Have you ever had one of those moments where you knew you were in the right place at the right time?
Well, today was one of those days for me.
First of all, my own father was assigned to speak in church. We are both certain that the adversary did not want him giving his talk because there were all sorts of conflicts. The first time he was asked, they ended up rescheduling him. Then, this last week has been hectic with getting back from a family reunion and changes at work. Then yesterday (the day he would have spent collecting his thoughts and putting them into a cohesive talk) was spent with his family taking a day trip. We didn't arrive home until nearly 8:30 last night and that's when we discovered a problem with the printer/internet and our home computer wouldn't print, therefore, he had no way of printing his outline. Oh my, the obstacles that had to be overcome this day.
However, I know my dad was supposed to give this talk today. I really wanted to attend so I could support him (seeing as I'm an only child), but I was scheduled to teach this Sunday in my own Single's Ward. When I texted the other teacher to ask him to cover for me, I secretly knew he probably wasn't going to be able to since he sometimes has work or he's attends another ward. Thankfully, he quickly agreed. Being able to get my own lesson covered so easily was a sign to me that I needed to go to my old Home Ward this week.
Boy oh boy, I'm so very glad I went.
Not only did I have the opportunity to listen to my dad give an amazing talk and feel the Spirit, but an older gentleman from Japan had been visiting his family here in our Ward for the last month. He had been asked to share his testimony for he had been converted and was previously a Stake President over in Japan.
He bore his testimony in Japanese with his son-in-law translating.
For those of you who don't know, I love the Japanese culture and especially hearing the language. I could easily sit for hours and listen to Japanese music/shows/etc. There's something about the fluidity of the language that gets to me, and I find it relaxing to listen to. Therefore, I couldn't help but smile the entire time this elderly man shared his testimony with us. It was short and sweet, but carried an incredible spirit of how the Atonement of Jesus Christ truly changes our hearts and has an impact on thousands of souls. The choices we make now will influence the choices of our children and our children's children. It was so incredibly touching.
Not only that, but in Sunday School the son-in-law (who I learned is a PhD in linguistics and also from Japan--though he looks American) gave an amazing lesson in Gospel Doctrine on Alma 36. He talked about how the Chiastic Structure is very evident in this chapter. The Chiastic Structure is use in ancient text and only known by a handful of professionals at the time that Joseph Smith translated the plates. No farmboy could have come up with this kind of structure. It kind of looks like the following and can vary in size:
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
'H
'G
'F
'E
'D
'C
'B
'A
Where A and 'A are mirrored phrases (or exact opposites using similar words) and there is a defining point where the most important message is placed (the H's in the example above). For example, if A read: "My son give ear to my words" then 'A might say "This according to [the Lord's] word." Or a better example:
C: The very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror...
'C: Yea, and my soul did long to be there [with God].
You see how it is like a parallel? Alma 36 (Alma's story of his conversion) is a perfect example of the Chiastic Structure. And guess what is at the point, or the center, of the axis? Yes, it's Jesus Christ. This is not simply "ironic" that it's this way, Alma designed this chapter the way he did because it was the way they wrote in ancient times. The Book of Mormon is truly an ancient book, and here is evidence of that. In no way could a farmboy do something like this.
But wait! There is more to this day that I enjoyed! (I know, right? My mind was already blown from Gospel Doctrine!)
Where it is the 5th Sunday, the Relief Society and Priesthood combined and...
(This is the good part!!)
...We learned how to do indexing!!!!
I have never learned how to do this, but I've always had a desire to find out more (especially lately). It was neat to learn how I can help souls on the other side of the veil have the opportunity to accept blessings that only we can give them while in this life. What a blessing that this is. I can't wait to download the program and get started! After all, I hear it's the best addiction to have.
On top of everything else, I also received personal guidance and desires in my own life of things that I would like to do. Things like read "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage, and study my Patriarchal Blessing again, amongst other ways in which I can strive to live a fuller life now.
I am soooo grateful that the Lord provided a way that I was able to attend this meeting today. I learned so much and my spirit feels so full and sated. How I do love Sundays such as this!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Someone Who Inspires Me
The other day I was looking around my FaceBook profile and noticed I had not mentioned anyone who inspired me. It made me stop and think about that question.
Who really inspires me in my life?
I can think of several people right off the bat, but today I would like to take a moment and talk about just one of those amazing people.
This man is an incredible musician and has been nominated for 6 Grammys and 1 Golden Globe and has even won 5 BMI pop awards and 1 BMI country award. On top of all that, he has had "at least one album in the Billboard 200 for the last 8 consecutive years, and has written on albums that have sold over 50 million copies worldwide." [Source]
Yes, this is the amazing and talented David Hodges.
David started his musical journey with two friends in a town known as Little Rock, Arkansas. They were three teens who enjoyed music and magically clicked when they were together. The three of them wrote songs and later were signed on for a record deal. That record sold over 16+ million copies worldwide and the band went on to become one of the biggest alternative rock albums. The band was known as Evanescence. David, Ben, and Amy formed the band in 1997 and then David left in December 2002, shortly after the release of Fallen. He decided to leave the band because the direction Ben and Amy wanted to go with the music was a direction David did not want to take. Their views were different. So he left.
In this video, David talks a little about why Evanescence had so much success:
In his personal blog, he stated that within a month of being home (after leaving Evanescence), he started working on some new songs. One of those songs was entitled "Shattered" which really reflects the struggle and pain he must have experienced at leaving a band right before the height of its sucess. However, it finishes on a crescendo of hope.
Shortly thereafter, he formed the band called Trading Yesterday with some buddies of his (Mark Colbert & Steven McMorran). David had this to say about the name of the band:
How incredible is that? I can't imagine what I would have felt if I had been in his shoes; watching an album and band you helped create take off and suddenly become a musical sensation, leaving you behind in the dust. But his perspective of "trading yesterday" is incredibly inspiring to me. He was looking for something more...
His journey with Trading Yesterday was quite a ride. They had a signed record deal for their album "The Beauty and the Tragedy" but it fell through in 2005. Trading Yesterday disbanded shortly thereafter. However, David continued to fight to make the album a reality. After 6 years of struggle, the album was finally produced. That album was entitled "More Than This" and it is simply incredible. It is one of the most cherished CDs in my entire collection.
Since TY broke-up in 2007, David started writing new songs. Will "Science" Hunt and Josh Dunahoo joined David and Steven, while Mark left. They decided to name this new band The Age of Information. However, they have only released a handful of songs (one album entitled "Everything Is Broken") and I haven't heard if they plan to release any more under AoI's name.
Over the years since, David has been in many different projects and created music under different band names. One of those include AVOX (movie soundtrack-like in sound, created with John Campbell). The album "The Fragile World" is a beautiful masterpiece full of instrumental tracks that paint imaginary pictures in the listener's head. I can easily find myself lost in another world when I hear the beautiful music.
David has also created an amazing album with Steve Miller. "Kings & Thieves" was released under the band name Arrows to Athens. This album shows more of David's "rock" side and has a nice sound to it. Again, taking David's amazing talent with melody and song-writing to a whole new level. This is another album that is top of the list for me.
Of course, bands aren't the only thing David has done with his career...
David is an AMAZING songwriter with other artists. He has written songs for the following:
Speaking of Kelly Clarkson... Did you know that David actually dated her for a while?
They later broke-up and David went on to marry the love of his life, Kate. It is rumored that David cheated on Kelly (with Kate) and that is the reason for the break-up. It is also rumored that her song "Never Again" was aimed at David (ironically enough, the song fits perfectly and in the music video, the guy does look a lot like David...). Lines like "I hope the ring you gave to her turns her finger green" (David marrying Kate) and because David is rather religious, the verse "You wrote me in a letter / You couldn't say it right to my face / Give me that Sunday school answer / Repent yourself away" fits perfectly as well. Hmmm... a coincidence? They were dating while writing Kelly's "Breakaway" album and "Never Again" premiered on her next album entitled "My December."
It's also been rumored that David's song "Just A Little Girl" has been his retort in response to "Never Again," with the same amount of pent-up anger. Lines like "'Cause all of this is all that I can take / And you could never understand the demons that I faced / So go ahead and bat your eyes and lie right to the world / For what everything you are / You're just a little girl" and "The Decembers were never meant to be our graves" (Kelly's album being entitled "My December")
This was in Entertainment Weekly shortly after "My December" was released. Check out the snippet on the right lower-side of the page which talks about David.
However, despite whether the rumors are true or not, I feel David's song "Tell Her Something" is more accurate. Listen to what David says about the song in his own words on The December Sessions, Vol. 1 album art: "Tell Her Something was written years ago as a band was falling apart & a relationship was unresolved..." (The "band falling apart" was most likely Trading Yesterday and the "relationship was unresolved" is most likely referring to Kelly.) "Tell Her Something" is beautifully written, and a perfect "break-up" song... with no anger. Lines like "Please tell her not to cry / I never meant for love to leave her cold tonight / Please tell her that I tried / To spare her all my lies / Tell her something" and "Tell her love is such a mystery / Tell her tunnels end in light / Tell her love will come around someday"
So after all this background, why does David Hodges inspire me so much?
When I first heard "Shattered" on the More Than This album, I fell in love. Not with David (he's married with kids, after all) but with the style of music and the beautiful messages he shares. David's music is truly uplifting and I think a part of his own inspiration has to do with the fact that he's Christian and rather religious at that, which of course weaves itself into his music.
