Enchanted Etymologist

The Sorcerer's Bane

2012-01-26T23:00:00.003-06:00

The Spell

A full moon shone through the open window, the scent of night blossoming jasmine filling the air with its pungent aroma. The sorcerer stood in the center of the room, meditating. His eyes were closed. He looked near sleep. Only the perfect stillness with which he held himself showed his wakefulness.
Suddenly his eyes snapped open – brilliant blue, shining in the moonlight. He turned with a flourish of robes, stalking towards an oil lamp set on the floor, and igniting it with a softly spoken incantation.
His movements were graceful, almost inhuman in their silence. He ghosted back to the center of the room, the small circle of light illuminating the shadows.
Bowls full of flower petals sat in a circle across the room. Intricate symbols were drawn in the center of it, like a gigantic piece of art work.
He stood straight as an oak, his eyes trailed towards the full moon. A blast of wind shot through the window, almost blowing out the lamp, but it survived, struggling back to life with the perseverance of a wildfire.
His imperial gaze overlooked the room – it was ready. He opened his mouth, and a rich, resonant voice echoed through the room.

“Like the lily, strong and bright,
Like the rose, a stunning sight,
Sweeter than the nectar tree,
I call your beauty unto me,
Hair dark as night, I desire,
And a spirit filled with fire,
Now come to me, my lovely dear,
From all other worlds, to me draw near.”

The window swung shut with a resounding crash. A cold wind blasted through the room, clearly otherworldly as the window was now shut.
Sunlight filled the room, lighting all but the darkest corners.
A girl appeared in the center of the circle of flowers, her long hair flying around her head in a halo as the wind persisted.
The sorcerer waved a dismissive hand and the wind dissipated. They stared at each other in silence for a few moments, the girl confused, the sorcerer astounded.
“You are gorgeous,” he said, breaking the silence. His voice was full of awe. The girl looked around, her eyes wide and scared. Apparently the spirit full of fire part of the spell hadn’t taken.
“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered, walking up to her slowly. Her gaze darted around, looking for escape. “I won’t hurt you. I called for you. You are very special.”
“What the hell is going on!” he jumped back as the frail flower exploded into song. “Troy! What did you do to me?” She looked up at the ceiling, as if trying to see through to the sky above.
“I do not know any ‘Troy’.” The sorcerer said, haltingly. “I brought you here. . .” But she talked over him, as if he was not even there.
“What did that boy do to me?” she rolled her eyes, looking at him through dark lashes, “Just diet coke indeed. He must have gotten a hallucinogen off of the streets. I’ve told him a thousand times not to mess with the drugs, and now he’s fed some to me. . . you are a very strange hallucination.” She added, smiling. “That’s a compliment by the way,” she added quickly, “What are you doing?”
She looked around the small, dark room, marveling at the rose petals and lilies scattered about.
“What’re all the flowers for?” The sorcerer stood, frozen in surprise, unable to answer her. She was acting very strangely. He had been prepared for some discrepancies of culture . . . but this was all very odd.
“The flowers were for the ceremony.” He said, sitting gracefully on the floor. Just because she wasn’t scared yet did not mean she would not be – particularly when he started explaining how she had gotten there. He meant to make himself as unthreatening as possible.
“Huh.” She sounded unimpressed, “what kind of ceremony? Some hokey weddingish thing? Do you suppose that what you imagine while on hallucinogens from the street is like your deepest desire or something? Cuz I don’t think I want to be in a dark room with some,” she looked him up and down, taking in his dark cloak and the dagger sheathed at his hip, “vampire wannabe and flower petals everywhere. It seems just a little on the crazy side for me.” She paused, seeming to be waiting for a reply of some kind. He sat in silence, wondering what a hallucination was, but since she wasn’t screaming in terror he took it as a good sign.
She smiled, throwing herself down into a sprawling sit across from him. Deciding he was not going to reply she added. “Guess it is a little strange to ask your hallucination if you are crazy – I mean it is obvious isn’t it?” She leaned back on her side, propping her head on her hand. “I guess I should just wait until the drugs wear off or something.” She leaned towards him conspiratorially, “I knew I shouldn’t go out with Troy. He’s a bad boy – motorcycle, bad history – you know what I mean.” She lowered her voice, “he even has a rap sheet.” She nodded wisely, “Christy told me. We don’t know what he did, but it can’t have been that bad . . . probably alcohol possession or something. I mean he didn’t go to jail or anything. I would never date a felon! But he does have that aura you know . . . sort of bad, but – not that bad.” She sighed, dreamily. “I guess I have to break up with him now,” she looked sad at the thought, “I can’t have people feeding me drugs, it just isn’t right.” She broke off her rambling, looking at him slyly, “You’re pretty quiet you know that? Can’t you say anything? I feel like such a jabber box.” She waited a moment, but he was obviously still in shock or something, “I’m Natalie by the way,” she smiled sweetly, “just so you know.
I feel like I should introduce myself . . . sort of weird cuz it’s like I’m meeting my own mind.” She looked at him expectantly, pleased with herself for having such a philosophical thought. His palms started to sweat. He did not know what she wanted from him, but he was starting to realize that he had gotten more than he bargained for when he had spoken that spell. All he had wanted was the most beautiful wife in the world. What he had gotten . . . well he wasn’t sure what he had gotten.
“So what’s your name?” she asked, looking at him like he was a blockhead. “It’s usually customary to give it when someone tells you theirs.”
“Oh!” he said, starting from his reverie, “Of course.” He straightened his shoulders. “My name is Vladimir Alessando Branric Robert Le Fay.” Her jaw dropped.
“You cannot be serious! Really!” She shrieked with laughter. “I cannot believe that my subconscious could name someone that even if I am high, that is just too mean. What was I thinking?” He looked offended, standing up, and pacing the ground next to her.
“I am from a great family lady. The Le Fays have been held in highest regard since the time of Morgan – the matriarch of my line. We are the greatest family of sorcerers in Camelot since Morgan vanquished the evil Merlin Ambrosius."
“Wow! I have some imagination! This is as ridiculous a dream as I have ever had.” The sorcerer regarded her in shock.
“You are not in a dream lady! I am indeed a Le Fay – descended from the illustrious Morgan – and I brought you here to be my bride.” She laughed gaily.
“Oh I highly doubt that.” She got gracefully to her feet, brushing the dust off of her hands onto her – he blushed as he saw them – rather revealing trousers. “I’m dreaming – it is the only logical explanation. Either that or I’m high, though I prefer the former.
Besides if you are a magician, or wizard or whatever then where is your wand?” She arched her brow, challengingly. She was on equal footing with the man, though he was almost a foot taller than her. His cloak and renaissance boots would have – on anyone else – appeared ridiculous, but he carried them well.
“I do not need a wand. The words of power are all I require.” He loomed over her, not threatening, but not backing down either.
As she stood under his shadow she began to doubt. What if he was telling the truth? Of course it was impossible . . . but there was something about him. An air of power and danger that was frightening.
“I don’t believe it. It is a trick to scare me. If you really are what you claim then prove it.” He stood before her, perfectly tranquil.
“I dare you.” Her voice was quiet, but firm.
The man narrowed his eyes, stepping away from her into the shadow beyond the small lamp light.

“I call you power, from the sea,
Come Fire, and her teacher be,
Dust I desire, show the way,
And wind to blow her doubts away.”

She smiled as he began, but at the end of the chant she shrunk back in fear. Water exploded into the air, a pulsing light at its heart – the red light of fire. Dust cyclone around the fountain in a halo, sounding like a small hurricane. She screamed – terrified – and immediately the apparition faded. The boy stood there, silently, his dark cape still, his boots impeccably shined.
“You are a wizard?” she asked, taking a step back. She could not have slept, or even dreamed through that. The wind had felt so real. This was no hallucination.
With belief came shock. She trembled with cold, adrenaline making her skin crawl.
“No of course not!” he scoffed, and she took a breath, “I am a sorcerer.” She gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief, but she could not forget what she had seen.
“Why am I here?” she took another step back and he followed, staying at a distance, but never allowing her to get more than three feet from him. She moved, he moved, always maintaining the distance.
“It is as I said. I called you here.” His eyes were dark, deep. She could not see any emotion. The shadows veiled them.
“Why?” She ran into the wall. She had nowhere to go. She shrunk back as far as she could.
“Because I wanted the most beautiful girl in the world for my bride,” he took a step closer, changing the distance between them . . . two feet now.
“What about Helen of Troy? You know ‘the face that launched a thousand ships’ and all that?” Her voice was loud, she was nearing hysteria.
“Helen was a blonde. My spell was for the most beautiful dark beauty. I have . . . sort of a thing for brunettes,” he smiled, moving nearer still . . . one foot.
“But I’m nothing special,” she panted, her heart beating fast, “There are lots of people more beautiful than I am. My best friend Christy is lovely. She is the captain of the cheer squad. . .” she knew she was babbling, but she couldn’t stop.
“They did not have all of the . . .” he searched for a word, “qualities I desired.” Natalie’s heart pounded, adrenaline humming through her veins. He was going to kiss her, and she knew instinctively that if he did she would not find any of this strange. Her distance was the only thing keeping her sane –
And then she saw it.
It was as beautiful as a rescue ship to a drowning man. It shone brightly, like the first dawn a released convict sees, free of the prison.
The Exit sign.
It was the type of sign that she had seen throughout all her life, red – bright. She had seen it at movie theaters, schools – even hospitals, but never had it been more welcome.
She took a deep breath. Everything was moving in slow motion. He was mere inches away now.
She shoved him with all her might, her head reeling, and ran at a mad dash towards the exit. She did not look back – not even when she heard him fall to the ground with a great crash.

