Seriously Amber Lynae

Query Critique Contest

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

I wanted to give all my readers a heads up. If any of you are authors who have sent out query letters that aren't getting the response you were hoping for, or if you are querying for the first time and want to make your query sparkle, then you will want to stop by Mormon Mommy Writers tomorrow January 17th and enter the giveaway/contest. Elana Johnson, an awesome author and marvelous marketer, is offering two lucky people a query letter critique. One will be randomly drawn but there will also be a chance to win by the best 2-3 sentence pitch for the book you are querying.

So tomorrow have your pitch ready so you can win a chance to make your query letters sparkle and stand out.

You might pee your pants.

2012-01-10T14:51:00.001-05:00

So I miss my readers here on my blog. And I have been working my way out of hermithood. I even post over on Mormon Mommy Writers once a week. I wanted to let all the readers of Seriously Amber Lynae know that MMW is having a giveaway everyday (except for Sundays) in January. I am SUPER excited about today's giveaway. It is a book I have been buzzing about since I read it. Each day the giveaway opens as soon as it is posted and closes by 11:59pm PST the same day. So to win your own signed copy of "My Fair Godmother" visit this link and enter today!!!

http://mormonmommywriters.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-so-exciting-i-may-have-peed-my.html
Good Luck.

If I had all the magic in the world,,,

2011-10-31T00:01:00.004-04:00

I am celebrating my birthday and Halloween by participating in the Darkspell's book launch today.

If I had all the magic in the world, I would control time instead of it controlling me.

No longer would I miss the treasured moments with my children.

No more running out of time to write.

Every kiss could last. Traveling would be a breeze.

I could become the worlds best procrastinator.

If it were truly all the magic in the world, I could do a lot.

But starting with time control would work for me.

What would be the first on your list if you had all the magic in the world?

Don't forget to check out Darkspell by Elizabeth Mueller.

It is being released today!!!!!!

Winter Sky believes she is everything ordinary . . .until she is kissed by Alex Stormhold.

As seer of Stormhold Coven, Alex is sworn to be Winter’s protector against the darkness that hunts her. Violently thrust into a magical realm she always thought impossible, she stumbles upon a disturbing secret of her own.

Will love prove thicker than magic?

October's around the Corner and I am Possessed

2011-09-27T20:15:00.000-04:00

October is a fun month for me. Halloween is my birthday and I absolutely love this season. So in the spirit of giving (the same spirit I hope people have for my birthday- I'm partially kidding ;)- ) I am going to give you some good books to get your nose into. For a book you can get right now go get possessed with Possession by Elana Johnson. The other gift is news of the upcoming Halloween release of Dark Spells by Elizabeth Mueller

Possession
by Elana Johnson

WARNING: If you begin reading this book, you may find yourself neglecting your household chores until you reach the back cover.

I absolutely loved this book. Vi, the head strong heroine, as upset the order in controlled dystopian world by being determined to control her own thoughts. And once she meets Jag she starts breaking more rules. The story with have your mind racing all the way until the end. Oh wait ... you still will be thinking about it after that. Pick it up and read. But you don't have to take my word for it go visit Elana Johnson's book site and read the first two chapters. You will want to read more.

Horsing Around

2011-08-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

A Lesson in Confidence

Taught by my 4 year old Little Princess

Little Princess has worn cowgirl boots since she was 2. She loves movies with horses. She loves books about horses. Every Sunday we pass a stable and she admires the horses. Frequently, she informs dear husband and I that she wants to ride a horse. But horses are big animals and Little Princess has really spent much face time with a horse.

This week I was able to visit some family friends with horses. I learned a lot during this visit.


Little Princess was VERY hesitant to pet the horse. She she clung to me when asked if she wanted to sit on the horse.


After petting and feeding the horse, she wanted to set on the horse. But she did NOT want the horse to move. Once she conquered that it was alright for the horse to take a few steps as long as someone was supporting her.

Then Little Princess sat up straight.
It wasn't long before she relaxed and sat there without someone supporting her.

SO this is what I learned. Sometimes we dream big. And those dreams might even scare us. If we let that fear stop us, we will regret our missed opportunities. Take things step by step, moving as far as we are comfortable, and then push forward a little more. Eventually, we will be sitting right on top of our dream smiling at the fields ahead.

Have your dreams every scared you?

A Letter of Excuse(s)

2011-08-04T23:33:00.000-04:00

Dear Blogosphere,

In regards to the issue of my unannounced extended leave of absence, I am providing the following list of very ~~truthful~~ responses:

1: "I wrote you every day for a year" but my mother kept all my witty posts hidden from you.
2: I forgot to lick the stamp before I sent my post.
3: Zynga locked my out of blogger and made me play Cityville, Farmville, and Mafia Wars, until I collected enough reward points to buy my way out.
4: I am actually dead and typing this from the grave.
5: The voices in my head took a vacation and left the lights off upstairs to save electricity.

Or if none of those excuses is acceptable maybe you will believe that after finding out I was pregnant a year ago things got harder and harder to keep up with. Then my little man was born and I got all sucked in by his super cuteness. I mean take a look this guy is so sweet.

However, I think the first 5 excuses are most plausible.

Sincerely Amber Lynae

What is it about triangles anyway?

2011-01-14T20:49:00.002-05:00

I read my fair share of young adult fiction. My current project is a young adult fantasy. I know I'm not the only one out there who has noticed the trend for love triangles in Young Adult fiction. How did this plot line become so trendy? Is this the only way for authors to create tension in a love story? Is the whole idea just way overdone to make it in today's market?

I actually quite enjoyed a post over at Midnight Meditations discussing this topic.

So what are your thoughts on the love triangle?

Take it or leave it?

The Danger of Someday

2011-01-07T18:01:00.002-05:00

I recently watched the movie Knight and Day. I especially liked the thought that expressed by the character named Roy Miller: "Someday is a dangerous word."

When many people hear that I am working on my first novel, I often hear the same response. " I would love to write a novel someday. But if you are anything like me, you sometimes push your writing to the side because your to do list is piling up. It only takes a short time to realize that the to do list never gets shorter. When one thing gets checked off another has taken its place. Someday can quickly become never.

This holiday season I approached my to do list with amazing vigor. I wanted to get everything done so that the new year could focus on my WIP that has been gathering a little too much dust. I hemmed my drapes, I hung pictures, I cleared the boxes out of the guest room, installed the area rug and new chandelier in the dining room, and I painted the bathroom, man cave, and dining room. I even decorated for Christmas. The outlook for the new year was looking great.

Two days after Christmas I realize when hanging my plate rack I drilled into a drain pipe. My beautiful antique leather walls went from looking like this:

To looking like this.

So it was back to the home improvement store. Patching pipes and walls, and repainting.... Then the same day the washing machine died, then a week later it was my printer. My to do list was regrowing at a quick rate. But it was a great reminder, that we can't find extra time for our writing. It will never happen. There will always be other things that we could use to justify into putting off our WIP (especially when you have written your characters into a situation you haven't figured out how they are getting out of). However, you and I both know- although, some of us may need reminded- that you make time for writing because it is important to you; it keeps you sane.

Don't fall into the someday trap.

You deserve to live your someday today.

Wednesday French Inspiration: Choosing Between the Good

2010-10-20T08:00:00.095-04:00

There is beauty all around when there's pastries to eat.

(What? Don't tell me you don't agree?)

From doors of the Parisian boulangeries, mouthwatering smells fill the air. One is helpless to resist the heavenly scents.  Upon enter the shop, the charm and beauty of each pastry must be properly adored.  Getting lost in the beauty of each handmade creation, it is easy to forget that you must make a choice.  Oh but how can one choose?

