A Glorious Post In Which I Annouce The Giveaway Winner

Last Saturday I was most excited to host the first ever giveaway on Lianne Taimenlore, the scrumptious object given away being the new novel penned by my dear friend, Jessica. Annabeth's War is Jessica's debut novel, and as part of the blog tour for the book, she very graciously gave me the option to host a giveaway of the book here on my blog. Of course, I jumped at the chance. I've been following Jessica's blog, Safirewriter, since, I believe, May of this year, and I always look forward to reading her posts. 

Jessica, I cannot even begin to describe my ecstasy at hosting you on my blog. I am so excited over the publication of your first novel, and from everything you have allowed us to read about it on your blog has only increased my anticipation of reading it. 

Okay, I'm sure you're all wondering who actually won the giveaway and who will be getting a very special copy of Jessica's book, Annabeth's War. I wrote all that in the beginning because I needed a lot of words to show up in the gray box on your dashboard, because what fun is it when you can read who the giveaway winner is right there on the home page? I personally think it's grand to actually go read the post and find out later on.

Yes, I know. I'm being mean. I usually don't do this type of thing to drive people nuts, but I'm having fun. And yes, every word I said about Jessica and her lovely book was absolutely true. I'm sad that I wasn't able to enter my own giveaway because I would have loved to win a copy of Annabeth's War. 

But now, the time has come to disclose the winner of Lianne Taimenlore's first giveaway. 














Are you ready to know who won?

















Are you sure?

















Keep scrolling....


















Yes, I stole this from Jessica's blog.
















I thought it was a neat idea to keep people in suspense.
















Okay, okay... I've tormented you long enough. Ahem! 

This morning, I counted up all the entries that you all gave me in your comments and entered them into a list on random.org. With a deep breath, I surveyed the list once more to ascertain the eligibilty of each name on the list, and then I hit the randomize button. 

One click. 

And then I knew who won.

I know who is getting a very special copy of Annabeth's War.

I know one very lucky girl who will be overjoyed to know that she is the new owner of a copy of Jessica's new book.

......................

Oh! You want to know, too?! Okay, I'll share the list with you. :D

CONGRATULATIONS, BETH GRACE!

You have won your own special copy of Annabeth's War!

I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you who took the time to enter the giveaway. My eyes lit up every time I saw a new comment awaiting my moderation on my blogger home page. You girls are awesome. Enough said. 

If you want to purchase your own copy of Annabeth's War, please stop by Amazon, or if you would like a signed copy, Jessica has them for sale on her Etsy page.

Thanks again and God bless!

Giveaway Ends Tonight!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway to win your own scrumptious copy of Jessica's book, Annabeth's War! The giveaway ends tonight at midnight, so get your entries in! 

God bless!

Merry Christmas... A Day Late... And A Reminder

I didn't get a chance to get on yesterday and wish everyone a very merry Christmas! I hope you all had a blessed holiday with your loved ones! 

My devotions yesterday led me to the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, not normally what people would consider a Christmas chapter, but one that definitely cannot be overlooked. I wanted to share it with you all here.

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

This is why Jesus came as a babe in the manger. He came to suffer and die. For ME. For YOU. Because of our sin, Christ became a man and died to appease the wrath of the Father. He became the perfect sacrifice for an imperfect people. He took upon Himself the sins of the world, a world that gave Him only hate for His unending love. 

But He did not stay dead. Oh, no, my friends. The true message of Christmas is hope because Christ did not just die. He rose from the dead on the third day and now He sits at the right hand of God. He paid the price of our sin and now offers the free gift of salvation to one and all. In a world growing more and more wicked, we can have true hope because He came and He died; because He lives, and because He saves. What greater joy can there be? 

Hallelujah! The Savior is born!

*~*~*~*~*~*

Before I go, I would like to remind my dear followers of Lianne Taimenlore's current giveaway. Don't forget to enter to win your own copy of Jessica's new book, Annabeth's War! 

Merry Christmas, and God bless us, one and all!

Annabeth's War - Interview And Giveaway!

Jessica of Safirewriter has published her book, Annabeth's War, and the whole town is talking of it! I have the great delight to be able to interview her here on my blog. This is one of my first author interviews, and I'm rather excited about it! 

But I need not say any more. Enough of me. Introducing the authoress, Jessica!