Archress

2012-01-24T23:11:00.003-06:00

The Grounding

“Who will be next to go up against the Manipulator?” The Warden’s voice rang through the stadium, echoing from the rafters. The Manipulator had beaten twenty-three competitors using his particular skill – shaping emotions. He was the current poster child of The Grounding, the undefeated champion.
The Grounding was many things, a night club, a black market . . . but mostly it was a place for elect to fight using all their skills. The Grounding was open to all, but the most common fighters were seers and manipulators. Their particular skills were honed by this type of illegal fighting.
Telepaths were in demand. The Grounding could make money on a willing Telepath fighter, charging outrageous admission fees to the general populace. They made the best fighters. A strong telepath could make an opponent stand still for a beating.
“What, no takers?” the last adversary of the Manipulator lay, groaning on the ground, a warning to all of what was to come should they be foolish enough to accept the challenge lurking in the Manipulator’s eyes.
“No one brave enough to take on this monster of mayhem?” The Warden’s voice was scornful, as he eyed the crowd, hoping to incite a taker.
“I will,” the girl who had spoken was known only by reputation. She was the baby sister of Marc – the self-proclaimed King of telepathy – and not many would dally with her for fear of incurring his wrath. But at The Grounding anyone could challenge, regardless of position. The warden smiled nastily, “Ok little lady. Manipulator, here’s your competition,” he took her by the hand, drawing her roughly into the ring. The crowd went wild.
The tall man looked at the slight girl with a frown on his face. It was not his habit to fight ladies, in fact he looked down upon it . . . but he could not refuse her at The Grounding.
“Alright then,” he said his voice soft and smooth. The girl jumped a little at the sound of his voice, the British accent surprising her. She frowned at the clear calmness of his gaze – he thought he would win easily. Like a lazy lion he stretched while walking to the left corner of the mat.
“Ladies and gents,” called the Warden, “get ready for the fight of the night! Miss Emma Grisham has challenged the Manipulator.” He covered the microphone with his hand, speaking to Emma quietly, “And might I inquire, Emma what is your gift –”
“No,” interrupted the Manipulator, his eyes cutting quickly to the Warden, before returning to the girl, “this is hardly a fair fight as it is, let the lady’s talent remain a secret.”
The Warden nodded his agreement, turning back to the crowd. “Well gents, this boy’s got class. He has let the lady’s keep her talent a secret! Fine gentleman that, eh?”
The crowd cheered in light of his sporting chivalry and Emma smiled to herself. This was a fight she planned on winning, and the secret of her talent was just an added bonus.
“Assume position,” shouted the Warden.
Emma retreated to the right corner of the sparring ring and awaited the sound of the horn.

Nathan tensed his temple and began to work his magic. The base instincts of human emotion were the easiest to forge – greed, lust, envy; – were all easy to arouse. The human mind always leans towards its dark side.
On the opposite corner of the mat Emma smiled again her sweet girlish smile; this boy had no idea what he was getting into. As the sister and daughter of telepaths she had learned at the age of six to guard her mind from even the strongest broaches, and though this was a different kind of attack – a sneaking entrance instead of a full on assault – it would be just as easy to shield herself.
The crowd watched breathless as the Manipulator lowered his head and worked his mind games. In The Grounding, most fights were fought for control of the mind. Telepaths, manipulators, enchantresses . . . occasionally a shapeshifter and a techaton would get into it – that was interesting – but for the most part people came to watch the drama. Two people standing silently, fighting for control . . . that was the real draw. They were experiencing quite a show now. The Manipulator was always one of the most dramatic in his actions. His gaze was intense, catching his subject, and he made them do the most bizarre things. His power – emotional control – lent itself to stunning feats of intrigue for the audience. He was a favorite with the crowd.
Now the people soaked up his charisma like a heady wine, watching him with hungry gazes to see what he would do to his slip of a girl who dared to challenge him. Only a few people were actually watching Emma– a relative unknown to the shadow world – and they were not taking note of the fact that she looked far from cowed.
The crowd waited with bated breath. The battle had been raging for several minutes, though no outward sign had been made. Finally something moved, it started as a motion seen from the corner of one person’s eye, and grew stronger as the whole crowd turned to stare at the girl – she was moving.

The girl, Emma, he reminded himself, approached him slowly, a glazed look in her eyes, the type of look all his subjects wore under his spell. Her walk was slow and seductive the very picture of the emotion he had aroused in her. She threw her arms around his neck in a passionate embrace and kissed him.
He kissed her back, marveling at the sweetness of the moment. He was not usually so emotionally compromised himself, but her innocence intrigued him. He deepened the kiss, unaware of the chaos that was about to occur.
Emma kissed Nathan with fiery passion – lust. Such a base emotion; she would never forgive this man for trying to arouse that in her. She would teach him a lesson not soon forgotten.
The Manipulator was oblivious to all else, the taste of victory sweet. He tightened his grip on the girl, she was thought by all to be a strong defender against mental attacks, obviously a misconception. He would have to talk with Marc. The Company was no place for a beautiful girl who couldn’t guard her mind. His hand twined in her hair as he maintained his grip on her mind.
The entire arena was holding its breath when a click resounded through the arena.
Nathan opened his eyes to see her standing in front of him, eyes perfectly sober – angry even – a colt 44 caliber suspended in midair pointed directly at his head.
“Archer,” he said, in awe.
“Archress actually,” she said, regarding him coldly. Her turquoise eyes sparkled and her face was flushed with victory, still she kept the gun suspended in mid-air and trained on his head, the anger had yet to leave her face, “surrender now.”

The Thief

2010-06-14T11:46:00.005-05:00

Robin Hood . . . a man, an idea - a thief. I have recently finished my first version of Robin Hood - which I thoroughly enjoyed - and am now moving on to the next chapter in the saga.

The folktale has been turned by many different authors into successful novels all of which I am planning on reading. Once the bug bites you you want to read everything ever written about this famous man, Mr. Robin of Locksley.

I have always adored the Robin Hood tales. A story about someone so brave and dashing . . . I cannot but be enthralled. The countless renditions of this classic story through music, media and books proves that people have always found Robin Hood fascinating.

What have people through the ages found so gripping? Was it that he was one of the first people bequeathed Super Hero status? Or perhaps that while he considered himself above the law, he still used his awesomeness to help the poor instead of using his "powers" for his own gain? Or was it that he stood against the tyrant Prince John and did what he could to halt the growing of John's power by stealing the people back their taxes?

I believe that the appeal of Robin Hood is different for everyone. Some people probably just appreciate the love story between Maid Marian and Robin (I know I do) while others find in it a fulfilling philosophical argument - is it right to steal from the rich to give to the poor if the rich are taxing the poor right to their graves?

Everything in it draws me to the story, from the dashing and honorable Robin, to the beautiful and good Marian. The loyal Much and Will Scarlett, to the evil and unscrupulous Sheriff of Nottingham. The characters are timeless . . .

Robin Hood is a myth. . . but his tale could very well be true. His story of love and loss, honor and thievery is very likely based on truth of the times. Who is to say that in Sherwood there was not once a man named Robin Hood, who with his band of Merry Men made life for the poor of Nottingham a little easier, and stood with all of this heart against the tyranny of John . . .

P.S. - Ms. Hawkins I am SO sorry that your comment never got shown! I accidentally pushed "reject" instead of "publish". Please forgive me! It was an honest error. You comment was very encouraging! Thank you for reading!

Enchanted Etymologist

Anthem

2010-03-21T21:06:00.002-05:00

(See below for explanation)

The Death of Logos

The spirit . . . the mind – how different are these two entities which inhabit the human psyche? The essence of the human – I am, I think, I will – is found in the mind. Most scholars would agree that the “spirit” or “soul” is the core of humanity. But isn’t the mind the core? It is with the mind that we think, feel, and create.
If the mind – the essence of “I” – is broken there is no longer an individual. The great “We” reigns supreme and there is no reason to have either guards or locks at the Palace of Corrective Detention. The mind – the will, the spirit – is broken. A being not capable of thought has no will, and thus is unable to act. To such a being self preservation means nothing, there is no self to preserve.
The person who has surrendered to the indoctrination of “We” has no desire to act in discordance of the whole. To this person that is all there is, the overwhelming desires of We. “I” has no place in the thoughts of the mindless. Persons with no will have no need of prison bars to hold them; they have tethered themselves by surrendering their ability to think. The creative thought which would make escape possible has been executed on the altar of the majority. The Council has nothing to fear – the prisoners have no desire to escape.
When will is surrendered along with conscious selfish thought the desire to live also perishes. What kind of existence is a life free of “I”? If there is no me to begin with, then the truth of the matter is that “I” am already dead, and a dead man needs not fear anything. The lone prisoner does not know to fear death, for what is death to him? He is not a person, not an individual. He does not exist – only “We”, and if “We” wills it then he is subject to the whim of “We”.
There is nothing to fear in death to the dead man, the only thing that he must fear is life. Living without a mind, a mindless existence, is a life that no man would – should – wish for; unable to act, to desire, to love, to think . . . to be. To be free one must have one’s own thoughts, ideas, and beliefs. If the ideas are another’s, then ego is a slave to the other’s superior mind. The thoughts must be owned, the desires personal. The majority may desire something – that does not bequeath it with goodness.
The prisoners have no will and no identity. The question raised – by the absolute void of will and inability to action – is why there are any locks at all. If the prisoner has no will, reason, or inclination to escape why go to the – fairly futile – effort of securing rusty locks? The answer can be found in the survival instinct humanity possess. When faced with dire straits – where death is imminent – life will break forth. The instinct to survive – even if there is no sense of self – remains intact. The fear of pain, the terror that the final death of the body holds for creatures awakens the latent and instinctive fear of death.
Though the prisoner may have a strong urge to save the body from pain, the lock on the door prevents him from attaining this goal. He lacks the creative and innovative thought necessary to formulate a plan at escape. The surrender which forbids him conscious thought has signed his death warrant and he is helpless to thwart the sentence.
Being carried away in the mob of majority is comfortable. In the crowd there is no pressure to make choices and thus no fear of mistakes. Thought – logic – is hard. It is bleak, sad and lonely . . . but if humanity does not use its soul – its mind – what are we but cattle? Cattle are beasts led by the wind and the grass, shuffled around by forces outside their control. The mind is the most important thing humanity possesses, and a logos – no thought – is the fatal weapon.
Is pleasure preferable to pain if in the bliss of ignorance one loses oneself?