There are so many front running candidates to be devoured and only so many euros.  This new found heaven mocks you. You want some of everything. With every breath you fall deeper under the spell the spun by the artisans. There are just too many good things, and you know you just cannot have it all.

When surrounded by so much good it is hard to choose. Life would be easy if every choice were black or white, but shades of gray cloud up our decisions.  Sometimes it is left to us to decided from the good, beter and the best.  Whether it is choosing a pastry or which chore to check off of our to-do list, life is full of tough choices.

How do you choose between the good in your life?

The Value of Work

2010-09-23T08:00:00.019-04:00

Growing up I can remember doing dishes, weeding gardens, cleaning bathrooms, and cleaning my room all before I was old enough to start school. I want my daughter to know the value of work. I want her to know that the good things in life are earned, not handed over.

I want these things but have NO clue how to do it. I have trouble letting her complete a chore that I know I will have to go and repeat when she isn't watching so that it is done properly. Little Princess is only three she will be four before the end of the year.

What do you do to teach a 3-4 year old the value of work?

Which chores are appropriate?

I Can Breath Again

2010-09-21T10:54:00.000-04:00

I haven't exactly been super active in the blogosphere recently. You may have or may have not noticed. But the first Trimester of pregnancy left me with little energy. Doing anything more than watching my daughter seemed impossible.

Things have finally started to mellow. Little Princess now goes to Joy School two days a week. Of course these means that one week a month I have a teaching obligation. But it is nice to have a few hours to myself. I can browse my google reader and visit blogger. And the goal is eventually to open up the document with my WIP and tackle some more writing.

While Little Princess is learning, I sit in Panera with my laptop and enjoy the peacefulness of freedom. More than anything I just wanted to say Hello. I am still alive here, and I have missed you all so much. I can't wait to catch up on what is happening in your lives.

No One Does it Like Mom

2010-09-18T02:46:00.002-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration --Finding Time

2010-09-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

Behind one of the Large clocks in the Gare d'Orsay or Musée d'Orsay

There is a time for everything, a time for nothing, and a time for the things in between. A time for painting, a time for cleaning, a time for mothering, a time for writing, a time for exercise, I even hear there is a time for sleeping (I am not sure if i believe it though.) It can get awfully hard to figure out how much time to allow for all the things I need to accomplish.

However, without planning nothing gets done. Timing seems to play a key role in all aspects of life and writing for that matter.

How do you divide your time?

Sometimes a girl needs a night off

2010-09-04T02:41:00.000-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration --Rising to the Top

2010-09-01T08:48:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite experiences in France was visiting Cassis. We drove up to the summit of Cap Canaille. The cliffs over look Cassis and the Mediterranean sea. As you stand at the edge, there is no safety measures to keep you from swan diving or tripping to a sudden death. Well, it would not be sudden; the fall would take a while. But the beauty is overwhelming. The distant landscape dwarfs you. You become small, insignificant, and if you are my husband, slightly woozy. At the same time, the view shares with you inspiration and hope. Standing at the top of the world, you have never felt so small; you have never felt so grand.

It made me think about the trials I have faced and will yet face in my life. The distance and height that is still yet to travel to achieve the dream. At times I definitely feel small and insignificant. But as I look back over how much I have already accomplished I am inspired to go further, and I feel the power I have within me to live my dreams.

Rise to the top.

Conquer your goals.

When you look back, enjoy the view.

Embrace the power within yourself.

Love you Followers

2010-08-28T02:31:00.000-04:00

Who do you know?

2010-08-21T02:19:00.002-04:00

Following Directions

2010-08-14T02:16:00.000-04:00

Do it your own way.

2010-08-07T02:11:00.000-04:00

Got Beach?

2010-07-31T02:10:00.000-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-07-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

Veiled Lady in the Louvre

(Taken from the Archives of Seriously Amber Lynae)

This statue reminds me of the statues in the newer Pride and Prejudice film. There is something quite hypnotic about her face with the veil. How is it that the sculpture was able to show the details of the face and the veil over at the same time? So much detail and emotion can be created from marble. It is awesome that marble -so hard and formless- can be carved into beauty- flowing and whimsical.

I hope that you enjoy this piece of Paris and take this message with you :

No matter how hard any situation may appear at first, you can make out of it what you choose. You can choose to let life crush you, or you can carve life into something that will have people staring with awe.

I hope that you will choose the latter.

Something holding you back?

2010-07-24T02:08:00.000-04:00

Letting Loose

2010-07-17T02:03:00.000-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration --Reaching Goals

2010-07-14T03:12:00.000-04:00

Stranger biking the country roads of France

Today is stage 9 in le Tour de France 2010. It just gets me thinking of all the work the competitors have put into being about to make 3,642 kilometers trek. Not many people would be physically able to survive the race. However, each participant has trained and put in the necessary work. The race is not something entered unprepared on a whim.

It is this knowledge that inspired these thought/reminders:

Life is meant to be lived with purpose and we cannot reap what we have not sown.

For me this reminder was a much needed push to get me to stop whining and start doing. There is no someday but today. So I will use today to start changing the things that are not as I would have them be, because no matter how hard I wish on the evening star it will not change the fact that life takes effort.

What goals are you working to accomplish?

How do you keep yourself motivated and consistent?

Setting Goals and Open to Questions

2010-07-11T15:24:00.000-04:00

So Sarah of Confessions of the Un-Published is hosting a 50,000 words in 50 days challenge. I am needing the encouragement and goal setting. So I am participating. It started July 12th and runs until August 31st. If you need so group encouragement sign up yourself. I will let you know how I'm doing through the 50days.

Also, as a way of letting my readers get to know me better, I hope that if there is any questions you would like me to answer that you might leave it in the comments below.

Dying to Know more about Amber Lynae!

Ask me questions in the comment section.

Side effects of new pens and an empty notebook

2010-07-10T01:58:00.001-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration --Accepting Talents

2010-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Iron Woman

Gustave Eiffel's Iron Lady was inaugurated on 31 March 1889, and opened on 6 May. Today the Eiffel Tower is one of the most recognizable structures in the world and is the single most visited paid monument in the world. However, the tower was not well received when first built; many called it an eyesore. Novelist Guy de Maupassant—who claimed to hate the tower—supposedly ate lunch in the Tower's restaurant every day. When asked why, he answered that it was the one place in Paris where one could not see the structure.

When I ponder on the lack of acceptance given to this architectural art piece, which I hold so dear, I begin to relate it to my own lack of acceptance of the talents that my Heavenly Father obviously wants me to develop.

Let me explain--as a child I wanted nothing more than to learn to play piano like my big sister. I begged my mom to take lessons. Both of my older sisters had the privilege of lessons. And I will state as evidence that the youngest sibling does not get everything they want, that I was denied my request. My mother told me that my sisters could teach me.

Well that really did not get anywhere. Teenage sisters are not very interested in teaching younger siblings anything. So I took it upon myself to learn the art of piano playing. And I did learn. However, I have never gotten to the point where I would consider myself a pianist (even though I can normally sight read at least one clef at a time.) I have never accepted piano playing as a talent. Even though I enjoy sitting at a piano to play some tunes, I have never really thought to seriously try to better my abilities.

It would seem that my Heavenly Father has other thoughts of my talent. In my last ward, I was called to be the pianist for the primary children. When I moved last fall, it took a month to receive the same calling in my new ward. I hear my Heavenly Father silently shouting to me that I am a pianist and my talents are meant to be used.

Are you overly modest about your talents?