~*~*~

First, give me a short description of Annabeth's War.

With King Harold away at war, Lord Raburn is playing for power, the only one standing in his way. A common girl, named Annabeth.

What gave you the idea to write this story in the first place?

Annabeth is story that developed over time. I don't think there is any one thing that triggered the story, but rather an accumulation over time, an old plot called The Mask of Marguerite, my passion for swords, and to make a strong heroine who was still feminine and sweet despite her strength.

Who is your favorite minor character and why?

Song Lark, he is a minor character and insists on staying there. Unfortunately there is a lot about Song Lark that never made it to the page partly because he doesn't really share information about himself and he's very elusive.

But why is he a favorite? He's Annabeth's friend, he's clever and quick-witted and he plays the lute.

Is the current ending of Annabeth's War exactly as you imagined it would be when you first began writing the story?

It certainly isn't, I had a pretty good vision of how the story would go until I had about one third of it down, then one character threw a fit and I had no idea how or when it would end. It was a bit of a roller coaster ride. But I certainly love how it turned out.

Let's suppose that someone just finished reading Annabeth's War and laid the book aside. What would you expect or hope his/her reaction to be?

I would hope they would love the characters and walk away with something to take away.

Now let's switch topics from the enchanting story to the lovely creator. What is your purpose in writing?

To Glorify God, for He is the Author and Finisher of my faith, and He has made the best possible story for me and it writing it with the most loving hand a writer could ask for.

What time of day do you find it the easiest to write?

Whenever the inspiration strikes.

I used to be a really late night owl writer, and I still find it easier to write a night as long as I am not too tired. Though if I am really inspired, morning is a fabulous time to write, and of course we can't forget the afternoon, if no one is around.

Do you often find what you believe coming through in your writing?

Sometimes I know it does, at other times not so much, the characters can really be dealing with a lot of pressure, and they really come out with what they are feeling and believing.

Every writer struggles with something when it comes to writing, whether it be plot, character development, dialogue, etc. What would you consider your weak point, and how do you plan on perfecting that?

My weak point would probably be my editing, I am not keen on it and find it difficult simply because I know what is supposed to be there and sometimes I pass over things simply because I think  it is there and it really isn't.

How I plan on perfecting my flaw? Being more careful in my writing, and trying to be a more through reader of my own work.

To wrap up, choose one of the stories you are currently working on (one of your favorites) and give me a taste of it, just enough to make me want to read more. 

Hmm the story I am working on editing right now is Captive of Raven Castle, I'll give you most of the first chapter…that still needs to be edited. (you asked about my weakspot here I be!) How does that sound?

“Alexandra! Alexandra are you ready yet?” echoed a thundering voice from below.

The dark haired girl looked consciously into the mirror a worried expression crossing her face and shone in her blue eyes. “Judith, are you sure I will be alright?

The nurse laid her hands gently on her charges rich black wavy hair, smoothing it as she placed a delicate crown on her head. “You will be fine. Your father just wants to show you off to the people and the ambassador. See how pretty you are my darling?” she said bestowing a kiss on the pale wan cheek. “They need hope the drought has been too long and the people need something to forget their sorrows and the ambassador needs to meet you to make sure the prince will be happy here. Seeing you will be the perfect cure for all of them. You will give them hope. They will adore you. I promise.”

“But Judith I….”

“You father wants you. You know how he gets when you make him wait.”

Alexandra looked once more in the mirror at her purple dress and white pearl necklace with amethyst pendent, the pearls woven into her dark locks.

“I am just scared to go Judith…the ambassador is so strange and the people so restless I am afraid of what might happen we are so near Raven Castle. What if they should storm the city?”

“Your father has too strong a force with him to be in danger from those men.”

The voice hollered again. Louder this time.

“Oh, wish me luck,” and Alexandra hurried as fast as she dare stopping at the head of the stair, to look at her father waiting impatiently below.

He was a man of noble stature standing in a richly decorated hallway of the castle waiting for her. Tapping his foot, always a bad sign. A jewel encrusted crown sat on his head raven black hair graying at the temples. His silver chainmail glistened with readiness beneath his short sleeved tunic with the royal coat of arms boldly woven there on.

Alexandra took deep breath and began her lady like decent down the long stair case.

