26 Things Photography Savenger hunt.

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Beautiful.

Please click on it and let me know what you think.

Another Meme. Because they are fun.

1) Which books do you irrationally cringe away from reading, despite seeing only positive reviews?
Twilight.I don't want to hear it. I just won't.

2) If you could bring three characters to life for a social event (afternoon tea, a night of clubbing, perhaps a world cruise), who would they be and what would the event be?
I want Stephan from The Mercy Thompson Series to go on a road trip with me in his Mystery Machine!!!! *complete with stuffed Scooby Doo.* I'm also thinking I'd like to eat pizza with Biff from Lamb by Christopher Moore.I haven't finished that book yet, but man, have I laughed. (And Laughed and laughed...and laughed some more.) The third one? Uh....Dumbledore. Yes, Dumbledore. Hereminds me of my Grandpa. Except for the gay bit. (Cool for Dumbledore, but not so much for my Grandpa.)

3) (Borrowing shamelessly from the Thursday Next series by Jasper Forde): You are told you can’t die until you read the most boring novel on the planet. While this immortality is great for a while, eventually you realize it’s past time to die. Which book would you expect to get you a nice grave?
Anything written by Oscar Wilde. The Picture of Dorian Grey damn near killed me.

4) Come on, we’ve all been there. Which book have you pretended, or at least hinted, that you’ve read, when in fact you’ve been nowhere near it?
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I know the stories so damned well I just don't feel the need to read them. I have read The Hobbit though.

5) You’re interviewing for the post of Official Book Advisor to some VIP (who’s not a big reader). What’s the first book you’d recommend and why?
Again with the Harry Potter. I'm a big fan, can you tell? Though, I'm sure I could recommend something light and fun. Artemis Fowl and the book Holes Louis Sachar got my little sister (who hated reading) to read. In turn, she got me to read those books and I loved them too.

6) A mischievous fairy comes and says that you must choose one book that you will reread once a year for the rest of your life (you can read other books as well). Which book would you pick?
This one made me think for a long time and I'm still not too sure about the answer. If tis my favorite book, I may come to not like it being forced into reading it year after year of my life. I believe I would decline the gift. After all, I've read enough books to know that a faerie doesn't just give you something without some sort of price...OR some sort of twisted entertainment for themselves. Key word there was mischievous.

The Jess. In Monochrome.

This is sic. If I didn't have boobs....

Another Book Meme...because I'm Bored.

1. First book to leave a lasting impression?
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. That I can remember. Or was it Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls? I do know I cried because of both novels. I loved both of them, but probably Where the Red Fern Grows more so. I'm not sure why, but I think it was because I could understand the boy's point of view far easier than the boys in The Outsiders.

2. Which author would you most like to be?
Hum. I'm thinking J.K. Rowling. Then I could say,"What? You want an 8th book? You got it!" Yea, that'd be pretty awesome. Or I could be Patricia Briggs. Then I could write more about Ben. Because, well, I like Ben. A lot. And there simply isn't enough of him.

3. Name the book that has most made you want to visit a place?
Memoirs of a Geisha, Morrigan's Cross, Moon Called, The Di Vinci Code....take your pick.

4. Which contemporary author will still be read in 100 years time?
I'm thinking Harry Potter will be read for quite some time, but I don't think It will be in schools. Too many people think its "The Devil". I'm also thinking that The Lord of the Rings will be read still for ages to come.

However, I believe John Green's books could possibly be read 100 Years from now. His characters and stories are easily related to, regardless if you have a flying car or not.

5. Which book would you recommend to a teenager reluctant to try ‘literature’?
Um, That's hard to say. Depends on the person. Literature is hard to get into, but perhaps I'd recommend some Edgar Allen Poe. Not sure if that counts...but I remember reading quite a bit of him in school.