Do you have talents that you have a hard time accepting?

What are they?

Lifting Your Spirits

2010-07-03T01:53:00.000-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

In Our Economic Turmoil Seriously Amber Lynae (re)Presents:

HOW NOT TO STRETCH A BUCK!!
From the archives of Seriously Amber Lynae

My husband loves to shop around. He is always looking for a bargain. Whether we are vacationing in France or living in Virginia, he wants the best deal in town. Personally, I think it is great that I've married a man who doesn't want to throw away his money. But as his aunt and I learned from letting him and his uncle book a hotel.... Frugality can go TOO far.

For the equivalent $40 we stayed at Premiere Classe. (Just in case the name is deceiving you, it wasn't first class.) The room was barely big enough to fit the double bed with the luggage shelf above it. And the bathroom (pictured above) was more of a pod than a room. It was so small that you can shower, poop, and shave all at the same time without moving an inch.

Overall, it was a laughing experience. The small size of the room really wasn't enough to rate Premiere Classe at the bottom of our list. The rooms which were non-smoking (in France??) definitely had been smoked in (there is a headache for me), some sort of mold looked to be growing over the door, and the two bath towels the provide were scaled down to fit the room and were more like hand towels.

Have you had any money saving experiences go awry?

What is nature telling me?

2010-06-26T01:51:00.001-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-06-23T08:00:00.100-04:00

Nympheas (or Water Lilies) at the Musée de l'Orangerie

Before visiting the Musee de l'Orangerie in Paris, I was completely unaware that Claude Monet's Water Lilies was a series of approximately 250 oil paintings or various sizes. I thought it was one painting. This May, it was announced that today, June 23rd, the 1906 Nympheas work would be auctioned in London. (I wish I could afford the estimated price of between £30 and £40 million).

In two oval rooms house within l'Orangerie, eight large paintings are now available under direct diffused light as was originally intended by Monet. The paintings depict Monet's flower garden at Giverny. Many of the works were painted while Monet suffered from cataracts.

It is romantic and almost magical when you stand surrounded by these magnificent works of art. I felt all twitterpatted with a desire to be spun around the room or to be wooed by poetry. The imagery really does evoke strong emotion. Just like a good book artfully crafted, these works have the ability to transport you into a different world.

What has the power to to evoke strong emotions within you?

Have you ever felt like you walked into a fairytale?

Embrace Life

2010-06-19T08:00:00.001-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-06-16T08:00:00.054-04:00

Crypte archéologique du parvis Notre-Dame

Beneath Notre-Dame cathedral square is an archaeological crypt which preserves the foundations and vestiges of buildings which were constructed between the Gallo-Roman period and the 18th century. There are remnants of bath houses, shops, hospitals, and house. It is interesting to see this crypt of Paris's past.

It reminds me that our past is a part of today. Our ancestors have paved the way for us to be what we are today. We must learn from their successes, learn from their failures, and take those lessons to build our present. I am grateful for the struggles and accomplishments that my ancestors. I am grateful for all they have made possible for me today.I hope that we all can build upon our past in a way that would please our ancestors and allows them to know that we cherish all that they have made possible.

How do you build about the past to make a better future?

Much Needed Me Time

2010-06-12T12:02:00.000-04:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-06-09T08:00:00.109-04:00

Lady Lamp post outside of the Paris Opera House

"Landscapes exercise a strange power over you.

As if each of us has an internal landscape, embedded in us during childhood

and which lies in wait until the point of recognition.

Ah, there it is, you think.

Or rather, there I am."

- Lucy Wadham The Secret Life of France

I agree completely with Lucy's thoughts. I felt this way as I walked through various parts of France. I think we all have a place, whether we have been there or not, that we know is our own little heaven. There is not one place on earth that I would be completely happy, because I would always long for the closeness of all my friends and family.

I grew up in the foothills of West Virginia. The turning of the trees in the fall boasts colors that artists would struggle to capture. It is breathtaking. Those landscapes will always be a part of me.

Yet there is a connection for me to Paris. With her (Paris is nothing if not feminine) intricate ironwork, casual cafes, grandiose statues, cobblestone streets, and the glorious gardens, she beckons me. This is my internal landscape. The aromas, the sounds, and sights leave you longing for more around every corner. You are seduced into a relationship. While you eat your pastries or culinary art, roam through the leafy boulevards, or hunt bargains at the weekly markets; you are charmed by her arrogance and coquette manner. She all but demands you love her; and you helplessly obey.

Describe to me your internal landscape and why you love it so much.

Scheduling

2010-06-05T14:05:00.002-04:00

This pretty much describes what happens anytime I try to stick to a schedule. :)

Dream Sequence Blogfest

2010-06-04T22:00:00.001-04:00

So very last minute over at Elizabeth Mueller's blog, I find out about a Dream Sequence Blogfest being hosted by Amalia T.

I don't think I have ever participated in a blogfest. But dream sequences are part of what my current work in progress is about.

The following scene is very raw example of the 'condition' that my MC--Damien deals with daily.

Enjoy!

*****

The queasiness in my stomach told me that I was lost in someone else’s dream again. It had been happening for months and I still hadn’t gotten used to it.

The night of my sixteenth birthday, it happened for the first time. When I woke up my head felt like someone had used it for batting practice. After I figured out that these dreams weren’t my own it became easy to distinguish when I wasn’t dreaming.

Gives a whole new meaning to “pinch me I must be dreaming.”

In someone else’s dream, everything outside the dreamers mental focus appears in black and white. Landscapes further from the dream center appeared vague and blurred as if I were walking around without my glasses. Even the sounds of the dream becomes muddled the further I am from the dream center.

I always felt a little bit safer being out of the dreamer’s focus, because sometimes people would remember seeing me in their dreams if I didn’t. If I could, I would stay in the blurry outskirts of the dreams but it is only when I get closer to the vivid colors and crisp objects that the sickness in my stomach eases.

My lack of focus, the gurgling of my stomach and grayish hue of my skin let me know I was far from of the dreamer’s focus. Bile burned my throat, so—I headed toward the vivid colors.

Unmarked gravestones surrounded me. I figured names were just something that this dreamer’s mind just hadn’t generated. Across the cemetery, there was a ceremony taking place near a short casket in color.

I began to walk with purpose forgetting that I cover ground much quicker in the dream state. It only took seconds to reach the congregated group. You could taste the sadness in the air. I know that sounds weird, but emotions were very different in dreams.

A young mother in the front row hugged an infant to her chest as she sobbed on the shoulder of her husband. No one could even look up at the pastor as he spoke about loss and tragedy. There were subtle glances at the tiny casket, but other than that everyone cast their eyes to the ground.

In fact, I think I was the only one that noticed the lady walking toward the group. She proceeded slowly with her white dress draping the ground. Her face was veiled. Cradled in her arms was a swaddled infant. With slow precision, she made her way closer to the group. She started to gain the crowd’s attention, when she approached the mourning couple. Everyone was silenced and waiting.

The white lady bowed her head toward her swaddled child and hugged the bundle to her chest. Her shoulders shook in a sob.

“I can’t... I can’t live like this any longer,” said the voice beneath the veil. She handed the baby to the man who had been comforting his mourning wife. He glanced down at the baby he had just been gifted and then to his wife. While I stood confused they seemed to comprehend exactly what had happened.

The white lady then proceeded to the closed casket. She clasped her hands over her chest. From beneath her hands black flamed over the white flowing fabric of her dress as if her despair singed the white dress completely blackening it with grief. But when her veil vanished I felt as if the breath had been sucked from my lungs. She was my mother.

