Explore. Dream. Discover.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. 

Mark Twain was a smart guy. I used to think this quote's only meaning was to drop everything and go travel the world. Maybe that was what he intended for those who heard the words, maybe he simply meant, live the life you have to the fullest. Explore, dream, and discover the life around you. Maybe he meant both.

Either way, I can't really drop everything at the moment, so I've been discovering things at home.

1. Les Miserables is a beautiful book. Victor Hugo is a bit long winded, but it's worth it. 

   2. Expectations can be good, but sometimes they get to high. Then it stings when they fall down again. 

3. Nobody is perfect. Even when you thought they were. 

   4. Books take up a lot of space, the more books you get, the more space you need. (maybe that one was obvious for some peoples) 

5. Forgiveness is good. To give and to receive. 

   6. I'm a bit fonder of Fall then I thought I was. (despite the fact that it means no more summer) 

7. November comes very quickly every year. (NaNoWriMo anyone?) 

   8. Sometimes it's worth fighting for. Sometimes you've just gotta shrug and say "okay." 

9. Marshmallows sooth a sore throat. Happy day. 

10. Change happens. Welcome it with a smile. It makes life easier in the long run. 

What About Now?

I don't remember the last time someone asked me what I was going to do with my life. Aside from myself of course, because if it came down to that, the answer every time would be, five minutes ago.

You remember when we graduated highschool and it was the only thing anyone could talk to you about? What comes next? What amazing talents does this generation have to share with the world? We've given you our everything, now what will you give us?

A year and a half later, they've stopped asking. I guess they got tired of hearing the one answer I could consistently give. I really don't know. What a disappointment.

With another one of those awesome birthdays we all looked forward to from the ages of three to eighteen fast approaching, it's been on my mind a lot lately. What now? Actually, not as much that as, why haven't I done it yet?

The world has been sending me mixed messages. One minute I'm being told that I'm young, now is my chance to do the things I've always dreamed of doing. Now is the chance to see the places I've never thought I'd get the chance to see. "Why not?", is the only question they have for me, when I tell them I can't just leave. Oh, you know,

Family.

Friends.

A job.

People. Mostly people. I can't walk out on them.

"Yeah, that's what held me back too. Don't make the same mistake."

Minute number two has other things to say. Most of them directly contradicting with Minute One, yet explaining to me that Minute One is right. Now is my chance. Wait, what?

My chance for what exactly? I still haven't figured that out.

Have I mentioned Minute Two doesn't make a whole lot of sense?

I work at Safeway. I'm a courtesy clerk, which is a nice way of saying, I bag peoples grocery's, and push carts. My co-workers are awesome.

I've lost count of how many of them have told me to find another job. One of them reminds me rather frequently. "Find something you enjoy doing, because if you can go far here, you'll do even better while you're happy."

I was talking to a friend of mine awhile ago about all of this, and she smiled and said, "it's like a real live coming of age story."

Right, only, where's the climax? At what point do I get hit on the head and come to with the knowledge of everything I've always wanted, and how to achieve it? At one point does everything boil down to the one moment that changes it all?

I guess I know my problem. I've been listening to the world to much. Thinking they're the ones I'm meant to please. Forgetting Who really matters, cause in the end, He's the one I'll be spending eternity with... gosh, and I thought, "the rest of my life" sounded like a long time.

Life Doesn't Have a Mute Button

My one rule in blogging. Only do it when I want to, not when I feel I have to. Unfortunately, sometimes this results in extended periods of time where I type not a single word for you to read. Shame.

Actually, one of the very few reasons I'm back, writing this now, is because of my Sam. You've heard me mention her before. It's not that she's told me repeatedly that I should start blogging again *cough, cough* (she has), it's more the posts I've seen on her own blog recently. Please, go read them. They've inspired me, maybe they'll provide you with the same favor.

Today was one of those days where I just wanted to turn and tell whoever was talking to me to shut up. I wish I could say I would have said it in a nicer way, but truth is, if I'd actually done it, that's exactly how I would have said it. Shut up.

Question. Does adding please to the phrase "shut up" make it any less rude? I feel not.

The weird thing about days like this, for me, is that I'm really not in a bad mood. On the contrary, I could easily describe today as a good day, yet I still just wanted the world around me to be silent. No, not silent, I just wanted the words to stop flowing. From everywhere.

I guess maybe sometimes I overwhelm myself with to many words. To many spoken, to many written, to many to read. They're everywhere, and on days like today, I just don't want them anymore because I can't think anymore. My brain is suffocating. Let me breath. 