David's music changed the way I view music as a whole. His songs always feel fresh, always feel new to me. I have yet to get weary of hearing his songs over and over again. I don't know how many times I have listened to his songs/albums, but I absolutely love them. The way in which he weaves the melody with perfectly timed lyrics makes me feel refreshed. The songs motivate me to become someone better, do something more:
Being inspired, I created a new motto some time ago based on what David said regarding the title of Trading Yesterday:
Sometimes we must sacrifice yesterday's memories and pains for a better tomorrow and a brighter future.
Through his music, David has helped me see the world a different way. He has helped me realize there is a bigger, brighter world out there. So many of his lyrics speak of hope and in a world full of darkness, sadness, and war, the light of hope shines ever bright. I have latched on to David's music because of that hope he provides me; the hope that something better is just around the corner, so just hold on. Keep holding on through the storm, for a rainbow is just in sight.
I hope to meet this man someday. If not in this life, definitely the next. He has helped change my life in so many ways that I don't have words to describe it. I truly am grateful to him for sharing his gift of music with me. I will be forever grateful.
In the words of David himself...
Who really inspires me in my life?
I can think of several people right off the bat, but today I would like to take a moment and talk about just one of those amazing people.
This man is an incredible musician and has been nominated for 6 Grammys and 1 Golden Globe and has even won 5 BMI pop awards and 1 BMI country award. On top of all that, he has had "at least one album in the Billboard 200 for the last 8 consecutive years, and has written on albums that have sold over 50 million copies worldwide." [Source]
Yes, this is the amazing and talented David Hodges.
 |
| Not to be confused with the OTHER David Hodges... |
In this video, David talks a little about why Evanescence had so much success:
In his personal blog, he stated that within a month of being home (after leaving Evanescence), he started working on some new songs. One of those songs was entitled "Shattered" which really reflects the struggle and pain he must have experienced at leaving a band right before the height of its sucess. However, it finishes on a crescendo of hope.
Shortly thereafter, he formed the band called Trading Yesterday with some buddies of his (Mark Colbert & Steven McMorran). David had this to say about the name of the band:
"The name of the band came from the idea that I would not rest of the achievements of [Evanescence] or be paralyzed by the scars of the past; that I may be fully alive, fully present to what this moment has for me. Especially in light of seeing a piece of art that I made become so successful but also to not fully share in the praise & accolades that naturally came to my old bandmates from it, this new language was a constant reminder to not become lazy or jealous as I began to chase this new muse." [Source]
How incredible is that? I can't imagine what I would have felt if I had been in his shoes; watching an album and band you helped create take off and suddenly become a musical sensation, leaving you behind in the dust. But his perspective of "trading yesterday" is incredibly inspiring to me. He was looking for something more...
His journey with Trading Yesterday was quite a ride. They had a signed record deal for their album "The Beauty and the Tragedy" but it fell through in 2005. Trading Yesterday disbanded shortly thereafter. However, David continued to fight to make the album a reality. After 6 years of struggle, the album was finally produced. That album was entitled "More Than This" and it is simply incredible. It is one of the most cherished CDs in my entire collection.
Since TY broke-up in 2007, David started writing new songs. Will "Science" Hunt and Josh Dunahoo joined David and Steven, while Mark left. They decided to name this new band The Age of Information. However, they have only released a handful of songs (one album entitled "Everything Is Broken") and I haven't heard if they plan to release any more under AoI's name.
Over the years since, David has been in many different projects and created music under different band names. One of those include AVOX (movie soundtrack-like in sound, created with John Campbell). The album "The Fragile World" is a beautiful masterpiece full of instrumental tracks that paint imaginary pictures in the listener's head. I can easily find myself lost in another world when I hear the beautiful music.
David has also created an amazing album with Steve Miller. "Kings & Thieves" was released under the band name Arrows to Athens. This album shows more of David's "rock" side and has a nice sound to it. Again, taking David's amazing talent with melody and song-writing to a whole new level. This is another album that is top of the list for me.
Of course, bands aren't the only thing David has done with his career...
David is an AMAZING songwriter with other artists. He has written songs for the following:
[Please visit David's Official Website for a full list of artists and individual songs]
- Train
- Jason Mraz
- Elliot Yamin
- Christina Perri
- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
- David Cook
- Carrie Underwood
- Big Time Rush (Nickelodeon)
- David Archuleta
- Westlife
- Mayday Parade
- Jessie James
- Daughtry
- Celine Dion
- Backstreet Boys
- Kelly Clarkson
Speaking of Kelly Clarkson... Did you know that David actually dated her for a while?
 |
| I love how David is all like "YEAH!!" and Kelly is "AAHHHH!!!!" |
It's also been rumored that David's song "Just A Little Girl" has been his retort in response to "Never Again," with the same amount of pent-up anger. Lines like "'Cause all of this is all that I can take / And you could never understand the demons that I faced / So go ahead and bat your eyes and lie right to the world / For what everything you are / You're just a little girl" and "The Decembers were never meant to be our graves" (Kelly's album being entitled "My December")
This was in Entertainment Weekly shortly after "My December" was released. Check out the snippet on the right lower-side of the page which talks about David.
However, despite whether the rumors are true or not, I feel David's song "Tell Her Something" is more accurate. Listen to what David says about the song in his own words on The December Sessions, Vol. 1 album art: "Tell Her Something was written years ago as a band was falling apart & a relationship was unresolved..." (The "band falling apart" was most likely Trading Yesterday and the "relationship was unresolved" is most likely referring to Kelly.) "Tell Her Something" is beautifully written, and a perfect "break-up" song... with no anger. Lines like "Please tell her not to cry / I never meant for love to leave her cold tonight / Please tell her that I tried / To spare her all my lies / Tell her something" and "Tell her love is such a mystery / Tell her tunnels end in light / Tell her love will come around someday"
"Tell her she is all that's beautiful
Tell her everything's my fault"
So after all this background, why does David Hodges inspire me so much?
When I first heard "Shattered" on the More Than This album, I fell in love. Not with David (he's married with kids, after all) but with the style of music and the beautiful messages he shares. David's music is truly uplifting and I think a part of his own inspiration has to do with the fact that he's Christian and rather religious at that, which of course weaves itself into his music.
 |
| My CD order that arrived on June 8th, 2012 |
"I'm not going to turn, run away / 'Cause I did that yesterday / 'Cause today could change my life / Maybe right now could be the time / I'm reaching out to grab the stars and make them mine / Today could be the first day of my life"
[The Beauty and the Tragedy - "First Day of My Life"]
Being inspired, I created a new motto some time ago based on what David said regarding the title of Trading Yesterday:
Trading Yesterday for a Better Tomorrow
Sometimes we must sacrifice yesterday's memories and pains for a better tomorrow and a brighter future.
Through his music, David has helped me see the world a different way. He has helped me realize there is a bigger, brighter world out there. So many of his lyrics speak of hope and in a world full of darkness, sadness, and war, the light of hope shines ever bright. I have latched on to David's music because of that hope he provides me; the hope that something better is just around the corner, so just hold on. Keep holding on through the storm, for a rainbow is just in sight.
I hope to meet this man someday. If not in this life, definitely the next. He has helped change my life in so many ways that I don't have words to describe it. I truly am grateful to him for sharing his gift of music with me. I will be forever grateful.
In the words of David himself...
"I was made for more than this."
You can purchase all available music by David Hodges on his official website. You can either get physical CDs of some albums, or you can purchase all albums via iTunes (links included). I recommend going through this site for those links, as opposed to simply searching for "David Hodges" in iTunes (you will also see results from the other David Hodges listed under one artist, despite being two completely different individuals). I have definitely received my money's worth out of these amazing albums and I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for some great music! Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Rest of Your Life
"The rest of your life is a long time and
whether you know it or not,
it's being shaped right now.
You can choose to
blame your circumstances
on fate, or bad luck, or bad choices,
or...
you can choose to fight back!
Things aren't always gonna be fair in the real world.
That's just the way it is.
But for the most part,
you get what you give.
Let me ask you all a question.
What's worse:
Not getting everything you wished for,
or getting it all and finding out it's not enough?
The rest of your life is being shaped right now with
the dreams you chase,
the choices you make,
and the person you decide to be.
The rest of your life is a long time,
and the rest of your life starts right now."
Dear Mom
Dear Mom,
Dad and I went to the family reunion at the cabin this weekend! It was so much fun to see cousins, play board games, laugh until I cried, and enjoy the beauty that is nature.
Like every year past, we saw a deer. A buck, to be precise, with four points on his antlers. Phil claims he lives under the porch. When we arrived on Saturday, it was pouring buckets--the dirt road was purely mud and rocks--and this buck was standing in the trees to the South, munching on some grass as the rain continued to soak his coat. He was beautiful.
In ways, I wish you could have been there this year. Jenny and Jared came up from California and brought little Eric. Eric was ADORABLE with his stormy blue eyes and charming 14-month-old smile. Jenny was looking really good and I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Jared playing games with Nikki and Katie. I haven't really been around him much before, but he acts like a little kid in a 40-year-old body! He had such a good sense of humor and really played off of Katie and Nikki's bantering with him. It was fun to watch, and we shared many laughs late into the night on Saturday.
In other ways, I am glad you weren't able to come this year. You would have been so disappointed with how few actually were able to make it due to extenuating circumstances (only 28 out of the 60 or so that should have been there). And not all 28 stayed (having small children makes that a little difficult and understandable). It's hard to believe how our family is spreading out now that everyone is moving on with their lives and there are more and more extenuating circumstances. Only two of my cousins around my age were able to make it: Landen and Mike. However, I felt they were much older than I was seeing as they are married and have children of their own. Even though Landen is younger than I am by several years, I still feel he was older. Alex is pregnant again, with a little girl this time.
