Week 2ish

This post is a bit late. Week two has come and gone, but oh well. Let me just say, I expect to reach the 50,000 word goal the same way I did last year. In a futile attempt to beat Fin in getting there. Sometimes I wonder how normal people have fun.

Wordcount: I shall fill this in later. I'm keeping Fin in terror at the moment.

Favorite Place to Write: The coffee shop, still. Especially when I've got writer friends with me.

Most Productive Place to Write: That would still be my bedroom. On my bed. With earphones in my ears.

Favorite Snack: French fries from McDonald's. I know, I'm weird.

Music:

Week 1

Well, the first week of NaNo is over and I'm still breathing. One of my characters isn't, but I told him from the very beginning he wouldn't be lasting long. I hope he didn't mind. I would ask him, but... like I said, he's not speaking anymore.

I finally updated my Current Writing Projects page, so you can read the quick synopsis of my novel there.

So, how's it been going? Pretty good! I've got to say, I love working with these characters again. They're probably my favorite group of fictional people.

Word count: 17,003

Favorite Place to Write: The coffee shop

Most Productive Place to Write: My bedroom

Favorite Snack: Chocolate, either white, or dark, but not milk.

Music: Michael Buble (Lost),

Damian McGinty (Home),

and Josh Groban (Hidden Away).

I would make this longer, but I haven't reached my word goal for the day. I'm hoping for 18k before midnight.

Awesomeness

Guys. I'm not a fan of Glee, or The Glee Project. At all. However, I am a fan of this guy.

It also makes me pretty happy to hear this guy sing.

This guy has just always been awesome.

In other news, I'm sick. Therefore, I've posted music videos instead of racking my mind for words to type. I feel no shame.

Weakness

I just finished making the cover for The Way We Love. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out, despite the complications I had while making it. You all probably want to see it, but you'll have to wait. It'll be on my updated Current Writing Projects page, after NaNo starts.

I'm sitting on Fins bed at the moment, listening to Celtic Thunder. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since we went and saw them in concert. It was the kickstart to NaNo last year for me. This year I'll be taking a trip to the best bookstore on the face of this earth. Powell's. Books on my list to look for? Oh, you know, the usual. Charles Dickens, Ted Dekker, John Keats, C.S. Lewis... the list goes on. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to find one, or two books to lug home with me.

Someone shared a verse with me lately. I love it when that happens.

And he said unto me, "my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I think the world overrates the wrong kind of strong. Who cares if you've got abs. Until you are weak in Him, you will never be truly strong. I think I need to work on that more. Much more.

Braindead

I haven't been writing much lately. I've been reading. I actually haven't been doing much of that either though, so it's a lame excuse. Oh well, I just keep telling myself you've gotta have a break before the big bust, right? I would certainly call November the big bust of my writing life, and it's coming on fast. At this point, I'm not even really sure what I'm gonna write either. I've got ideas, but there's no saying that won't change. Like it already has three times.

I've got to get up early to go to work tomorrow, so I'm not even really sure why I'm taking the time to write this post. This could be one of those moments when I could be writing, or reading. I'm writing a story about gypsy's, a highwayman, and poor villagers. I'm reading Wuthering Heights. I'm enjoying both.

I guess I decided to post because I felt like I wanted to, the only thing was, I didn't know what to post. So, I decided to follow the example of My Sam and not think about it. Just write, right? We won't go into how much she inspires me right now, just know that she does.

Speaking of being inspired, I'm in love with music right now. Oh wait, I'm always in love with music. Let me rephrase that, I'm in love with Barrage right now. This is one of my favorites. It's called Allen's Bar.

This ones pretty good too. Until We Meet Again.

I'm in the midst of refurbishing my room. Well, I have been in the midst of it since we moved into this house, but it's getting closer. My Daddy is going to build me some awesome bookshelves so I'll be able to get my books off the floor and I'm hoping to find a nice, big, comfy chair to stick in the corner. I love big comfy chairs. Especially when surrounded by books.

Beautiful People - June/July

They're just family, friends, and neighbors

Doing what they've always done

Lovin' fathers, lovin' daughters, lovin' mothers, lovin' sons

They gather 'round ole Glory

'Round the tables and the steeples

The beautiful people

The beautiful people

I discovered this song about a month after starting Beautiful People. I'm rather surprised I hadn't heard it before, considering Tim McGraw's my favorite country artist. Random moment, I know.

Anyway, lets cut to the bone. For those of you who would like to participate in Beautiful People, look below for this months questions! For those who haven't a clue what I speak of, you can read all about it HERE.

Believe it, or not, Sky and I have come to the end of that long list of questions she received about Avary. So, we would just like to let everyone know that we are open for suggestions! If you've got some question ideas, please feel free to submit them in a comment on either of our Beautiful People posts. We can't wait to hear what you'll come up with!