I can't though.

You don't have the option of turning words off at work.

You don't have the option of turning words off at home.

You don't have the option of turnings words off with friends.

Turning words off is not an option.

So, on days like today, I bite my tongue, and I nod and smile at the appropriate moments. Well... maybe sometimes I don't always smile.

Today was good. Today I envied the deaf man.

I'm the Kind of Girl Who...

... cuts herself on barbed wire because she was distracted by singing the Indiana Jones theme song.

... really does enjoy sitting on the sidelines.

... has an opinion on everything.

... gives her dog a theme song.





... loves all things Robin Hood. 
... sets herself impossible writing goals. 
... tends to fall in love with the villain. 
... will most certainly fall in love with the rogue. 
... visits IMDb to many times to count in a day. 
... is learning to laugh in difficult situations. 
... watches bull rider documentaries. 
... can't whistle. 
... would fly around the world in a hot air balloon if she could. 
... isn't crazy about Jane Austen. 
... doesn't like snakes, but wishes she did. 
... doesn't like her feet touched. 
... calls french fries her comfort food. 
... can count her close friends on one hand. 
... isn't understood by many people. 

Life

Every once in a while, I go through these phases where I'm thinking about life. I'm guessing that's pretty normal of anyone out there, so it's not like that in itself is anything special. Actually, the thoughts that go through my head aren't really anything special either. I'm sure they've gone through many a head before.

When I say life, I mean my life. My future life, the life that's whirling around me at this moment, and the life I've already gone through. Life. 

Once again, it's nothing special that I often wonder where I'll end up in the next five years, or even the next year. I guess every kid my age probably wonders the same thing from  time to time. Some of us have plans, a lot of us don't. Some of us are filled with confidence. Some of us aren't. It's the way God made us. It's the way He wanted us to be.

I can't believe what has happened in my life as it is. Where I am at the moment, I never saw coming. Where I'll be in the next year? I can't really see that coming either, but God can. He's got it all planned out. I've just got to follow His voice.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do his good pleasure. -Philippians 2:13

Okay, I'll push post now before I delete these rambling thoughts.

Seasons Thoughts

I was going to write this awhile back, but my book was calling out to me. I'm reading Bleak House and once again Charles Dickens has been showing me what an amazing artist he is.

So, I tried again a few days after that, but work got in the way. I'm a barista at a malt shoppe. Well, I should be at least. Service is kind of slow at the moment, so I've been more on call than anything else. Here's to hoping it picks up soon!

That brought me to tonight. I was really going to write a blog post. The page wouldn't load though. I almost gave up, but an hour, or so later, the internet connection seemed to improve. Here I am, writing this, and not even sure where I'm headed with it.

I can't believe it's almost Christmas day already. I used to think December was the longest month I ever had to live through. Now I feel as if it's been the shortest of the year. I'll be having a very quiet Christmas this year, but I'm perfectly okay with that. It gives me more time to think, which I've been doing a lot of lately. So much, it's been keeping me up at night. Not always the best thing.

I feel like Christmas day is one of the best days to think. It gives you even more to dwell over then you've already got. Well, the entire season does really. The people who rush about, the cars that are all over the roads, making you realize you may have a touch inner road rage after all. Maybe not rage, just frustration.

The gifts. Fin and I kept telling ourselves we would get out and do our shopping before the holiday rush closed in, but somehow we never really got around to it. Thankfully we managed to do most of it in one day. I'd like to think I'll enjoy giving more then receiving this year, but I know whatever I find inside my own packages will please me just as much as the looks on loved ones faces when they see what I've packed in theirs. I haven't quite decided if that's the point, or not. I guess I'll have to think on it longer.

Naw, in all reality, the gifts are great, but as we all continue to remind each other. It's not what it's all about. I think everyone knows it really, some people just don't like to admit it. Others purposely shove it to the back of their minds. Some of us tell ourselves we remember, and isn't it all wonderful, but we don't really care. I guess it's just part of that human nature that was given us.

I know you've heard it a million times already this year, but don't forget His name. Don't forget the reason you breath in and out. Don't forget He granted you mercy. Don't forget the true story of Christmas.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. -Isaiah 9:6

Hi Guys

It's seven minutes away from midnight and I'm writing this post to say that this blog is not dead. Let's just say NaNoWriMo has sucked practically ever intelligible word out of my system. On that note, I reached 50,000 three days before Thanksgiving. Now I've just got to finish the novel.