He turned to bellow once more then caught sight of his daughter. A smile burst on his countenance.

Alexandra wondered how even when he smiled he didn’t seem handsome. His features were so stern and the set jaw shown even behind well trimmed beard.

“Hello father.” She said stepping down beside him and glancing timidly upward.

“Turn around for me won’t you?”

She turned slowly.

“You look quite lovely my dear, however do you think you will be warm enough? We can’t be too careful of your delicate health.”

“I am quite warm as it is right now, are you sure it won’t rain?”

“We shall have a servant carry your furs just in case you need to wrap up.”

“Do we have to go to see the ambassador? Why can’t he come here like he usually does?”

“The full length likeness of your future husband has just arrived there and there is to be a tournament this afternoon, we shall kill two birds with one stone. We will see the ambassador, decide if we like the portrait enough to be shown to the people and if so bring it to the tournament to show the future king; your noble husband-to-be who will take all the cares of this country off your slight little shoulders that are barely able to carry a crown.”

“Yes Father.” She murmured submissively, with a hidden shiver. There was not much for her future, she wondered if she would ever live past bearing her first child. Hopefully a male heir to inherit the throne she as the queen would leave him.

Alexandra looked down at her reflection in the white marble polished to a perfect shine.

She had always been a weak thing. Her father had been extremely careful of her frail health. Alexandra was never allowed to embroider, play music, or draw more than half an hour at a time lest it weaken her. Reading was forbidden lest her eyes become damaged by straining over the mysterious black and white pages. She was read to, often by her ladies in waiting and her affectionate nursemaid Judith who had been dedicated to her since the childhood.

In a minute he had helped her into the carriage after she had glanced fearfully at the spirited horses that pawed readily at the ground, her father sat beside her. Guards on horses surrounded them as they rode out of the castle gates and through the streets.

Alexandra looked at the people that stopped to gawk at them.

“Smile Alexandra,” whispered her father through clenched teeth that were bearing a grin.

“They don’t look happy,” she said turning to her father and king.

“I know. But if we smile we will bring them hope of a better future.”

Alexandra tried to smile as she looked at the people but they only stared at her blankly.

“I wish I hadn’t come,” she said nearing tears.

“Nonsense, Alexandra,” he murmured his voice bordering on stern.

There was resounding thump as something landed against the carriage. Alexandra jumped.

A second made her scream involuntarily.

“Pick up the pace!” her father shouted and the horses burst into gallop.

Alexandra clung to her father as the carriage jostled, jolted and tossed her about-to afraid to cry. Objects where hurled at the carriage making loud frightening noises. Some splattered, some thudded, a few bounced boldly in the window, and one barely missed hitting her in the head.

Soon they were in the safety of the ambassador’s closed court yard. In a moment she was scooped up in her father’s arms and carried indoors.

He laid her down on a lounge, pale and shivering but tearless. In a few moments the ambassador appeared.

“I am so glad you are here safely.” he said in his funny accent.

“As am I.” replied her father.

Unexpectedly the ambassador came over and kissed Alexandra’s hand. “It is an especial pleasure to see you my dear. You are looking quite lovely even with your dreadful scene. I don’t think I have seen someone who managed to look beautiful while being frightened I must say you have handled it rather well. But come I have something most delightful to show you. You have been waiting for it, for such a long time.” He said pulling her unwillingly to her feet.

She shuffled beside him as he took her arm under his own.

In a few minutes she stood before a veiled frame taller than herself.

“Please take a seat your highness,” he said offering her a chair. “I have for you a masterpiece of fine artwork. Prepare to be most pleasantly surprised with the most handsome prince of Shalburg.” He motioned two attendants to reveal the image. The silk fabric fluttered and shimmered to the ground revealing a young man with dark hair and eyes, most royally dressed in red holding dead bird by its feet, blood streaming off its body, a large hawk resting on his other arm.

Alexandra’s jaw dropped unexpectedly from near horror of the man who stood in front of her.

“Ah, I knew her highness would be most pleased.”

“Is he fond of dead birds?” She managed to utter at last.

“He is a most avid sportsman in any sport that you can name. An excellent hunter, he can bring down anything well from birds to wild boar and wolves. That hawk there is his favorite, It’s name is Kashir, lovely bird it is. You should see it fly through the air. Ah, yes his highness is most well suited for a beautiful princess such as yourself.”

