2 May 2008

*skulks in*

I can't begin to say how sorry I am for not updating sooner.  You see, there were several...disturbances.  (To add an air of mystery, haha.)

First off, I've been preoccupied with a new story I'm writing.  If you know me fairly well then you'll be surprised to hear that this new story is not set in Middle-Earth, nor is it fanfiction of any kind.  I was so inspired by Nimrodel and Queen Flora's story that I decided to create a fantasy realm of my own instead of borrowing from Tolkien's.  Strangely enough, I'm actually really fired up about it!  I've already written a plot outline, drawn a map of the country (and digitalized it in Paint Shop Pro 9!), and sketched various portraits of the main characters.  I'm in the process of writing a summary, which I'll post on my writing blog for you guys to read.  (Speaking of my writing blog, I've taken the liberty of adding a few of you to the friends list---hope you don't mind.  The username is 'elvenwriter'.)

Unfortunately, being inspired to write my new story has made me less inspired to do anything else, including blogging.  However, I decided an uninspired post is better than none at all.  Besides, I've procrastinated long enough, and some of you are probably wondering if I haven't dropped of the face of the earth.

How did you guys like my little joke?  As you can see, I never really died (sorry, Mister Cool), but writing a fake will helped cheer me up in my time of  utter tribulation.  In other words, a poem recitation.

Remember the poetry contest my local library was holding?  I entered 'When Shadow Fled', as well as a shorter, less significant poem called 'Motes of Dust'.  Well, imagine my shock when the library called and told me that one of my poems had made the finals!  Naturally, my jaw nearly hit the floor.  My mom's head was in the clouds all that day, but I couldn't shake off the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.  (And everywhere else, for that matter!)  You see, being one of the finalists meant I had to attend a special banquet held by the library, where they would present the awards for the poetry contest.  Worst of all, I had to recite my poem to a roomful of strangers!

Something you guys may or may not know about me:  I am dead terrified of public speaking.  Aside from speaking on the telephone (which is another embarrassing phobia of mine), public speaking is truly my worst nightmare.  I know most people have this fear, and that I'm not alone, but that knowledge did not make my task any easier.

The day of the banquet arrived all too soon.  As I changed into a fancy skirt and blouse, I felt like I was getting dressed for my own funeral.  Throughout the day I had been reciting 'When Shadow Fled' over and over in my head until I had memorized it completely, so as not to be unprepared.  Finally, my parents and I crowded into my dad's car and off we drove.  I am not prone to carsickness, but my stomach was in absolute knots.

We arrived.  The banquet was being held at a golf course not fifteen minutes from our house, and to my somewhat relief, there weren't many people attending at all, and the majority of them were elderly.  (I am more comfortable around elderly people than peers.)  Still, my anxiety grew.  There were supposed to be two other high school finalists at the banquet, but I was the only one there, and felt incredibly alone.  As uncomfortable as I am around peers, I didn't want to be the only high schooler to recite a poem!

After a time of mingling (which I spent alone by a large window, avidly reciting my poem inside my head), it was time for dinner.  There was roast chicken (I can't say that without saying it like Frodo), green beans, baked potatoes, and wheat rolls, but I only picked at my food.  Dessert was Italian ice, but knowing that the winners would be announced right after dessert made me too nervous to eat any.  Besides, it was too tart for my already uneasy stomach to handle.  During this time, one of the other high school finalist arrived---a girl.  She looked every inch as nervous as me, which helped...a little.

Finally, the epic moment arrived.  A man (one of the library workers) walked up to the podium and started rambling on about the contest, how it was started, and what an honor it was to hold it every year.  It was as if he knew how he was torturing me!  Then he announced the winners.

I couldn't have been more surprised.  Not that I won third place (which was actually a relief, although I had been hoping for second place), but that the poem that the judges had picked was not 'When Shadow Fled', but 'Motes of Dust'!  That meaningless, whimsical little poem that I had entered only as an afterthought had actually won third place!  Slightly disappointed, but amused by the irony of it all, I made my way up to the podium to receive my award.

The man asked me if I wanted to recite my poem.  I was floored.  To have had a choice all this time and not to know about it!  Nonetheless, my parents were watching me expectantly (as were the other guests), and so I put on a brave face on and recited the thing.  It was over before I knew it, and I found myself making my way back to my table and plonking myself down on my chair, a huge burden lifted off my shoulders.  I had done it!  It wasn't even mandatory, and still I had done it, after all.