6. Name your best recent literary discovery?
Recent? Eh...Oh man...The Mercy Thompson Series? That's not all that recent. She publishes a book a year and she has 4 books out now...for that series anyway. I'm also a big fan of Holly Black's Urban Fantasy books. Tithe and Valiant...I haven't read her recent book release, Ironside. Shame on me.

7. Which author’s fictional world would you most like to live in?
J. K. Rowling's. Hands down. The idea of it all just makes me incredibly happy. Even if I'm a Muggle, I'd love to know a witch or wizard and be a part of that world.

8. Name your favourite poet?
Poe perhaps? I don't think I have a distinct favorite.

9. What’s the best non-fiction title you’ve read this year?
None. Haven't read any yet this year.

10. Which author do you think is much better than his/her reputation?
Dan Brown. He gets a bad rap because he writes a book or two about religious conspiracies. People are just stupid. Also, Arthur Golden. He wrote a fictional story about a Geisha and the Geisha he interviews throws a tizzy because it wasn't "accurate". Who cares? Its a FICTIONAL story. I enjoyed it, that's all that matters to me. It was believable. If I wanted to know all about Geisha I'd pick up a NON-FICTION book. Jerks.

1.) Looking for Alaska- John Green
2.) Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.k. Rowling
3.) Brisngr - Chistopher Paolini (STILL Currently Reading.)
4.) Angels and Demons - Dan Brown
5.) Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colffer
6.) Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident - Eion Colfer
7.) Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code - Eion Colfer
8.) Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception - Eion Colfer
9.) Maus: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History - Art Spiegelman
10.) Bone Crossed - Patrticia Briggs
11.) The BFG - Roald Dahl
12.) Ever After - Wendy Loggia
13.) The Last Unicorn - Peter Speagle
14.) The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
15.) God Went to Beauty School - Cynthia Rylant

In My Pants.

It has occurred to me, that I simply do not think anymore. I used to. I use to think to the point of thinking too much. I used to be entertaining on my own, I didn't need someone else there to give me the courage to talk to someone else.

Now, I work. I sleep. I read books to escape the boring life I lead. I don't have as many friends as I should like and I didn't have that many over the course of my life either. High school ended early for me, and I was most glad for it. However, what little social life I had was extinguished with responsibility and the desire to do things on my own.

I wonder what happened to me? Maybe I was pretending then...or maybe I'm pretending now?

Either way, one of us was a fake.

The Book Shelf Meme- Because I can't help myself.

The Rules
1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!
2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.
3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.
4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water…
5. Make the meme more fun with visuals! Covers of the specific edition you’re talking about, photos of your bookshelves, etc.

And now, tell me about:

The book that’s been on your shelves the longest: That's rather hard to say. I've got a great deal of books, but I'd have to say Where is Daddy?: A Story of Divorce by Beth Geoff. It was given to me at one point by some sort of social worker to help me "cope" with my parents divorcing. I still like it, to be honest. Now that I'm older, I understand it on a deeper level than when I was a kid. I remember felt frustrated because the Father in the story screamed at the little girl a lot. My dad did too, so I didn't read it much then. I don't really now some to think of it.

Its got a cracked cover...and I believe a big chunk missing from the corner...but on a whole, the pages are still bound the spine in one piece. That's pretty darned good considering I've had it since I was at least 5.

A book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time, etc.): I was talking, just yesterday, to Jessica and Aunt Razz that I won't use conditioner in my hair because it makes my hair slick and stick straight to my head. This makes me feel dirty because I read Ella Enchanted by Gail Carlson-Levine my Freshman year. In this book, the step-sister, had curly blond hair that stuck to her head as if they were glued on. What's so bad about that? He stank of sour milk. I also have a fear of stinking. Does this count as a logical answer?

I did read a book about a girl who was molested as a child written entirely in poetry. That also struck home with me. I wish I could remember the name of it. (EDIT: Found it. Learning to Swim by Ann Turner.)