Alexandra looked up at her father seeking his thoughts on the matter. He was smiling. There was no hope. Her destiny was sealed. She would wed the second prince of Shalburg.

“Ah, but I must not forget his gift to you.” And the ambassador pulled out a box inlaid with mother of pearl and placed it before her.

Alexandra’s hands were still trembling from the carriage ride and the portrait... this was just too much. What new horror laid in wait for her? Had he sent her a necklace made of bear teeth?

With a trembling hand she pushed back the lid of the box. A shimmering necklace lay before her. A solid mass of diamonds dazzled her eyes.

Suddenly there was the sound of shattering glass. Her father ran to the window, hand lying on his sword. The dull roar that had gathered had grown near deafening.

“We need to get out of here now. The stupid people don’t know I am trying to do what is good for them.”

“What shall we do?” asked the ambassador dumbfounded.

“They aren’t after you. They are after us. I need you to conduct my daughter safely into your country while I take care of this mob. Take your carriage out the back entrance and I shall distract them with mine. Once she is married there won’t be any more difficulties like this. I promise. Now, Go.”

“Father! What is going on?”

“I said go!”

The ambassador slammed the lid of the inlayed box and shoved it into her hands. Before she knew what was going on. She was  being pushed into a carriage the shades drawn, horses hitched and they were riding out the back gates.

Alexandra shivered as she sat next to the Ambassador. The carriage tossing them about at a dreadful rate. Suddenly Alexandra wanted to laugh as she wondered whether her future husband would have the same funny accent as the Ambassador. She glanced at the man a slight smile on her lips.

“I hope you do not find this amusing my dear?”

“I do not Sir. I was just wondering…” she never had a chance to finish that sentence as the carriage came to a sudden halt flinging them both forward into the opposite seat.

There was the sound of struggle going on with out.

“I am going to see what this is all about,” he said pulling back a curtain.

Instinctively Alexandra ducked below the curtain’s view.

“This is ridiculous they are your father’s guards. I am going to clear this all up.” He fumed as he stepped out of the carriage.

There were voices raised in anger as they talked suddenly a wild cry was raised and the carriage bolted into a gallop tossing Alexandra back into her former seat. Hesitantly she peaked out of the curtain. There was a lone rider urging the horses on.

A rider in plain clothes.

Not one of her father’s men.

Nor one of the ambassador's men.

He was from Raven Castle.

~*~*~

Ah, ha! If you read the title of this post, you know that there's much more to this than just this lovely interview and, might I add, awesome snippet! (Did anyone else get the shivers as they were reading that? It was so delicious to read!) *ahem*

Yes, folks, we have a giveaway! And the winner shall recieve one very special copy of Jessica's book, Annabeth's War! The first, ever giveaway on Lianne Taimenlore! I cannot describe how excited I am! And what better way to debut giveaways with such a special book?

Mandatory entry:
~ You must follow both Safirewriter and Lianne Taimenlore. (2 entries)

For other entries:
~ Share and link to this giveaway on other social sites: Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, blog button (1 entry per share)

~ Blog about the giveaway (2 entries)

~ Like Jessica Greyson on Facebook. (1 entry)

~ This last was Jessica's idea: Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win Annabeth's War (and I mean something a little more than just I like to read), or if you've read it, tell me what you thought of the book. (1 entry)

Important: Please include links for all the shared entries so I can verify them!

The giveaway will close next Friday, December 28th. If you want to be specific, the deadline is at 11:59:59. And with the help of this little site, the winner will be chosen and announced on Saturday, December 29th! 

Button:

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God bless!

Character Encounters: Let's Go Shopping!

Amazon takes forever to load, just as most things on my laptop don't like to load quickly whenever I decide I want to do something quickly. I tap my fingers anxiously on the keyboard and survey the living room while I wait. From my vantage point in Dad's reclining chair, I can see the whole room. 

The tree in the opposite corner is tall and beautiful, almost scratching the ceiling and filling the room with a cheery atmosphere, decked out in more ornaments than any tree should be able to hold. I smirk as my eyes land on the single strand of lights near the bottom of the tree, where half of the strand has given up its glorious light from old age and much use. 

Of course it would burn out the day after we got the tree all decorated! I think, allowing the smirk to transform into a grin at the irony.