EXPLANTAION: The Ayn Rand Institute hosts an "essay contest" every year for students. The essays are based on one of Ayn Rand's books and - depending on which grade you are in - you are allowed to write and submit one essay on either Anthem (8th, 9th or 10th grade) The Foutainhead (11th and 12th grade) or Atlas Shrugged which is for college students, graduate students and/or anyone who is "re-attending" college. I read Anthem - a good, if disturbing, book - and wrote an essay. My prompt for this paper was - "The old locks and lack of guards in the Palace of Corrective Detention indicate that prisoners never try to escape. Why do you think they do not? Explain." This might help you better understand the content! Hope you enjoyed. . .

Slumber Party Fun!

2010-01-03T16:28:00.011-06:00

See below for an explanation of this story. . .

Death and Truth

It is so interesting this time we live in, you and I. So different from the ancient world in which I grew up. That place has now passed beyond myth and legend. No one knows the true story of the gods, how they came to be, what was their purpose. But I can tell you all you could ever wish to find out. Open your minds and discover the Truth.

Everything you know is a lie, now that is a very un-promising way to begin a tale, which I well know, but it is the Truth and you had best live with it. You think Zeus was King of the gods of Olympus and Hera was his cold-hearted Queen - hah - those days are long since past. The only power in this world is death. Everything, even the gods, tremble before it. It despises those who would try to outwit it such as Heracles and Theseus. Have you guessed yet who I am? Let me clue you in to my little secret. I am the consort of the most handsome and ruthless god of all. He is cold and majestic in his wrath and only those he favors can stand against death's boundless call. I am Persephone - the iron Queen - and this, is my story. . .

I met Hades when I was a scant score of years or so. He was enticing - as all bad boys tend to be - and I fell hard and fast for him. . .the Truth of the matter was he had no idea that I existed. My mother had hidden me from the court on Olympus. Even Zeus - at that time the strongest of us - did not guess at my existence. How to get him to notice me? That was the question, and it was soon solved with a visit to Hecate and a few favors from Aphrodite. I would put aside my divine splendour for three days, and during that time - I had to die.

It was a simple plan made even more devious by the fact that I knew certain things from my mother - simple things she let drop easily - such as the fact that Hermes was off chasing a wood nymph around Croatia and had been abandoning his his duties as chaperone of mortals to the otherside, resulting in Hades, the lovely Death god himself, being subjected to this job. I soon put my plan into effect , for, finding a willing family to take me in and pretend I was their daughter (for the promise of fruitful crops that year) I swallowed the potion that would strip me of my immortality and fell into a stupor.

I cannot explain what it was like to be dead. . .it was strange. I could look down on myself from a great height. I am not sure where exactly I was during that time, Olympus or Uranus, but I saw Hades come to me, saw him stare into my sightless eyes - I saw the split second in time, suspended as I was out of it, when his cold, dead heart melted and he fell in love with me. I had won! But still he did not know that I was a goddess.

He carried me down into the depths of the Earth and laid me in a bed of silk and satin. For two days he searched for something to revive me, but even Hades cannot release someone from Thantos grip once he has them and for those two days he was hopelessly and helplessly lost. He plunged into the depths of depression, swore to his Furies that he would die himself without me.

I almost lost him that day - the day of my resurrection. He had the dagger, tipped with dragon's blood, ready to plunge into his heart when I awoke and stopped him. You will never begin to imagine the wonder that filled his eyes, he still thanks Thantos everyday, though I explained everything to him. And that is how I caught the Lord of Death - a love story to rival Helen's, eh? Zeus is dead and gone, as are Hera, Lord Poseidon and Demeter, but Hades and I live on.. . .the only beings that Death cannot touch. . .

EXPLANATION -

On New Year's Eve I had a very fun slumber party with some of my special friends. We stayed up until four O'clock the next morning (New Year's Day) and one of the fun things we did was write some stories in a time constraint. As you know if you read my blog often I have written under a time constraint before, but this time was different. My friend (who knows me well) gave to me the challenge of creating a Greek Myth. At first I did not want to attempt such a feat (Greek Myths in their splendour are - as far as I am concerned - above reproach or change). I told my friend this and said that I would just write about something else. . .then I got to thinking about two of my favorite characters in mythology. I scrapped the story I had been writing instead of my own personal Myth and started this interesting tale - I hope you enjoyed it!

*DISCLAIMER* - this is a fun story made purely for enjoyment. . .the facts of the Greek Myths have been changed to fit my plot. This is a raw story that has not been edited so it could definitely be better. . .

NaNoWriMo

2009-11-05T09:52:00.006-06:00

Hello all!
Did you know that November is national novel writing month? Well it is and I have joined the website (NaNoWriMo) dedicated to helping budding writers to finish a 50,000 word book in thirty day! Quite challenging I must admit! It is quite freeing however to be free of the weight that comes with (for me at least) excessive editing. I will edit, are re-edit a passage until it is just a shade of its former bulk. Though this adds to quality it reduces quantity and this has been a problem for me when trying to finish any of my novels that are "in the works". I am enjoying this great opportunity (thank you Mr. Eric!) and if anyone would like to check my progress the link to the site is above. I know you will all be very encouraging throughout the difficult weeks ahead!

Fahrenheit 451

2009-10-12T19:59:00.001-05:00

Knowledge vs. Ignorance

Knowledge versus ignorance – which would you choose? Throughout history this has been a predominate idea in literature, movies, television and philosophy. Is ignorance really bliss? Would you sacrifice your happiness for the light and wisdom that knowledge brings? In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury’s masterpiece, Guy Montag risks it all and takes the red pill.
Knowledge . . . ignorance – they are personified so clearly in Clarisse and Mildred. Clarisse is a light in the dark, bookless world Montag lives in. A kind of Athena she shows him the path to wisdom and knowledge. It is she who opens his eyes. With the taste of her knowledge still lingering on his palette he desires more, more – more! This is why he begins stealing books. He believes that they will teach him, that he will learn from them, that they will show him the light, and help him to taste again that alluring seductress knowledge.
Mildred represents ignorance. Cut off from reality she is trapped in a matrix of her own design. Blissfully ignorant of the death hurtling towards her she is lost in her delightful fantasy. She is a sheep, blindly following the dictates of her ignorant government, not thinking for herself – and she loves her ignorance. She loves the parlor (which represents ignorance) and hates those loathsome books (the shining light of reason.)
Knowledge and ignorance are shown through the books “reason” and the parlors “bliss”. They are the antithesis of each other. The Fire Chief likens books to “pores in a face”. Books show the flaws of the universe – of humanity. Though if taken at face value this is a bad thing, it is actually a great marvel. Through books we see that we are not perfect, and yet we see heroes striving for greatness. The great Heracles was of a surety not perfect, and yet he ascended to Mount Olympus because of his epic struggle to be more than his fate allotted to him.
The parlors (or “families”) in contrast make the world out to be all hunky-dory, beautiful – perfect. This is great if all you desire is peace of mind, but it is not true. True peace only comes through truth and sooner of later this fake peace will turn into what it is – rubbish. If everything is perfect, all nice and orderly, there is nothing to live for. There is no way that you, a simple human being, can make a difference in an already perfect world. You cannot change it for the better or the worse, you can simply be – this is a sad and horrible misconception.
The third metaphor for knowledge and ignorance in Fahrenheit 451 is the society, or government and the scholars “book covers”. The government set out to create a world without controversy. They banned books, seeing that all they did was “cause trouble”. This was an ignorant and misinformed decision. Instead of creating a perfect world, they created a society where the common man could not think for himself!
On the other hand they pushed the scholars into absolute abandon. Now instead of thinking quietly and causing no harm these professors spend their days memorizing books, turning themselves into outlaws, criminals against this ignorant people. These “book covers” know that after the dust settles humanity will need the knowledge they have stored up to begin anew. They know that it is they who will – in the end – be witness to the greatest rebirth the world has ever seen.
In conclusion, Fahrenheit 451 is a warning. A warning to beware we do not let ignorance conquer us. A warning to swallow the “knowledge” pill, however bitter it be – and a warning to look to the future and protect it, to live in the present – and to always remember the past.

The Problem With Democracy

2009-10-09T20:03:00.002-05:00

Hello Bloggers! I had to read (for school) Lord of the Flies and Animal Farm. After reading these intriguing books I was ordered to write a paper with my view of what the "perfect" balance of a government would be between strict, control and absolute, boundless chaotic freedom. This is the paper I wrote. Feel free to comment, in fact I would appreciate any comments immensely!