The other winners were announced, and after that we all went home.  Nimrodel, who was babysitting, was pleased to see us home earlier than expected, and there was time for us to take a nice, long walk in the twilight.  The perfect remedy for my frazzled nerves!

Anyway, that was April 19th.  Since then, I've mostly been working on my story, doing school, and coping with my crazy family.  Nimrodel and her family were gone all last week, and my dad was out of town with all my brothers for the last four days of the same week.  So for almost the entire time it was just my mom, my sisters, and me.  Which would have been really awesome, except I was struggling with a bad fever the whole time.  (Not fun at all!)  Even so, we got to watch chick flicks and talk about girly stuff, which was a nice treat.  Most of the time, however, we wandered around the house like wraiths.  It's amazing how quiet a house can be without brothers to disturb the peace!  It was actually quite unsettling, to tell you the truth.  We were all relieved to have them back, even if it meant more chaos.  (But hey, when you're in a large family, chaos is part of the package!)

I'm worried about Jasper, one of my rats.  The other day I was holding him and noticed that he had gotten dangerously thin.  I immediately came upon the cause: his teeth have grown so long it's gotten dificult for him to eat.  In order to fix this, his teeth must be trimmed, and for that he needs to be taken to a vet.  I was going to call the nearest animal clinic to see whether they treat rats, but my mom just volunteered to do it in my stead.  (She knows how I hate telephones.  Please don't laugh, but it's true!)  I'm praying poor Jasper can hold on until then.

Let's see, anything else of note?  Yesterday was my dad's birthday, and since he has always wanted a German chocolate cake made from scratch, I donned my apron and fell to work in the kitchen.  I had never made a cake from scratch before, but Nimrodel came over to assist me, and it proved to be an altogether enjoyable (if somewhat messy) experience.

We were supposed to make homemade marinade sauces and grill steaks for my dad's birthday dinner, but that plan soon proved disastrous.  My mom fell mysteriously ill right after breakfast and barely made it to the grocery store to buy the ingredients, and when she finally got home she crashed in her bedroom for hours.  It was while she was napping that we discovered that she had picked up the wrong ingredients, but by then it was too late.  So in the end, we decided to eat out.  Our whole family (with the exception of my mom, who was still sick) hopped into our 'bus' and drove off to the Rainforest Cafe.  We had never been there before, so it was very...unique.  I would write more, but Mister Cool plans to write a blog entry about our 'rainforest adventure', so check his blog if you want details.  ;)

Thus ends my longest entry ever!  Knowing me, there are probably some things I've forgotten to mention, but hopefully this will suffice for now.  ;)  Again, I apologize for taking so long to update.  I'll try to reply to all your comments and messages during the next few days.

Cheers,

Tinuviel

19 April 2008

My Last Will and Testament

Alas, this may be the last blog entry my faithful readers shall receive from me.  For it is my doom that in approximately half an hour, I shall be forced to give a recitation in front of a large audience.  Knowing me, I shall have died of stage fright in that time.  Therefore, I, Tinuviel, being in my sane mind, do give and bequeath all my earthly (and Middle-earthly) property, namely:

To my father, I give all my written works: poetry, stories, and the like.  Perhaps someday you'll publish them posthumously, and everyone shall know me as the girl who never lived to see her dream come true... *tragic sigh*

My clothes, jewelry, and the like I bequeath to my dear mother.  Whatever isn't to her taste she can donate to her precious Goodwill under my name.  Also, I give her my Starbucks mug with the flowers on it.

To my sister, Enilarwyn, I give my laptop; may it serve you as well as it has served me.   (Note the sarcasm.)  Also, my English teapot, so whenever you pour tea you can think of your dearly departed sister.

To Mister Cool, I give my Children of Hurin calender, my limited edition copy of the Silmarillion, and my Lord of the Rings: Weapons and Warfare book.  Use them wisely, gwador nin.

To Nimrodel, I bequeath my beloved rats.  May you watch over them like your own children.  (If your mother can stand the sight of them, poor things.)  I know they'll be safe with you; just don't let Abby near them.

To Bonnie, my sister and pupil, I give all my books (excluding the previously mentioned Silmarillion and Weapons and Warfare).  May you treasure them as much as I have.