In many ways, I felt like the "odd-man" out this year. I felt squished between those who were married with families of their own and the 15-year-olds. I felt out of place in a lot of ways, especially since I have memories of running around with Brad, Corey, Alex, and Colby at these family reunions... all who were only slightly older than myself, but at those reunions I felt like I was the same age. How I did miss them at the cabin this year. Even Bree wasn't there, but that is understandable since she is serving the Lord. Next year she will be back. Despite this feeling of being isolated, I still enjoyed the cabin very much this year! The laughs and the time I shared with my cousins was highly enjoyable and I have fond memories to look back on (like several of the men trying to figure out how to blow a special kind of dog-whistle--looking constipated and very out of breath for most of it--all thanks to Dave).
The majority of people were only there for the dutch oven dinner on Saturday (cooked by Dave and Callie) and the Fishpond. Of course, there were only about 10 kids who participated (Katie being the oldest). As I watched this fourth generation doing a tradition I was raised on, I wondered how many years Grandma and Grandpa had been doing this. The bucket is no longer pink, like it was when I was little, but the tradition continues to live on. Later, I found out they had been doing the Fishpond every year for 27 years... Can you believe it? Such a fun family tradition that is older than I am!
Traditions. I can't help but think of you when I hear that word. I think of how you loved traditions such as these, and how you emphasized their importance to me. I have fond memories of the traditions you have shared with me and I have you to thank for them.
I look forward to traditions for my own children. Dad and I have talked of a few. Unfortunately, we won't have big reunions with my kids like I have been blessed to have with your side of the family. Being an only child has that effect, but that's alright! I will create new traditions with my children involving "Grandpa" and I hope they will cherish those memories as I have cherished mine.
You have set the standard high for expectations of traditions. I hope some day I will be able to catch a shadow of the legacy you have left for your daughter.
Thank you.
With all my love,
Melissa
Dad and I went to the family reunion at the cabin this weekend! It was so much fun to see cousins, play board games, laugh until I cried, and enjoy the beauty that is nature.
Like every year past, we saw a deer. A buck, to be precise, with four points on his antlers. Phil claims he lives under the porch. When we arrived on Saturday, it was pouring buckets--the dirt road was purely mud and rocks--and this buck was standing in the trees to the South, munching on some grass as the rain continued to soak his coat. He was beautiful.
In ways, I wish you could have been there this year. Jenny and Jared came up from California and brought little Eric. Eric was ADORABLE with his stormy blue eyes and charming 14-month-old smile. Jenny was looking really good and I was able to spend quite a bit of time with Jared playing games with Nikki and Katie. I haven't really been around him much before, but he acts like a little kid in a 40-year-old body! He had such a good sense of humor and really played off of Katie and Nikki's bantering with him. It was fun to watch, and we shared many laughs late into the night on Saturday.
In other ways, I am glad you weren't able to come this year. You would have been so disappointed with how few actually were able to make it due to extenuating circumstances (only 28 out of the 60 or so that should have been there). And not all 28 stayed (having small children makes that a little difficult and understandable). It's hard to believe how our family is spreading out now that everyone is moving on with their lives and there are more and more extenuating circumstances. Only two of my cousins around my age were able to make it: Landen and Mike. However, I felt they were much older than I was seeing as they are married and have children of their own. Even though Landen is younger than I am by several years, I still feel he was older. Alex is pregnant again, with a little girl this time.
In many ways, I felt like the "odd-man" out this year. I felt squished between those who were married with families of their own and the 15-year-olds. I felt out of place in a lot of ways, especially since I have memories of running around with Brad, Corey, Alex, and Colby at these family reunions... all who were only slightly older than myself, but at those reunions I felt like I was the same age. How I did miss them at the cabin this year. Even Bree wasn't there, but that is understandable since she is serving the Lord. Next year she will be back. Despite this feeling of being isolated, I still enjoyed the cabin very much this year! The laughs and the time I shared with my cousins was highly enjoyable and I have fond memories to look back on (like several of the men trying to figure out how to blow a special kind of dog-whistle--looking constipated and very out of breath for most of it--all thanks to Dave).
The majority of people were only there for the dutch oven dinner on Saturday (cooked by Dave and Callie) and the Fishpond. Of course, there were only about 10 kids who participated (Katie being the oldest). As I watched this fourth generation doing a tradition I was raised on, I wondered how many years Grandma and Grandpa had been doing this. The bucket is no longer pink, like it was when I was little, but the tradition continues to live on. Later, I found out they had been doing the Fishpond every year for 27 years... Can you believe it? Such a fun family tradition that is older than I am!
Traditions. I can't help but think of you when I hear that word. I think of how you loved traditions such as these, and how you emphasized their importance to me. I have fond memories of the traditions you have shared with me and I have you to thank for them.
I look forward to traditions for my own children. Dad and I have talked of a few. Unfortunately, we won't have big reunions with my kids like I have been blessed to have with your side of the family. Being an only child has that effect, but that's alright! I will create new traditions with my children involving "Grandpa" and I hope they will cherish those memories as I have cherished mine.
You have set the standard high for expectations of traditions. I hope some day I will be able to catch a shadow of the legacy you have left for your daughter.
Thank you.
With all my love,
Melissa
Friday, July 20, 2012
Random Book Update
Wow, this last week has been interesting...
Other than watching more of Vampire Diaries (which I'm secretly obsessed with) I started reading a new book. Shortly after starting the book, I began to notice some things: My mood started getting darker whenever I read the book. Never a good sign. The whole concept--though it sounded fascinating in the store--went against my beliefs, and not in a good "fantasy" type of way either. I kept getting the thought that I needed to stop reading it. But I battled with myself and said, "But I have a reading goal, and if I just finished this book..." But then the other voice would whisper, "Is 300 pages really worth this change in your life?" After reading to page 144, I put the book down and resigned myself to the fact that I needed to stop reading this book, despite how fascinating it may seem. Not to mention the fact that there was way too much swearing--nearly a word or more per page--which I somehow missed when glancing through it in the store, and I just couldn't handle it anymore. Combine that with the whole concept, and I decided the 300 pages was not worth the price I was paying.
And since I stopped reading that book, my world has become brighter! Who would have thought, right? Clearly the Spirit was whispering to me to stop reading... I'm grateful I listened.
So, after I stopped this book, I had a choice. What book should I read next?
As you know, I have several "new" books to read stacked up on my floor. Two of which are very recent purchases that I'm really excited about. However, for the last couple months, I have been wanting to read The Hourglass Door trilogy by Lisa Mangum again. I have put it off because I knew I had other books to read, stories I had not read before. But alas, I gave in to my temptation...
I'm reading my favorite series... again.
But even though I've read this series several times before and know everything that's going to happen, it still doesn't make the story any less magical. To me, the story and writing speak to me... It's like, if I were to ever write a story, it would sound like these books (though, not nearly as good I'm sure!). But the way in which Lisa writes and the characters that come to life just make me... happy. I don't know what other word I could use to describe it.
It's like finding a part of yourself that you thought had been lost...
It's like coming home.
That was how it felt when I started reading this book for the first time. And even after two and a half years, I still get those same feelings of excitement and comfort. Like hot cocoa on a cold winter's eve, with the snow gently falling outside while you sit next to the fireplace and dream of the future.
I'm grateful I decided to read this series now. After feeling the chill the previous book left in my life, it was nice to "come home" and warm up with Abby and Dante.
And yes, I would choose Dante Alexander over any other fictional character that exists.
In other book news, I also finally finished reading Orson Scott Card's Characters & Viewpoint. It has taken me a while, but the knowledge I have gained in the process has been monumental in the way I view characters (whether they be my own or created by others). It's absolutely fascinating what Card taught me regarding characters, especially character development. He also gave extremely helpful advice for trying to decide which POV to write in (which has been a struggle of mine for quite some time):
In the end, I have enjoyed what I have read so far this year, and I look forward to reading my favorite series up in the mountains during my family vacation this weekend... maybe even with some hot cocoa! ^-^
Other than watching more of Vampire Diaries (which I'm secretly obsessed with) I started reading a new book. Shortly after starting the book, I began to notice some things: My mood started getting darker whenever I read the book. Never a good sign. The whole concept--though it sounded fascinating in the store--went against my beliefs, and not in a good "fantasy" type of way either. I kept getting the thought that I needed to stop reading it. But I battled with myself and said, "But I have a reading goal, and if I just finished this book..." But then the other voice would whisper, "Is 300 pages really worth this change in your life?" After reading to page 144, I put the book down and resigned myself to the fact that I needed to stop reading this book, despite how fascinating it may seem. Not to mention the fact that there was way too much swearing--nearly a word or more per page--which I somehow missed when glancing through it in the store, and I just couldn't handle it anymore. Combine that with the whole concept, and I decided the 300 pages was not worth the price I was paying.
And since I stopped reading that book, my world has become brighter! Who would have thought, right? Clearly the Spirit was whispering to me to stop reading... I'm grateful I listened.
So, after I stopped this book, I had a choice. What book should I read next?
As you know, I have several "new" books to read stacked up on my floor. Two of which are very recent purchases that I'm really excited about. However, for the last couple months, I have been wanting to read The Hourglass Door trilogy by Lisa Mangum again. I have put it off because I knew I had other books to read, stories I had not read before. But alas, I gave in to my temptation...
I'm reading my favorite series... again.