The closest to a perfect government (or the balance of power between “control” and “freedom”) is Democracy. In theory this form of government is “fool proof”. The officials are elected “for the people, by the people”. They are given power based on their merit. This philosophy of government is flawed. It is subject to the whims of humanity; humanity as a whole is easily led astray – this is not a good thing. In short a Democracy run by reason not by feelings would be the purest balance between Chaos and Dictatorship. The problem with Democracy can be summed up as “the human problem”.
In contrast with Democracy, Anarchy presents none of these “control” problems as no man has control over another. Anarchy (by definition) is the absence of government, and hence, the abolishment of control. There are flaws in this type of non-government too! The main flaw of the philosophy of Anarchy is that (again) humanity is not perfect. As in Lord of the Flies people would run wild. In this fear driven society Maslow’s Needs would be limited to Physical Needs and Safety Needs. Social, Esteem and “spiritual” or “aesthetic” would be out. To conclude this idea, it is clear that Democracy presents the finest choice. It controls people more than they like, but it also protects them and forms a sense of “stability” in their life. Democracy is, therefore, the subject of this paper.
There are two problems with Democracy. One - the written law and spoken word are not held in high enough reverence. Two, officials who are elected – for the people, by the people – are corrupted by their hunger for power.
The first (of many) problems with Democracy (in practice) is that it does not abide by the written and spoken word (law). Using the United States as a model we will explore Democracy’s problems. The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights were put into effect to make the “powers” that government had over the citizens of its country into writing so that it would not be subject to change, and to protect the rights of its people. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are well written and if the Untied States actually did practice what it preaches this country would be as close to a true Democracy as anyplace in the world. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are (sadly) not upheld as they should be. An example of this can be found in the incident in Ohio where protesters (using their right of free speech) were slaughtered by U.S. soldiers. Another example is the right of Americans to have and bear arms which has been restricted by the “hand gun license law”. This law prevents the carrying of a gun without the proper “permission” from the authorities. The written and spoken law is not considered “unchangeable”, but rather is subject to amendments and the passing of new laws which widens the governments control over our personal freedoms.
The second reason our country is not a true balance of power between “control” and “freedom” is that once in a position of power our officials are corrupted. This is shown throughout history. One example of this (though it is a moral and not a practical corruption) is the recently discovered fact that supposedly “Christian” men were entertaining harlots at their abode. Power, no matter how small, corrupts, and the greater the power the greater the corruption. Though we hear it said “all men are equal” yet isn’t the very fact that the government issues laws telling us that they believe that they know more than we do? This shows us they think they know best, revealing that they believe “All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others” (Animal Farm).
There are many people who disagree with me, who would say, “The United States is the best place to live! Where else would you rather live? We are the richest and most blest people in the world!”
To those people I would say – the reason we are the richest people in the world is because of Capitalism, not Democracy! I agree that this is the best place – and the only place I would want - to live. This is the closest to a true Democracy we are likely to find in the world – until people start living by reason and not emotions.
In conclusion, a true Democracy is the balance between “control” and “freedom”. To bad for us this perfect government does not exist!

Love & Loyalty

2009-08-26T21:34:00.001-05:00

Hera, goddess of Devotion;
Zeus the god of the Skies,
Poseidon, god of the Ocean,
Athena, grey-eyed goddess wise

All fair lovers, all betrayed;
Echo savior of her friends,
Medusa on whom a curse was laid;
A warning to all lovers lends.

Zeus how could you forsake Juno?
Who loves you with such fiery passion?
But no you had to play it uno,
And fall to skin deep attraction.

Medusa, fair mortal, lover of the sea king,
Poseidon’s promise to Athena he did break;
This will be met with curses and despising;
Medusa his aloofness seals your fate.

And now a warning to all whom lovers cheat,
You do not only yourself soil,
For vengeful wives will curse and beat;
So beware- do not lightly be disloyal!

Noise vs. Silence

2009-05-18T18:42:00.002-05:00

As part of my freshman literature class I was required to respond to the following quotation and questions in a timed essay (SAT preparation). My instructor found my musings quite interesting. Maybe you will too.

Soon silence will have passed into legend. Man has turned his back on silence. Day after day he invents machines and devices that increase noise and distract humanity from the essence of life, contemplation, meditation.... Tooting, howling, screeching, booming, crashing, whistling, grinding, and trilling bolster his ego. His anxiety subsides. His inhuman void spreads monstrously like a gray vegetation. (Jean Arp)

Are "tooting, howling, screeching, booming, crashing . . ." the sounds of human progress? Does modern humankind find comfort in such cacophony? Why does "man" become anxious when faced with silence?

Why does modern man find “noise” comforting? There are several reasons, one- the sound of technology boosts confidence in the ability of human-kind to withstand many trials and to keep inventing better ways of transportation and energy. Two, it marks the presence of other people around to help, and to talk to. Humans are creatures of a social nature and one of the scariest things would be a world where there is no one to interact with. There is a great deal of reassurance to be found in “noise”. This is why people listen to music, watch television and generally plan their lives around loud and boisterous activities.

One of the reasons that people find noise so comforting is the fact that with the sound of success (progress in technology, and science) booming their ears they are convinced that humanity is moving forward. This is however, not the most predominant reason as to why people do not worry (have anxiety) when surrounded by a loud sounds. Men cannot think clearly with the din of life pounding into their eardrums and when he cannot think, he cannot worry about the state of things. Sound in this quote suggests “a constant state of hectic-ness” a constant motion, no time to sit still and just “be” without the interference of the ever present noise and confusion.

The second reason that humans as a whole find sound comforting is that it marks the presence of others here with them. They know from the sounds of those around them in the workplace and everywhere else that they are not alone. Not having someone to talk to and share their experiences with is one of the most horrifying things people can imagine. This is shown through modern media in various ways. Motion pictures and television are the best examples. Television shows such as Jericho give life to the terror we all find at the fact that we could be faced with the horror of being the “last man alive”.
Earth Abides, the novel, showed this very clearly by the way that the author followed one man’s travels through an earth, alone and destitute. Silence makes us realize our own flaws, it makes us see who we really are, and that is terrifying indeed. People are distracted, taken away from their anxious thoughts and worrying ways by the constant motion, the relentless sound that is found throughout the world today.

In conclusion, humans are creatures of thought and reason which is what distinguishes them from the rest of the animal kingdom. “Noise” or the- “Tooting, howling, screaming, booming...” of life has made humans think less and act rashly, they have no time to worry, they are constantly in motion, moving towards the day of their death and not ever stopping to “smell the roses” or look at the greater scheme of life and realize that they are in fact just a small part of it.

The Trickster's Choice

2009-02-04T21:52:00.002-06:00

Alianne...Kyprioth...Nawat...

Alianne (Aly) Cooper is the daughter of George Cooper, His Majesty’s Spy-master, and Alanna (Lioness) Cooper, King’s Champion. She has as her god-parents a King and Queen and as her adopted uncle and aunt the most powerful Mage in the realm and a half-goddess enchantress. But what will happen when sixteen year old Aly sneaks away from her over-protective and powerful family? The adventure begins...

Captured by slave-traders (and with it not being Pirate season yet- dumb pirates, can’t they tell time, they’re not due for at least another month!) she is taken from her ancestral home Tortall to the political turmoil of the Copper Islands. Bought by Duke Mequen, third in line for the throne, she resolves to escape and return to her father as soon as possible, but is swayed from her resolve by The Trickster.

Kyprioth, Trickster and rebellious little brother, he is determined to reclaim his throne- the worship of the Copper Isle peoples- that was stolen from him by his bother, Shining Mythros, and his sister the Mother Goddess. Aly is caught up in his scheme from the very beginning. He offers her a wager- keep Duke Mequen’s children safe for the summer and win a trip home and a place within her father’s inner circle of spies, or lose and be Kyprioth’s thrall for a year.
The draw of the game is too alluring to refuse, she accepts, and is thrust into the world of political intrigue and violence, where you are assassinated for the blood that runs through your veins.

Nawat Crow, the handsome “Crow-man” took human shape to protect Aly from the dangers that haunt her. He can run like a horse, swift as and eagle, yet silent as the wind, and his fingers are so swift they can pluck arrows from the air like ripe cherries, and delicate enough to fletch arrows with deadly Stormwing feathers. This man is protector and danger, all rolled into one of the funniest heroes every to stalk the pages of the mystical realm. Protector of Aly’s future and danger to her heart, he is both alluring and frightening.

Sarai, Dove, Namair, George, Jonathan, Thayet, Alanna, Mythros, Winnie and Alan are just a few of the characters that will march into you heart through the heralding pages of Trickster’s Choice and lodge there, bringing mystery and excitement with them. The game of The Trickster, is just beginning...The Tricksters Choice, has been made...

Foil, Foil, Foil and...oh, yes- Foil

2009-01-26T15:24:00.003-06:00

I wrapped foil on my foil,
and joined my foils to foil the plot of my nemesis.

I have used the word foil four times in the sentence above. However, it was used to describe/mean different things.

To Foil
The Foil
My foil
Her Foil

What do these words mean, and how do they differ from one another? Immensely!
Foil (food)- A thin, flexible leaf or sheet of metal: aluminum foil
Foil (sword) - A fencing sword
Foil (character) - A character that contrasts with the protagonist, usually having some characteristics in common with the main character
Foil (ruin) - To thwart, or ruin the work of another

These are some of the ways you can use the word foil! Fun isn't it! Use it sometime with your friends- see if they can understand what you're saying!
Interesting!

By Jove!

2008-12-20T21:09:00.002-06:00

By Jove!

I'm sure you've read this expression in such books as The Chronicles of Narnia- and others of their kind (is it even possible to compare any other books with C. S. Lewis's masterpieces?)This expression (as I'm sure many of us know) is akin to exclaiming- "Oh my goodness" or "No Way". I was surprised to find out where this expression came from. It was really just putting two and two together, but it made me very happy...as if I'd solved a problem. I am sure that many people know what I am about to share with you, but it is special and amazing to me!

"Jove, or Jupiter, was the king of the gods, and the god of sky and thunder. He is the equivalent of Zeus in the Greek pantheon."

Of course, as you know by my profile am very, very interested in Greek/Roman mythology. So I know that Zeus a.k.a. "Jove" is the king of the gods, an unfaithful (to the extreme) husband, and the father of many/most of the twelve Great Olympians. So when I finally figured out the derivation of the phrase I was very disappointed wit myself! How could I not have discovered this before?

By- we all know what that means! So let's put this phrase back together shall we?

By Jove, or By Zeus, is sort of like saying- "By the gods" or "By Everything.

And that is the beautiful discovery I made!

The Dark: Guardians of Time

2008-09-30T10:18:00.001-05:00

Ethan...Isabel..Lorian and Arkarian are back in this action packed sequel to The Named.

This time our two narrators are Isabel and Arkarian and a new warrior has joined the named as one of the final players in the prophecy. With Marduke's death the Goddess has become more and more relentless in her pursuit of power. She has lost Rochelle to the Guard and her soul mate (Marduke) is lost in the world between worlds. Lorian and the Guard are hard pressed from all sides. Veridian and Angel Falls need to be protected from the Goddess's ire and the Guard has to make sure Neriah is well protected also.