Now, for this months questions!

1. What kind of music does he/she like?
2. Does he/she like to go outside?
3. Is he/she naturally curious?
4. Right, or left handed?
5. Favorite color?
6. Where is he/she from?
7. Any enemies?
8. What are his/her quirks?
9. What kinds of things get on his/her nerves?
10. Is he/she independent, or needs others to help out?

Thanks to iGirl and Charity for submitting this months questions!

Don't forget to sign the linky, and have fun!

In Which Georgie Announces her Love for Les Miserables

Yes, it's true. I'm in love with Les Miserables. Even though I still wonder if I'm saying it correctly.

I don't believe I can quite call myself a fan, considering I haven't read the book. In fact, I've only seen the 25th Anniversary performance on DVD. Uh, yes, that would be the one with Nick Jonas as Marius. No, I did not really like Marius. Yes, I gave him a chance and no, it wasn't just because he was played by Nick Jonas that I don't like him. Although, I did giggle when Fontaine's voice went deeper than I could ever imagine his going.

I don't think I could pick a favorite song. I love all of them really. I have my favorites, the obvious One Day More that everyone seems to love, Eponine's On My Own. I really like Do You Hear the People Sing, although I couldn't say it was my favorite.

Do you hear the people sing,

singing the song of angry men?

It is the music of a people

who will not be slaves again.

When the beating of your heart

echoes the beating of the drums

there is a life about to start

when tomorrow comes.

I'd like to watch a few more versions, including the 10th anniversary performance, and the one with Liam Neeson, if only to compare them to the 25th anniversary edition.

Fly to Jesus

As it is for many people, life has been busy for me. Mostly with wrapping up my high-school education. This year I will go from high-school to my un-school education. Because that's really the only change there will be. I'll still be learning, and in many ways more than I ever did my entire homeschooling experience.

Since I've finished second draft of The Way We Think, I've kind of been taking a break from serious writing. Serious meaning, any of my main works in progress. I've been enjoying the break, but I'm already gearing up to start work on Ash Valley. I've decided, despite my 50k word count, I'm going to completely start from the beginning and re-write the whole thing. I used to think my writer friends were crazy when they did that. Now I totally understand. I may have reached 50,ooo words, but that doesn't mean they're any good.

The biggest problem with Ash Valley has been staying on track, and moving from one plot point to the next promptly. With the re-write I'm going to try a new way of outlining. Who knows if I'll actually use it past the first day, but I would really like to give it a shot in hopes that it'll help me stay on track. Instead of using one of those highfalutin programs with all the fancy features, I'm going to go with a stack of post-it notes and a notebook. It's a bit more simple, and more fitted to my organized chaos kind of style.

I'll end with this. I've been listening to it non-stop lately.

In Which Georgie Explains Her Absence

If you've been wondering where I've been, let me explain.

My very nice oral surgeon and his cute little cronies caught me off guard and knocked me out the other day. Their reasoning behind this was so that they could brutally rip out my wisdom teeth and fill my mouth with gauze without me ever being the wiser... literally. Unfortunately for them I figured out what happened and sent them a short little note demanding the return of my teeth. As a sick joke they sent me what they called pain pills. Very appropriately named. These white little beauties were just another laugh on their part as they made me rather... uh... nauseated. No doubt if I had continued to take them as they instructed, I would be dead. Thankfully, my dear Fin has experienced the exact same thing and was able to tell me, before it was to late, about the evilness in the pills. Since then I have been slowly recovering which involves a lot of ice cream, pudding, mashed potatoes, and sleep.

So... uh... there you have it. The full... er... story. Eh-hm. Moving on.

I pass on the job of appeasing the thronging fans who have been demanding more from their favorite blogger, to Adam Young. Because old songs, or new, he always makes me want to write music. I give you Owl City.

May his awesome toy room thrill you as much as it does me.

The Beautiful King

I'm not a fan of Bethany Dillon. However, I am a fan of Kurt Russell and Kris Kristofferson. Put those guys together and I get Dreamer.

I really like the movie. I adore this song. Most of all I love the fact that I have my own beautiful King. Willing to leave the comfort of His Kingdom to fight for victory. Talk about love.

Little Known Facts About Georgie Penn

One of the things I love about blogging is the different people you "meet." I found Mrs. Kraft's blog through one of my all time favorite blogs to read. (life is to short not to) wear red shoes. Seriously, this girl makes my day every time I see she's posted. You should check out both blogs, 'cuase they are both awesome.

Imagine the day I find this new blog, she is hosting a blog party. A blog party I can participate in! Always lots of fun.

What celebrity/celebrities would create a "Star-Struck" feeling if you saw them in real life?

The truth is, there are several. The first ones that come to mind are all the guys from Celtic Thunder. One of my very few celebrity fandoms.