My eyes flit back to the screen of my laptop. As the home page of Amazon appears, I let out a relieved sigh. Finally! Scurrying around crowded stores was never very appealing to me, so shopping off the internet I find much easier, faster, and cheaper. Besides, it's nice to get gifts for every member of my family all on one shopping trip and in one order. I absolutely love anticipating the expressions of joy on their faces as  they unwrap what I purchased for them.

"Ooh, what's that?" A soft voice comes from behind me. 

I never felt the person sneak up behind me, but now I am all too aware of her presence. I know it's a girl, because the voice is too high to be my dad's or brother's. One of my sisters, no doubt, trying to sneak a peek at my Christmas shopping.

But when I turn around to see the teenaged girl behind my chair, my eyebrows fly up. The brown locks and soft eyes I don't recognize. But there's a familiarity in her that tugs at my mind. Although I'm certain I've never seen her before, I know I know her.

"That necklace is beautiful!" She says, pointing to the laptop screen.

My eyes dart to the designated object, then back to the girl. "Are you..."

Her focus is completely on the necklace. "May I see it?"

"Judalily?"

"Please show it to me!" She pleads, unaware of my question. "I'd love to see how it goes with my dress!"

Her gown is one of brocade scarlet, a deep, shimmering fabric, intertwined with glittering gold accents, pretty and proper as any dress worn by a princess should be. I can see at a glance that the necklace she is gazing at would match wonderfully. 

"Please may I hold it?"

"Judalily, I can't let you hold it. It's only a picture."

"A picture?"

I rub my fingers together, releasing a sigh at the same time. How do you explain the internet to a medieval princess who has absolutely no conception of any type of modern technology?

"My laptop can only show me pictures of the actual items, not the items themselves."

Her fair face clouds with disappointment. "But what good to you is a simple picture?"

"It's easier to go shopping this way."

"Oh, shopping! I do enjoy shopping, and I haven't been able to indulge in it in the longest time! Might I accompany you?"

Perfect! So much for quick shopping on Amazon. But how can I say no to a princess? And of all twelve princesses from Findenland, Judalily I know would be the one who would enjoy this experience the most. It's no wonder she was the one that showed up. 

"Are there more," she pauses, "pictures of necklaces?"

I click on the link that takes me to the jewelry section. Judalily lets a proper, excited sigh as the screen loads more pictures of sparkling necklaces and bracelets. 

"Oh, Reuthellen would love that one!"

One click brings up a larger image of the silver chain, and another loads a thick, ruby bracelet that Judalily declares perfect for Gadrienne. 

As much as I don't want to be enjoying myself, I can't help it as a smile crosses my mouth every time Judalily gives a exclaim of delight and wonder. From the jewelry, my laptop takes a journey through a boatload of fashion scarves which Judalily alternately loves and despises. She insists that Simeanna would go crazy over the gray and blue argyle one.

Shoes are the next thing to appear on the screen, and I join Judalily in giggling over some of the bizarre, modern styles. Rosy ballet slippers seem perfect for Danyelle, but I'm sure that Aleevity would much rather enjoy the fancy, silver heels. Eventually we find ourselves in books where she points out several that Ashrynn and Zelburna would enjoy reading. 

"Oh, Bethjasmine would love that!" Judalily cries, pointing out a fuzzy teddy bear on the sidebar.

A quick trip through the virtual pet shelves of Amazon convinces her that Nattalaris would would love the western saddles and bridles. The cute puppy kennels would suitably house every one of Issachella's dogs. 

"But what would Josette like?" Judalily muses, leaning closer to the screen. "I'm afraid that I don't know her as well as my other sisters. What would you suggest, Kiri Liz?"

"Kiri!" My mom's voice drifts from the kitchen, cutting any response I might give to Judalily. "Can you please help me put these dishes away?"

"Coming, Mom!" I turn to apologize to Judalily and explain that our shopping spree was over, but the girl is gone. 

They all disappear too quickly. I sigh and shut my laptop.

Once I'm in the kitchen with a dish towel in one hand and a clean, dripping mug in the other, my mom asks, "What were you doing online for so long?"

I look at her increduously. "I wasn't on for very long."

"You were sitting there for over two hours." She replies.

I was certain I could have been knocked over with a feather. "Two hours?"