Arkarian- He is the most trusted and elevated member of the guard, the one who devised the plan to kill Marduke. The Goddess does not forget- she kidnaps Arkarian and we finally find out where the place is where "It is midnight every day and black flowers bloom under a bleeding moon"

Ethan- Back again, Ethan has a new apprentice- Matt. He is still pairing with Isabel on missions and fighting with Carter- oh what a surprise! When his mothers life is shown to be threatened and Arkarian is kidnapped his world spins out of controll, as always though Ethan will risk everything for a friend, even an Immortals displeasure and not just couldy skies but black skies- the future of this mission does not appear bright.

Matt- He is the leader mentioned in the prophecy. His powers have yet to show and he is as depressed and protective as ever! But when Ethan and Isabel plot a daring rescue attempt to save Arkarians life, Matt defies everyone- Isabel, Ethan and even Lorian to go with them.

Isabel- Our lovely and smart and capable heroine is at it again. She has learned to mask all of those embarassing thoughts that seem to pop up in the truthseers presence. She has yet to learn how to guard her heart though. When Arkarian is kidnapped will she risk life itself to save him? Or will she watch from afar while Arkarians life bleeds slowly out?

In this book everything has grown- love, treachery- betrayal, the world has expanded with the cast. The Order is raising in power and one of Ethan's closest friends will be found to be a member of the Order of Chaos- will the Past be protected? Or will Chaos reign supreme and the Future be changed- to find out- read The Dark.

View all my reviews.

The Named: Where Fantasy and Reality Intwine and Worlds Collide

2008-09-30T08:57:00.002-05:00

What if you could protect the Future...by traveling into the Past

The Named- where the Gaurdians of Time travel into history to protect life as we know from the Goddess of Chaos, a rampaging Immortal intent on taking over the world.

Ethan- a member of "The Named", part of a prophecy made years ago fortelling the end of the battle that rages between Lorian and the Goddess, and the main character of the book. He has been promoted to "Trainer" and his apprentice is - his ex-best friend' sister- which doesn't set well with Matt (the ex-friend) who is overprotective as well as the jumping-to-conclusion's type. With his fragile peace with Matt verging on all out war, and his standing with the Tribunal in jeopardy this is an interesting time to spend with him.

Isabel- Matt's sister and Ethan's apprentice she is a huge part of this story. With her gift- healing- revealing itself the Guardians recrute her and Ethan has only two weeks to get her ready for her first mission- to save King Richard the II of England.

In this book of ambiguity and beautiful ideas. Everything is not what it seems. Mysterious and mesmeric this is a very, very enjoyable read. Fantasy and reality intwine in this lovely book where worlds and deminsions collide.

View all my reviews.

Ms. Meyer: A Plea

2008-09-25T21:37:00.002-05:00
Ms. Meyer, the worldwide acclaimed author of Twilight, announced that she would not be finishing her book, Midnight Sun, as someone had stolen, and published on the Internet, some of the chapters. I am sure that this made her very mad but I wish that she would not punish all of her readers for one persons sin. We love her books and would very much like her, no scratch that, need her to finish them. They are addictive stories and it will make me very, very sad, anguished even if one of them, one of those beautiful novels remains unwritten because some idiot had to go and steal her story. That was not smart. Please, please Ms. Meyer reconsider. I would buy it in a heartbeat.

The Little Mermaid (a retelling of the classic fairy tale)

2008-09-25T21:20:00.003-05:00
Midnight Pearls- By Debbie Viguié

This is on of the "Once Upon a Time" books. A series of books that are "retellings" of classic fairy tales. One of the best in that series, this watery wonderland book is well worth the hour it takes to read it.

CAST
Main Character- Pearl
Little Mermaid- Faye
Prince- James
Prince- Kale

As you can see the "little mermaid" is actually not the main character. This is a retelling so the main elements- the sea witch, the seven to three days (there are variations) and the mermaid falling in love with a Prince from the land- are still there but with a more intricate plot, a fresh and new outlook of the story.

A betrayal...a lover from the sea...and a kidnapping, these are the new twists which Ms Viguié has added which make this delightful tale all the more enjoyable. A ethereal, misty masterpiece under whose surface lies deception and darkness. This is a wonderful fantsy novel whose story is as reckless and changable as the sea.

Scarlet Moon

2008-08-28T22:08:00.002-05:00
Scarlet Moon- by Debbie Viguié

A wolf...a grandmother...and a scarlet moon.

Ruth- She knew when her brother left he might never come back. When the Wolf attacked her she knew she might die. When she falls passionately in love with Lord William, the Earl... she doesn't know, doesn't have a clue what will happen.

William- Earl...Hero...Villian. His past is dark. His future is darker. He is haunted by his family's curse. Stalked by the fear that he will harm the woman who he loves. Ruth, his shining light...the girl who he almost killed as a child.

Grandma- She was banished from the village for her supposed "witch craft". She is not a witch...she is a healer and a loving, kind woman. She is a wise woman a star-watcher and a mind reader. When her granddaughter is threatened with a darkness she can not fathom what will this wise woman do?

Stephen- Loving brother...devoted son. He left for the war and found death.

Peter- He was as close to her as a brother, but the war messed with his mind... now she doesn't know what to make of him.

When a killer is released in the forest how will Ruth discover who is behind it?
When she falls in love with the Earl what will become of it?

It this story anything is possible. The monster is masked as a friend...the lover hidden by a beast. Who will survive the Scarlet Moon...

Finding Stefanie

2008-08-18T20:59:00.003-05:00
Finding Stefanie
By Susan May Warren

Finding Stefanie, the newest book in the Noble Legacy trilogy is wonderful (as Susan May Warren books usually are). Lincoln Cash is a famous Hollywood actor, Stefanie Noble is a ranch hand on the family ranch whose dreams seem to have been left in the dust. What could possibly bring these two people, people from entirely different worlds, together? Is it Fate? Or Providence? As in all Susan May Warren books faith is an active part of the story. The characters faith works out itself through the entirety of the book. So is it Fate? No. It is the Providence of God. A house fire, poisoing, mugging and kidnapping are only a few of the things that add to the over all swashbuckling Romance and heart-stopping adrenaline. Stefanie will rediscover her dreams, and Lincoln Cash will finally escape from the terrors that haunt his past...and his present. With a colorful array of cast this book is not something any Christian Fiction reader will want to miss out on.

Twilight: A Spectacular Masterpiece

2008-08-17T17:47:00.002-05:00
Twilight

“About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a Vampire.
Second, There was a part of him- and I didn’t know how
dominant that part might be- that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally, and irrevocably in love with him.”

Twilight, the worldwide best-seller by Stephanie Meyer, is the tale of the forbidden love that exists between the human, Isabella Swan, and the vampire, Edward Cullen. This ethereal story is told from the view point of Isabella, who moves to her father’s house in Forks- a small town near Seattle- when her mother remarries. Bella, has always felt ill at ease in the sunless town, so different from the sunny city of Phoenix where she grew up. Yet it seems like the best choice. Her discomfort is only strengthened on her first day of school. Though the majority of the students at Forks High School surround her with friendliness, howbeit a bit of curiosity, the open hostility of Edward Cullen is not something Bella anticipated. His antagonistic attitude towards her frightens and confuses Bella. As the next week dawns his changed behavior mystifies her even more. He is friendly, and she doesn’t know what has changed. As time goes on Bella finds herself falling farther and farther under Edward’s irresistible spell. Will she escape the dark ending that awaits her…

When Bella’s life is threatened by the hunter what will Edward and his coven do? Will they leave Bella to her fate…

In this complex and fast-paced romantic thriller, anything is possible. These young lovers come from entirely different worlds. Riddled with complex and mysterious characters this book is a masterpiece of fantasy. Stephanie Meyer does a remarkable job, this electrifying stratagem will grip your heart with its emotional turmoil and its intricate and sensual plot. Twilight’s multi-faceted saga will stay with you long you have finished exploring its haunted depths.

Enchanted Etymologist ~

Hey had to keep up!

2008-06-29T22:45:00.001-05:00
I had 7 posts in May and wanted to have the same for June, so I thought I'd just tell you how happy I am you're here. If you're seeing this it means you've visited my blog, I'm so glad to have you! Leave a comment, I LOVE those!

Ad Astra,

Enchanted with Etymology

Etymologist (A definition)

2008-06-29T22:30:00.002-05:00
Etymologist- An etymologist (me) studies the history of words. The origin of names, phrases and every kind of adj. enthralls me. I love adj.s they are my favorite part of speech words like, trepidation, exhilaration, morbid, electrifying- yellow! They hold me inspelled. Just wanted to let you gents know how I got my uniqe name. I think it's sophisticated, but that's just me!

Ad Astra,

Enchanted with Etymology

Jonas Brothers and Camp Rock

2008-06-26T22:03:00.002-05:00
Camp Rock, the new hype in Disney's musical movies for juvenilles! High school Musical, well, I liked it O.K. but Camp Rock, it's wonderful! Jonas Brothers, where do I start? They're talented, funny and have reat voices to match their cute-ness! Demi Lavato has a wonderful voice and all-in-all I thought this was a fun movie to watch. The music is good and the plot is remnisent of Fame, the TV show of the late 1900's.

Camp Rock is a summer camp for talented yound adults. Mitchie's mom is camp cook, and when she decieves everyone into thinking her mom is a big shot in China she is excepted into the "Cool Girls" group. This however is not to last. Michie makes a friendship with the pop star Shane who is staying at the cam to teach. But when Mitvhie's covr is blown, and Shane finds out she's been lying to him, will their friendship bear the strain...or will her lie cost them their budding camaraderie? This is a good movie for the entire family! Enjoyable for everyone, don't miss it!

New Realeases and Coming Soon (Update)

2008-06-26T21:50:00.003-05:00
I love Nathaniel Parker! He is the reader for the Artemis Fowl series and he's got a great voice! Eion Colfer is also a wonderful writer which makes listening to the Artemis Fowl series on audio CD a wonderful all around experience. If you haven't read the Artemis books you should! The Time Paradox (#6 in the series) is going to be released the 8th of August! Speaking of August have you seen August Rush? It's a wonderful story of music, love and finding your family! Fresh in blockbusers now Spiderwick Chronicles, a wonderful fantasy adventure! Also airing soon Brisinger by Chris Paolini! Adore him! He's great! Eragon, Eldest! He's an awsome writer! 29th of September's the date to watch on that! Also Twilight the movie is coming out soon! I've never read the book, and if someone who has sees this, is it good? Madagascar 2 is also going to hit theaters soon! Walle is coming to theaters near me tomorrow! Great huh? My bros are really exciterated! Anyway, that's the new releases and coming soon (update)!