To Elizabeth, precious baby sister---I give my china teacups.  Enjoy them!

To this will and testament I set my hand and seal on this 19th day of April 2008.  Amen.

Signed,

Tinuviel

Witnesses: Harvey the rat, Jasper the rat, and Christoff the rat, Esquires

9 April 2008

A Hasty Entry

Tinuviel here!  I'm afraid this will be a rather short update, as I have schoolwork to catch up on.  But still, a tiny entry is better than none at all, right?

I am happy to say that spring has begun to wrap our neighborhood in its proverbial embrace.  The dratted snow is finally gone, replaced with new, green shoots popping up wherever there's room to grow.  Nimrodel and I have spent much of our waking time wandering through the nearby woods and guessing what kinds of flowers the tiny sprouts will turn out to be.  We've also been mapping out our "domain" and naming the places that strike our fancy.  Nimrodel has taken lots of pictures, which I understand she will post on her photo blog once she figures out how.  (She's having problems with her laptop/browser.)

Unfortunately, springtime means mud.  LOTS of mud.  It's already rained twice during the past week, and I've had to wash my shoes after almost every excursion into the woods.  Nimrodel doesn't mind as much as I, but I suspect even she will be glad once the weather gets warmer and dries the earth.  The hills are especially treacherous; the only way to climb down them is to aim for the nearest tree and hope it's strong enough to bear your weight when you crash against it!

News flash: my sister has finally finished her web portfolio!  Last night we decided we had procrastinated long enough, and just this morning finished uploading every single drawing of hers.  (Well, almost.  There are a few she is too embarassed to post, although even they are considerably better than anything I could draw.)  To all who are reading this, my sister would really appreciate it if you visited and perhaps signed the guestbook.  Like myself, she thrives on feedback.  So what are you waiting for?  Click here.

Alas; that concludes this entry.  I'm still trying to post comments on everyones' blogs, though my efforts have been rather pathetic, I admit.  Please bear with me!  Also, expect a new template for this blog in the future.  It's not like I don't care for this one, but the text is kinda hard to read, and all the green is starting to get to me.

Until our paths cross again,
Tinuviel

13 March 2008

Phew!

After an embarrassing amount of procrastination, I've finally finished my poem!  (Many thanks to my dad, who taught me that you can't have inspiration without perspiration.  Or something like that.)  I'm posting it here for you guys to read, and tomorrow I'll hand-deliver it to the library and hope for the best.  Enjoy!

When Shadow Fled
By Tinuviel

Long ago, when Earth was young,
And Death was but a name,
A fair folk dwelt beneath the stars
Their raiment silver-gray.
Withheld were they from mortal woes,
Their hearts were glad and free;
Until the day that Shadow came
Ensnaring every tree.
Its icy grip---so cruel and cold---
Laid siege to every heart,
'Til fair from fell, and fell from fair
Not one could tell apart.
Then days grew dark, and ‘neath the stars
Strife ran thick as blood.
Where now abode the Light of old
To quench this evil flood?
Yet e’en as Shadow preened and claimed
Its aim of darkness won,
Hope remained in hearts unbowed;
The light was yet to dawn!
For out of the east, a faint glow emerged
Piercing Night’s thick veil–
Soft fingers of light grew steadily bright
While Shadow’s forces quailed.
With bated breath the faithful watched
As evil’s bane drew nigh
Until, at last, the burning sphere
Rose to fill the sky!
Shadow’s ranks were seized with fear
And fled the piercing light--
Smote was the shroud from o’er the land;
New blooms came into sight.
Now hearts are warm, and fair is fair
And Shadow but a name;
Free folk still dwell beneath the stars
Their raiment silver-gray.

Yours,

Tinuviel

4 March 2008

Me and my fairy-tale standards...

At the moment, I am quite infuriated with the male sex.  (No offense to those of you who don't deserve it -- if I'm stereo-typing, it's because I am in a ranting mood and am therefore too mad to care about formalities.)  Just when I thought there might be some hope for us girls with lofty standards, my expectations have come crashing to the ground, along with much of my respect for the other gender.

Forgive me for sounding a bit melodramatic, but honestly, if I don't somehow transcribe my feelings then I shall burst!  (Again, I'm being melodramatic.  But you get the picture.)