"What were you doing?" My mom prompts me back to her original question.

I smile, thinking of all the items Judalily and I looked at together. "Shopping for my characters."

My mom lifts an eyebrow. "And did you get all of them gifts?"

A frown tickles the corner of my lips as I recall Judalily's last statement. "No, I didn't. I couldn't find anything for Josette."

"From what you've told me about Josette," Mom says, "I would think she would want something that you also would want. I think you two are quite similar."

The solution sounds wonderful, until another thought hits me. 

"What do I want for Christmas?"

Don't forget to read more Character Encounters at Kendra's blog! God bless!

Jane Austen Birthday Assembly Tag And Glorious News Of Two Scrumptious Giveaways

 Yes, I know that's a long title, but it was the best I could come up with on the spot. 

Ahem!

There is a fantastically epic Jane Austen Birthday Assembly going on in the wonderful world of blogger right now! You simply must go and see it! LINK -- in case you missed it the first time. 

~ Tag questions ~1. How did you meet Jane Austen? I don't think I've ever actually met Jane. She lived in the 19th century, so that feat would understandably be quite difficult. ;)

2. In which order did you first become acquainted with and read Jane Austen's novels? I first read Pride and Prejudice, followed immediately by Sense and Sensibility (they were both in one volume - quite spiffy!). Emma, my favorite, was next, then Northanger Abbey. At that point, I ran out of the Austen books that we owned, so I saved my money to purchase this amazing book from Barnes and Noble, and then finished reading all seven novels with Persuasion and Mansfield Park.

3. Rate Jane Austen's major novels from your most favorite to your least favorite and tell why. 1) Emma, 2) Pride and Prejudice, 3) Sense and Sensibility, 4) Northanger Abbey, 5) Mansfield Park, 6) Persuasion. I absolutely love E and P&P because they've got great characters and awesome wit. S&S is a bit slower, but still amazing with great characters. NA is epic with its "gothic" style, and I do enjoy reading Henry Tilney's quotes. MP was a bit on the more boring side, not really boring, but I got myself lost a few times somewhere in their play. And P... what can I say? It drags. No offence meant, Anne Elliot lovers. 

4. Which Jane Austen hero/heroine couple is your favorite and why? Probably Emma and Mr. Knightley or Henry Tilney and Catherine. The former because it's best friends learning to love after a lifetime of sharpening each other; the latter because of all the fun that goes between the two as they court. 

5. Which hero/heroine couple is your least favorite and why? Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram. The whole book building up romances and it's cousins who get married? Not my favorite happily ever after. I don't know... is it just me?

6. Have you read any of Jane Austen's Juvenilia works? Which ones? Lady Susan

7. If you could change the name of one of Jane Austen's characters who would it be and why? Mr. Knightley... his first name is George. Oh, no... wait... Mr. Darcy. His first name is Fitzwilliam. Who names their hero Fitzwilliam? Well, obviously Jane Austen did, but what stumps me is what Elizabeth calls him after they're married. I have trouble hearing the "my dear Fitzwilliam."

8. Have you ever introduced someone to Jane Austen? Possibly. My family goes on about her works so much that we've probably introduced a few people to her, but specific names, I can't recall.

9. If a new film about her life was made, which actress would you want to play Jane Austen? I don't know. I don't really follow actresses and all that, so I don't know who would be the best to play her.

10. Pretend you're having a weekend party at your very own country house, which Austen characters (up to five) would you invite and why? Only five? Hmm... Henry Tilney, Elizabeth Bennet, Catherine Morland, Mr. Bennet, and Mr. Woodhouse. Just because they seem like the kind of people I would like to talk to, or listen to. :)

11. In your real life have you ever attended a Jane Austen themed event, party or ball? Or have you hosted one yourself? No, neither. But I want to! "There is just no opportunity to dance!" 

12. Suppose you were given the opportunity to ask Jane Austen two questions: one in connection with her real life and one about her stories. What would they be? 1) Did you really drink tea as much as your characters drank tea and as much as everyone thinks you yourself drank tea? {What? I'm not a tea fan, and I just want to show that it is possible to still be a Austen fan without loving tea.} 2) Did the people you met on a regular basis inspire your writings, influencing any certain and specific characters or events?

AND...