For those of you sitting around waiting for something to happen on this blog, sit back and get ready. My Sam, Fin and I are working on some crazy stuff. At least, it sounds crazy when you're this tired.

I've also discovered you will laugh an insane amount at this video when you're tired. If you're anything like me that is.

I also must say a hint of steampunk has started to show up in my novel. I am okay with this. In fact, I find it rather enjoyable.

Just The Right Words

I am totally live blogging right now. I've never done this before, but I'm in love with it already.

At this very moment I'm sitting in my very favorite coffee shop. I've already spent many hours at this table, and I'm sure there will be many more. It's got the perfect atmosphere for writing a novel.

People come and they go. I can look out the window to the road across the street and see people that I recognize. The majority of the people sitting around me are people I've seen here before. Their faces familiar from days past.

I really should be writing right now. After all, it's the first day of NaNo and even though I've already got the suggested word count for the day, that's never enough for me. I know I can reach above and beyond that. I'm going for 5,000 before the day is done.

I start working at a new job tomorrow and while I'm totally excited about it, I'm also a bit nervous. Okay, a lot nervous. This is my first "real" job. What if I mess up? I guess that's the same question everyone has when they step out and do new things. I'm no different from those who have succeeded. Why shouldn't I? This quote keeps running through my head.

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." -Walt Disney

I don't think I'm exactly curious, but it makes me feel better anyway. Maybe because Walt Disney has just always been awesome, and you know if he was sitting next to me right now he would have just the right words to say.

Characters Make the Plot

As you've probably noticed, I like to fancy myself as a writer. It's something I greatly enjoying doing and have spent many hours not only doing it, but learning how to become better at it. I've read books on the subject, written by published authors. I haven't agreed with everything they've said, but it helped me to see that every writer is different. Every writer has things that work best for them.

I hardly consider myself worthy to give advice, but I would like to expound on something that has worked for me. Character analysis.

That's right. Character sketches. Not just piddly little profiles though. I'm talking extensive stuff. This is a person that you're trying to create. A person that is making up the contents of your novel. There is always more to discover. Always more to uncover.

I get writer's block. I know, surprise, surprise. Probably one of the most obvious statements a writer can make. There are very few things I can do to break that inspiration stopping wall. One of them, the one that seems to work the most for me, is character analysis. Discovering more. It's amazing how learning one little morsel of information on one little side character, can open up a whole slew of new plot ideas.

Not only can you find a ton of character sketch material online, (I'm now going to shamelessly advertise) such as Beautiful People, but you can find some great books on the subject as well. I myself have only had the chance to get my hands on one, but there are at least a few more out there. The one I've used a little bit is called, What Would Your Characters Do. The Director recommends one called 45 Master Characters.

Check these books out. Look around for more like them. Get them from the library if you can. Find the one that works best for you. Find several that work best for you. Maybe none of them will work for you. Maybe you feel you don't need extensive character sketches. That's cool too, just remember that with writing, it's always a good idea to try something before saying it's not for you. You never know, you might surprise yourself.

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.

Gumbo

You know that moment when you realize your blog posts have been fewer to non-excistant in the last three weeks? You feel like you barely have time to sleep, let alone blog.

I wonder if I'll ever get back into the groove of typing out my thoughts in this little box, or if this blog will slip away and become one of the thousands that have been abandoned. Don't worry though, I've got far to many thoughts banging about in my mind to give it up entirely.

While I have forgotten my blogging, it seems others have not. I was given the same award three times. I'm to thank Katie, Mirriam, and Charity for awarding me the Liebster Blog award. I shan't be passing it on, but I'm very flattered for the appreciation you've bestowed upon this speck of speck in the internet world.

For those of you who haven't seen this months Beautiful People post, be sure to check out the new questions, there are some great ones!

I shall end this strange, mash up of a post with this.

Expect a post on them in the future, probably not in the near future, but possibly sometime beyond that. Kudos to those who know who they are.

What's Important to You?

Day 10 - Your answer to, "What is the most important thing I should know about writing."

If I was replying to someone who was thinking about getting into writing themselves, I would say, beware. It's addictive. Once you start, you will be sucked into the world of late nights, finding room for stacks of filled notebooks, and crying over deleted documents. Oh, and how could we forget NaNoWriMo?

For anyone else, there is no answer to this question. It changes for each and every person. I could tell you some of the things that are most important to me. Such as, simply writing what's on my heart, or be willing to try new things in my writing world. Outlining is a lot more fun than I ever imagined it could be.