What happened was, I involuntarily got caught up in the middle of an argument between two males in my life.  (I won't mention any names.)  When I attempted to come to the aid of one of them, they both snapped at me and sent me packing.  That's the thanks I get!  I can't remember what they were even arguing about in the first place, but I do know that they could (and should) have solved it between themselves without resorting to a shouting match.  Now everyone's afraid to approach them and they're both in a huff, especially the one I tried to back up.  (Again, names will remain anonymous.)  I can only imagine the turmoil going on within him, and yet he tries to cover it up by acting indifferent.  Why on earth do guys think that by acting tough they will gain more respect?  I, for one, find this disgusting and offensive.  Now, I'm not expecting guys to open up like girls do, but at the very least, they can stop shunning those who only want to help.  Then they will gain more respect in my eyes.

Of course, I'm aware of the pressure guys feel to be "manly"...who isn't?  What with the media throwing fake ideals left and right, I can kind of see why guys succumb to them so easily.  Indeed, it's almost as bad as the pressure girls get piled onto them to be "sexy" and all that nonsense.  But every once in awhile I find myself wondering...does true chivalry even exist anymore?  Too often I find myself comparing men I know in real life to the men I read about in, say, Pride and Prejudice.  Obviously, I am usually quite disappointed.  (I guess that tells me I should stop comparing, huh?)

I had meant to broach a lot more topics than the ones I have mentioned, but the hour grows late and my temper has cooled considerably.  (Therefore sparing my readers from more of my rantings!)  I shall look forward to getting your feedback.

Sincerely,
Tinuviel

29 February 2008

Guess who got her learner's permit?

That's right, it's yours truly!  My dad drove me over to take the test this morning, and thanks to all my studying, the test was a cinch.  I only got one question wrong!  Words can't begin to describe my relief.  *jumps up and down in excitement*  (Hey, you can't expect an elf to be dignified all the time, can you?)

A big 'thank you' to everyone who answered my questions and prayed!

-Tinuviel 

25 February 2008

An Overdue Update

4 February 2008

Driving Jitters

Well, my dad's finally done it.  I've been questioning him about driving lessons for the past couple of weeks, so today he actually signed me up for a driver's ed course.

The cons?  First of all, he didn't tell me he had signed me up until after the deed was done, so naturally, I am a bit tiffed.  Secondly, the first class will be held tomorrow night, so I barely have any time to prepare myself.  I mean, sure, I've been thinking about driving for awhile now, but deep down I'm scared silly of being behind the wheel.  Fifteen seems incredibly young to learn to drive; what if I mess up?  Driving is dead serious - one wrong move and someone could get hurt, or worse.

I think I'm gonna be sick...

To get my mind off the whole driving thing, here's a tag by Altariel:

5 random facts about myself:

1. I get more inspiration when I'm miserable than when I'm happy.

2.  My favorite snack is a spoonful of peanut butter - plain - followed by a tall glass of cold milk.

3.  I have a minor case of asthma.

4.  I've been a 'military brat' pretty much my whole life, until about year ago, when my dad retired.

5.  I'm the only one out of all my friends who hasn't decided what to do with my life after I graduate college.

5 weird things about myself:

1. My nails are painted black pretty much year round, much to the chagrine of my mother.

2.  I absolutely hate talking on the phone and would much rather e-mail or talk face-to-face.

3.  I love rats.  (You probably knew that already, but it's weird, anyway...)

4.  I enjoy watching foreign language films.

5.  Whenever I'm really into the song I'm playing on the piano, I'll sometimes bob my head in time to the rythm, receiving odd glances from my family and friends.

5 things on my desk

1.  A mug that reads 'Shh...I'm reading'

2.  A comb

3.  My headphones

4. A bottle of black nail polish

5.  A Victorian box holding my sister's assorted valuables

5 of your best friends:

1. Nimrodel

2. Eni (it's possible for your sister to be your best friend, too)

3. Mister Cool (ditto, only substitute brother for sister)

4. Daydreamer

5. A few others whom I will not mention but are in my heart nonetheless.  <3

5 things you love to do:

1.  Listen to sad music while daydreaming about my story

2.  Make people laugh

3.  Walk in the snow

4.  Read a nice, fat book

5.  Write, of course!

5 people you tag:

1.  Mister Cool

2.  Enilarwyn

3.  Forestcrazy

4. Daydreamer

5. Dracula95

Until our paths meet again,

Tinuviel

1 February 2008

Snow!

