Nov. 10, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 10
Word Count: 20,903
"How could anyone throw away this happiness? How could anyone reject such joy?"
~ Wynn Ainsley
Well I'm still plugging away, boosting my word count by the thousands every night, and every day when I wake up setting myself an impossible goal I know I can't reach, but I do anyway.
The plot is coming along nicely, I've been rather surprised at how easy this story has been to write, then again it's been waiting for November for the last seven months.
Its been amazing discovering more about my characters, and the places they live in. Each day of writing I find out something knew and exciting about one of them.
I expected to grow tired of my book title, my names, and my characters, but instead they have gotten even more interesting to me, and I'm still totally in love with the name Wynn Ainsley.
There have been moments of stress, in fact just the other night I was in near panic because I couldn't get the NaNo website to load, therefor making it impossible for me to update my word count. Since I had just breached the 20,000 mark it was rather disappointing I couldn't do it right away. After a few more tries however, all was well.
So, that's how my NaNo has been going. If your interested in reading the progress of other NaNoers here are the links to friends of mine who are doing it as well.
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Nov. 5, 2009 - The Happy Things
I'm not sure why I finally decided to post about this. Maybe it was because of my Mum's post about happy memories. Perhaps.
I could say this has been on my mind lately, it would be the truth, but I could be more accurate if I said, this has been on my mind for awhile. Awhile as in, a year or two. There have been a few things going on that have really brought this thought forward, making me remember, and feel more strongly about it then ever.
So, what am I talking about? I'll put it simply, the happy things.
I have realized that many, fights, grudges, contention, feuds, arguments, rivalry, and quarrels come into being because somebody, or maybe even everybody, wasn't remembering the happy times.
Let me explain. More then once Eyebright and I have been angry with each other. There have been the times when she has taken the best for herself, leaving me with second best. There have been times when we've yelled at each other, and times when we haven't wanted to speak to each other at all.
However there have also been times when we have laughed so hard together we made each other sick. There have been long walks filled with sisterly conversation, the times when she has given me the best being content with second best for herself. There have been times when she has been so happy and excited for me she didn't have time to be jealous. Times when she has comforted, reassured, and supported me. I didn't mean for this post to be a tribute to my sister though.
My whole point in this was, there have been good times and bad times. Which paragraph was more pleasant for you to read? I would hope the second one. If it's Eyebright reading this, I know the second one. 
I have the good and the bad memories of every person in my family. When I've grown up and moved away, which ones will I want to remember the most?
Many a time I have seen, or heard of complete families breaking up because someone didn't remember those happy times. Someone didn't remember how much time the person they are angry with put into their lives. Someone was only thinking of those times when, as a human, they slipped, and did something not so happy.
I don't want this to happen to my family, I want to always remember the happy times and even if some of the unpleasant family experiences stick with me, I don't want them to blind out the other times.
So here I am today, encouraging you to remember the happy things with me.
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Nov. 4, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 4
I've been pretty happy with my progress with NaNoWriMo so far. I'm three days ahead of schedule, and my plot is coming together rather nicely. I wouldn't say it's one of the best things I've ever written, but I didn't expect it to be. That's what second, third, fourth, and so on drafts are for.
Before NaNo started I had this idea in my head that I wouldn't have time for anything else this month. I would just be writing. My reasonable side however kept telling myself this can't be true since people with full time jobs and children have succeeded in the challenge.
So I was not all together surprised to find out I still have time to live. It's a good thing too because I only have two weeks till my first big choir performance and practice is a very good thing. I've also been working with Kekoa on selling Christmas wreaths. We haven't sold one yet, but we haven't really done to much attempting. Not because of NaNo, but because of other things in the schedule.
An hour, or two everyday writing and I am above and beyond my word count goal for that day. Before November I thought the people shooting for 100,000 this year were crazy. Now I'm beginning to see they are simply giving themselves more of a challenge. I've been challenged, it's juts been an easy one.
So far.
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Nov. 2, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Day 1
Well the first day of NaNoWriMo has come and gone leaving me with a word count of 6,066. Since this is a good almost three days worth of writing, I decided I would be done for the night.
I am incredibly pleased with the way things are turning out so far, and was amazed to discover how much this story would write itself. There are way to many turn of events I didn't expect to count them all.
I tried to add a word count widget to my sidebar, but for some reason I'm having trouble with it. I might try again later, but for now if your interested in following my word count you can at my NaNoWriMo profile.
Now I'd love to stay and talk, but I've got a word count to keep up, and my characters are calling.
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Oct. 30, 2009 - 1 Day...
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Oct. 29, 2009 - 2 Days...
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Oct. 28, 2009 - 3 Days...
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Oct. 27, 2009 - Forever, Holy, Unchangeable, and Loving.
I decided to take a break from my NaNo count down today. For all those interested, don't worry it should continue tomorrow.
A few things about God have really been standing out to me lately and I wanted to share them with you.
~ God is forever.
Psalm 90: 1-2
Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.