I stood there stunned and staring. I knew dreams could be disjointed and complete nonsense, but this dream and the emotions were so thick. I guess the fact that I hadn’t been close to my mother in weeks made seeing her in this dream now hit me that much harder.

The funeral party vanished. Only she, I, and the casket remained at the graveside. This was her dream.

There was my mother, the same woman who could no longer look at me—her son. I felt like that baby she had just abandoned so easily when it would need her the most. The fire was burning within me and my heart pounding. She was giving up just the way she had on me.

In a low voice, somewhere between a plead and a demand, I said “Mom?” She seemed unaware of my presence as she crumpled to the ground next to the small casket and opened it.

“Mom,” I said louder more forceful. The lump in my throat was growing. I couldn’t swallow the pain back. My eyes were burning; my breathing deepened and I clenched my teeth. Then, I exploded. “Mother, look at me now!”

She looked up at me. “Damien,” she said. It was nice to hear her say my name to have her look at me. Yet there was nothing but sadness in her eyes. She returned her attention to the casket and removed the corpse of an infant. She hugged it to her and sobbed.

As I watched her pain, my anger melted. I knelt beside her. I wanted to comfort her the way she had always comforted me in the past. I wanted to look in her eyes again. Somehow, I knew that if only she would look at me she would stay here with me and fix my problems. “Mom, I need you.”

For a moment, she looked at me. I could feel her love the emotional barrier separating us was fading. I reached for her. The movement reawakened her previous resolve. She closed her eyes, her head hung and she sobbed harder. “I can’t. I can’t live like this.” Tears washed down her cheeks, and our surroundings changed to a mausoleum.

A large stone casket lay open in the center of the tomb. She rose with the infant in her arms. My eyes bore into her back as she stood there frozen for a long moment. She glanced over her shoulder to look at me once more. She levitated above the casket.

I was losing her for good. “Please stay?” My words brought her instantly before me.

She raised her hand to my cheek and tucked my hair back. “Sweet boy, it is too late. My baby is dead.”

I wanted to object to tell her no, I was her boy and I was living right here. But she had faded like smoke before me. She was in the stone coffin holding the small corpse.

The sound of the stone grinding closed filled the crypt. A chill ran up my spine. With all my strength I struggled to stop the stone. It was useless.

A deafening echo boomed. My mother was sealed in a house of death. All was black and I was back in my room—awake with another migraine.

*****

There you have it my first Blogfest.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-06-02T21:22:00.000-04:00

Some of my new readers wonder why French Inspiration?

So I am taking you back to the beginning

From the archives of Seriously Amber Lynae

I love my husband a little more now than I did before. I have more reasons to love him the longer I know him. He is a wonderful man. But why have I decided that I love him more now? why am I telling you in my post? "Because he gave me the world. Not really, but he gave me a stamp in my passport." He took me to Paris (and various other beautiful parts of France.)

It is strange to go somewhere you have never been and feel so at home. I could only understand about 80% of what was being said; could respond at the level of a 15 month old (maybe); a wallet was stolen; and my feet ached from walking ALL day. I LOVED IT. Paris is always a good idea. I can't wait to go back. The beauty and grace of the country is undeniable.

And the pastries..... oh I miss them very much. We had a wonderful boulangerie at the corner from our apartment with wonderful selection. I think I ate more chocolate during my stay in France than I have in the past 4 months combined. How can you not love a place when you are doped up on chocolate? Seriously I would go back tomorrow if I had the opportunity. Any takers? Who wants to take me to France? I must admit that this is the first time I've travel off of the American continent. I am certain there is a lot of the world that I would love. Paris has held my heart since childhood and part of my heart shall always remain in Paris.

So there you have it in order to relive Paris and France

every week I relate some of the thousands of photos

to my life and writing.

Seriously in Real Utah Life and Storymakers Photo Evidence

2010-06-01T20:08:00.000-04:00

Debbie, Jenn, Jenni, Yours Truly, and Meagan

I think it may be time that I finally put up some photos from my Olive Garden Luncheon. It was a small gathering that took place April 17th at Olive Garden. A lot of last minute plans, and sickness kept the group from being bigger. There is always next time for those of you who missed it. IT was a lot of fun. And I even brought a treat for everyone. This group was so much fun. You should have seen Jenn's face when she thought I very casually talked about my baby's fatal fall. (Mentioned halfway through the linked post.) She may or may not have heard the whole conversation. I will have to make sure to have some more bloggers' luncheons when I'm in Utah again.

I also was lucky enough to attend LDS Storymakers the following Friday were I met a lot of people in real life. Like Elizabeth, LT Elliot, Terresa, Melanie J, Kym, Alexes, CK Bryant, and Carolyn V.

I may or may not have done some of the following:

Attended a class by Bree and said a quick hello to her.

Heard Howard from writing excuses talking and knew it was
him before I saw him. Then proceed to tell him so.

Stopped James in the corridor to tell him I LOVED The Maze Runner.
And demand he keep writing.

Forced Aprilynn to stop and take a picture with me. And told her I love Spells and Wings.

It was great visiting Utah. There were a lot of people I would have loved to meet that I didn't So it only proves that I must come back again.

Wednesday French Inspiration.

2010-05-26T12:45:00.000-04:00

La Joconde aka Mona Lisa

Through the years Mona has been speculated over, stolen, recovered, splashed with acid, warped, cracked, stoned, mugged, passed around, spoofed, and always adored. Needless to say, she has quite a backstory. This is what makes her so special and an irresistable stop in the Louvre. She is not a larger than life painting like some in the same museum. She could easily be displayed in the average home.

She can teach every writer a good lesson. Your characters don't need to be larger than life. They don't need to be perfect. They take time to develop. They need a good backstory and some mystery. When properly developed your characters will not only be irresistable and adored, but they will also be spoofed and hated by some. They will be real to the readers.

Do you have a Mona Lisa character?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-05-19T22:48:00.000-04:00

I couldn't find the history of this piece. When I passed it in the Louvre I instantly loved it. Recently I have felt a particular connection with it. My husband has been away since March. When we are apart I miss him like crazy. My daughter misses him. Our house, our lives are incomplete without him in our home. Yesterday, we were reunited once again.

What completes your life?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-05-12T17:25:00.001-04:00

El Rancho Tex-Mex Bar and Grill, Versailles, France

On our way back to the train station in Versailles, our group passed El Rancho. We all laughed at the thought of the French having a Tex-Mex bar and grill. I realized later that it isn't such a bad idea. In a market that is saturated with French cuisine (it is France after all), Tex-Mex would really stand out. Of course not everyone if going to be dying to eat at a Tex-Mex grill in France. However, the is a market for it: those who have moved and want a taste of home, those who want to try something new, those who really love tex-mex,...etc.

Yet I think that our initial reaction says something about many aspects of life. No matter how you decorate your house; write your book; drive your car; or wear your clothes you will always have some people who just don't get it. I think it is when you stop trying to please everyone and start trying to be true to yourself that you learn to be truly happy.

Is your book like a Tex-Mex restaurant in the middle of France?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-05-05T20:48:00.004-04:00

Globe found in the Dauphin’s large study at Versailles

In 1781 Louis XVI commissioned Mancelle to make the celestial and terrestrial globe, enclosing a second globe featuring land and underwater reliefs, for his son’s education. This is a very fascinating piece to me for a few reasons. Firstly, it is interesting to see how much they knew about geography of the world. Secondly, this globe is huge... I keep expecting it to be one of those furniture pieces with a minibar inside.