But even though I've read this series several times before and know everything that's going to happen, it still doesn't make the story any less magical. To me, the story and writing speak to me... It's like, if I were to ever write a story, it would sound like these books (though, not nearly as good I'm sure!). But the way in which Lisa writes and the characters that come to life just make me... happy. I don't know what other word I could use to describe it.
It's like finding a part of yourself that you thought had been lost...
It's like coming home.
That was how it felt when I started reading this book for the first time. And even after two and a half years, I still get those same feelings of excitement and comfort. Like hot cocoa on a cold winter's eve, with the snow gently falling outside while you sit next to the fireplace and dream of the future.
I'm grateful I decided to read this series now. After feeling the chill the previous book left in my life, it was nice to "come home" and warm up with Abby and Dante.
And yes, I would choose Dante Alexander over any other fictional character that exists.
In other book news, I also finally finished reading Orson Scott Card's Characters & Viewpoint. It has taken me a while, but the knowledge I have gained in the process has been monumental in the way I view characters (whether they be my own or created by others). It's absolutely fascinating what Card taught me regarding characters, especially character development. He also gave extremely helpful advice for trying to decide which POV to write in (which has been a struggle of mine for quite some time):
"First-person and omniscient narrations are by nature more presentational than limited third-person--readers will notice the narrator more. If your goal is to get your readers emotionally involved with your main characters, with minimal distraction from their belief in the story, then the limited third-person is your best choice."After reading a couple chapters on viewpoints and seeing numerous examples of each, I have come to the conclusion that, as Card explains above, limited third-person is the best for me. Notice how I said "for me." It may not be true for you. Also, I realize each story is different and may require a different POV style. But as for right now, especially in regards to my Destroyer Series, I plan to use limited third-person. This decision has been reached thanks to Card's ability to explain and help me see the bigger picture, along with many inner battles fought.
p. 212
In the end, I have enjoyed what I have read so far this year, and I look forward to reading my favorite series up in the mountains during my family vacation this weekend... maybe even with some hot cocoa! ^-^
Sunday, July 15, 2012
"Of Grace and Chocolate" Book Review
Author: Krista Lynne Jensen
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Copyright: 2012; Covenant Communications, Inc.
Genre: LDS Fiction: Romance / Suspense
Pages: 194
ISBN: 9781608618651
My Rating: 4.5 / 5
Content Rating: PG (for some alcohol/drug use, and an intense scene)
This story is about a 25-year-old girl named Jill who tries to keep everything perfect in her life: clean apartment, a small dog, and is even writing a book! She works at a publishing company and when they express interest in one of her manuscripts, she rushes back to her office to locate her flashdrive for the file to send them. But it's not there. Neither are her keys its attached to. Her phone is also gone, replaced by one she doesn't recognize. It rings. On the other end is a voice she recognizes. He's attempting to ask her out. Little did Scott realize his clever "trick" to get her attention has sent Organized Jill through the roof--for if she doesn't get that manuscript in her boss's hands ASAP, she may just lose the chance of getting something published--her dream. When Scott realizes his mistake, he's horrified and tries to make it up to her. She won't have anything to do with him. With the chaos of the day behind her, she heads home, only to find her drug-addicted long-lost sister standing on her porch in the rain with a baby to her chest. Jill invites her in, not having spoken to her sister in nearly two years. She looks terrified. Offering to let her stay, Jill settles down for the night. In the morning, Jill awakes to find her sister gone... the baby crying on the couch. From there, Jill's life becomes increasingly more strained and dangerous. People wreck her apartment, go after her father, and even threaten her friends; all in search of finding her sister who had obviously crossed the wrong people. On top of all that, Scott keeps showing up in her life and she can't help but feel the pain he caused her years ago... and he doesn't even remember it.
This was a fast read for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It had everything I liked from romance to the suspense and mystery. I feel the story was laid out well and flowed along quite smoothly. The fact that Scott kept appearing was rather humorous and added depth to the story. Watching the characters grow and change was my favorite part. I understood how Evie (the sister) felt and why she left the way she did. I also can understand Jill's bewilderment at suddenly having to provide for a baby (something I don't even have knowledge about, so it was easy to sympathize with her). The author did a great job at painting each character's personality and emotions, while revealing their secrets at just the right times.
One of the things I found interesting was the climax. Because the majority of the book is Jill running from the perpetrator who is after Evie, when the believed climax occurred, I was disappointed. As the book went on, I was thinking, Well, that was a lame climax, and I let my guard down, trying to enjoy the remainder of the book. Little did I know the author had another twist coming and the true climax was much more than I expected. And because I had let my guard down, it genuinely surprised me.
The following lines are Jill's summary of the book she is writing (which ironically enough, is entitled "Saved by Grace and Chocolate") and I feel it sums up this book very nicely:
"...And then there's God's grace. Those things that happen and, for all the laws and powers of reason, they shouldn't happen, but theyd o , and someone is given a chance..."
"Mercy."
Jill turned to Laura. "Yes. Mercy." She swallowed. "The book is about a girl who is given mercy and then learns that mercy, that grace... is not always painless... It's not always graceful."
p.62
In the end, this book turned out to be quite the tear-jerker. In ways, I even feel changed from reading it. Crazy, I know, but it's true. I simply love the message that grace truly is not always graceful. Often the Lord blesses us in ways we don't expect, even ways we don't want. But once we get passed the trial and look back, we see how His hand was in our life the entire time, weaving all the stray parts together to form a masterpiece.
"RA: The Ruins of Gorlan" Book Review
Author: John Flanagan
Series: Ranger's Apprentice Series
Number in Series: Book #1
Copyright: 2005; Penguin Group
Genre: Young Reader Fiction: Action / Adventure
Pages: 249
ISBN: 9780142406632
My Rating: 3.5 / 5
Content Rating: PG (for minor swearing and some intense action scenes)
Some background to start off: This story is about a young boy named Will who was orphaned at a young age. When children in the castle wards turn fifteen, they are eligible to be chosen as an apprentice to one of the masters of various crafts. Hoping to be chosen as a knight like his father, small Will voices his opinion when asked for it. However, the Battlemaster says Will is "too small" and he is disqualified. When no one else wishes to claim Will as an apprentice, that is when Halt the mysterious Ranger steps forward. Thus begins an epic journey of adventure, mystery, and growth in the pursuit of stopping one of the most powerful beings in the kingdom: Morgarath.
For some reason this book took me a long time to get through. I think a large part of it is because this book deals a lot with setting: Being the first book in the series, we need to see the world and understand some of its cultures/traditions/etc which takes time. The book didn't pick up until a little over half way through for me... when the action started (with the wild boar hunt).
On a technical side, the book was extremely well written. I can see how this would be a popular book for schools and English classes. However, one of my main complaints is the fact that Flanagan will change POVs without warning. I'm sure his attempts were to make the narration flow smoothly, however it caught me off guard several times. Other times, the POV change is very clear (like when we switch from Will's training as a Ranger to Horace's training at the Battleschool). But throughout the chapters, there would be a POV randomly thrown in (like the Baron's thoughts in the early chapters, when the POV is clearly Will's). This may have also been to give the reader a more omniscient view of the world, but I found it almost confusing at times. So making the POV changes more clear or flow more smoothly would have been nice.
The story started off really slow. However the overall arc and growth of the characters was fun to watch. Especially as Horace and Will both grew in their own ways.
I find there were several morals being taught in this book--all of which I think are beneficial for children to know and understand. Things like bullying is wrong, the importance of friendships, fighting for what is right, and even trusting your heart are all covered in some detail. For example, Halt the Ranger teaches this on p. 173:
"Once you best a man, never gloat. Be generous and find something in his actions to praise. He won't enjoy being bested, but he'll make a good face of it. Show him you appreciate it. Praise can win you a friend. Gloating will only ever make enemies."
After the action started, it was kind of difficult to stop. I will admit, I was able to predict the climax and how it would go down, however I did not predict the twist in the story regarding Halt. I knew there was a twist, but it was not the one I was expecting. It was a pleasant surprised though.
Overall, this book was well written and had a decent story. I would have enjoyed seeing more of the other characters (like Jenny, Alyss, and George), but perhaps that comes later in the series. It moved a little slow in the beginning, but I understand why. I am glad I have read it and I may just read some of the others in the series.
Friday, July 13, 2012
"Dr. Seuss Quotes I Live By"
There's a picture that's been circling around FaceBook and I thought it was great! I plan to print this out and put it on my wall so I see it everyday, that is how much I love this. Dr. Seuss is such a genius! The last one is my favorite. <3
5 Dr. Seuss Quotes I Live By"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.""Today you are you and that's truer than true,
there is no one alive that is youer than you.""You have brains in your head. You have feet in
your shoes. You can steer yourself in any
direction you choose!""And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed).""We are all a little weird and life's a little weird,
and when we find someone whose weirdness is
compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall
in mutual weirdness and call it love."
TV Shows & Writing
You know how I said I was going to go and read yesterday for my day off?
...Yeah that didn't end up happening.
I started watching a "new" show (new for me, but old for just about everyone else). Having heard good things about it, and knowing the co-creator/producer of the show will be writing the screenplay for the Tiger's Curse movie, I just couldn't resist.
Yes, this show is The Vampire Diaries.
I know, I know. Vampires are getting kind of old thanks to Twilight, but I have to admit that this show is pretty awesome and highly addictive. I'm rather hooked. In two days I have seen 16 episodes... that's a lot!! I blame it on having Netflix.