In addition to all the excitement over Jane Austen's birthday bash, there are two other epically spifforificous (yes, I made that up) events that must absolutely be mentioned here! Two of my dear blogging friends are hosting giveaways! Yes, that's TWO giveaways! 

Jessica of Safirewriter has published her book Annabeth's War, and Miss Amy Dashwood is kindly hosting a giveaway on her blog Yet Another Period Drama Blog in which one lucky winner will obtain a copy of Jessica's delightful book! 

And... Miss Amy Dashwood of Yet Another Period Drama Blog published her own book just this last summer, titled Only A Novel, and Jessica is kindly hosting a giveaway on her blog Safirewriter in which one lucky winner will obtain a copy of Amy's delightful book!

I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! I haven't been able to get my hands on either of the books yet, but I simply cannot wait to read them! Please do stop by their blogs and check it all out! :D 

And... *cough* youmayseeJessicasometimeagainsometimesoonpoppinguponLianneTaimenlore...

God bless!  

Awards On Blogger... Happy Thought Indeed!

I've been awarded the Liebster Award by Daisy of Violets And Daisies! Thanks, Daisy!

~ Rules ~

1. You must post 11 facts about yourself

2. You must also answer the 11 questions that the awarder has given you, and create 11 questions for your awardees to answer in turn.

3. Tag 11 fellow bloggers.

4. Notify them that you've awarded them.

5. No tagging back.

6. And the 11 blogs that you tag must have less than 200 followers.

~ Daisy's Questions ~

1. If you could travel to one country right now, where would you go? There are many places I'd love to go to, but right now the first one that is pushing its way to the front of my mind is Uganda. I'm usually not a huge fan of Africa (what can I say? I love the cold!), but the prayer spoken recently by the president of Uganda really encouraged me, and I'd love to see what God is doing over there right now.

2. What are your favourite blogs? Too many to count. :D For a complete list, check out my list of blogs I stalk on my sidebar.

3. How do you celebrate the beginning of summer? Planting, putting the pool up, roasting hot dogs, tent sleepovers, etc.

4. What is your favourite colour? Blue. All. The. Way.

5. What is your favourite worship song or hymn? His Robes For Mine. It's a newer hymn, written in, oh, I think it was 2011. It's absolutely beautiful.

6. What is your favourite old movie? That's a toughie. I like old films. Probably more than I like newer ones. Singin' In The Rain is a big one just because I love the epic dance routines in "Make 'Em Laugh" and "Moses." I also love White Christmas and Holiday Inn, and of course, you can't forget the hilarious old Nancy Drew mysteries starring Bonita Granville as the lead. 

7. If you had to take only 3 things with you to a desert island, what would you take? My Bible to help me keep my mind focused on the Lord accepting the fact that He put me on a desert island for a reason, Sting (as long as Frodo doesn't mind) for protection and survival practical uses and whatnot, and my pillow because I don't like laying my head on sand or rocks. :)

8. What is your favourite kind of celebration (weddings, Christmas, birthdays etc.)? I love the way my family celebrates Christmas. We have a lot of traditions that carry throughout the entire month of December, including a very special Christmas Box. We sing, we read, we eat, we count Christmas lights as we drive around town (yes, that is one of the biggest competitions that my siblings and I indulge in), etc. It's great fun!

9. If you could choose one era to live in, when would you live, and why? I have way too many favorite eras, due to my immense love of history and literature (medieval, regency, western, colonial, etc.), but I don't know if I would necessarily want to live during that time. Actually, the early 1900s has become more fascinating to me during the last few weeks. Modern conviences were just coming around to make life easier, but there was still enough of the elegance of the older world clinging to culture to make wearing fun clothing and doing old fashioned things very enjoyable. 

10. What is your favourite animal? Favorite REAL animal? Probably a Siberian husky. Otherwise, it'd be a dragon or a unicorn or a pegasus... But never a cat. Ever.

11. If you had only 1 day left to live, what would you do? Take my Bible to Washington D.C. and pray for our country outside the White House. The prospect of death and immediate travel to heaven the next really makes a body think about more than himself (or herself, in my case), and why would I want to spend my last day in any other way than pointing as many others as I can to the Christ I love?

And I was awarded by the Keller Girls!