Like most things it gets me thinking. Whenever I see a globe I always enjoy searching out for my current location, the places I have been, and the places I long to be. As I spin a globe, I can hear the song It's a Small World After All. Walt really had something with that ride he designed. While at times our world seems so huge other times we each have had those moments when we realize just how small it is. No matter your geography we all have basic human needs and wants. One of the wants I constantly see in myself and others is the need for acceptance.

I can admit that being a person who has always enjoyed participating in and partaking of the arts has made it sometimes hard to find my niche. And since I have started my writing journey finding those I connect with has been done in the blogosphere. Well during my unannounced/unplanned absence from my blog I got to live in my niche. I attended LDStorymakers. I felt at home with people who have a passion for the same things as myself. It may have been my first writer's conference but it will certainly will not be my last. My only regret is that I didn't get to attend both days and meet more people.

I hope you know where to find your niche.

Winner of their very own...

2010-04-16T15:44:00.001-04:00

...signed copy of Summer in Paris by Michele Ashman Bell has been chosen by random.org.

And just who was it that they saw fit to choose?

Melanie J

To get your signed copy email Michele Ashman Bell at micheleabell@gmail.com

with you information and how you would like your winnings personalized.

Congrats.

Seriously in Real Utah Life Meeting

2010-04-09T15:21:00.000-04:00

You have spoken and the date has been chosen. If you are hoping come to the Seriously in Real Like Meeting, then you will be glad to know that a time, date, and location has been set.

Where: The Olive Garden (Provo-504 W 2230 NORTH)
When: April 17th starting at 1pm

So to RSVP so I can make a reservation please email me at amberlynae (at) gmail (dot) com.

I can't wait to meet you there.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-04-08T01:39:00.000-04:00

When visiting the Eiffel Tower you just may see the stampede of gazelles (the people selling the unofficial memorabilia). It is quite the sight. As you walk toward the tower you pass their blankets covered with a wide assortment of souvenirs. You hear their trinkets clink. They offer you deals that you will not find in the Official Eiffel Tower Shop.

But their task is an illegal one. When they sense a cop, they raise their heads like prey sensing a near by predator. With a tug on one string their blankets gather all their contraband and the stampede begins. If one person runs then they all sense the oncoming danger. They race away and scatter to safety.

It is interesting to see pure instinct kick in when faces with consequences. It gets me thinking about the human's natural response to danger. In some people it brings out the heroes in in others it brings out the villains.

When in danger is your character heroic or villainous?

Also, you have until April 12th to enter and win a signed copy

of Michele Ash Bell's

Summer in Paris.

Summer in Paris Giveaway and an Interview THIS IS NO JOKING MATTER

2010-04-01T08:00:00.035-04:00

All of you Paris lovers I am finally doing it. I bet you have being hoping for this giveaway on my blog for a long time. So wait no longer.

One lucky person will get their own signed copy of Michele Ashman Bell's newly released book Summer in Paris

Here is the Teaser from Valor Publishing :

Kenzie Williams feels like she has it all; wealth, friends, popularity and talent. But when her father tells her that he has declared bankruptcy, her whole world in New York City turns upside down. Her parents' solution while they sort through their financial and marital problems is to send Kenzie to live with her relatives in Paris . . . Idaho! 

Feeling like she's been sentenced to three months in Hickville Prison, Kenzie arrives in Idaho feeling like a square peg, with name brand clothes, in a round, horribly podunk, hole.

Leaving everything she loves behind, Kenzie is forced to get up at the crack of dawn, do chores, and hang out with her cousin's loser friends. She feels like she's about to die until she meets Adam White, the town outcast, whose been accused of killing his best friend and is being blamed for some trouble that's been happening around town.

Not only is Adam the best-looking guy she's ever seen, but he's also the most fascinating guy she's ever met and Kenzie is determined to get to know him and find out his secret. But, the longer she stays in Paris, the more she realizes, Adam isn't the only one keeping secrets.

Talk about the meanest trick ever. How could someone let you think you were going to Paris but then realize it was only Paris, Idaho? Are you trying to say that my Blog title deceived you?

I was also able to get a short excerpt from Summer in Paris just for your reading pleasure.

"The extent of downtown Paris was the gas station; a convenience store; an antique shop that looked like it also housed a pizza parlor and deli sandwich shop; the Paris Café which served Italian food (she had to scratch her head a minute to figure that one out); the sheriff’s office; a post office; and the courthouse.  

While Aunt Frankie stopped in the post office Simon and Kenzie stayed in the car and waited for her.

Simon was explaining the raingutter regatta race he was preparing for in scouts and Kenzie was trying to act interested when suddenly she sat straight up in her seat.

She blinked to make sure she was seeing clearly. Some guy wearing buckskin pants, a buckskin shirt with fringe and moccasins was striding toward them. His dark hair fell in long waves onto his neck. He probably was only eighteen, maybe nineteen, but he carried himself like an Indian warrior, tall and proud. A black lab followed at his heels. The dog reminded her of Dakota.

"Hey look, there's Rambo," Simon said.

"That guy's name is Rambo?"

"That's what everyone calls him," Simon explained. "I don't remember his real name. He lives up in the mountains."

The guy was tall, maybe six foot-two, had black, almond shaped eyes and a wide set mouth and angled jaw-line. He wasn't like anyone she'd ever seen before. She immediately felt intrigued with him, mystified even.

"They say he killed his best friend," Simon told her.

"What?" Kenzie sucked in a gulp of air.

“That’s what everybody says.”

"Rambo" stopped and waited when his dog found a tree. Kenzie got a good look at the man’s tanned skin and chiseled face. That was the only way to describe it. And he was chewing something. Probably tobacco. Every time he chomped the muscles in his face rippled and strained. He kept chewing while he waited for his dog, then, he blew a big bubble. It was gum. Kenzie started to laugh. Tough "Rambo" was chewing bubble gum.

Aunt Frankie walked out and saw the guy and his dog. They spoke for a few minutes then she joined them in the car.

"Mom, I didn’t know you knew that guy. What were you talking to him about?"

"That’s Adam White. His mother was a good friend of mine in high school."

"Do his parents still live here?" Kenzie wanted to know more about this guy.

"Adam never knew his father and his mother moved to Logan a while back. He stayed here to finish high school."

Adam White. Kenzie committed the name to memory.

"He’s lived with different people in town, but mostly he lives up in the mountains in a small cabin." She sighed sadly, "He got into a lot of trouble growing up and finally got out on his own when he graduated from high school last year. He stays to himself, rarely comes into town. Especially after the shooting."

"What happened? Did he really kill his best friend?" Kenzie asked.

Aunt Frankie gave Simon a nasty look and said, "No one really knows how it happened. Most people think he should be in prison, but they couldn't prove it."

They watched Adam walk into the convenience store. His dog sat panting by the entrance.

"Simon said he lives in the mountains," Kenzie asked.

"I think he has a place somewhere up in the hills, I'm not sure." Aunt Frankie got a sad look on her face. "I don't know how he survives. He's all alone up there."

Her whole summer changed. Kenzie was determined to find out more about this "killer"."

Well I'm hooked already. I was also able to have Michele Ashman Bell answer some of questions.

What inspired you to write Summer in Paris?

The setting for this book came to me when our family visited Bear Lake one summer. We drove around the valley and happened to drive through the town of Paris. I was so surprised to find out that there was a town in Idaho called Paris that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I began to think about a girl from a wealthy family being told she was spending summer in Paris, then finding out it was in Idaho and what her reaction would be and how she would handle it. The story took on a life of it's own as my imagination went crazy with all the possibilities. Of course, the sequel is going to finally take my main character to Paris, France. I can't wait!