~ God is Holy
Isaiah 6:3
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory.
~ God is unchangeable
Psalm 102: 25-27
Of old hast Thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of Thy hands. They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt Thou change them, and they shall be changed: But Thou are the same, and Thy years shall have no end.
~ God is loving
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
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Oct. 26, 2009 - 5 Days...
Wonderful photograph taken by Narniagirl
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Oct. 24, 2009 - 6 Days...
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Oct. 23, 2009 - 7 Days...
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Oct. 22, 2009 - 8 Days...
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Oct. 19, 2009 - Imagination
Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.
~ Albert Einstein ~
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Oct. 14, 2009 - I Love...
My loverly sister Eyebright tagged me. If your a regular reader of my blog you'll know I don't normally do tags, but this one looked like fun, and like I said, my sister tagged me.
In Spring, I love the smell of the wind as it plays with my hair and makes me feel like the world has emerged from a deep cave after so many months. I love the sun as it warms up the earth, it's rays spreading heat and happiness. I love the the small blades of new grass, poking their head above the dirt, reaching up towards new life. I love the clouds of horse hair that go sailing into the wind after a good brushing. I love Jesus!
In Summer, I love the smell of parched air and dust. I love the cracks in the dirt that crunch when you step on them. I love the big blue sky stretching for miles and miles. I love the smell of warm leather, and warm horses. I love long trail rides in the cool of the mountains, and I love crisp, freezing ice water. I love playing crochet in Grandma and Grandpa's yard in the green, lush grass. I love motor home trips to Washington to see good friends and watch air shows. I love ice cream and popcicles, and refreshing relief that comes from the sun as it sinks below the horizon. I love the Lord!
In Fall, I love the cold wind that blows in, making you realize it's time to dig out your collection of sweaters. I love pumpkins, and the colors orange and brown. I love carmel apples and earlier nights. Hot apple cider, and a whole day set aside to give thanks for what I've been given. I love pumpkin pies, and left over turkey sandwhiches. I love Jehovah!
In Winter, I love the blankets, and books, and hot drinks. I love the feeling of the holidays hanging in the air. I love the the beutiful snowy landscapes outside my car window on our way to see family. I love days of sledding, and mittens and coats. I love cousins and aunts and uncles, and Christmas candy. I love Sunday morning music, and babies giggling. I love the steam that rolls off horses back as they huddle together to stay warm. I love the smell of wet horse blankets, and I love hiding my hand behind Angel's main until it's no longer num with cold. I love the King of Kings!
Now that I’ve told you my favorite thoughts of the seasons I challenge you to a tag. I’m going to tag four people to follow my thoughts of the seasons and have them tell me theirs.
I tag….
2. living up to my sleeves
3. Witty Words
4. Little House in the Big World
Even if you’re not one of the four bloggers chosen above, feel free to post your feelings with a link back to my blog.
Rules of the tag
1. Tag at least three people after your post.
2. Post back to the blog that tagged you.
3. Post the rules of the tag and please don’t post the things you least like about the seasons, but what you like best 
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Oct. 12, 2009 - NaNoWriMo Here I Come!
Lately I've been filling my brain with writing, writing, and more writing. After all it's only nineteen days till November first and NaNoWriMo begins. I'm really excited although a little worried my plot won't make it to 50,000 words. We shall just have to see. I have been doing a few things in preparation for this exciting event.
- I have joined the HSB NaNoWriMo group, and I've been loving it! The forums and such have been a lot of fun, and a ton of help! It's been great.
- I've started working on the outline for the novel I'll be writing in November. Incidentally I've come up with the working title Rejected Joy. It's slowly been growing on me though so it could become more then just a working one.
- I've been trying to finish the novel I'm working on now. I'd like to have first draft done and out of the way so it won't try to capture my attention while I'm busy with NaNo. I'm at 16,000 some-odd words... somehow I don't think I'll make it.
- I am going to start shrinking my stomach. During NaNo I won't want to take the time to go downstairs and eat so in order to put a restraint on the hunger pains I'm miniaturizing the appetite. Kidding people, kidding.
In other words it looks like I've been busy, but I really haven't. The last few days I've pretty much just spent laying around because I've been sick. It's just a cold, but it's totally put my head into ache mode.
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Oct. 1, 2009 - Links, Links, and More Links!
I think it's a little funny how inspiration comes in bursts and fits. I don't have a regular schedule for my blog so when my writing inspiration has a damper on it, my blog takes the brunt of it. Very sad for the blog, and very sad for the readers.
It just happens to be one of those times for me. All I feel like writing right now is one of my long-term works in progress so everything else has been ignored. I decided this morning I couldn't have that so I frantically searched my mind for something to post about. The result I came up with, links! I love links, they can open up a whole new world and all you have to do is click.
Movie Links
I'm never sure anymore if I can trust the ratings on movies. In fact, I've learned not to, but I don't just want to pop in a movie rated PG-13 without knowing what I might be viewing so I've discovered several very helpful websites where I can do my research.