A Touching Story

2008-06-02T18:20:00.002-05:00
Hey Ya'll know I don't usually post links to other peoples articles, but this one really touched me. Visit this site and read the May 22 posting.

Wings and Words

2008-06-02T18:11:00.004-05:00
Hey Bloggers,

I go to a WONDERFUL Greek class. Professor (see link above) also has an AWSOME blog. If you are in the market for a good Greek instructor there is no one I'd recommend more! ANyway, we have a great time learning Greek. This is where the "Wings" part comes in. We study at Wing Stop. Their wings are also divine. The Verb paradigms are much harder to learn than the Noun ones, but if you study you can master both. This is not speaking from expirience but from observation. Mr. Professor is a master of Greek I am not. It seems like I keep forgetting the words I used to know! I'm hoping to get to study more this summer. Hopefully!

Mystery II- Which one's better Mystery I or Mystery II Tell Me!

2008-06-02T17:44:00.001-05:00
A Good Beginning

“Cait! Over here!” Carol shouted, waving to her friend. Carolyn, Carol, for short was seventeen and had just graduated from high school. Collinville High was a wonderful school and Carol, an outgoing bubbly teenager was well liked. She didn’t lack friends but though she had become quite popular with the “Cool Crowd” in her sophomore year, her best friend was still Cait. Cait and Carol had been close since infancy. Their mothers, April Bail and Jessica Longborn were as close as friends could possibly be. April and Jessie were neighbors. After April’s parents died when she was seventeen, in a tragic house fire, she bunked with the Longborns until her birthday when she was emancipated. Jessie and April had stayed close over the years. When they had children of course it was only natural for them to be best friends too.
“Carrie,” Cait said, walking through the press of shoppers, “I didn’t expect to see you here. Thought you were going to pick up Kev. You know, ‘cause his cars in the shop.”
“Nope,” Carol replied, trying not to show her disappointment, “he got Adam to give him a ride home. They left at six this mornin’.”
“What!” Cait shrieked, “I didn’t now he was coming home today!”
“Well he is I thought you knew. Oh m’ gosh I bet it was supposed to be a surprise.”
“He told me,” Cait began, “that ‘I’m going to have to stay on campus a few more days, I’ve got packing to do.’” She said, in a deep voiced impersonation of Adam.
“Well just act surprised. He wanted to astonish you with his presence. We’re all going out to an Italian restaurant tonight and from what Kev tells me it’s really nice like they’ve been saving up to take us there when they got back so dress accordingly. Just don’t tell Adam I said anything. He’ll hate me, and that’d be a great way to start off the summer,” Carol added, sarcastically.
“Your secrets safe with me,” Cait replied, animatedly.
That was one of the things Carol liked most about Cait. She could never stay depressed for long. As Carrie’s life the past few years had been trying she was very happy to have such a caring, and kind friend. If she was honest Cait was more like a sister than not.
“Yeah, well I’m here ‘cause I knew this is where you’d be. Shopping, that’s the first thing you do after you get out of school for the summer,” she said in mock disgust, rolling her eyes.
“Hey, since you’re here let me treat you to a strawberry shake. It’s still four hours before the boys’ll be back from Notre Dame and all this shopping has me beat.”
“You- never,” Carol contradicted, her eyes wide. Laughing they made their way to the food court.

“So,” Carol mused, sitting in a corner booth of the food court, “Where are you applying for college?”
“Umm… well,” she cleared her throat, “I’m going to try to get into Notre Dame.”
“Oh, that’s brilliant,” Carol exclaimed, real joy lining her face.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get in. Of course I could always go to TWU. Their Nursing school is awesome, and then I’d be close to Adam if he ends up doing his Masters degree at UTD. You know he’s considering transferring. If he ends up not transferring there is nothing in the world that will keep me from getting into UND.”

“Okey-dokey, it’s your turn to spill.”
“I’d love to get into Oxford,” Carol said with a fiery passion, “But my Daddy’s got a great school.” Carol’s Dad worked for the County College. “Are you going on a Vacation this summer?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Cait said, “I’ve decided that I need to stay here to get ready for College in the winter. I can’t believe we’re done with high school. What about you, you going on a vacation?”
“No, I’m staying home with Daddy,” replied Carol, “You know I understand where the phrase ‘the absent minded Professor’ came from. My father is the essence of “absent minded” but I love him.”
“Yes you’ve taken good care of him since Aunt April died. It’s been four years and m om still cant believe the absurdity of it all. We barely had a week’s warning. Brain cancer, how’s your dad doin’?”
“Still devastated.” She didn’t mention that though she was bubbly and mysterious in front of her friends her own sorrow was still a dull throb in her chest. The place that her Mother had occupied in her heart seemed dark and void. When April Bail was diagnosed with brain cancer she did not go into shock and begged her husband to save his grief till she was dead. The oncologist had said “There is no need for Chemotherapy. The cancer is so progressed. We cold not buy her any time, it would just make her last days all the more miserable.”
Of course Carol and her father agreed and their last days as a family were spent in happiness over the joy of life and friends. April departed this world the Sunday after they heard the news. After attending church for the last time she died in her sleep. She never once questioned God and her faith was a model to follow after to the end.
“Carrie,” Cait’s voice snapped Carol out of her dark memories, “Want to come to my house? I need a professional opinion on what to wear tonight. After Adam’s been gone for a whole semester I want to knock him off his feet with my glamour,” she said, striking a model’s pose. Laughter, good medicine to a haunted heart floated on the wind as Carol headed to her car.

“Okay,” Cait said, “What in the world am I going to wear tonight. There was no end to the choices. Cait’s great weakness was shopping and she had lovely garments, some of the dresses in Cait’s collection cost upward of two-hundred dollars. But she could afford it. Her Grandfather, Hal Jennings had died last year and left a large chunk of his substantial fortune to his only granddaughter. He had owned considerable shares in Apple since its founding. Most of it was in a trust fund but about a fourth of it was hers now.
“Well,” Carol contemplated the walk in closet and its many treasures. “I’ll do your hair if you’ll let me borrow that sea green sequined halter dress you bought at Christmas.”
“You have a deal,” Cait said with enthusiasm, “You did an awesome job on my hair for the jeweler’s convention. Dad asked me to go with him last minute, you remember, last spring. I got dozens of complements on it.”
“Really,” Carol asked innocently, “Your Dad is the best jeweler around. I absolutely love your mother’s custom made ring. It’s divine.”
“Well it was a labor of love.”
“You got that right.”
Anyone could see how very much in love Cait’s parents were.
“Okay,” Carol continued, “I think… that midnight blue shift with the open lace-up back. You got that last month. Adam has never seen it and Ron Veraldi paid you a complement when you wore that.”
“That is true. When the football QB pays you a complement that really means something,” Cait said, rolling her eyes, “Carol, you know I owe this whole relationship to you. If you hadn’t of introduced us, well, we never would have gotten to know each other.”
“Yeah well, when I met him at CCCC, I knew he was perfect for you. I had to make the introduction, and frankly, ya’ll are the ones who really meshed together.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Cait said, her eyes sparkling.
“Oh, I’ve got to go!” Carrie exclaimed, “I’ve got to pick up dinner for Dad before out hot dates get here. I should be back over here at,” she checked her watch, “6:15, so we can get dressed.”
“Alrighty, Carrie, drive safely.”
“Always.”

“Hey Dad,” Carol said as she saw him on the other side of the door. “Daddy, what’s wrong?” Carol said as her Dad looked at her out of concerned and disquieted eyes.
Professor Bail was pale, dark circles lined his eyes and his demeanor, usually at leas attempting to be cheery, was somber.
“Carol,” he said. “Professor Stanford is missing.”

Pride & Predujice

2008-05-29T12:46:00.004-05:00
Right now I'm in the process of reading the book which inspired one of my most favorite movies!!! Of coure my favorite variation is the one with Keira Knightly in it. She is so AWSOME as Elizabeth. I feel like I'm reading the script so many of the lines where taken directly from the book. Miss Bennet (Elizabeth) is so witty and charming. Mr. Arrogant a.k.a. Mr. Darcy, is such a wonderful hero. So cold and annoyingly haughty when we first meet him, but as we get to know him he turns out to be a true gentleman and we grow to love him. He is so selfless in his dealing with the "Lydia Incident" that makes me like him all the more. I'll check in when I finish the book. But right now, the book in my opinion is as good as if not better than the movie!!!

Prince Caspian (the ultimate review)

2008-05-27T18:14:00.002-05:00
Hey bloggers!!!

"Prince Caspian" was subtitle by it's author "The return to Narnia." C. S. Lewis, (in my book) is the greatest christian fiction author of all time. He is wonderful!!! His plots so enjoyable, yet all of them hold deeper than surface meaning. I love his books. Prince Caspian is my favorite in his seven book series. It is such a wonderful story. So fairytaleish and awsome. Of course my favorite character in the book is Caspian. However in the movie, I have to admitt that King Peter (William Moseley) out did himself, both in acting and in deminsion of character. The writers, although they departed somewhat from the book added a speacial place for Peter in our hearts. We can relate to him so much better as the doubting youth than the fierce and loving King of Narnia. Correct me if I'm wrong but so far as I know none of ya'll are kings, (or queens for that matter). Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) also gives a wonderful preformance. His short lived romance with Queen Susan (Anna Popplewell) is entertaining and lovable. I personally was sad Susan couldn't stay with Caspian forever in Narnia. Knowing (as I've read the Last Battle) that Susan will ultimately never come back I was rather gloomy. Skander Keynes line when he is correcting Miraz as to the userpers calling him "prince" is great he says, "King Edmund, but just King Peter's the High King" that line cracked me up, Ha, Ha, Ha. Mr Keynes, you are a great actor. Georgie Henley, not to be left out shines as Lucy as she did in the first installment of The Chronicles of Narnia. Her character is perfect. Trusting and helpful as the Lucy of the books always was. All in all, this is a movie to add to your permament collection. GO SEE IT!!! It's AWSOME!!!