30 January 2008

Inspiration at last!

28 January 2008

Genuine Boredom?

22 January 2008

Summer Plans

I've just gotten indoors from shoveling snow.  Yes, we're some of the lucky people who've gotten snow this year.  Be jealous.  (Kidding.  *grins*)  Not much has happened here lately, except we had homeschool P.E. today.  Right now we're doing basketball, which you'd think I'd be good at, judging by my height.  But nooo, I suck at it.  My aim is quite horrible, as is Nimrodel's (no offense to her).  We Elves just aren't meant for basketball.  Or hockey.  Or soccer.  Or...well, you get the picture.

Yesterday, my family had a conference to talk about our plans for the summer.  There's a Christian retreat center in Pennsylvania called White Sulphur Springs (click here for their website) that we've been to seven times at least, and my dad's spoken there three times.  Well, we haven't been there in two years, but this summer I'm going to volunteer as staff support there for two weeks, then go to camp there for another week with my brother, and finally spend a fourth week at the main hotel with my family.  Confusing, huh?  It all comes down to this: I'll be in Pennsylvania for an entire month.  That wouldn't be too bad, since WSS is my absolute favorite place in the world, but I'll have to spend my 16th birthday there, away from all my family and friends.  (Except for my brother, Mister Cool...thank God!)  Obviously, that sucks.  *sighs*  Ah, well...I shall have to have my Sweet Sixteen party either before or after my actual birthday.

By the way, my website is finally up!  I'd love it if you guys posted a comment in the guestbook, which can be found under 'Visitor'.  The navigation appears in the form of the four picture frames in the main banner.

- Tinuviel

18 January 2008

I'm in a bit of a fix...

15 January 2008

Popping in with a tag

Well, here I am again.  Did you guys miss me?  Of course you did. 

Here's the deal:  I haven't been getting on the computer as often as I used to.  The reason?  Believe it or not, I've actually been finding better things to do.  Like reading and playing the piano, for instance.  Scary, isn't it?  I never would have thought myself capable of going an hour without checking my blog, and here I am leaving my computer alone for almost a day and not even missing it.  Perhaps my brain has been addled by the insane amount of tea with honey I've been drinking lately, or perhaps I'm finally taking my mom's nagging to heart.  Whatever the case, it all comes down to me not blogging, and for that I apologize.

Before I start rambling, here's another tag from Doodles:

1. Literature - I'm talking about really good literature, the kind that makes a difference.  It's just not appreciated as much as it should these days.
   
2. Middle-Earth - this includes Elves, of course.
   
3. Proving Evolutionists wrong - if you ask me, it takes more faith to believe the whole entire world was created by accident than it would to believe it was created by a Supreme Being.  There's just too much 'chance' involved in Evolution to make me believe it.
   
4. Music
5. My family - Though I don't always appreciate them, my family is my backbone --- without them, I'd be left all alone and shaky as a newborn foal.
6. My friends - whenever I'm feeling down, I can always count on them to lift me up.  You guys are simply amazing!  *huggles*
7. My writing - or at least my story characters.
   
8. Romance - and I'm not talking about the lovey-dovey kind, either.  If you've read Anne of Green Gables, then you'll know what I'm talking about...
   

1. Obtain the same kind of relationship with Jesus my parents have
   
2. Travel to Norway and perhaps live there for a year or two...as a foreign exchange student, perhaps?
   
3. Conquer my fear of telephones
   
4. Meet the man God has chosen for me to marry
   
5. Contribute to the artistic world in some way or another
   
6. Read the Bible from cover to cover
   
7. Live to see my parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary
   
8. Visit the set locations of LotR in New Zealand
   

1. "I'm bright, aren't I?"  (sarcastically)
2. "Omigosh!"
3. "Let me finish this chapter..."
   
4. "I'll do it later!"
   
5. "MEH!"  (this is usually accompanied with frustrated pounding of fists, pulling at hair, et cetera...)
   
6. "Ti tállbe orkh!"  (Elvish translation: "Go kiss an orc!")
   
7. "Aiya..."  (exasperatedly)
   
8. "I think I'll make some tea..."
   

1. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
   
2. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
   
3. Hansi: Captive of the Swastika by Maria Anne Hirschmann
   
4.  Unfinished Tales by J.R.R. Tolkien
   
5.  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
   
6.  Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
   
7.  The Complete Stories and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe (I actually didn't finish this, just skimmed through it)
   

1. Twilight and Shadow - RotK Soundtrack
   
2. Evenstar - TTT Soundtrack
   
3. Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata
4.  Our Farewell - Within Temptation
   
5.  Going Home - Gods and Generals Soundtrack
   
6.  Hoppipolla - Sigur Rós
   
7.  Adagio from Concerto Grosso Op. 6, No. 8 in G Minor: Christmas Concerto - Master and Commander Soundtrack
   
8.  Amaranth - Nightwish
   

1. Their willingness to listen to my problems, no matter how boring they are.
   
2. The fact that they struggle with spirituality the same as I, and the comfort it brings knowing that I'm not the only one with major flaws (haha, just teasing you guys)
   
3. They're all just as crazy about Tolkien as I am!
   
4. I can talk to them about almost anything...like stuff I'd be too embarrassed to talk about with my parents.
   
5. Their wacky senses of humor
   
6. The way they can cheer me up, even when I'm in my most foul mood.
   
7. They just understand, really understand...you know?
8. It's nice knowing there are people out there besides family that cares for me the way they do.  Sometimes I get all depressed and start asking myself why anyone would want me for a friend, but then I think of you guys, and everything's all right again.  <3

1. Reading The Silmarillion is much, much tougher than it looks.
   
2. I enjoy playing hockey (floor hockey, anyway)
   
3. Never --- I repeat, never --- call Mister Cool a Dwarf.  Especially when he's hefting a hockey stick.
   
4. I never knew how miserable I was without friends until I actually met them.  (That's probably exaggerating a bit, but there you have it.)
   
5. Pink is actually not that bad a color...but I still refuse to wear it.  (Except, of course, on occasion.)
   
6. I still have a heck of a lot to learn about web design.
7. Never bring up an interesting subject right before  you're about to fall asleep --- it'll keep you up far into the night.
8. I hate babysitting.  I really do.

1. Anyone
2. Who
3. Is
4. Reading
5. And
6. Has
7. The
8. Time

Well, there you have it.  (I start a lot of paragraphs that way, don't I?)  A tag is a pathetic excuse to update a blog, but I'm afraid it's all I can offer at the present.  So please don't hesitate to comment, be sure to visit our lovely friends, have a nice day, et cetera, et cetera. 

Cheers,

~ Tinuviel

8 January 2008

Template Changes

Since it's a new year, I thought it was about time our blog got a brand new look.  It's not like I disliked the old template; on the contrary, I thought it was rather nice.  But if you want my honest opinion, this one is my favorite thus far.  ;)

Speaking of templates, Nimrodel and I have both created template accounts on HSB.  Nimrodel's is called Elven Templates and can be located here, while mine is called Nienna Designs and can be located here.  If you want a custom-made template, I suggest you check both sites out.  ;)

Cheers,

~Tinuviel

7 January 2008

Mud, anyone?

This is what Nimrodel's and my shoes looked like after running in a nearby park district (mine are on the left):

Needless to say, my mother was not pleased at all, and now I have no shoes to wear except for the ones I normally wear to P.E., which are splattered with paint from the time we painted the loft above the garage.  *sigh*  Ah, well...one must bear the consequences of one's actions.

The weather has been quite humid here as of late, but there are rumors that it will snow on Thursday!  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  In the meantime, Nimrodel and I are going to enjoy the balmy weather to the full...just without the muddy shoes.

~Tinuviel

3 January 2008

A Toast to the Professor

Today is the 116th birthday of our beloved J.R.R. Tolkien!  To celebrate this momentous occasion, fans all over the world will be making a toast to the professor, including myself.  So pass on the word and don't forget to clink your glass in honor and memory of Tolkien tonight!

Cheers,

~Tinuviel

31 December 2007

Contest Entry

I do believe this is a first --- three blog entries in one day!

Here is a very short story for Squidnie's short story contest.  It is not part of my fanfiction, though it presumably takes place in Middle-Earth.  With that said, enjoy and do comment.  :)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I am standing on the edge of a precipice, my features pointed towards the sea. My face is streaked with rain — or is it tears? I cannot tell. The wind is like a host of daggers pricking my skin, but I cannot — will not — be driven back. No!