Another one would be Steven Spielberg.

Call me a nerd, but there you have it.

What is your comfort food/drink?

To tell you the truth, I don't really have one. Food has never really been something I've turned to when I need comfort. I guess if I had to choose one though, it would be ice cream

. I love ice cream.

Be brave - tell us something very random about yourself.

Ever since reading Sherlock Holmes, The Sign of Four, I don't like to have the blinds on my window up after dark. Every time I glance up and see it I see an ugly fact plastering itself against the glass. Yes. This is the affect Sherlock Holmes has on me. Yes, I still read Sherlock Holmes and enjoy it to the utmost.

Do you have a strong desire to do something you've never done? What is it?

Where should I start? I have a huge bucket list people. A small sample for your enjoyment...

• Visit Australia
• Learn to play the saxophone
• Direct a play if not a movie
• Take a ride (or three) in a hot air balloon

Movies: Action, Drama, Romantic Comedy, Documentary, Comedy? What are your favorite

genres?

I enjoy almost any genera of movies setting aside horror and westerns (although there are one, or two westerns I like). My favorites would have to be thrillers and comedies. I humorous thriller makes my day.

Books: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Romance, Biographies, True Stories, Self-Help, Devotional/Study? What are your favorite types of reading material?

Ah! Books! Books! My kingdom for some books! (You can ignore that if you wish, kiddos if you know what I'm talking about) Once again, I love almost any kind of book. My favorites in fiction are fantasy, thrillers, and historical fiction. I also love reading non-fiction on writing and film. True stories are always neat too!

Music: Funk, Rock, Country, Jazz, Classical, Film Score, Blues, Classic Rock, Crooner, Alternative, Heavy Metal, Techno? What are your favorite types?

For the longest time I was a country girl and only a country girl (Don't take this the wrong way. I can't stand Taylor Swift's music). In the last year however I've began to branch out. I still love country, but Celtic Thunder, Josh Groban, and Owl City have shown me a new kind of music and I do have to say, I'm in love. I also enjoy film scores, oldies, and folk.

If you could live anywhere at all (and take all your loved ones with you), where would you go?

Oregon. I love Oregon. My second choice would be the village they call the Moy in Ireland. Just so I could say, "I live in the village they call the Moy."... and because I love Ireland

What is one of your favorite things to catch a whiff of?

Leather. Journals, saddles, boots, they all send me into ecstasy.

What are your favorite animals?

Once upon a time I wouldn't have had to answer this. You would be able to tell as soon as you saw my blog. Alas, even though I love the animal just has much, writing has taken over in my blogging life. To answer the question, "The wind of heaven is that which blows between a

horse's ears." -Arabian Proverb

What movie or book character can you most relate to?

This will sound strange, but I believe the answer to this question

would be Edmund Pevensie. Yes, the boy who turns on his siblings for want of attention and power. Honestly though, while others were talking about how terrible he was for doing it, I was telling myself I probably would have done the same thing. Not because I don't like my family, or feel I need power, but because I'm human. I fall. I make mistakes. The great thing about Edmund is he learned his lesson and in the books to come he is stronger then ever because of it. A character to admire for realizing his wrong's and letting "Aslan" change his life for the better. I can easily imagine how he felt as the White Witch offered him everything he thought he wanted, and how he felt when he realized what a mistake he had made.

Music and Writing Combined

If you've been looking for a good writing prompt, love music, and are reading this, you'll want to continue... reading.

I love music. I'm almost always listening to it in some way. My I-Pod (his name is Danny), the radio, CD's, or just singing. I love music because it inspires me. So, I came up with this little idea. A writing prompt centered around music.

1. Make a playlist on your i-pod. If you can't make playlists, or don't have an i-pod make a list of your favorite songs on paper. I chose not to add any songs that are not sung in English (considering it's the only language I speak) and most of my Christmas songs. I also decided not to go with any of the classical pieces, or soundtracks.
2. The next time you want to tackle a writing prompt, or just feel like writing, but aren't sure what to write about, go to your playlist and put it on shuffle. Put the first song that comes up on repeat and listen to it at least once completely through before you start writing.
3. Write. Write the story that the song tells you. Write about what it means to you. Write about everything you've ever thought about this song before. Just write. Don't think. Set yourself a time limit, or just write till you can write no more.
4. When you're done, collapse for a moment to catch your breath and then delete that song from your playlist.

Every time you need a writing prompt go back to that playlist. I have 243 songs on mine. Should take me awhile to get through, but I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun with it. Will you?

God's Love is Like a Meteor Shower

A little known fact about me. I'm an Owl City fan. At first I thought his music was just really weird, but now I think it's weird and awesome at the same time. I think maybe that's what Adam Young was going for... at least, I hope so.

Anyway, I've been listening to this song over and over again lately. It's short, only two verses. I love the words though.