Exerpt II

2008-05-26T20:14:00.001-05:00
Mystery

By Enchanted Etymologist

Prologue-

Eric’s breath came in short rapid gasps. His dark cell was melancholy and dank, his depression rolled over him like a tidal wave. This was not supposed to happen. Whatever happened he wouldn’t give it to them. His resolve strengthened, they couldn’t have it. Bail was a good man. He smiled when he thought of his friend finding the clue he had left him. Yes, he’d be out of this wretched hole soon.

A Good Beginning

“Cait! Over here!” called Carolyn Bail, waving to her friend.
Carolyn, Carol, for short, was a beautiful seventeen-year-old, Golden-blond with a pretty form and sooty-black eyelashes covering her deep jade colored eyes. Carol had just seen Cait, her best friend; at the Collinville Mall (Carol had been friends with Cait ever since Kindergarten).
It was strange to see this bold energetic girl being friends with Cait, a meek, shy girl (though she had no trouble making herself heard with those she knew well) Cait was however quite conscientious of strangers. The mall was full of people. Walking through the press of shoppers was not easy, but Cait finally joined her friend. Cait was lovely; she had a dark brown wavy hair that fell well below her shoulders, twinkling blue eyes and a beautiful creamy completion.
“Hey, great to meet you here busy today isn’t it.” “Yeah,” Carol said. “I thought I might find you here today. Shopping that’s usually the first thing you do after schools over,” She said, rolling her eyes, “Well I just got here but it’s,” she consulted her watch, “Twelve-thirty, want to eat lunch?”
“Fine with me, I’m famished.”

They made their way to the food court, got food, a booth and settled down for a nice chat, “So,” Carol mused, “Where are you thinking about going to College Cait?”

“I don’t know,” Cait replied, a slight frown between her brows, “I have all summer to think about it though,” she said, her frown vanishing. Though both girls were supreme students, Cait was at her strongest in the sciences and had always thought about being a nurse or doctor. “Where are you thinking about going?”

“I’d love to get into Oxford,” Carol said with a fiery passion, “But my Daddy’s got a great school.” Carol’s Dad worked for the County College. “Are you going on a Vacation this summer?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Cait said, “I’ve decided that I need to stay here to get ready for College in the winter. I can’t believe we’re done with high school. What about you, you going on a vacation?”
“No, I’m staying home with Daddy,” replied Carol. Carol, who had lost her mother at the tender age of seven, to a catastrophic car accident was an intriguing person, and though she was always laughing, she had a serious and mysterious side as well.
“Want to come to my house,” asked Cait, “I’m beat and I want to show you the new dress that I bought.”
“Okay, fine let’s go,” Carol replied.
They left the mall and went to Cait’s house.

“Oh,” said Cait. They were in the living room, and Cait was twirling around in her exquisite new dress. “Oh Carol, just look at it,” she exclaimed, rubbing the fabric between her thumb and forefinger.
“It’s beautiful,” Carol replied, “and I bet Adam will like it too.” Adam was Cait’s “knight in shining armor”, or, to put it more frankly, her boyfriend. Adam was a blonde haired, blue eyed, nineteen year old, who was crazy about Cait they did everything that they could together even down to cleaning the garage. They began dating each other a year ago when they first met. It was a courtship that began as a blind date by Carol. Carol had met Adam at a function for her father’s school and thinking he would be perfect for Kate had introduced them.
“He probably will,” Cait laughed. “He’s taking me out to dinner tonight.”
“Oh,” Carol exclaimed, thinking she’d better not overdo her welcome, “Well, tell him I said hello. I’ve got to go.”
“Want to go to lunch tomorrow?” asked Cait.
“Sure,” Carol answered. “I’ll see you then.”
Carol got into her silver convertible Volkswagen Beetle and went home. She got out of the car, went into her pretty, yellow house and walked straight into the tidy, well-kept kitchen. She got out some steaks, vegetables, and a frying pan and started supper.
Carol’s father was a professor of philosophy at Collinsville College.
“Ding Dong,” it was the doorbell.

“Hey Dad,” Carol said as she saw him on the other side of the door. “Daddy, what’s wrong?” Carol said as her Dad looked at her out of concerned and disquieted eyes.
Professor Bail was tired and pale. “Carol,” he said. “Professor Eric Stanford is missing.”

Memorial Day

2008-05-26T20:04:00.002-05:00
Enchanted Etymologist had a wonderful memorial day!!! My family had a "pool party," fajitas and ice cream. Enchanted Etymologist is sooooo tired!!! I stayed up really late last night watching pride and prejudice. The one with Keira Knightly in it. I love that movie. It's so romantic. Anyway...have an AWSOME week!!!

The Miliant Pacifist

2008-05-24T20:20:00.002-05:00
Visit this blog too!!! It's great. My Daddy's blog and if he can raise a girl like me...well, he must be pretty special!

Excerpt

2008-05-24T12:41:00.002-05:00

OPERATION

By Enchanted Etymologist
Prologue-

In this dimension there is an elite unit, a division with such heightened senses that the qualities they possess cannot be taught to people without “the gift”, these personas are born. Some call them psychics, some shape-shifters and still others “The Company”. The Company whose sole purpose is to make sure a war never breaks out on the face of this plant again. Stop the battles before they even begin. I call it my job…who I am. I have many talents; I can detect strong auras and fears in human kind and also change my appearance at will. Who am I? I am COI (company officer of intelligence); I have many aliases, can speak many languages and am gifted with an aptitude for marshal arts and technological weaponry as well as armaments, who am I? I am a vastly gifted and highly trained shape changer; my name… is Holly Trueit.

The Beginning
Chapter One

“Holly, I need to talk to you!”

Startled, Holly whirled, and found herself face-to-face with her commanding officer.
“Yes, Commander Xavier sir, what can I do for you sir?” she asked, saluting, and standing at attention with her right hand clasping her left wrist.

At twenty-two Holly Trueit was smart and fit. Having graduated from the base academy at the premature age of nineteen, she had started tutoring her younger colleagues, but Holly Trueit had yet to go on her own first operation. Her assignment, she was sure, would be a mission only she could accomplish. An op that would require both cunning and street smarts. Both of which she had in abundance. If there was one person on base who could get her hands on a pound of C4 in unfamiliar territory and not arouse the suspicion of the surrounding law-enforcement system it was Holly.

This proves just how smart she really was, she knew who to make friends with in order to get the job done quickly and accurately. In their virtual reality ops she had always completed the mission first and most efficiently and many of her teachers were dumbfounded that she had not been given a mission yet. But still others knew the reason she had not been on assignment was personal. Xavier had almost completely raised her and he knew she would be in danger out in the field, although he had trouble showing it he loved her with a depth that was almost frightening. Many times he had protected Holly from dangers she didn’t even know existed.

“We have a problem;” he barked, “I want you in the situation room at 1500 hours. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, nodding her head once curtly. As the commander stalked off to his office in the eastern quadrant of the base Holly checked her watch, 1400 hours. She had plenty of time to go and check up on her students on the training field.

‡

Holly was one of the most accomplished shape-changers on the force and even she had problems getting warmed up. Hair color, and height were the easiest things to change, but full body transformations were the most difficult and were not attempted until graduation from the academy. Change of sex was impossible. Holly had changed her entire form more times than she could count. She had done her first shape change at the age eighteen and almost gotten expelled until Major Lyrace, the teacher of anthropoticmetamorphology, told the counsel how foolish that would be.

“This is something that is unheard of. Even I didn’t make my first shape change until I was twenty-two, and on this force a shape-changer is rare already. But she… she’s as rare as a telepath or a weaver!”