The fact of the matter is though, that why these things could be important for me, they might not be a struggle, or nearly as important to you.

So, here's my answer to this question. Find out for yourself. Because it will be different for each and every writer. What is most important to you?

Check out this 15 Day Blog Challenge at Eat... Sleep... Write!

Fin

Just in case you didn't know, I've got an awesome friend. This awesome friend is kind of like a sister. Just in case you didn't know, her name is Fin.

She makes me laugh. She lets me call her dorky names that are not in the least bit flattering. I don't have to explain to her that, "no, I don't mean 'like, like'" when I say, "I like him."

I know when I have nothing to say, I don't have to talk. She doesn't care. I love the fact that she knows just how I feel when I can't figure out how to tell anyone else. I love the fact that people sometimes assume we're twins.

Most of all I love her. Her unselfish willingness to serve. Her awesome writing talent, and her love for the Lord. 'Cause in Him, we really are in the same family, and that's the best part.

In Which Georgie Discovers The Day of the Week

I used to wonder how on earth someone could not know what day of the week it was.

"Is this Tuesday, or Wednesday?"

I would look at them skeptically and wonder why you would even need to ask that question. Did you completely skip Tuesday? Did you just return from time travel, unsure how much time you spent away? Yesterday was Tuesday. Tomorrow's Thursday. Duh, it's Wednesday.

Then, of course, I always heard people saying the only way they could remember what day it was, was by thinking of the things that were happening that week. Grandma's denture fitting on Monday. Ferdinand's didgeridoo recital on Tuesday. Clementine's initiation into Knit's of the Round Table on Wednesday. On and on.

Things have changed since then though. All week I've been confused as to what day it was. Actually, I even got May and July mixed up. I'm pretty sure the only reason I know what month it is, is due to the fact that I've been writing a screenplay. That's got to mean ScriptFrenzy, and SF takes place in April.

Speaking of ScriptFrenzy, Sam and I have reached 84 pages. Since we've run out of plot, things have kind of been rambling along. Interesting tid-bits we weren't expecting popping up here and there. We have no idea where this whole thing is going, but we do know we only have 16 pages left of the challenge. We also know The Romantic Plot Trasher will not be winning any Academy awards.

Anyway, here I am. Only knowing what day tomorrow is because I get to go in and find out about that wonderful thing where dentists rip the big kid teeth that are supposed to give you wisdom from your head. Duh, tomorrow's Thursday. Oh... wait.

God Given Style

Everyone has different ways of developing and writing their novels. That's just the way we are as humans. God installed something in writers that makes their heart sing when they were supposed to be asleep four hours ago, but stayed up to finish a scene they just couldn't wait to get down. He thought it best not to add that feature to others... goes to prove God truly does know best.

So, we've established that God made writers, and a whole bunch of other people. He didn't stop there though. Within the group of writers He decided to give them each their own style and method. He gave them character. Set one apart from the other.

The fun thing here is that He didn't tell them from the beginning what that style was. He let them grow, learn, and discover for themselves, and, well, the fact of the matter is... I'm still in the discovery stage. I think a lot of people still are and don't even realize it.

If you're unsure what stage you're at, read the following quotes that are rather popular among the "believing they've discovered" stage. If you've ever said, or thought any of them, read on.

"I've only ever written one genre. I don't have to try others, I already know this one is my style."

"I write all my novels the same way. I don't have to try anything different. My method works perfectly."

"I always have a female/male main character. It's just what I know best."

Oh dear. Oh my. I know these sayings so well because I've heard them in so many places, including coming from my own mouth. In the last year, I've learned differently. It started back when I began to realize writing was more then just a small hobby for me. It was something bigger.

I read books on writing. I read blogs on writing, and I continued to write myself. As I found myself writing more and more, I was inspired to try new concepts, new characters, and even new genre's.

Where as before I had remained with fantasy and only fantasy, I discovered historical fiction and sci-fi. My main characters were all girls. Now the role of MC varies so much, it's hard to say which gender I use more often. I once told myself a novel required no planning, or outlining. I'd heard so often that the characters will write the story for you, if you just give them the chance (which I do believe is true, to an extent). What I now consider to be my best novel was around nine months in the planning before I began to write.

I would still return to fantasy as my main genre, but now I've tried something different. I know that out of the genre's I've tried, fantasy will always be home. For now.

