have had terrible news that the Scalliwogs, whom I am certain you have heard of, are being yet again found outside of their borders, in which our scouts had contained them for so long. I will need you both to chase back the Scalliwogs into their own territory, which is known as “Rattlesnake Country”. Do not think that this will be an easy job. On the contrary, it will be difficult. You must stand strong Scouts! Never let them know your fear, or else, beware! You will have to cross the Swamp of Death in pursuit of them which has not been done by any in over a hundred years. But stand strong Scouts, and, if in dire need, use the Lasers of Light which we have given you for self-defense. Be brave! Be strong! For you are Birds of Prey Scouts!}

                                                        _{Yours, with Faith,}

                                               _{Birds of Prey Headquarters}

Sam gulped and looked at his sister. She returned his look grimly. “Sc-Scalliwogs?” he asked fearfully.

Olivia nodded. “Yes, nasty critters that have eyes as big as dinner plates. Their teeth are huge and they are the ugliest looking critters that you’ve ever laid eyes upon.” She shivered. “Best to let them not know our fears, or else, as the Headquarters said.”
Sam quivered, but stopped himself and showed a brave face. “Well,” he took a deep breath and smiled shakily, “Let’s go get us some Scalliwogs.”
                                                      ◊◊◊◊◊◊
After suiting up to go out into the rain again, Olivia packed their packs with provisions: crackers, sliced cheddar cheese, two chocolate chip cookies each, a ham sandwich to split between them, two water bottles full of good well water, and both of their Lasers of Light.
Sam shouldered his pack, as did Olivia, and they headed out. Olivia didn’t forget to pack two pocket knives just in case, as well as the Birds of Prey Scout Map.
They trekked quietly for a while, until they had gotten quite far into the woods, and came to a three-way fork in the path.
Olivia turned to Sam. “Which way do you think we should go?” she asked.
Sam shrugged and they decided on the middle one, thus going straight. Olivia used her pocket knife to hash a mark into the nearest tree to the middle path. They trudged on.
Suddenly Olivia halted in her tracks and pointed a shaking finger at a tree branch, tucked between two trees, resembling an N. She looked at Sam. “That’s a sure sign of Scalliwogs. That’s how they mark their trails.
Sam nodded. “This means we’re close on their trail!”
Now, with more determination than ever, the two of them continued.
Suddenly, just ahead of them they saw a Scalliwog. It reared up onto its back legs and charged at them. Or, I should say, right at Olivia.
Her face went white, and she froze. “Sam,” she whispered urgently, “while I have it distracted, you go behind and get it with you Laser of Light. Quick! There’s no time to lose!”
Sam nodded and set off on his duty. He evaded the creature pretty easily, and got behind it. Swiftly and silently, he opened his backpack and drew the gun. Carefully, he aimed at the critter’s back, and fired. The creature let out a horrendous scream and did a double flip backwards, landing on its back. It let out a gurgle of rage and died.
Olivia’s face slowly regained its original color, and she smiled gratefully at Sam. He grinned back, and they continued on their way.
They met a few more Scalliwogs, but they were easily disposed of…except one other, a stubborn thing, that ran away from them across the Swamp of Death so Olivia and Sam had to follow it. Carefully, Olivia put one foot out and gingerly felt for solid ground before grabbing Sam’s hand. Sam helped spot solid ground along the way, and so the two of them didn’t get sucked down into the bog.
The Scalliwog, however, was not so fortunate, and got sucked into the mire, screaming as they do all the way down, with vigor. It was a truly horrible sound, and almost made Olivia and Sam’s blood freeze just listening to it.
By the time the two Scouts had safely crossed the Swamp of Death, they were exhausted, physically and mentally. They found a stump to sit upon, but no sooner had they sat when they had another Scalliwog came upon them, and, tired but determined, they fought it.
It was a long and dirty battle, but the two Scouts were able to at last extinguish the creature with their Lasers of Light, and were victorious again. They were also able to rest at last, and, when rested, they were able to tackle the next few Scalliwogs with much more vigor.
Soon, Olivia and Sam drove the Scalliwogs back to their territory, and hooked the gate with a special clasp with a numbered code, so secret that besides them, only the Chief of the Birds of Prey Scouts knew it.
So, with the Scalliwogs now locked in their own domain forever, Sam and Olivia returned to their hometown as heroes, although they were very modest and replied to the praise of the people that without their trusty Lasers of Light, they really couldn’t have done it.
They were both promoted to Super Scout and were able to help the Birds of Prey Scout Masters to train up further generations of Scouts.

First "novel" composed at age ten: The Mysterious Five and the Search for the Lost Dinosaur Leg Bone
(I left the following snippet unedited so you can appreciate -- as I do -- how far I've come in my writing. *shudders*)
Snippet:

Hello, my name is Seth. I am the oldest child in my family, my age: seventeen. I have four siblings, and we are all orphans. From oldest to youngest it goes: Me, Seth Swanson, age seventeen, then Rachel Swanson, age fifteen, next Amy Swanson, age fourteen, after her Adam age eleven, and last but certainly not least, Kenneth age ten. We all have our own personalities, so altogether we make an interesting mix. My own personality is that of most older children, responsibility first! Rachel and Amy have similar personalities and are good little mothers for all of us. Adam is our adventurer and sometimes does not think before he does. Kenneth has more of my personality and is the quiet one of the family. We can always count on him to solve our problems and heal our hurts. All together, we love and support each other in all that we do.