The Internet Movie Database This is probably one of my favorite websites. It can tell you so many interesting movie facts, and info, and it happens to have a Parents Guide for some movies.
Plugged In Online a website by Focus on the Family that's all about... movies! Click the link to find movie reviews galore!
Netflix if your a movie watcher and you don't have one, you should. My family has loved our Netflix from day one, and just to let you know. There is a limit of movies you can put in your queue, 500.
Book Related Links
Books, books, books! Things are learned, stories are told, ideas are discovered!
Goodreads I can recommend it enough! This website is awesome for helping to find good books to read, it's great to stay up to date with what your friends are reading, and it can be a lot of fun too! Rate books, and right up to a 19,985 characters review.
Google Books not a sight I use often, but one I find handy when I do. If you have an account with Google, you can also get some free e-books.
Writing Related Links
For the people who pour out their heart onto parchment. For the people who bleed ink, and breath the air of inspiration... sometimes.
NaNoWriMo Nation Novel Writing Month brings a challenge for all writers. Can you write 50,000 words in November?
My Writing Nook I haven't used it that much because I prefer Google Docs, but it's a very nice and simple writing program.
Music Related Links
Music, everyone likes at least a certain kind, and there are a lot of kinds!
Blip Add your friends (or "DJs") and hear the music they have been listening to lately. Blip your favorite songs, and earn props!
Pandora Personalize your own online radio!
Look for a follow up posts with links to blogs that I enjoy reading!
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Sep. 26, 2009 - Dictionary -noun, a game
Dictionary is played by one person finding a strange word and writing down the definition. That person then tells everyone else the word and they guess what they think it means by writing it down. The first person then reads all the guesses and votes are taken on what the real answer is. After everyone has voted the true answer is revealed.
Although I had heard of this game I had never played it before, but when we got together with a bunch of people from church we played it and had a lot of fun. Here are some of the words and definitions we came up with.
The word: Pansophy -noun
Meaning: Universal knowledge
The Guesses
- The study of partiality to childlike way
- A feeling of dread or foreboding
- The act of showing great kindness in a philosophical manner
- A baker who gives wise counsel
- The art of painting with only the color green
- The study of Russian theology
- The act of gathering all of ones relative for a reunion
The word: Nudiustertian -noun
Meaning: The day before yesterday
- An advocate of simple living
- Someone who is trying to fish for the first time
- Pertaining to the act of running in public without one's clothes
- One with belief in extra-terrestrial life
- A person who operates on alienatic beings
- Purple mold that grows in showers
- The act of knocking a boat off its intended course
The word: Midden -noun
Meaning: Habitual mating ground for hippos usually marked by excrement
- A term used for joining two pieces of fabric while sewing
- The middle section of a ship
- An awkward smell coming from a dead animal
- A female teacher of a private school in the middle ages
- A dwarf's grandchild
- Half full or half empty
The word: Boiarin -noun
Meaning: A Russian Gentleman
- The study of buoyancy
- Silk cloth from the western part of China
- The part of a ship that is below the water
- An alcoholic
- Wind that passes through a dark alley
- The most prized of the French made cheeses to the Nudiustertain
- An experimental drug for the treatment of cancer
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Sep. 25, 2009 - Will You Go Farther?
You who so plod amid serious things that you feel it shame to give yourself up even
Is this not true for any work of fiction? 
for a few short moments to mirth and joyousness in the land of Fancy; you who think that life hath nought to do with innocent laughter that can harm no one; these pages are not for you. Clap the leaves and go no further then this, for I tell you plainly that if you go farther you will be scandalized by seeing good, sober folks of real history so frisk and caper in gay colors and motley that you would not know them but for the names tagged to them. ~ Howard Pyle
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Sep. 23, 2009 - Book Review ~ Big Fat Paycheck
Big Fat Paycheck by Colton Lawrence
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I found this book very helpful and encouraging. The author does not talk as if you already have a big fat paycheck coming in like a lot of other writing books. On the contrary he has written for people who don't have a dime to their name.
By the end of the first chapter I was ready to start writing my screenplay. One thing I did not like however was the language he chose to use. This is directed towards children, but I don't think a lot of the words he used were acceptable for children. However I would recommend this book not just to young teens interested in writing screenplays, but to young teens interested in writing anything. View all my reviews >>
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Sep. 21, 2009 - Play Suggestions Please!
Before we moved I had my really good friend SmartyJones over and we read the play The Importance of Being Earnest out loud together. It was a lot of fun and ever since we have wanted to do it again, but it's a little to far now for her to come.
So Eyebright and I decided to have some girls over from our church to do it, the only problem is, we don't know what play to read! We don't want Shakespeare just yet although I think I might be willing to try that later on.
At the library I checked out a book called Best American Plays Third Series 1945-1951. Glancing over the first three though have been a disappointment. None of them were suitable for three schoolgirls and a graduate.
Have you ever read plays aloud? Do you know of any really good ones?
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