The series is very different than the books (which I read several years ago), but in a good way. However, it does make me wonder how the Tiger's Curse movie will play out. Hopefully it won't be too different, but now having seen this show, I have trust in the screenwriter's ability to twist a story and make it into something interesting. So we shall see what the movie will be like when it's released later down the road.
I am very impressed with the way the characters are portrayed in this series. The way the creators have "showed" us who they are, as opposed to simply telling us. It's been fun to watch each character change and come into their own so far. It's funny, when I first saw pictures of this show, I immediately knew which of the brothers (Stephan and Damon) I would choose. Can you guess? Yep, the bad boy. Damon. But in the first several episodes... he's horrible. I thoroughly hated him and was genuinely surprised by my reaction to him. Normally I can see through the bad boys and can tell they have a purpose to their madness. But Damon was different. I'm still trying to warm up to him (even after 16 episodes) and I'm still not sure where things are going. Granted, I understand his pain a little better, which softens my heart towards him. But he's still... Damon.
I do sense a change in the wind coming for him though. Obviously there must be some good in him, otherwise the series would not have continued as long as it has. So we shall see what happens in the coming episodes.
Watching this show, as well as pondering my own stories, I had inspiration hit me yesterday. Christopher Paolini once said that inspiration strikes him about every 3 months... Well, that's how it is for me. What's so exciting, and why I feel it's even worth mentioning, is because it had nothing to do with my Destroyer Series that I'm currently working on. For 3 years I have worked on my Destroyer story (granted, not every day), but I have lived in that world with my characters for 3 years... and then a little while back I had a random idea for another story. But it was so small. I've been trying to develop this idea but it simply wasn't coming together. Until yesterday. Having watched hours of Vampire Diaries, inspiration struck. Funny thing is, it has nothing to do with the show. In fact, I fail to see any connection between my idea and the TV series. Yet somehow, seeing the creativity of others has inspired my own creativity once again. The new story is in the extremely rough stages, but I'm excited about it.
It's something new, something different...
Something exciting.
And I can't wait to see how it all goes down.
...Yeah that didn't end up happening.
I started watching a "new" show (new for me, but old for just about everyone else). Having heard good things about it, and knowing the co-creator/producer of the show will be writing the screenplay for the Tiger's Curse movie, I just couldn't resist.
Yes, this show is The Vampire Diaries.
I know, I know. Vampires are getting kind of old thanks to Twilight, but I have to admit that this show is pretty awesome and highly addictive. I'm rather hooked. In two days I have seen 16 episodes... that's a lot!! I blame it on having Netflix.
The series is very different than the books (which I read several years ago), but in a good way. However, it does make me wonder how the Tiger's Curse movie will play out. Hopefully it won't be too different, but now having seen this show, I have trust in the screenwriter's ability to twist a story and make it into something interesting. So we shall see what the movie will be like when it's released later down the road.
I am very impressed with the way the characters are portrayed in this series. The way the creators have "showed" us who they are, as opposed to simply telling us. It's been fun to watch each character change and come into their own so far. It's funny, when I first saw pictures of this show, I immediately knew which of the brothers (Stephan and Damon) I would choose. Can you guess? Yep, the bad boy. Damon. But in the first several episodes... he's horrible. I thoroughly hated him and was genuinely surprised by my reaction to him. Normally I can see through the bad boys and can tell they have a purpose to their madness. But Damon was different. I'm still trying to warm up to him (even after 16 episodes) and I'm still not sure where things are going. Granted, I understand his pain a little better, which softens my heart towards him. But he's still... Damon.
I do sense a change in the wind coming for him though. Obviously there must be some good in him, otherwise the series would not have continued as long as it has. So we shall see what happens in the coming episodes.
Watching this show, as well as pondering my own stories, I had inspiration hit me yesterday. Christopher Paolini once said that inspiration strikes him about every 3 months... Well, that's how it is for me. What's so exciting, and why I feel it's even worth mentioning, is because it had nothing to do with my Destroyer Series that I'm currently working on. For 3 years I have worked on my Destroyer story (granted, not every day), but I have lived in that world with my characters for 3 years... and then a little while back I had a random idea for another story. But it was so small. I've been trying to develop this idea but it simply wasn't coming together. Until yesterday. Having watched hours of Vampire Diaries, inspiration struck. Funny thing is, it has nothing to do with the show. In fact, I fail to see any connection between my idea and the TV series. Yet somehow, seeing the creativity of others has inspired my own creativity once again. The new story is in the extremely rough stages, but I'm excited about it.
It's something new, something different...
Something exciting.
And I can't wait to see how it all goes down.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Books and Reading Goal
If I'm going to keep buying books... I really need a new bookshelf unit, or I need to sell some movies and free up space. *sigh*
I went and found 3 more books today (shopping is my cure for boredom on a day off from work). All YA (young adult) of course. I can't wait to read them, but I have to get through the book I'm currently reading. For some reason I'm seriously struggling with it. A book that should have only taken a day or two to read has stretched to over a week, because the story hasn't pulled me in (I don't find myself wanting to read it). It must be because this book deals more with the setting (or "milieu" as Orson Scott Card calls it) and I enjoy more character or event stories. I won't go into too much detail here (I shall leave that for my book review), but I will finish it soon and put the review up. Until then, my new books continue to pile high on my desk beside my bed, waiting to be read with love.
I blame the recent book splurges this summer on the fact that I received a coupon to my local "bookstore" that was good from May - July and can be used an unlimited amount of times before it expires. It's rare for these books to go on sale (for it's not a "normal" bookstore like Barnes & Noble so they don't have the margin to allow for many discounts), therefore I've been taking advantage of this coupon. Sadly, it has also been taking advantage of me via my disappearing paycheck and dwindling space on my bedroom floor.
Speaking of books to be read, my Amazon order arrived yesterday! "Story" by Robert McKee looks awesome but will take some time to read because of how much digestion will be needed (yet another book sitting on my desk).
"Independence Day" by Frankie Negron is AMAZING!! I'm so glad I purchased it! The songs simply speak to me and I have been listening to it almost constantly since yesterday. The songs that are jumping out are "I Still Remember" and "Stand By Me and Fight." I'm currently trying to locate a video with "I Still Remember" so I can share it with you! However, I can't seem to locate it. When I do, I will definitely be posting the lyrics to this amazing song.
Well, I have had a very productive morning so far and seeing as I don't have work today, I shall go and hopefully, HOPEFULLY get through my book so I can start a new one! After all, I have a New Year's Resolution to meet! And once school starts back up in the Fall, I know I won't have as much time to read...
So I am enjoying my freedom while it lasts! I'm going to read as much as I possibly can before school starts at the end of August. My goal: Reach at least 16,000 pages (if not more). That leaves 9,000 pages to read before the end of the year (and I do have several books coming out in the fall). 8,000 pages shouldn't be too bad for a two-month period, right? After all, I am planning on re-reading the Hourglass Door trilogy by Lisa Mangum (my favorite series/author) and I would love to re-read the Tiger's Curse series before the fourth book is released at the beginning of September. Those six books alone should give me around 2,000 pages.
I can SO do this!!
I went and found 3 more books today (shopping is my cure for boredom on a day off from work). All YA (young adult) of course. I can't wait to read them, but I have to get through the book I'm currently reading. For some reason I'm seriously struggling with it. A book that should have only taken a day or two to read has stretched to over a week, because the story hasn't pulled me in (I don't find myself wanting to read it). It must be because this book deals more with the setting (or "milieu" as Orson Scott Card calls it) and I enjoy more character or event stories. I won't go into too much detail here (I shall leave that for my book review), but I will finish it soon and put the review up. Until then, my new books continue to pile high on my desk beside my bed, waiting to be read with love.
I blame the recent book splurges this summer on the fact that I received a coupon to my local "bookstore" that was good from May - July and can be used an unlimited amount of times before it expires. It's rare for these books to go on sale (for it's not a "normal" bookstore like Barnes & Noble so they don't have the margin to allow for many discounts), therefore I've been taking advantage of this coupon. Sadly, it has also been taking advantage of me via my disappearing paycheck and dwindling space on my bedroom floor.
Speaking of books to be read, my Amazon order arrived yesterday! "Story" by Robert McKee looks awesome but will take some time to read because of how much digestion will be needed (yet another book sitting on my desk).
"Independence Day" by Frankie Negron is AMAZING!! I'm so glad I purchased it! The songs simply speak to me and I have been listening to it almost constantly since yesterday. The songs that are jumping out are "I Still Remember" and "Stand By Me and Fight." I'm currently trying to locate a video with "I Still Remember" so I can share it with you! However, I can't seem to locate it. When I do, I will definitely be posting the lyrics to this amazing song.
Well, I have had a very productive morning so far and seeing as I don't have work today, I shall go and hopefully, HOPEFULLY get through my book so I can start a new one! After all, I have a New Year's Resolution to meet! And once school starts back up in the Fall, I know I won't have as much time to read...
So I am enjoying my freedom while it lasts! I'm going to read as much as I possibly can before school starts at the end of August. My goal: Reach at least 16,000 pages (if not more). That leaves 9,000 pages to read before the end of the year (and I do have several books coming out in the fall). 8,000 pages shouldn't be too bad for a two-month period, right? After all, I am planning on re-reading the Hourglass Door trilogy by Lisa Mangum (my favorite series/author) and I would love to re-read the Tiger's Curse series before the fourth book is released at the beginning of September. Those six books alone should give me around 2,000 pages.