We live in a small cottage at the back of our step-uncle’s Museum. His wife died just a few months ago, and since then, he has become extremely absent minded. We make our keep by helping our step-uncle with his many displays. Often we have to figure out our days work by ourselves because he is far away in his mind. Our personal favorite exhibit is the Triceratops leg bone. It is the best-preserved leg bone ever found in history. My step uncle and all of us are very proud of it. Therefore, it is probably not a surprise that this is also the most expensive display. Rachel’s first job in the morning is to check on that exhibit to make sure its glass is shimmering with cleanliness by the time the museum opens at 7:00 am. She is the secretary of the museum and, if I may say so myself, a very good one. I am my step-uncles everything staff, and make myself useful during the day. Amy, Adam, and Kenneth are the clean-up crew at the end of the day. They are the ones who sweep and mop all the floors, dust the windowsills, and dust some of the less important exhibits. Our story starts here, at the back of this small town museum.

* * * * *

 Early in the morning, I awoke to Rachel violently shaking me by the shoulder.

“Seth!” she whispered urgently, trying not to wake the two other boys next to me, “I have something important to say!” Having had all the grogginess shaken from me, I sat bolt upright, nearly upsetting the small cot that I shared with my two brothers.

“What is it?” I replied as Rachel gasped for breath. (I could tell she had been running.) Finally, she gasped out,

“Seth, our triceratops leg bone is GONE!” She gave especial emphasis on the last word, and made me jump. Kenneth and Adam stirred in their sleep and Adam grunted before his breath evened out again.

“Have you told Uncle?” I asked after regaining my composure from the shock. Rachel shook her head and replied,
“No, He is awfully absent minded today, he walked right by the display it used to be in and never noticed that it was gone.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“I can’t believe it! Have you told any of the other kids?” Rachel again shook her head. “Good, let’s keep it that way until breakfast. I will tell them then. Wake up Amy and the other boys and let me have some quiet time to think. Thanks.” Rachel did as she was told, while I sat and stewed in thought.
Soon, Rachel came in to say Breakfast was ready. I thanked her for the information and headed to the table. Quietly, I rehearsed my speech in my head until the opportunity came to tell them. It took awhile for the noise to die down some, but at last it did and I stood from my chair. All eyes were riveted to me. I did not usually stand up in middle of a meal. Clearing my throat, I began.
“Brothers and sisters, I have just this morning heard the dreadful news that the triceratops leg bone has mysteriously disappeared. I will need all of your help to find it before our step uncle finds out that it is gone. I am afraid that would kill him. Are you all willing to help me in the search?” All heads nodded, though Amy looked a little unsure. Pleased, I continued. “Wonderful! Kenneth, you are to come with me as soon as breakfast is over to help me try to find clues. Rachel, you stay here with Amy and Adam. Are your orders understood?” All of my siblings nodded again, although Adam looked not a little disappointed. Kenneth sat with his eyes on his plate. A look of puzzlement was on his face. I smiled inside for he did look rather comical. “What is it?” I asked. Kenneth looked up, a little startled, from his musings.
“Oh, just a little puzzled about this robbery. Who would want to take a dinosaur leg-bone from Uncle Devon’s Museum? There are so many other museums, why ours?” These questions I could not answer.
“That is what I am hoping to find out next, let’s go.” Kenneth gave me a quick nod, and gulping down the rest of his breakfast, in a manner that was so strange from his usual manner that I was almost worried for his health; He pushed his chair backwards and pulled his boots on. In no time at all, we were hurrying across the lawn still wet with dew. Kenneth opened the double doors; the squeaky hinge seemed deafening in the still morning air. Almost stealthily, we tiptoed through the museum to the dinosaur display at the back. It seemed so strange with no people in it. The hollow thump, thump, thump, of our feet added to the eeriness.
Suddenly, Kenneth froze in his tracks. I followed his example and stopped.
“What?” I whispered.
“Someone is in this Museum and coming our way.” Kenneth replied.
“I can’t hear anything, perhaps you were mistaken.” I said trying to sound more confident than I felt. Kenneth shook his head.
“No, I heard some footsteps coming our way. Listen close, than you might hear it.” Since he insisted, I turned my head to the side to catch all possible sounds, and listened closely. Yes, now I could hear it.
“It’s just our echo, I think.” Kenneth shook his head.
“No, if it was our echo it would have stopped by now.” Embarrassed, I felt my cheeks turning red.
“I-it might be Uncle Devon.” I stuttered, trying to think of another possibility. Again, Kenneth shook his head.
“Uncle Devon’s footsteps would be heavier. These footfalls are lighter; perhaps they belong to a girl.” Shocked, I replied in a loud whisper,
“What! A girl? Impossible. What would a girl be doing in our Museum? Rachel and Amy are in the House, what other girl has keys to the Museum?” Kenneth shrugged.