A book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used bookstore, prize, etc.): I buy a lot of used books. In goodwill, the "Peddlers Market" in town, garage sales, and free book boxes at the library or the laundry room in my complex. Yesterday I Bought a book about Williamsburg Virginia, The complete works of Sherlock Holmes, a book about religion, and Big Fish by Daniel Wallace. Not so long ago I bought An Abundance of Katherines by John Green at goodwill for about $2. It was the 2nd book he published and the only one out of his 3 that I didn't own. I usually never look in the book bin, because there is nothing but romance novels and books about GOD.

Other than that, I've never had an interesting story...short of my mother giving me some really old books of my Great Aunt Isy's and Grandfather's. Which, I suppose is interesting.

The book whose loss would traumatize you the most: Most of them. I have an almost unhealthy attachment to my books. Though, I'd miss my Lord of the Ring Trilogy the most, I think. I have the Super old, falling apart, 'been-in-the-family-for-3-generations' copies. I think my heart would break just a little.

A book that’s been with you to the most places: That's really difficult to pin point. I don't like carrying my books with me much. I worry they'll be damaged. Nothing I personally own has been taken too many places, but The Harry Potter Series has moved with me from house to house over the years...the same with Where is Daddy?. But, I have taken various copies of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with me all through school and lord only knows where else.

A bonus book that you want to talk about but doesn’t fit into the other questions: I have a lot of books like that, actually. Books my Grandfather bought me and books he owned, Books that My family has kept onto for at least 3 generations, and the books that I cannot wait to pass onto my children. To list everything would take me months. Or more.

Now, I tag (Since I know there are a few of my friends who read this blog-o-mine):
Snot-Licker, Dawny-spice, and Jessica.

Mercy Thompson Series. (Spoilers.)

Alright. Its been bothering me a lot lately. I love this series more than I should admit and I'm honestly considering getting myself a 'Mercy's Garage' hoodie. (Click on the photo if you are interested in buy one.) Though there are a few things I really need to ask and I'm hoping someone can answer them. Which is doubtful, because only the author will know them. (Most likely.) Not to mention I simply need to talk about it, so there my be some spoilers. So, here goes!

Its very difficult to pick a favorite character in the series because they are all so wonderfully complex and interesting. I waver between 3 characters mostly. They are (in no particular order):
Stephan-The Vampire. He likes Scooby Doo. Enough to have his own Mystery Machine, anyway.
Warren- A Werewolf. A Gay Werewolf. With a sweet Texas drawl and a sassy attractive divorce lawyer for a boyfriend, who I also happen to be fond of.
And Ben- Also a Werewolf. Foul mouthed, Blonde, and oh-so-British. I can hear groans from other book readers about this character, I'm sure, but I can't help it.

At this very moment, I'm favoring Ben a little more so than the other two. In Moon Called, Ben is depicted as a woman hater and a possible rapist. (At least, Mercy hadn't dismissed the thought.) He also seemed to have this problem with Warren (as most werewolves do) and his lifestyle. Despite this, He is often partnered with Warren for Pack duties. As a result, in my opinion, they have this odd friendship or understanding.

I wanted to like him from the very instant he was introduced. I was indifferent with his character at first. One minute I found him charming and the next he was an ass. However, as the series has progressed we find that Ben isn't what everyone thinks he is. In fact he's just one big old softy. He just has a hard time showing affection. He was deeply wounded as a child, but once this was revealed I'm sure quite a few people began to understand how Ben worked. It only made me love him more.

I do hope that we get to see more with Ben in later books. I have finally gotten most of my Stephan fix, but I would love to see more of him too. There are a lot of characters that just seem to not get enough limelight. I understand the series is about Mercy, but She has no where near enough interaction with some of the other extraordinary characters in her world. Now, on to the questions!

Last Names: Ben? Warren? Stephan? Does Stephan even have a last name? What do the living favorite members do for a living? (I'm sure this one was mentioned somewhere, I've probably just forgotten.) How old is Ben? How old is Stephan?