I encourage you to branch out and discover. God knows your style, but He can't prove to you what it is if you refuse to try it. I once thought writing couldn't become any more fun. I was wrong. I once thought I couldn't do anything else with my writing. I was wrong. I'm willing to bet you may be wrong as well.

When do you stop searching though? This could go on forever, and I believe it should. You can always learn new things, but only if you're willing to step out from your comfort zone of fantasy and try something new. I doubt I'll ever be done with this hunt. That would leave no room for development, and no matter how good my writing may get, it can always be better.

Then again, God made me just a little different then all the other writers out there. Maybe I'm the only one on this road of discovery. God gave me a style... He gave you a style. Do you know what it is?

All My Bones Shall Say...

I'm so glad the Psalm's are at the center of the Bible. When you open a random page in your Bible, looking for just the verse you need to read, it is very likely it will fall open near the center, the Psalms staring back at you. Asking you to read.

Last night I opened my Bible and the first verse gave me the encouragement I was looking for. As I kept reading I was amazed at the words I read. God's words.

Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. -Psalm 33:1-5

~

Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. -Psalm 33:20-22

~

And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in His salvation. All my bones shall say, "Lord, who is like You, Delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, Yes the poor and the needy from him who plunders him?" -Psalm 35:10

~

"All my bones shall say..." May all my bones proclaim His glory. May all my bones scream the wonderful news of His love. May all my bones be entirely and completely His.

A Lazy Autumn Day

Excerpt from Georgie's journal.

It's raining outside, convincing me that it is, in fact, Autumn. I'm still in my pajamas despite the afternoon looming right around the corner.

Minnie is curled up by my feet, trying to gather all the warmth she can into her soft, fuzzy, little body.

The whole day stretches on before me. I need to catch up on some school and study for my permit. I'm hoping through some miracle I'll be able to get it this week.

Millions of story ideas are tumbling about in my writer's brain and yet even before November has begun, NaNo calls. My outline is not even half way finished and this year I want a complete outline to follow.

Maybe I'll be able to chat with my Sam. I've been loving being able to at least say hello every day again. I can't wait to see her again. I'm not sure when I will, I miss her far to much.

Hopefully today will also hold some quite moments. Moments to simply sit and reflect on God's amazing creation and His glorious love for even me.

Hope

I've slowly been discovering that I love many different forms of writing. Short stories, articles, fantasy novels, historical fiction novels, now-a-days fiction novels, blog posts, and last year, much to my surprise, I added poems to the list.

I'm not very good, and it rarely happens, but every now and then a line pops into my head and a poem evolves around it. My poems document has been slowly growing though, so I figured I would share one with my readers.

If it's really terrible you're welcome to throw rotten veggies at me.

Hope

I cast around the darkness

For something to hold on to

I've heard about Your kindness

Hope

One word is whispered in my ear

A word that holds such promise

The enemy wishes me not to hear

Hope

When all seems lost

I still cling to one thing

No matter the cost

Hope

To all the living

There will always be

You are always forgiving

Hope

Eternally Your light will shine

Your love will continue forever

My heart, Your mercy will refine

Hope

Time With Family

For the last three days we have been living in our motor home at our Grandparents house. It has been so nice to spend time with all my Grandparents before we leave, but it has also been really sad. One moment I’m really excited about going, and the next I don’t want to.

I guess I’ll just be thankful for the time God gives me with the people I care about, and then take His hand and let Him lead me where He needs me…. and try to trust Him while it happens.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

~ 2 Samuel 22:31

SmartyJones

If you would like to meet one crazy, zany, wacky, one ball of fun head on over to the blog titled Pen 2 Paper.

SmartyJones is a dear friend of mine who never stops surprising me. Literally and figuratively. She is one of those friends that I don’t have a sleep over with, we have stay-all-night-and-talk overs.

SmartyJones is always willing to listen, and she is always willing to talk. Although we may not always agree (she likes John Wayne) we are willing to put our differences aside and have fun. We respect each others thoughts, and ideas.

I love talking about movies and actors with her because we both seem to have somewhat of the same ideas and enjoy a lot of the same kinds of movies. This also could describe us and books.

Another thing I love about SmartyJones is that she loves listening to what ever I have been writing, stories, articles, anything she loves to hear it. Her thoughts and advice have been a real blessing on my writing.

Now you may be wondering why I am writing a post all about my friend SmartyJones…

The truth is I asked her what to blog about and she, in her usual manner said, "ME!" So here it is SmartyJones, a whole post about you.