I can SO do this!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Happiness & Hope vs Disappointment
Here is one of the many reasons why Lisa Mangum is my favorite author! Not only is she local, but she is an incredible inspiration to me in regards to more than just writing. This blog post will hopefully help explain at least one of those reasons.
In a blog post written earlier today (as in 2 AM earlier), she stated the following:
How many of us have been disappointed at a loss of something we dearly wanted? How long did it take us to get over that loss? Even during these dark times (whatever they may be) there is always light, always hope and positive memories we can look back on. Sure we can look on the negative side of things, but that only makes life more miserable. Instead, if we focus on the light, our path in life becomes much brighter and easier to tread. Lisa has illustrated this perfectly in her blog post and I feel I can't adequately add to what she has already said. It is truly an inspirational post.
Read Lisa's full post here (and I would highly recommend it!).
In a blog post written earlier today (as in 2 AM earlier), she stated the following:
"As I walked back alone, I started to think of all the good things that had happened to me and all the things I was grateful for. Including winning Book of the Year for my other books. I’d received five nominations and had taken home three gold medals and one silver. That’s pretty amazing, I told myself.
But I still wished I hadn’t spent a whole year dreaming about the win because then it wouldn’t have hurt so much when I lost.
Except–and here is the lesson I learned–I hadn’t wasted that whole year dreaming of something that didn’t happen. I had enjoyed a entire year of living with hope. I had hoped for the win. I had imagined the win–and it had made me happy. I had dreamed of seeing gold stickers on all three of my books–and that had made me happy. I had talked about it all year, told people about it, shared my excitements and my dreams about it–and all of it had made me happy.
So there in the sunshine and under the palm trees, I decided to choose to remember that year of happiness and hope instead of the single day–the single hour, the single moment–of disappointment.
And all my sadness was gone."
Read Lisa's full post here (and I would highly recommend it!).
Most Listened To Albums
In the world of music, occasionally there is an album that will come along and strike such a chord with me that I can listen to this CD over and over and over again, never tiring of the songs. These types of albums are special and every time I hear them, I experience something different. This is a lot like what David Hodges has spoken of when he says that he strives to create songs that every time you hear the song, it's as though you are hearing it for the first time. The following albums (whether new or old) I have listened to over and over again. I absolutely LOVE these albums, and they are some of the most cherished in my possession. Most of these albums I have been listening to for a year or more! So I have had time to really enjoy them and listen to them so many times any sane person would be sick. But I still love these albums!! Do enjoy!
#1
Album: "More Than This"
Artist: Trading Yesterday
Year Released: 2005 / 2011
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: Because this album changed the way I viewed music. Before I discovered this band (and album) I was stuck in a bit of a rut between genres. I had just come off of a hard rock high (yes, that was high school) and had started listening to some christian rock bands (which, in my opinion, was an improvement). Then I discovered Trading Yesterday and fell in love. I was so thrilled when David Hodges announced the *official* release of this album (prior to this, you could only get bootlegs or rip it off YouTube). I have since purchased the album from David's website and have a hard copy of the CD on my shelf. Truly my favorite album. Too bad this band split in 2005... *sigh* But David lives on!!! <3
#2
Album: "Kings & Thieves"
Artist: Arrows to Athens
Year Released: 2011
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: This album is simply phenomenal!! It's more of an alternative than the soft piano like in Trading Yesterday. However, I heard a couple songs on iTunes when it was released last October, and immediately knew it was going to amazing. I have not be disappointed. Definitely a 5-star album! I would highly encourage you to go out and purchase this CD! This is one of the CDs I put in my car and listen to when I need to drive and think. It's such a fun album.
#3
Album: "The December Sessions, Vol 1"
Artist: David Hodges
Year Released: 2012
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: This is a collection of songs that David helped write with other artists that never made it on the album. These songs are beautiful and touching. "A Song For Us" is my most listened to, followed closely by "Icarus" and "Never Thought to Look". Amazing lyrics weaved in with perfect harmony. Who couldn't want more? Love it!!
#4
Album: "Who We Are"
Artist: Lifehouse
Year Released: 2007
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: Back in the day, I loved Lifehouse's "No Name Face." I had also purchased "Stanley Climbfall" but I didn't really get into the music of this CD. Well, fast forward several years and viola! I stumbled across a couple songs on YouTube I really enjoyed and discovered they were both on this album. Decided to preview the songs and decided, What the heck? Holy cow! I don't know why I didn't buy this CD sooner!! The songs apply DIRECTLY to my life in SOOOOO many ways! From the opening "Disarray" to the closing "Storm," I fell in love all over again. "Storm" is such an amazing inspiration song (I'll probably post a video with lyrics in the future). This song helped me get through some of the most difficult times in my life. The entire album was on repeat for a good month before I finally swapped it for a different CD... but then returned to it shortly thereafter. ^-^
#5
Album: "This Loud Morning"
Artist: David Cook
Year Released: 2010
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: David's previous album was alright in my opinion. I'll admit, it wasn't my favorite. However, I was sooo happy I purchased this CD. David's style really matured and his music seemed to flow together with the lyrics in a cleaner way than his debut album did. On top of that, I just found out (tonight) that David Hodges helped write a lot of this album!! I knew Hodges helped on a few songs ("Hard to Believe" being on his 2009 EP), but I didn't know he helped write the album!!! Anyway, the songs on this album are fantastic. I love driving down the road, blaring his CD. It's so much fun!
#6
Album: "Get Your Heart On!"
Artist: Simple Plan
Year Released: 2011
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: Simple Plan is my guilty pleasure. There's something about them that I absolutely love. Perhaps it's because the music makes me feel carefree, as though I can do anything in the world! It's been so fun to watch their themes grow from I-just-want-to-do-it-my-way-and-I-don't-care-what-you-think to the I-just-had-my-heart-ripped-out-by-the-girl-I-love. Hooray for growth! I just love these guys, and this album is my favorite of theirs (I have all their albums and listen to them often). The biggest thing I love about this album is that when the last album was released, the self-titled "Simple Plan," I was a little sad because their sound was different. It wasn't the jump-up-and-down music I had fallen in love with years ago. But this album brought all those old feelings back. They had several artists that starred in this album, so some songs are quite different (like "Summer Paradise") but then you get songs like "You Suck At Love" which screams Simple Plan to me. My favorite song however, is "Astronaut." Such an amazing soft song. LOVE it!!
I do realize that all the artists I listed here are guys, but these albums are what I listen to the most. I am listening to Kelly Clarkson's Stronger album, but it hasn't quite made this list yet. Perhaps in the future. In other words, I do listen to music by girls, they just aren't in my top listened-to right now.
Album: "More Than This"
Artist: Trading Yesterday
Year Released: 2005 / 2011
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: Because this album changed the way I viewed music. Before I discovered this band (and album) I was stuck in a bit of a rut between genres. I had just come off of a hard rock high (yes, that was high school) and had started listening to some christian rock bands (which, in my opinion, was an improvement). Then I discovered Trading Yesterday and fell in love. I was so thrilled when David Hodges announced the *official* release of this album (prior to this, you could only get bootlegs or rip it off YouTube). I have since purchased the album from David's website and have a hard copy of the CD on my shelf. Truly my favorite album. Too bad this band split in 2005... *sigh* But David lives on!!! <3
Album: "Kings & Thieves"
Artist: Arrows to Athens
Year Released: 2011
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: This album is simply phenomenal!! It's more of an alternative than the soft piano like in Trading Yesterday. However, I heard a couple songs on iTunes when it was released last October, and immediately knew it was going to amazing. I have not be disappointed. Definitely a 5-star album! I would highly encourage you to go out and purchase this CD! This is one of the CDs I put in my car and listen to when I need to drive and think. It's such a fun album.
Album: "The December Sessions, Vol 1"
Artist: David Hodges
Year Released: 2012
Buy: iTunes or David's Official Site
Why I love this album: This is a collection of songs that David helped write with other artists that never made it on the album. These songs are beautiful and touching. "A Song For Us" is my most listened to, followed closely by "Icarus" and "Never Thought to Look". Amazing lyrics weaved in with perfect harmony. Who couldn't want more? Love it!!
Album: "Who We Are"
Artist: Lifehouse
Year Released: 2007
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: Back in the day, I loved Lifehouse's "No Name Face." I had also purchased "Stanley Climbfall" but I didn't really get into the music of this CD. Well, fast forward several years and viola! I stumbled across a couple songs on YouTube I really enjoyed and discovered they were both on this album. Decided to preview the songs and decided, What the heck? Holy cow! I don't know why I didn't buy this CD sooner!! The songs apply DIRECTLY to my life in SOOOOO many ways! From the opening "Disarray" to the closing "Storm," I fell in love all over again. "Storm" is such an amazing inspiration song (I'll probably post a video with lyrics in the future). This song helped me get through some of the most difficult times in my life. The entire album was on repeat for a good month before I finally swapped it for a different CD... but then returned to it shortly thereafter. ^-^
Album: "This Loud Morning"
Artist: David Cook
Year Released: 2010
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: David's previous album was alright in my opinion. I'll admit, it wasn't my favorite. However, I was sooo happy I purchased this CD. David's style really matured and his music seemed to flow together with the lyrics in a cleaner way than his debut album did. On top of that, I just found out (tonight) that David Hodges helped write a lot of this album!! I knew Hodges helped on a few songs ("Hard to Believe" being on his 2009 EP), but I didn't know he helped write the album!!! Anyway, the songs on this album are fantastic. I love driving down the road, blaring his CD. It's so much fun!
Album: "Get Your Heart On!"