Being under scrutiny by the whole counsel was not something Holly wanted to repeat. Some of the company with the gift of shape changing had severe reactions to shape shifting; it made them deathly ill. Holly however had none of these negative effects. When she slid from one form to another it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
The training field was a large concrete room full of mirrors, (if you’ve ever been in a maze of mirrors you know what it’s like) in the center of the room there was a large mat on the floor for hand to hand combat. On the left hand wall there were racks with numchuks and samurai swords. There was a steel reinforced door at the opposite end of the room leading to a another concrete room full of automatic, semi-automatic, glocks, 9-millimeters, laser sights, knives and all manner or armory, and advanced espionage technological genius.
Through this room you proceeded to yet a third concrete room with steel reinforced plates inventively called “the target room” whose use is so obviously implied in its name.
Walking up to the cadets who were gathered on the mat Holly faced the her students, “Cadets,” she said, clapping her hands, dropping whatever weapons they held they stood at attention, hands clasped behind them.
“Yes, Professor,” they chanted in unison. There were about six in all, varying in age from seventeen to twenty-five (the average age for a cadet to graduate from the academy).
Holly was the only trainee who had grown up on base. Usually, the parents of the elect would raise them and when they were seventeen or eighteen would send them off to “college” to be trained. But Holly was very different. Once Commander Xavier located her in an orphanage he wasn’t about to leave her care up to the primal humans in whose care she was in. He brought her back to base where she was raised, mostly by him.
“Who would like to spar with me?” Holly challenged, raising an eye-brow. A cocky boy about nine-teen stepped forward, last time she had wrestled him he had won. If there was one of her students that she would like to be partnered with once he graduated it was Marc. He was the only one in her class who showed outstanding promise. Sure, the others were good at what they did too. But, if there was one trainee who really stood out from the rest and who would do very well out in the field, well in her professional opinion, it was Marc. He was dashingly handsome with his longish dark hair and midnight-blue eyes, and had a manner about him which made you want to get to know him at once, along with his gift of telepathy; this was a lethal combination as he could sway your thinking as well. Coming out of her reverie, Holly said, “All right, Marc, you’re on.”
“Don’t worry Holly; I’ll go easy on you” he said, with an arrogant shake of his dark haired mane, and a cocky smile at his companions.
“Ah,” she replied coolly, with an appraising glance, “We’ll just see about that, Marc.”
The curriculum at the academy was a mixture of taekwondo and wrestling and anything else you happened to know that could effectively disarm your opponent. They approached each other, bowed and retreated to their respective sides of the mat. When the fight started it was all Holly could do to block him. He was better than last time and that was saying something. Their limbs were a blur. He took a punch at her head; she ducked and followed up with a high kick. He dodged and kicked her legs out from under her. Holly did a back hand spring, bouncing up and doing a 360, ready to defend herself!
Feeling eyes on the back of her head she whirled to face him, just in time to get a chop across the windpipe. She back-rolled to a standing position and arched her body to avoid his flying punches that came at a speed not known to humankind. She ducked and rolled. Springing up behind him she got him in a headlock, but he was too strong for her. He shook her off and they were circling again like a pair of rambunctious lions, this time she made the first move. She ran forward and ducking beneath his flying hands she delivered a well placed punch to his stomach. He doubled over and she rammed him to the floor, pinning his wrists to the ground with her hands, her knees on his chest. But there is only one rule, in wrestling, never underestimate your opponent, Holly made this fatal mistake. He was getting his second wind and Holly didn’t stand a chance. Just as she thought she had won she was flying backwards, found her hands pinned down with a grip of iron and a heavy weight settled across her chest, a voice just inches from her ear said, “Do yield Holly?” Holly had no breath to reply as it was all being pressed out of her so she settled for nodding her head. Marc climbed up off of her and the drama of the moment was done. He held out his hand and pulled her up. Holly held up her hands in the classic yield sign. This is just what I need to be all bruised up and sweaty before the biggest meeting of my life. She thought sarcastically. Holly took some deep breaths to refill her lungs with precious life giving oxygen.
“Good game,” she choked out, “You’re better than last time. When you graduate I’ll recommend you to fight the commander. That’ll be a fun fight,” she mused, a mischievous plan growing in her mind, “You know he’s never been beaten,” Holly added, with an impertinent grin.

“Thanks, Professor, you’re not to bad yourself,” he said, a twinkle in his eye.

“Oh don’t try to save my feelings a bruising, I was lousy.” Holly said, resignedly.

“No,” he denied, “really private you do have a beautiful high kick, and you are very good I’ve seen you fight, I would never take a challenge of a samurai sword duel with you. You would give Zorro a run for his money. I’m just fantastic in the ring, or outside of it of course,” he added, with an arrogant wink, “If you were ever up against someone off base they would be human and even a shapechanger with no training would win against those weaklings.”

“I suppose,” she said, doubtfully, “Oh I’ve got to go,” Holly screeched, looking at her watch, “Bye.”

Holy ran back to the compound and straight to the situation room. She was late for the biggest meeting of her life and she was very, very sore which impaired her running skills. But she was only five minutes late surely she could just sneak in and sit somewhere in the back. This, however was not to be. Holly opened the door quietly, turning around she closed it without a sound and saw that everyone in that colossal room was staring at her.

Reading List

2008-05-24T12:31:00.001-05:00

Lamb, Mary/Charles: Tales from Shakespeare
Bennet, Holly: The Bonemender
Bennet, Holly: The Bonemender’s Oath
The Poisoner’s Blade
Dumas, Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo
Stevenson, Robert Louis: Treasure Island
The Metamorphosis
Connell, Richard: The Most Dangerous Games
Jackson, Shirley: The Lottery
Chekhov, Anton: The Kiss
Greene, Graham: The Destructors
Secret Garden
Lewis, C. S.: The Magicians Nephew
Lewis, C. S.: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Lewis, C. S.: The Horse and his Boy
Lewis, C. S.: Prince Caspian
Lewis, C. S.: The Voyage of the Dawntrader
Lewis, C. S.: The Silver Chair
Lewis, C. S.: The Last Battle
Tolkien, J. R. R.: The Hobbit
Tyers, Kathy: Firebird
Selections from: The Complete Collection of the Brothers Grimm
Selections from: The Complete Collection of Hans Christian Anderson
King Auther and the Knights of the Round Table
The Orange Book
The Blue Book
The Brown Book
The Purple Book
Selections From “1001 Nights”: Author unknown
Patricia: Twice Freed: Christian Historical Fiction
Henderson, Dee: The Negotiator-Christian/Suspense
Henderson, Dee: The Guardian-Christian/Suspense
Henderson, Dee: The Truth-seeker
Henderson, Dee: The Protector: Christian/Romance
Henderson, Dee: The Healer: Christian/Romance
Henderson, Dee: The Rescuer: Christian/Romance
Blackstock, Terri: Private Justice: Christian/Romance
Blackstock, Terri: Word of Honor-Christian/Romance
Novel Crimes-Christian/Romance
Kurland, Lynn: Star of the Morning
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry- Of Two Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry Out of Their Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry More Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry A Meeting of Minds-Psychic
Tingle, Rebecca- The Edge of the Sword: Historical Fiction
Tingle, Rebecca- Fartraveler: Historical Fiction
Dunkle, Clare B- The Hollow Kingdom: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- Close Kin: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- In the Coils of the Snake: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- By these ten bones
Hilgartner, Beth- A Necklace of Fallen Stars: Fantasy
Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia: Hawksong- Fantasy
Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia: Snakecharm-Fantasy
Nadia- Christian Suspense
Best Friends- Christian Romance

Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion-Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- The Artemis Fowl Files: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Door Within: Christian Fiction (Juvenile)
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Rise of the Wyrm Lord: Christian Fiction (Juvenile)
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Final Storm: Christian Fantasy (Juvenile)
#Alexander, Lloyd-The Book of Three “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The Black Cauldron “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The Castle of Llyr “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: Tara Wanderer “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The High King “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd- The iron Ring
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the old Clock
Keen, Carolyn: The Hidden Staircase
Keene, Carolyn: The Bungalow Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Shadow Ranch
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Tapping HeelsKeene, Carolyn: The Haunted Bridge
Keene, Carolyn: The Whispering Statue
Keene, Carolyn: The Message in the Hollow Oak
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Broken Locket
Keene, Carolyn: The Password to Larkspur Lane
Keene, Carolyn: The Sign of the Twisted Candles
Keene, Carolyn: Nancy’s mysterious Letter
Keene, Carolyn: The mystery of Lilac Inn
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Red Gate Farm
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Diary
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Brass-bound Trunk
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Moss Covered Mansion
Keene, Carolyn: The Quest of the Missing Map
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Jewel Box
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret in the Old Attic
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Tolling Bell
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Old Album
Keene, Carolyn: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Leaning Chimney
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Wooden Lady
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Black Keys
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Velvet Mask
Keene, Carolyn: The Scarlet Slipper Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Witch Tree Symbol
Keene, Carolyn: The Hidden Window Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Haunted Showboat
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Golden Pavilion
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Fire Dragon
Keene, Carolyn: The Moonstone Castle Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes
Keene, Carolyn: The Phantom of Pine Hill
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the 99 Steps
Keene, Carolyn: The Spider Sapphire Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Invisible Intruder
Keene, Carolyn: The Mysterious Mannequin
Keene, Carolyn: The Crooked Banister
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Mirror Bay
Keene, Carolyn: The Double Jinx Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: Mystery of the Glowing Eye
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Forgotten City
Keene, Carolyn: The Sky Phantom
Keene, Carolyn: Mystery of Crocodile Island
Keene, Carolyn: The Thirteenth Pearl
Sheldon, Ann: The Secret of Ranch Del Sol
Sheldon, Ann: The Palomino Mystery
#Hardy Boys: Mystery
*Paolini, Christopher- Eragon: Fantasy
*Paolini, Christopher- Eldest: Fantasy
#Funke, Cornelia Caroline- Dragon Rider: Fantasy
Funke, Cornelia Caroline: Thief Lord: Fantasy/ Criminal/ Mystery
Funke, Cornelia Caroline: Inkheart: Fantasy
Funke, Cornelia Caroline- Inkspell: Fantasy
Alexander, Lloyd- The Rope Trick: Fiction
McKinley, Robin- Beauty: Fairy Tale Adaptation
McKinley, Robin- Rose Daughter: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Viguié, Debbie. Midnight Pearls: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Viguié, Debbie – Scarlet Moon
Weyn, Suzanne- Night Dance: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Weyn, Suzanne- Water Song: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Before Midnight: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Beauty Sleep: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- The Storytellers Daughter: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Golden: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Fantasy
Rowling, J.K. - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor the overlander: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods: Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Marks of Secret: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Code of Claw: War/ Fantasy
Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile/ Historical Fiction
Anastasia: The Last Duchess
The Story of the World: History
The Brides of the Empire-Historical Christian Romance
The California Chances-Historical Christian Romance
The Kentucky Chances-Historical Christian Romance
The English Garden Sequence-Christian Romance
Once Upon a Time: Christian Romance
Reunited: Christian Fiction
Hope-Western Romance
Faith-Western Romance
June-Western Romance
Ruth-Western Romance
Glory-Western Romance
Singer
*Roberts, Katharine: Spellfall
Hanley, Victoria- The Seer and the Sword
Hanley, Victoria- Healer’s Keep
Alcott, Louise- Eight Cousins
Alcott, Louise- Rose in Bloom
Johnson, Louis Walfrid- The Invisible Friend
They Loved to Laugh
Alcott, Louisa: Eight Cousins
Alcott, Louisa: Rose in Bloom
Henry, M.: Born to Ride
Henry, M: Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Henry, M: Misty of Chincoteague
Henry, M: Stormy Misty’s Foal
Henry, M: Misty’s Twilight
Henry, M: Sunshine of Sawdust Valley
Black Beauty
Beorn the Proud

Cooper, Susan- Over Sea, Under Stone: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- The Dark is Rising: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- Greenwich: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- The Grey King: FantasyHomer- The Iliad and the Odyssey