What was is the most fun part about being a writer that you've experienced so far?

Every facet of writing is fun. I love research and learning about people, places and other story details. Writing is always a pleasure, especially when the characters take control and surprise me. Seeing the book in print and all the hard work pay off is almost like giving birth to a child. But the best part is meeting fans and getting letters from people who tell me that one of my books touched them or helped them, or that they just really enjoyed the story and characters. Fans make it all worth it.

Do you have any advice for other authors?

I have way too much advice because I did everything the long, hard, wrong way. If I had to give one piece of advice thought it would be to never, ever give up. Anyone who wants to get published badly enough and is willing to work hard enough, will make it happen!

How do you balance writing and life? (As if those aren't the same thing :))

This is the BIGGEST challenge I have with my writing. I never want to put my writing above family and church obligations, so it gets tricky to find time. I have finally learned that the turtle really does win the race and if I just am consistent and steady, even though I don't spend hours every day writing, I can still accomplish my goals and keep everybody relatively happy.

SO FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

Just leave a comment on this post . It is that simple.
All comments made before April 12th 11:59pm PST will be entered.

One lucky person will get their own signed copy. For those who don't win I recommend heading over to Valor Publishing and buying your own. I'm looking forward to the sequel when Kenzie makes is to France.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-03-31T13:57:00.000-04:00

Premiere Classe The smallest and unclassiest hotel rooms in France

(The link takes you to previous post about Premiere Classe)

Today my thoughts are on expectations. It is very hard for things to live up to our high expectations. So why do we set them so high? Are high expectations a good thing or a bad? I think it can be both. Sometimes our expectations get in our way and sometimes they push us to try harder.

I can recall experiences from my past in which my parents' high expectations kept me from making poor choices. But I have also experienced times when I knew that I could never reach my high expectations and instead of doing my best I felt paralyzed by the realization that I would most definitely fail. There have also been times when my high expectations have kept me from enjoying the journey.

What are you thoughts on high expectations?

You can check out my Friday Post on Mormon Mommy Writers about my muse.

Come back tomorrow for my interview with Michele Ash Bell about a her newly released book

Summer in Paris.

You won't want to miss it.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-03-24T00:20:00.000-04:00

Statue of Marcellus* in the Louvre Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities

"What the heck is he thinking?"

Many women ask themselves this question very often. We just don't get men. I have a problem--my man character is a teenage boy. If anyone ever reads my manuscript I am hoping they don't say the same things that have been said about Edward Cullens.(Not saying I agree with that article.)

So how can we write what men think? I think first you have to accept that men and women are very different creatures mentally. So if you are like me and you need to learn to write believable men get out there and start learning. If you like to laugh while you learn, then watch this video about what Mark Gungor has to say about the differences between the sexes.

Who is your favorite fictional male? Was he written by a woman?

* Am I the only one that noticed the only finger remaining on Marcellus? (That was part of the reason we took his picture.)

Did you know that you can now hear more from me on Fridays at Mormon Mommy Writers?

My contribution last Friday was about the need for wholesome books.

If you live in Utah or will be there in April,

please respond to the polls in the right sidebar about the

Seriously in Real Utah Life Meeting.

If none of the suggestions in the poll work leave a comment and let me know.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-03-17T00:00:00.006-04:00

Arc de Triomphe at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle

Writing a novel is a lot like driving around the Arc de Triomphe.

You have all these ideas and hope converging into one novel. You have to be a little crazy and a little daring to drive right into the middle of things. Some times you get cut off, some things may hold you up. There are no lines that you must stay within. You forge your own path. Heck, you may even end up in a few accidents in the process. You may miss your stop the first time around. But you just keep going until you get another shot. But in the end you come out on the other side and you feel grateful to be alive and a sense of accomplishment. (At least that is what I am assuming.)

Below is just one of many videos on You Tube about this crazy one of a kind roundabout.

Where are you at in your roundabout?

You really should check out the links under the picture to get a better vision of the process. Great stuff there.

Did you know that you can now hear more from me on Fridays at Mormon Mommy Writers?

My contribution last Friday was about the merits of writing.

If you live in Utah or will be there in April,

please respond to the polls in the right sidebar about the

Seriously in Real Utah Life Meeting.

If none of the suggestions in the poll work leave a comment and let me know.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-03-10T00:00:00.043-05:00

America is my country and Paris is my hometown - Gertrude Stein

Today I am somewhat empty. I am missing Paris. It has been almost a year since my brief visit and I am craving a sequel. No matter how many chocolate bars and croissants I eat, I just can't recreate that feeling of joy I felt every time I stepped into the Parisian streets, the cafes, the museums.

When you finish a great book with compelling setting and lovable characters it is hard to accept that it is over . You want there to be a sequel. You crave more. Your heart can't adjust to the truth that you must return to reality. You feel somewhat empty.

How do you return to reality?

Did you know that you can now hear more from me on Fridays at Mormon Mommy Writers.

My first contribution was last Friday about criticism.

If you live in Utah or will be there in April,

please respond to the polls in the right sidebar about the

Seriously in Real Utah Life Meeting.

If none of the suggestions in the poll work leave a comment and let me know.

A Giveaway worth winning

2010-03-05T15:53:00.000-05:00

Well peeps, I try not to over do the blogging about other people's giveaways too much. One reason, I'm selfish if I spread the word more people will enter. :) Sorry. The second reason, I would like to save this blog for other topics. But I couldn't not share this with you. The prizes, The Office Box from The Original Scrapbook and Wrong Number a soon-to-be released book by Rachelle J Christensen are out of this world. (Okay they are in this world but they are great.)

There are 25 blogs hosting preliminary giveaways that will also earn you an entry in the big give away. Learn more. Check it out.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-03-03T16:40:00.000-05:00

Château de Chenonceau *

When you tour the Loire Valley during the off season you may not get the full experience. I love how the covering over the scaffolding tries to fool your eyes. If you close one eye and turn your head and squint a little then it might look like the real thing. It leaves you somewhat unsatisfied.

Have you ever read a book like this? Maybe it has be a first, second or third draft of something you have written. It looks good. It works for the most part; however, it needs revised yet again. If you want to pull in the big crowds your work has got to do more than an off season castle. Sure it will draw a crowd, but just imagine all the bells and whistles. Fully restored and the gardens in bloom. Your book completed with the best word choices, the subplots weaving seamlessly with the plot. You would have a real page turner on your hands.

No matter what you are doing in life, do it well, and make it something you are proud to put your name on.

*The link above will take you to previous Chenonceau Wednesday French Inspiration posts.

And the Winner is.......

2010-02-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

You girls are just too great. When I asked for some advice you had my back. A girl needs friends she can count on.

So I rocked it out old style and wrote your names on sheets of paper and had Hubby pull one lucky winner out of the pot. Well that lucky girl is

Jenn Johansson

Her schedule breakdown :

I spend a couple of hours blogging every couple of days. I'm trying to write a little every day, although it seems to happen in bigger chunks on some days and infinitesimal chunks on others. I try to sleep 8 hours and the rest of the time I spend on family and pretending to care if my house is messy. :)

I am right there with you about ignoring the mess, maybe if I ignore it long enough it will get the hint and leave.

I also found a great post by InkMom about her cleaning and scheduling regime. It is worth a look to any girl in the same boat as me.

For those few of you who can't get enough of me and my craziness, I have a new jig over at Mormon Mommy Writers. I will be there weekly on Fridays. Even if you aren't mormon, a mommy or a writer. I think you will love to chat and get to know some wonderful women.