The most important question: Will I see more of them all in later books? (Particularly Ben!)

ALSO:
I've also started adding photos and unstoring a few of my favorites on DA again. So, If you are on DeviantART and want to look me up, The link is on your right. =]

The Magic of Life's Expirences and Memories.

A fish my Love a bird, Signore, but where would they live?

I thought I'd mention the 50 books thing, since I suppose I haven't mentioned it in a while. I have been picking up the pace it seems and I'm not caught up, I would be ahead if I could just bring myself to finish Brisngr. As I've said, I want to know how it ends. Its a great story it just seems to continue on and on as if I were sitting there through the months of waiting, weeks of traveling, and the hours of conversation. NOTHING is left out and much of it could easily be left behind. Though I suppose that each moment Eragon lives and breathes, goes on to further show his inexperience and his character... but COME ON! A confrontation here, Eragon learns something. A confrontation there, and Eragon doesn't agree but does it anyway. It is getting old.

So instead, I've breezed by 8 books since picking up Brisngr and 1 book not so breezily. I finished reading Ever After by Wendy Loggia(Gasp! A book based from the screenplay of a movie! I'm going to Bookworm hell in the end.) and I'm now reading The Last Unicorn by Peter Speagle. I'm quite surprised that I hadn't read it already. I grew up watching the animated movie (Click to view the movie trailer. AH, I love the Movie Voice Over Guy!) and I loved it then like I love it now. I am getting quite a bit more from the book though, but so far I think the movie entranced me a little more than the book it was inspired from. Its half nostalgia, part animation geek, part love the kind of magic that leaves your heart fluttering, with a dash of hopeless romantic.

I grew up in a house where stories of magic were as natural as breathing. Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were names I knew long before I could read. I didn't know as much then as I do now, but I think knowing somehow take part of the magic and the happiness away. Everyday there was a song and everyday someone quoted a line from the book.

Chip the glasses and crack the plates!
Blunt the knives and bend the forks!
That's what Bilbo hates -
Smash the bottles and burn the corks!

Cut the cloth and tread on the fat!
Pour the milk on the pantry floor!
Leave the bones on the bedroom mat!
Splash the wine on every door!

Dump the crocks in a boiling bowl;
Pound them up with a thumping pole;
And when you've finished, if any are whole,
Send them down the hall to roll!

That's what Bilbo Baggins hates!
So, carefully! carefully! with the plates!

When my Uncle would put in The Hobbit(1977), everyone who was home sat to watch it and if they weren't singing along, they were humming (That's what my Grandmother did.) I think, having those memories and experiences growing up gave me the beliefs I have now. Magic is something we create. It lives in everything we desire it to. In Books, Artwork, Song, Grass, The Sky. The world is full of magic if you can only have the courage to see it that way. There were key figures in my life that made moments of my childhood magic and I hope to inspire the same emotions in others as they have given me.

If anything from just letting loose and writing this blog, I've learned that I'm a hopeless romantic and a lover of beautiful things. I'll have to add those things to the list of a thousand other things I seem to already know about myself. So much for being an "Enigma".

1.) Looking for Alaska- John Green
2.) Harry Potter: The Tales of Beedle the Bard - J.k. Rowling
3.) Brisngr - Chistopher Paolini (Currently Reading)
4.) Angels and Demons - Dan Brown
5.) Artemis Fowl - Eoin Colffer
6.) Artemis Fowl: The Artic Incident - Eion Colffer
7.) Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code - Eion Colfer
8.) Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception - Eion Colfer
9.) Maus: A Survior's Tale: My Father Bleeds History - Art Spiegelman
10.) Bone Crossed - Patrticia Briggs
11.) The BFG - Roald Dahl
12.) Ever After - Wendy Loggia
13.) The Last Unicorn - Peter Speagle (Currently Reading)