 “Let’s get hidden, and maybe we might get the clue we’re looking for. Come on lets hide behind this.” Following Kenneth, we both managed to wedge ourselves between a suit of armor and the brick wall before the person came.

>>Early Journaling:
I went through stages of writing in my various journals from time to time...but I was never a steady journal writer. However, I found an entree in my 2011 spree that I found a little entertaining and a little cringe-worthy, so I thought I'd embarrass myself for you. (I wrote comments in parenthesis to give you a little bit of my reaction when I read this out loud to my siblings as tester material.) I can't believe I'm doing this...I can't watch...HERE.

I sit here now, writing in my journal. Thinking. My brothers always wonder why I like to be alone. Good question. I often wonder that myself.
The sky overhead is blue. (I must have been writing this outside? I honestly can't remember. This sentence is so completely random. I don't even know why its here...)
I was a helper in babysitting yesterday, perhaps that's why I want some quiet time today. I have nine siblings. (Why was I writing this down?! I knew that! I guess I just always write for an audience...even when I don't realize I am.) It does get tiresome at times. I must go inside now. Goodbye Journal.


>>Early Fable:
I wrote the following fable when I was about eleven years old. It turned out kind of clever actually, so I thought I'd end with this so I can face you again one day. >_<

One summer day, a cricket was jumping through the grass. "Look at me!" he would boast. "I can jump higher than all the other insects in the meadow!"
Soon the other insects got tired of his constant boastings. So they went to the wise ant to have him stop the cricket's boastful attitude.
The next day, the wise ant brought a tiny flea to the cricket. "Sir Cricket," the ant said, "this flea is the best jumper from the flea world. May he compete against you in a competition?"
The cricket laughed. "Certainly! I will compete against him."
The ant just thanked him quietly and retired to his home.
During the next few days, both the cricket and the flea practiced their jumping.
On the day of the competition, they both felt ready, they both felt ready. The wise ant was the judge on who could jump the highest.
First, the cricket took a deep breath, and then jumped as high as he possibly could. The onlookers gasped.
Next, the flea calmly stepped forward and jumped. Another gasp followed. As the flea landed he was proclaimed the winner. The cricket jumped again, this time in rage, and fell to his death.

The moral of this story is "Pride always comes before a fall."


~19 Facts You Probably Don't Know About Me~

1: I have a pinky finger that can't straighten completely. This is known as "Viking claw".

2: My dream car is a charcoal gray or navy blue Mustang like the one pictured above.

3: I haven't watched any of the Disney princess movies. Ever. In my life.

4: I have weak wrists, which can make writing difficult if I'm typing for long periods of time.

This was taken over a year ago...I've had three younger siblings out grow me since then. >_<

5: At 5'5", I'll probably be the shortest person in my family...since only my 10 and 8-year-old brothers are still shorter than me.

6: I know how to make pretty amazing pizza. ;) If you have ever been to my house, you've probably had it.

I drew this when I was about fifteen or sixteen I think.
His name is Justin and he's a character in one of my short stories called "Horse Island".

7: I enjoy sketching and drawing, even though I'm not very good at it.

Me n' Patrick. ;)

8: I can play (besides my main instruments the piano and flute) the ukulele, recorder, Irish whistle, slide whistle, and kazoo.

9: I compose and write songs and occasionally preform them at church.

10: I have over 30 beginnings or ideas for books/stories in my author archives that I want to finish one day.

11: I published my first book when I was fourteen.

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12: My favorite bird is the peregrine falcon.

Bonus fact...I also had braces. ;)

13: I've been on a missions trip to Ethiopia with my dad and a couple other people from our church.



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14: My favorite childhood film was The Reluctant Dragon.

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15: My favorite children's books when I was little were "Are You My Mother?" and "The Mitten".

16: I'm a terrible speller. I didn't learn how to spell alcohol until high school, and I still can't spell mosquitoes and squirrel without help.

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17: The longest book I've ever read in one sitting was "House Calls and Hitching Posts" at 622 pages.

18: I was saved at 6-years-old, with some coaching from my oldest sister, after listening to one of my dad's Easter sermons.

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19: Ester from the Bible, Amy Carmichael, and Corrie Ten Boom were (and still are) my heroines I looked up to and wanted to be like. :)


Well, there you have it. How many of the facts did you already know? What did you think of my early writing? (If you've read any of my current writing, please tell me I've improved some. PLEASE.) Which random fact about the number 19 did you find the most interesting?

And before I sign off, I'm planning on doing a birthday Q&A (along with an exclusive GIVEAWAY!!!! *cue confetti and fanfare*) soon, so ask me as many random questions you want to have answers to, and I'll answer 19 of my favorite questions in my next post. So have fun with that! :D

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

* All photos with stars by them were not taken by me. Credit goes to whom credit is due. :)