Jenn you can email your address over at amberlynae (at) gmail (dot) com

Wednesday French Inspriation

2010-02-24T00:34:00.000-05:00

Versailles window/door latch LP= Louis-Philippe

No matter the continent, country, of city you visit, you will always find the park benches, trees, or buildings tagged by some person trying to leave their mark. "I WAS HERE" the markings scream. Where does this desire to leave our mark on the world come from? We are not dogs that have to leave our scent to spread the world there is a new kid in town... however, as a human we do have a desire to create and so some how brand the world with our name.

Some people do this through music, some through painted or sculpted art, some through writing, some through sciences. There are many grandiose ways of leaving behind our "I was here" sign. The desire to create is a godly desire. We long to make something that is so distinctly ours.

Today my thoughts are focused on the fact that we do in fact leave our mark on the world. Each day you are carving you mark, your every action whittles away at the very fibers of this earth. I am not talking about our carbon footprints, but our spiritual ones. Some days your only progress may seem more of a mess and less than a masterpiece. Some days your work may cause tears. Other days the crowds may gather to cheer your name for your efforts. But every thing you do will leaves the world changed. Whether or not you leave behind bookshelves filled with your work or walls covered with your art; you will not leave this world unchanged.

We must be as the scouts and leave the earth better than we found it. Make your life and your life's work something you are unashamed to put your name one.

When people see your "I was here." may they be filled with overwhelming joy.

Don't forget to enter last weeks giveaway of The Time Traveler's Wife BOOK if you haven't already.

And respond to the polls in the right Sidebar about the Seriously in Real Utah Life Meeting.

Seriously in real Utah Life Meeting

2010-02-23T21:43:00.000-05:00

It is happening and if you are not there you are going to miss it...(as if that isn't obvious). I have to prove to my husband that I don't make up my online friends (ok some of them may have been made up). So let's do this. You know you wanna meet me in real Utah life. It is going down sometime in April. And I am going to be putting it together with some door prizes.

In the right side bar i have some polls to get your input on where you want it to happen.

Give me some input.

See you soon.

Wednesday French Inspiration (and a Giveaway)

2010-02-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

Behind one of the Large clocks in the Gare d'Orsay or Musée d'Orsay

However, without planning nothing gets done. Timing seems to play a key role in all aspects of life and writing for that matter.

So to get some advice from my readers (within the US), I'm going to have a giveaway. I'm giving away a copy of The Time Traveler's Wife (the book not the movie.) Entering is simple-- You can either answer in the comments of write a post on your blog and send me the link. But I want to know how you divide your time (especially from those who are writers, but also from mothers in general).

How much time is devoted to writing/hobbies, cleaning, mothering, exercising, socializing/blogging, sleeping in an average day (and/or) week?

The entry deadline is midnight eastern standard time on February 27th.

The winner will be posted February 28th.
So help a girl out.
(Winner will be picked at random.)

Did You Read Shiver?

2010-02-14T15:30:00.000-05:00

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

Comes out in stores everywhere July 20th. Pre-order here.

Enter to win an advanced review copies of LINGER, Sisters Red, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Replacement on Maggie's blog.

I Didn't Know You Loved Me

2010-02-12T13:21:00.000-05:00

I have to express my gratitude (I'm far behind in doing this) to a couple of my readers who were gracious enough to think of me when they were asked to pass on this award.

From Elizabeth Mueller and Cami Checketts I recieved the

One Love Blog Award.

I now have the honor of passing on this award to others in accordance with the following rules:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to up to 15 other blogs that you enjoy. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So I know these are the rules. But the truth of it is I love too many blogs. I love them all for different reasons. I just can say these are fifteen blogs that are better than all the rest. But you know what I can say, I have a blog roll in my left side bar and I love all of those blogs. If you have time every one of those blogs deserve this award, and they are more than welcome to claim it. Here is a list of those blogs organized by who has posted most recently (at the time I wrote this post). I just wanted to make it easier for you to find them if you are reading in a reader.

* Fiction Groupie *

Blogging Mama

In The Real World Venus vs. Mars

LDS Publisher

Mean Mommy University

You've gotta be kidding me.

2010-02-08T11:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks GettyImages

I will admit my house isn't exactly the most organized place in the world, and laundry doesn't always get done in regular intervals. The pile had grown so high I was unable to exit my room without climbing the likes of Mount Everest.

I decided today is the day I get rid of this mountain and make it a mole hill. I picked up some of the darks I could find without much examination (I didn't want to upset the whole dang pile) and I threw them in the washer. Rather pleased with myself, I go down stairs and get my daughter some coloring to do.

Man I am on my top game today,

housework and mothering in one day.

So I'm feeling great.

When I hear the washer finishing the spin cycle,(and believe me everyone on my block can hear when my washer is spinning that thing is louder than the music at a concert.) I decide to go switch the load over to the dryer. When I open the washer everything is covered in this huge mess of something.

Now what can this be???

I keep digging into the mess until I see the offending mess maker....one of my daughters pull-ups (which she doesn't even really wear anymore). I had gel crystals over everything. I tell you what those things are not made to hold enough water. It could even handle one measly load of laundry without spewing its contents over everything. Some pull ups just don't make the cut.

Time to Rinse and repeat I guess.

Without the pull up that is.

Funny Friday

2010-02-05T06:04:00.002-05:00

Could you use a good laugh?

I just need a good laugh sometimes. I thought we can share some laughs together. You know you want to leave a joke in the comments. Here is a joke for you.

The following is not an actual story (although I could see this happening to me) it was from an email that had me laughing.

I was in the restaurant yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately
needed to pass gas. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my
gas with the beat of the music.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my meal,
and noticed that everybody was staring at me....

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

Oops.

Some Befores and Afters

2010-02-04T13:59:00.000-05:00

I promised some pictures of our new place. Due to my traveling, I haven't had as much time as I would like to get walls painted and things moved in. It will be an on going process. Here are some of the changes but none of them are completed.I still have pictures to hand and accessories to place but you can see my progress thus far.

Living room 1 Before

Living room 2 Before

Living room After

Eat-in Kitchen Before

Eat in kitchen After

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After (I still want to paint cabinets but in time)

Piano Room Before

Piano Room After 1

Piano Room After 2

So there you have it for now. I will let you in on some more of the progress another day.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-02-03T01:47:00.002-05:00

Château de Cassis

I'm getting myself a shot gun before next February 2nd. Why would I want to do that? My thoughts were that when Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his hole, he won't see much if he is dead. :) Six more weeks of this cold is just not happening for me. I am boycotting the cold. There is something lonely about the cold. So I say forget the cold. Come and scadoo (a term from Blue's Clues) into the picture above. We can listen to Le Soledad/ The Solitude (Translation of lyrics below).

I didn't get to visit the Château de Cassis. I only saw its beauty from a far. It was once a medieval castle built in 1382, sits high along the Blue Coast of Cassis. It is now a hotel with the rooms only being reachable by staircases or tunnels.

I would love to sit in my room overlooking the Mediterranean Sea enjoying some Amorino gelato. I would write my book to the sound of the crashing waves.

A girl can dream right?

"Welcome to Amber Lynae's Place! What's your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Amber Lynae's Place, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don't; but keep on dreamin' - this is Amber Lynae's Place. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin'."