It is dark — darker even than the pits of Utumno. The sky is an impenetrable jet, save only for the occasional strike of cobalt lightning. Waves endeavor to engulf the cliff, tearing at its base like some wrathful monster of the deep. As I stare into the churning brine, Fear grips my very soul with its icy claws, and I quail in the face of the storm.

Suddenly I find myself falling...down, down into the cold embrace of the unforgiving sea. A piercing scream rents the storm-black sky; seconds before hitting the water, I realize it is my own.

My whole world now consists of water — swirling, freezing water. My dress has been transformed into an anchor for which to pull me down to the bottommost depths of the sea, and my vision hastily recedes; so dark are the waves which threaten to take my life. Vainly I struggle, but my feeble attempts are useless against the power of Ossë; air begins to stream from my cold lips in bubbles. With the last of my waning strength, I desperately stretch my fingertips towards the surface, but even that is indistinguishable. My heart grows numb within my breast, and I wonder if this is what it is like to have one’s life snatched away when it is just within one’s grasp...

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Ta-da!  Exactly four paragraphs.  I felt like writing something a bit dramatic, and if you ask me, drowning most definately falls under that category!  I may turn this into something bigger later on; a fanfiction, perhaps...

Cheers,

~Tinuviel

31 December 2007

Tinuviel's New Year's Resolutions

Since the year of 2007 is drawing to a close, I thought I'd post a few of my New Year's resolutions (I have quite a few).

This year, I resolve to accomplish the following:

1. Blog more
2. Procrastinate less
3. Finish my languishing fanfiction
4. Read a chapter of the Bible each morning before I get out of bed
5. Concentrate less on my appearance and more on the things that matter
6. Become more social

Now, I know New Year's resolutions are a bit corny, but I'm making one nonetheless.  Goodness knows it's about time I was motivated by something.

Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's!

~Tinuviel

22 December 2007

I think I'm in love...

...with a book.  Impossible?  I beg to differ.  Crazy?  Perhaps.  Whatever the case may be, here is a quick snapshot portraying my new object of affection:

Isn't it beautiful??  I've been after it for quite some time, and was finally able to purchase it this afternoon at Border's, with the help of my grandparents' Christmas money.  The illustrations are simply breathtaking, and occur often within each chapter.  Now that I own my own copy, I'm hoping I'll finally be able to read it through to the end (as shocking as it sounds, I've never actually finished The Silmarillion, though I started it three times simultaneously.  Apparently, it's a bit heavy even for me.)

Once again, I apologize for my absence.  My computer privileges were suspended during the last few days as a result of my own rash actions, and I've only just regained the use of my laptop.  There's tons of stuff I need to catch up on, so don't be surprised if I die of stress before Christmas arrives.

First on my list of things to do is a tag by Nimrodel:

1. What time frame does your story take place in?   The Years of the Trees in the First Age
2. Who is the main character in your story?   A Telerin elf-woman called Lindëyen (Quenya translation is Song Daughter).  Her husband, Hendiraumo, falls in the Kinslaying, leaving her alone with their unborn child.
3. What three words best describe your main character?   Peaceful, loyal, affectionate
4. When was the last time you had inspiration for your story?   A few days ago, believe it or not.
5. What caused your inspiration?  Unfinished Tales by J.R.R. Tolkien; I was reading the chapter entitled Narn I Hîn Húrin.  Such a sad tale...
6. What music do you usually listen to when writing your story?   Usually the Lord of the Rings soundtracks, but sometimes I'll listen to classical music.  I find it hard to concentrate on the words I'm writing while listening to a song with lyrics.
7. What book/movie most influenced your story?  The Silmarillion (big surprise there, eh?)
8.  How long have you been working on your story?   A couple of weeks.
9. Do you think better while laying down or sitting up?  I've never really thought about that before; laying down, I suppose.
10. Which place inspires you most?  Oh dear, how in Arda am I supposed to answer that??  I'll say the woods of Connecticut, though I may change my mind later on...
11. Who do you tag?  I was going to tag Altariel, but since she has already been tagged by Nimrodel, then I'll just tag whoever is reading this and is writing a story.

~Tinuviel