Artist: Simple Plan
Year Released: 2011
Buy: iTunes or Amazon
Why I love this album: Simple Plan is my guilty pleasure. There's something about them that I absolutely love. Perhaps it's because the music makes me feel carefree, as though I can do anything in the world! It's been so fun to watch their themes grow from I-just-want-to-do-it-my-way-and-I-don't-care-what-you-think to the I-just-had-my-heart-ripped-out-by-the-girl-I-love. Hooray for growth! I just love these guys, and this album is my favorite of theirs (I have all their albums and listen to them often). The biggest thing I love about this album is that when the last album was released, the self-titled "Simple Plan," I was a little sad because their sound was different. It wasn't the jump-up-and-down music I had fallen in love with years ago. But this album brought all those old feelings back. They had several artists that starred in this album, so some songs are quite different (like "Summer Paradise") but then you get songs like "You Suck At Love" which screams Simple Plan to me. My favorite song however, is "Astronaut." Such an amazing soft song. LOVE it!!
I do realize that all the artists I listed here are guys, but these albums are what I listen to the most. I am listening to Kelly Clarkson's Stronger album, but it hasn't quite made this list yet. Perhaps in the future. In other words, I do listen to music by girls, they just aren't in my top listened-to right now.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Writing Goal Update
I set a goal last Sunday...
I used to set several goals on Sundays and then strive to achieve them during the week. However, I think I expected too much of myself and would set too high of goals (or too many) and over the last several months, the habit has slowly faded. But last week I made the goal to:
I am please to announce that I was able to meet this goal. Granted, some days it was only a blog entry (you may have noticed more activity on this blog like it's been reborn), other days I did a more creative venture. I worked a little on my Destroyer Series--finally realizing that because I diverged from my original plotline, I have hit a major writer's block, therefore I will need to go back and change some things. Aside from the Destroyer Series, I also worked on a new concept I came up with a while ago having to do with dreams and nightmares. I've done more with my dream story than I had anticipated (since I ran into a stumbling block with Destroyer Series).
Nevertheless! I have achieved my goal! And as a reward (for all goals should have a reward) I ordered two things off Amazon (YAY for having giftcards!!):
Granted, it was Christopher Paolini's recommendation that triggered my initial interest. When I found it on Amazon, the reviews were very positive. The second thing that caught my eye, was the price. $40 normal retail. What book costs $40 (unless it's a textbook)? I then realized it was a hardback and over 400 pages. W-O-W. Luckily, it was on sale for around $21. Super excited to read this! I looked over the content and it looks like a fantastic resource! Even if it is directed at screenwriting, I bet there will be a lot of good material for the novel writer as well.
Random, right? Well, I happened to stumble across a song of his on YouTube the other day (see below) and I fell in love with his voice and his sound (partly because he reminded me so much of David Cook's style). On iTunes, the album was $9.99... on Amazon (for a hard copy) it was $9.98! Now, seeing as I enjoy material things, I would much rather pay nearly the same price to have the actual CD in hand than a digital download. This is only my preference, of course. I look forward to listening to more of his songs. They all sounded pretty good on the preview.
Now, as I look back on this last week, one thing is apparently clear: Writing helps me deal better with life. I find I am happier if I can write--especially in the morning! I find I have more energy, restored vitality, and an overall sense of well-being. How is this possible? I am honestly not sure, but I have my theories. I just know that writing makes me happier and that is all that really matters.
I used to set several goals on Sundays and then strive to achieve them during the week. However, I think I expected too much of myself and would set too high of goals (or too many) and over the last several months, the habit has slowly faded. But last week I made the goal to:
Write.Every.Day
I am please to announce that I was able to meet this goal. Granted, some days it was only a blog entry (you may have noticed more activity on this blog like it's been reborn), other days I did a more creative venture. I worked a little on my Destroyer Series--finally realizing that because I diverged from my original plotline, I have hit a major writer's block, therefore I will need to go back and change some things. Aside from the Destroyer Series, I also worked on a new concept I came up with a while ago having to do with dreams and nightmares. I've done more with my dream story than I had anticipated (since I ran into a stumbling block with Destroyer Series).
Nevertheless! I have achieved my goal! And as a reward (for all goals should have a reward) I ordered two things off Amazon (YAY for having giftcards!!):
"Holding On To Love"
Frankie Negron
Now, as I look back on this last week, one thing is apparently clear: Writing helps me deal better with life. I find I am happier if I can write--especially in the morning! I find I have more energy, restored vitality, and an overall sense of well-being. How is this possible? I am honestly not sure, but I have my theories. I just know that writing makes me happier and that is all that really matters.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
"Love's Been Good To Me"
Another amazing song by the talented David Hodges. <3
"Love's Been Good to Me"
David Hodges
Standing in the driveway
The first time that we kissed
You were looking at the stars
Singing, "Heaven must exist"
Oh, I took your hand
Put it in mine
And let gravity has its way
I knew I would never be the same
At least I held it for a little while
Long enough to know what falling means
To lose yourself and give everything
Looking back it was worth it all
No, there's nothing that I would change
Now that it's gone, all there is to say:
Thanks for taking my breath away
It'd be so easy
To erase myself from you
Just take down that picture
Hide the lovers from the truth
Oh, I could go numb
Blame everyone
Lie to myself 'til I believe
That love's been good to me
At least I held it for a little while
Long enough to know what falling means
To lose yourself and give everything
Looking back it was worth it all
No, there's nothing that I would change
Now that it's gone, all there is to say
Is thanks for taking my breath away
Thanks for taking my breath away
Sometimes it's hard to see
I know that love's been good to me
At least I held for a little while
Long enough to falling means
To lose yourself and give everything
At least I held it for a little while
Long enough to know what falling means
To lose yourself and give everything
Looking back it was worth it all
All the promise and all the pain
Know that there's nothing that I would change
And now that it's gone, all there is to say:
Thanks for taking my breath away
Video Editing
Lately on my FaceBook account, I have been "sharing" some of my old videos (namely my Harry Potter 7-2 Trailer rehash "War" and the Doctor Who "End of Time" trailer, which I'm still proud of to this day).
Because of this sharing, I have had several friends ask me why I gave it up. This brings back memories of my mom saying I have a gift with timing the music to videos...
It has been nearly a year since I last edited a video. I made this post last August giving some detail as to why I was giving the hobby up. However, as the year has gone by, I've come to realize some things regarding this hobby that was nearly 10 years in the making...
To start off, the reason I think I loved it so much was because I am a visual learner and have always been fascinated with movies. And we all realize the power music has in movies--it defines so much, especially the mood/emotion of the scene. Because I am a visual learner, and things visually appeal to me, when I listen to music I can see images in my head as though I'm watching a movie. If I can then take what I see and give it physical dimension, it's like a dream come true. I find it incredibly satisfying. Not to mention how when I sat down at the computer to edit, the hours just FLEW passed. I would sit down at 3 PM and the next thing I knew, it was 12 AM and I had forgotten to eat dinner!! It was truly amazing and I have yet to find something that interests me as much or makes the time fly as quickly as editing did...
No, not even my writing can compare...
On top of that, when I became fascinated with movie trailers (especially its music), I was thrown into a whole new world. Prior to movie trailers, I had been making music videos--videos to an entire song with lyrics. But this new development (spawned by seeing the Spider-man 2 trailer and hearing the song "Lacrymosa") threw me a new curve ball. I then made it a pursuit to make movie trailers, and for a while that was my dream job.
Then reality hit me.
Could I really see myself sitting at a computer editing a movie trailer once I married? Had kids?
No, I couldn't.
And as I was editing in 2010, I kept having impressions that I needed to be doing something else with my time (especially since I did--and still do--want to get married and have a family). Therefore, something needed to be done. All the hours spent ripping footage, editing, and cursing software amounted to absolutely nothing. What did I have to show for all my hard work? A mere 2-minute video. Wahoo...
I was naive enough to believe that if I gave up my hobby, my social life would instantly improve. Well, it did for a little while (see this post). But then it fell flat again.
Video editing was not my problem...
And it's taken me nearly a year to realize what the problem truly was: Just like with any hobby, my video editing simply needed to be balanced with other things. My problem was learning how to balance it, hence the reason I believed I needed to give it up.
Even at that time, I didn't say, "I will never edit again" but rather, "I may get back to editing one day, but right now I need to do something else."
And what has happened in this last year?
I have expanded my social circle, I've read more books, and I've done a whole lot more writing!!
Will I ever go back to editing? Possibly. I'll admit, I would absolutely love to do my wedding video (you know how they show videos at the reception of the bride and groom and engagement photos? That's what I want to do!). My biggest problem is I currently do not have a computer that can handle the software I would need. My big PowerMac finally died (I fried the motherboard... lol! That's the third computer I have killed, and I blame my editing) and I'm currently in no hurry to replace it. If I ever did get another computer, I would probably buy the latest Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects because they have been my dream programs ever since I started editing.
Yes, I would like to see myself get back into editing, but do it with more balance in my life. Use it as a reward rather than an escape.
Even now, I still can see "videos" in my head, or I get inspiration to make a trailer, but then I remind myself that I "can't." But in all actuality, I CAN, it's just a matter of priorities.
As much as I love editing, making trailers, and timing music to video footage, I am resigned to the fact that there is still more for me to learn before I pick up the hobby once again... otherwise I would have already done it.
In the words of my hero:
And this is my tunnel...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Also, for those interested, here is the Spider-man 2 trailer that altered my world. "Lacrymosa" starts at 0:40, but really takes off at 1:48 and gives me shivers.