I can finally see

That You're right there beside me

I am not my own

For I have been made new

Please don't let me go

I desperately need You

I am not my own

For I have been made new

Please don't let me go

I desperately need You

The Squeeze Box

Added to my bucket list: Learn to play the accordion.

I'll need someone else to do the deep singing though...

P.S. This guy is my favorite accordion player. On Youtube at any rate.

I'm the Girl...

"Great. Well done. Now we wait." -Mahoney

"No. We breath. We pulse. We regenerate. Our hearts beat. Our minds create. Our souls ingest. 37 seconds well used is a lifetime." -Mr. Magorium

I'm the girl...

• who finishes the dreams she woke up in the middle of, on paper.
• who eats Doritos and cheese for breakfast.
• who watched the end of one movie and the beginning of another.
• who started a new story when she's already swamped in a million others. (All for the love of inspiration)
• who wanted a glue stick where no glue sticks were to be found.
• who called "dude" and "Cheeto" American slang.
• who sang Long Black Train at the top of her lungs with Josh Turner.
• who was craving pork.
• who had a good day.
• who will have a great day tomorrow.

Heritage

The excitement level of Celtic Thunder fans is at a high right now.

Merry Christmas

Pan-Pipes, Backpacker Guitars, and Tin-Flutes

It all started when Kekoa asked what the instrument Mr. Tumnes played was called. You know, the amazing little flute that makes the flames dance, literally. Mum said she thought it was a pan-flute.

I've always thought it would be cool to play that little flute, whatever it is, so when we got home I googled the pan-flute. Mum was wrong. It is not the pan-flute he plays. In fact, the instrument he does play was fabricated entirely for the movie.

However, I was soon captivated by the pan-flute, or pan-pipes. Gorgeous instruments that make beautiful sounds, I decided I wanted to play one. I still do, but it'll have to wait till I can save the money.

During my search for pan-flutes I also happened to discover the backpacker guitar. Another hour looking those up. Another instrument added to the list to save for.

While researching backpacker guitars I discovered the point of this post. The tin-whistle, or the penny-whistle. Not as pretty as a pan-flute, but they still make an amazing sound when played right. Small, easy to travel with. Good idea for someone living in a motor home. Not only that, they were much more easy attainable. The one I wanted was only $20.

One problem. I don't have $20. A plan began to form in my mind. I approached Mum with it the next morning. "If I can finish this grade of math (that's 38 lessons peeps) in a week, will you get me the $20 tin-whistle I want?"

Her answer. "Possibly."

Good enough for me. Four days later I announced I had finished that level in math. She ordered the tin-flute. I am now eagerly awaiting it's arrival, hoping it will get here before Christmas.

I discovered an awesome website that teaches you how to play the tin-flute, totally for free. Videos and all. Despite the lack of flute, I've already watched several of the first lessons.

I've watched tons of youtube videos about tin-flutes, people playing tin-flutes, people talking about tin-flutes.

Now I just need mine.

Tommy Emmanuel

Okay, so my friend showed me this video today.

So, thinking this guy was amazing I Googled him and found his official website. I discovered he is Australian and learned to play guitar by ear. He has now made it to my list of awesome people. Congratulations Mr. Emmanuel.

Inspiration Station

Last night as I opened my NaNo doc, I stared at the words that had been typed there. Where had they come from? What urged me to use them? Why did I start NaNo at all?

The simple answer was one word. Inspiration.

Inspiration: noun:

1. a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation.
2. the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.
3. the act of influencing or suggesting opinions.

If you're a regular reader of my blog you may have noticed I'm actually rather fond of the word inspiration. I have a whole category dedicated it. It just happens to be the one I use the most.

Maybe it's just because the feeling of being inspired to write something you're positive will be unlike anything you've ever written before never gets old. It's a feeling you can't describe, a feeling that doesn't leave till you do something about it. Inspiration.

Last night I scoured all of my resources and discovered the quotes, pictures, and music lyrics that have inspired me in the past. I collected them all into one document, and had it printed off. Then I cut them all out and plastered them all over my wall. I am now surrounded by the things that make me want to write something worth reading. Such as...

~~~

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain

~~~

"Do you have any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?" - The Mad Hatter

~~~

"These mist covered mountains

Are a home now for me

But my home is the lowlands

And always will be

Someday you'll return to

Your valleys and your farms

And you'll no longer burn

To be brothers in arms"

- Brothers in Arms

~~~

"Isn't it odd how much fatter a book gets when you read it several times?" Mo said... "As if something were left between the pages every time you read it. Feelings, thoughts, sounds, smells... and then, when you look at the book again many years later, you find yourself there, too, a slightly younger self, slightly different, as if the book had preserved you like a pressed flower... both strange and familiar." - Inkheart