~ Rules ~

1: When you receive the award you must post about it on your blog and leave a link to my blog.
2: Answer all the questions to the tag below.
3: Do not award anyone who has more than one hundred followers.
4: Come up with ten questions for the tag.
5: Keep your questions clean and refrain from using bad language.
6: Tag 5 to 10 people.

~ Questions from the Keller Girls ~

1.)  What is your favorite animal? I think I just answered this one above. So, look up.

2.) Do you like to sew, quilt, knit, or crochet? I can sew and knit fairly well, and yes, I enjoy doing them both. I've dabbled a bit in quilting, but I'm not what you would call a professional quilter. But crocheting? I've never learned to do that.

3.) What version of the Bible do you use? KJV

4.) How many animals do you have? None... unless you count my brother, Doofus. But he's way better than any normal pet. :D

5.) When is your birthday? August 11th

6.) Have you ever gone on a roller coaster? Nope. And I have no plan to, either. Things that go incredibly fast and extremely sideways I have no interest in.

7.) Do you have your Christmas tree up yet? Short answer: Yes. Long answer: We had our tree up earlier than normal this year. Usually, we're not allowed to set up any Christmas decorations until AFTER my dad's birthday (Nov. 30th), but this year because we were all so excited about Christmas, and because our swell grandparents gave us their 7.5 foot, Norway spruce fake tree. I love real trees, but this one is beautiful, too. If only that string of Christmas lights hadn't burned out on the bottom. :/

8.) What is a normal Christmas day for you? "Normal" changes from year to year, but typically, we sleep in on Christmas morning. Yes, I said sleep in. My mom gets up at 6:30 or so to put our traditional egg sausage casserole in the oven. Then finally, when we can't stand it any longer, or when we can't stand the begging of the younger children to go downstairs any longer (whichever comes first), we gallop down the stairs, and then back up them again to pull Dad out of bed. Depending on how hungry we are, breakfast is somewhere mixed into stockings, either coming before with elegant opening of stockings at the dining room table or frantic dumping and chewing on the living room floor. Stockings are never complete with some trickery involved. My dad and I take turns messing with each others' stockings , Personally, I get the most excited to give presents, anticipating the reaction on the recipient's face. We like taking our time with gifts. No rush, peoples. Last year, when we opened presents after church, we were there until 5 o'clock that evening. No joke. Christmas day wraps up with enjoying our new gifts, reading, playing, etc. until the time when we get together with our classy blood cousins for a big Christmas feast and absolutely stuff ourselves on way too many Christmas cookies. *ahem* Yeah, I know that's long, but you asked.

9.) Do you like a scarf or a turtle neck shirt? I muchly prefer the turtle neck. Mock turtle necks are the best. I don't wear scarves often. Never for fasion, only for warmth when I shovel in freezing weather. 

10.) Shoes or bare feet? BARE FEET! I love going barefoot. Seems I recall reading some survey that stated that it was healthier not to wear shoes. Anywho...

~ My Questions For Both Tags ~

1. What's your favorite Christmas song?

2. Do you prefer colored lights on your Christmas tree, or just white lights?

3. If you won $500 to go shopping for Christmas gifts, what would be the first thing you would buy?

4. Favorite Christmas cookie?

5. What's your oddest or most special Christmas memory?

6. Christmas isn't Christmas without:

7. If you could only ask for one thing for Christmas, what would it be?

8. How do you view Santa Claus (in film, stories, advertisements, shopping, etc.)?

9. Moving away from Christmas-related questions, if God called you to become a missionary to a foreign country, where would you go and why?

10. Do you believe it is okay to do something just because the situation allows it (the situation justifies the action sort of thing)?

11. And just because I can't resist, what is your opinion of Facebook?

~ Swell Peoples I Award ~

Sarah

Jessa Bri

Marissa

Aidyl

Beth Grace

Kathryn

Miss Melody

Eva

Anne-girl

Lauriloth

Miss Jack 

If your birthday is in January, March, May, July, September, or November you won the Liebster award.

If your birthday is February, April, June, August, October, or December you won the Scrumptious Blog Award (and you don't have to take the 11th question about Facebook because your tag only called for 10 questions, but you can answer it if you want). 

If you got the opposite reward you were hoping for, negotiations can be made to recieve the desired award. ;)

And if you just feel like answering the questions in a comment, go ahead! 

God bless!