Because of this sharing, I have had several friends ask me why I gave it up. This brings back memories of my mom saying I have a gift with timing the music to videos...
It has been nearly a year since I last edited a video. I made this post last August giving some detail as to why I was giving the hobby up. However, as the year has gone by, I've come to realize some things regarding this hobby that was nearly 10 years in the making...
To start off, the reason I think I loved it so much was because I am a visual learner and have always been fascinated with movies. And we all realize the power music has in movies--it defines so much, especially the mood/emotion of the scene. Because I am a visual learner, and things visually appeal to me, when I listen to music I can see images in my head as though I'm watching a movie. If I can then take what I see and give it physical dimension, it's like a dream come true. I find it incredibly satisfying. Not to mention how when I sat down at the computer to edit, the hours just FLEW passed. I would sit down at 3 PM and the next thing I knew, it was 12 AM and I had forgotten to eat dinner!! It was truly amazing and I have yet to find something that interests me as much or makes the time fly as quickly as editing did...
No, not even my writing can compare...
On top of that, when I became fascinated with movie trailers (especially its music), I was thrown into a whole new world. Prior to movie trailers, I had been making music videos--videos to an entire song with lyrics. But this new development (spawned by seeing the Spider-man 2 trailer and hearing the song "Lacrymosa") threw me a new curve ball. I then made it a pursuit to make movie trailers, and for a while that was my dream job.
Then reality hit me.
Could I really see myself sitting at a computer editing a movie trailer once I married? Had kids?
No, I couldn't.
And as I was editing in 2010, I kept having impressions that I needed to be doing something else with my time (especially since I did--and still do--want to get married and have a family). Therefore, something needed to be done. All the hours spent ripping footage, editing, and cursing software amounted to absolutely nothing. What did I have to show for all my hard work? A mere 2-minute video. Wahoo...
I was naive enough to believe that if I gave up my hobby, my social life would instantly improve. Well, it did for a little while (see this post). But then it fell flat again.
Video editing was not my problem...
And it's taken me nearly a year to realize what the problem truly was: Just like with any hobby, my video editing simply needed to be balanced with other things. My problem was learning how to balance it, hence the reason I believed I needed to give it up.
Even at that time, I didn't say, "I will never edit again" but rather, "I may get back to editing one day, but right now I need to do something else."
And what has happened in this last year?
I have expanded my social circle, I've read more books, and I've done a whole lot more writing!!
Will I ever go back to editing? Possibly. I'll admit, I would absolutely love to do my wedding video (you know how they show videos at the reception of the bride and groom and engagement photos? That's what I want to do!). My biggest problem is I currently do not have a computer that can handle the software I would need. My big PowerMac finally died (I fried the motherboard... lol! That's the third computer I have killed, and I blame my editing) and I'm currently in no hurry to replace it. If I ever did get another computer, I would probably buy the latest Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects because they have been my dream programs ever since I started editing.
Yes, I would like to see myself get back into editing, but do it with more balance in my life. Use it as a reward rather than an escape.
Even now, I still can see "videos" in my head, or I get inspiration to make a trailer, but then I remind myself that I "can't." But in all actuality, I CAN, it's just a matter of priorities.
As much as I love editing, making trailers, and timing music to video footage, I am resigned to the fact that there is still more for me to learn before I pick up the hobby once again... otherwise I would have already done it.
In the words of my hero:
"Tunnels end in light"
And this is my tunnel...
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Also, for those interested, here is the Spider-man 2 trailer that altered my world. "Lacrymosa" starts at 0:40, but really takes off at 1:48 and gives me shivers.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fall = Book Season!
As I was writing my last book review, it dawned on me how many books are being released this fall that I can't wait to read! This list continues to grow! Most of these books are out in September (nearly a new book every week).
Title: Tiger's Destiny
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: Tiger's Curse
Number in Series: #4 out of 5
Release Date: September 4, 2012
I cannot WAIT to read this book!!! The Tiger's Curse series is stunning and it'll be interesting to see what the movie turns out to be like! But I have enjoyed the journey with Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan very much and I look forward to this book with great anticipation. I'm hoping to re-read the other three before its release to get everything fresh again.
On a side note, Colleen Houck has announced that this is the book that will break the curse, but there is still one more book left (Tiger's Dream). Makes me wonder what that book will be about!
I am so happy I was able to meet Colleen and have my books autographed! I have a feeling life will become very busy for her (especially after the movie's release) and she might not be able to do as much touring.
Title: After Hello
Author: Lisa Mangum
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 12, 2012
Lisa is my favorite author! She wrote the Hourglass Door trilogy, which is stunning! I have also met her in person (being a local author) and she is way nice and personable.
I look forward to this new adventure about Sara and Sam! Here's the description available:
Title: Entice
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Number in Series: #2
Release Date: September 18, 2012
A continuation of the book I just reviewed, Embrace. I suspect I will read it... just to know what happens.
Title: Casual Vacancy
Author: J. K. Rowling
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 27, 2012
How can I pass up the amazing talent of J. K. Rowling? The story sounds interesting, though definitely different. We'll see how this turns out!
Title: Finale
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush Saga
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012
The final book of the Hush, Hush saga! This has been a crazy emotional ride for me. Hush, Hush was the first angel book I picked up three years ago! One of the biggest things I love (and hate) about Becca's writing is the incredible cliff-hangers she leaves with every book. I just about died with the cliff-hanger of book two, Crescendo. I couldn't wait to read the next one! And now, the stakes are even higher seeing as Nora has just become the leader of a Nephilim army and has to make decisions that will lead to a war between Nephilim, Archangels, and Fallen Angels. Yep, it's going to be quite the ride!
Title: Inheritance
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: Inheritance Cycle
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Yes, it is the paperback version. But this is because the other books I own from this series are also in paperback, and me being my OCD self, have to have them matching. I look forward to reading this final book (as I have not read it before). I'm excited to see how everything ends for Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh.
All in all, this fall will be quite busy! Not only do I have several new books to read, but I will also be busy with school. I suppose it's a good thing I'm trying to save my money this summer... for I will not have much of a paycheck come September...
Author: Colleen Houck
Series: Tiger's Curse
Number in Series: #4 out of 5
Release Date: September 4, 2012
I cannot WAIT to read this book!!! The Tiger's Curse series is stunning and it'll be interesting to see what the movie turns out to be like! But I have enjoyed the journey with Kelsey, Ren, and Kishan very much and I look forward to this book with great anticipation. I'm hoping to re-read the other three before its release to get everything fresh again.
On a side note, Colleen Houck has announced that this is the book that will break the curse, but there is still one more book left (Tiger's Dream). Makes me wonder what that book will be about!
I am so happy I was able to meet Colleen and have my books autographed! I have a feeling life will become very busy for her (especially after the movie's release) and she might not be able to do as much touring.
Author: Lisa Mangum
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 12, 2012
Lisa is my favorite author! She wrote the Hourglass Door trilogy, which is stunning! I have also met her in person (being a local author) and she is way nice and personable.
I look forward to this new adventure about Sara and Sam! Here's the description available:
What if the first day of your relationship was the only day you had?
Seventeen-year-old Sara is a seeker. She’s always on the lookout for the perfect moment to capture with her ever-present, point-and-shoot camera, especially on her first trip to New York City.
Sam is a finder. He has a knack for finding what other people can’t—a first-edition book or the last two tickets to a sold-out Broadwa y show. In New York, there is always something interesting to find.
When Sam and Sara’s paths cross, neither one of them is prepared for what they will find out about each other—and about themselves when they form an unlikely partnership in search of a seemingly elusive work of art. They have one day to find the impossible. Fate brought their talents together, but what happens when time runs out? Will love be able to overcome fate? This new novel from award-winning author Lisa Mangum explores what happens after hello.
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Series: The Violet Eden Chapters
Number in Series: #2
Release Date: September 18, 2012
A continuation of the book I just reviewed, Embrace. I suspect I will read it... just to know what happens.
Author: J. K. Rowling
Series: N/A
Number in Series: N/A
Release Date: September 27, 2012
How can I pass up the amazing talent of J. K. Rowling? The story sounds interesting, though definitely different. We'll see how this turns out!
When Barry Fairbrother dies unexpectedly in his early forties, the little town of Pagford is left in shock.
Seemingly an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.
Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils…Pagford is not what it first seems.
And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity and unexpected revelations?
Blackly comic, thought-provoking and constantly surprising, The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling’s first novel for adults.
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Series: Hush, Hush Saga
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012
The final book of the Hush, Hush saga! This has been a crazy emotional ride for me. Hush, Hush was the first angel book I picked up three years ago! One of the biggest things I love (and hate) about Becca's writing is the incredible cliff-hangers she leaves with every book. I just about died with the cliff-hanger of book two, Crescendo. I couldn't wait to read the next one! And now, the stakes are even higher seeing as Nora has just become the leader of a Nephilim army and has to make decisions that will lead to a war between Nephilim, Archangels, and Fallen Angels. Yep, it's going to be quite the ride!
Author: Christopher Paolini
Series: Inheritance Cycle
Number in Series: #4 out of 4
Release Date: October 23, 2012
Yes, it is the paperback version. But this is because the other books I own from this series are also in paperback, and me being my OCD self, have to have them matching. I look forward to reading this final book (as I have not read it before). I'm excited to see how everything ends for Eragon, Saphira, and Murtagh.
All in all, this fall will be quite busy! Not only do I have several new books to read, but I will also be busy with school. I suppose it's a good thing I'm trying to save my money this summer... for I will not have much of a paycheck come September...
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