Le Soledad (Translation: The Solitude)
by Pink Martini

You came to me
Like poetry in the song
Showing me
A new world of passion

Loving me
With no selfishness and with no reason
But without knowing
That it was love
I protect my heart

The sun is gone
And I singing your song
The solitude
Owns all the emotion

Forgive me
If the fear has stolen my illusion

You came to me
I didn't know to love
And this song has been left alone

You came to me
Like poetry in the song
Showing me
A new world of passion

Loving me
With no selfishness and no reason
But without knowing
That it was love
You protect my heart

The sun is gone
And you singing your song
The solitude
Owns all the emotion

Forgive me
If the fear has stolen my illusion
You came to me
And this song has been left alone

Real Life

2010-02-02T13:36:00.000-05:00

I'm SUPER excited.

Little Princess and I are going to be in Utah for two weeks in mid-April.

I really want to meet any of the Utah bloggy girls while I'm out there.

Do you girls have any suggestions on a good meeting place?

I will enter all suggestions into a poll and we will set up a time and day that we can have a get together.

Hope to hear from.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

On the ceiling of Eglise Saint-Merri

I know it may look blurry but this piece of art is shown (I assume) as the artist intended. It is housed in a church in the Marais district of Paris. The church also houses the oldest bell in Paris. The bell was cast in 1331.

I maybe the only one, but I think the depiction of the face seems a little insane. Truth be told, I have a one track mind this week, and there was only one thing I could post about. My sanity. I'm trying REALLY hard to be sane. I've heard the definition of insanity is-- doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. Well, I have a goal to lose some of the weight I've gained over the past year. Yet every attempt I make fails. This would be due to the fact that every time I pass the chocolate or the bag of Doritos I think, "If I only sneak a taste this time I will be fine." And my taste turned into a whole eating binge, then I get all upset that I gave in and ate the food I shouldn't.

So I'm trying to overcome my insanity and try something new. Do you ever get stuck in a rut and let your insanity get the best of you?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-01-20T14:23:00.003-05:00

Vineyard near entrance to Château de Chenonceau

Last week I told you all to be failures. However, I only want you to be a failure until you succeed. Because success does not come without work and sometimes some failing. On the road to success it is sometimes easy to get distracted. This is especially true when we see other people bringing forth such fruitful successes while we are still planting a seed. We feel defeated.

During my time in France, it was said and wished that I would have been able to see the area in full bloom. The land was not very fruitful, the trees were bare. I still fell in love. I didn't need all the sparkle and shining. Even in its barest form, I could see so much beauty. What do you see when you look at the vineyard? I see work, I see love, I see years, I see potential and I see beauty.

So much of our time can be easily wasted on wishing for things to be different. If only's... What if's.... Why not's.... We miss so much. Let's not waste time wishing for a different season. Let's enjoy the beauty of all seasons and states of our life, our projects. Even when the storms roll in we must always remember that water brings life, that winds may prune away the weakest branches, sometimes things we love will be lost.

In which season is your current WIP? Can you see its beauty?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-01-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

View from the Cour Napoléon of the Richelieu Wing Architecture

The Louvre started off as a palace and today is a museum. But the art is more than just what the building houses. The building is art itself. I love this man sitting on the corner. He looks so deep in thought. It is a great reminder to me that we all need time to meditate and ponder our lives and the world around us.

I have been thinking some lately (don't worry I try not to do that too often.) The theme of my thoughts have been the difference between quitting and failing. If you had to be a failure or a quitter which would you choose?

Since this a time of year when many are setting new goals, I thought this might be a good time to share this thought with you. There is a misconception made by many that if one fails there is no more trying. If you don't get your workout in one day or you eat something bad, then you abandon ship. If you had a set word count but got distracted by email and facebook, then you ignore the keyboard again the next day. If your marriage is lacking the luster of a new relationship, then you think there is never chance for happiness. (You get my point.) It is easy to fail and then quit. But you don't have to be both a failure and a quitter.

If the race is on and you are in last place, wouldn't you rather cross that finish line knowing you gave it your all, than always know you quit?

So my thoughts as I look at the picture above is, even if you are a failure-- don't be a quitter.

If you have the time to stop and think, what are your thoughts today?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2010-01-06T08:30:00.001-05:00

Peugeot Flux Concept Car

On the first night in Paris (after this but before this), we stopped in a Peugeot Showroom on the Champs Elysee. Pictured above is the beauty that was spinning in the center of the showroom. The Flux.

The name Flux was inspired by the flow of our daily lives, whether at work or play.

The shape also represents this state of flow with straight lines and curves, which are characteristic of Peugeot.

A relatively small car (3,500cm long by 1,650cm wide), it runs on a slim hydrogen power plant hidden in the back, with the tank mounted under the front bonnet.

The bonnet and side body panels are made out of plastic, the seats of polyurethane and the mechanical parts of aluminium. The main components such as the chassis are made of metal.

The body work is simple (basic intersected volumes) so the car is easily produced and accessible to everyone. But most of all, it’s fun to drive.

Finally, the car is also a gaming hub thanks to its integrated Xbox 360, so please hop in!

I just love how designers thought outside of the box. I just keep thinking about how the world is always trying to shove us into a certain mold. Sometimes we get so determined to fit inside that box that we loose site of any other option.

Today's message I guess is that there is beauty outside of the box. So get yourself a box cutter, some scissors or whatever it takes. It is time to get out of the box.

Aspiring Author? Need Feedback?

2010-01-05T21:33:00.003-05:00

The ladies of Shooting Stars are holding a giveaway with prizes any writer would love. Two query critiques, two first five page critiques, and a signed copy of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain.

Click here to enter their contest. You won't regret it!

Comments are turned off. This is just information.

Like a Writer... (Typing for the Very First Time)

2010-01-05T04:06:00.000-05:00

You've seen my header, and you may heard me mention writing a few times. But I've never felt more like a writer than I do right now.

I have been stuck in the pre-writing and conceptualizing for the same story for over a year. GASPS Most people would put me in the same category as all those people who always say that one day they will write a novel then never do. I have mile long list of excuses why it is taking me so long.

Over the holiday break, I was reading Orson Scott Card's book on Character and Viewpoint, and he points out that some people can jump right in and others take years to develop the story before writing a page. He tends to be the later (he says). Well evidently so am I.

I have had this concept milling around like a rolling stone. I have been trying to work out the bumps and form it into some thing that I could put into words.

Well today I laid my precious princess down for a nap and I put 2000 words worth down into one of my most captivating scenes.

I spent hours in the car riding/driving from Virginia to Texas. During that time, I was mentally writing and editing concepts and ideas. Really visualizing the scenes. I got to a scene that I couldn't wait to write. It isn't even from the beginning of story. But it had me excited. I have almost the whole scene typed up. I'm excited.

What if your style for writing? (If you aren't a writer, how to you approach planning a party.) Do you mill out the details? Or do you jump in? Do you start at the beginning? Or do you jump around and organize it in your edits?

Also, I have plans to attend LDStorymaker Conference this year in Provo. Is anyone else going? And are any of you Utah girls interested in attending a Bloggers in the Real World lunch?

Turtle Doves: A Christmas Short Story

2009-12-17T01:22:00.006-05:00

Genevieve Taylor knew it was past time to trim the poor excuse for a Christmas tree but after eighty-five years couldn’t someone else give it a go? As she lifted the tree skirt from the box of decorations, a frame photograph crashed to the floor. Flustered, Genevieve rested in her rocker and clasped her trembling hands together. When the tremor lessened she picked the broken frame up off the floor. She gazed into the eyes staring out from the black and white photograph of Lloyd in his Santa hat. Oh, how she missed that smile.

Avoiding the broken glass, Genevieve held her cane in one hand and the photo in the other as she made her way over to the window. She peered through the frosted window pane. Clear skies and bare grounds. Such a shame. “Doesn’t seem there’ll be a white Christmas this year, Lloyd,” she said to the photo.

When Anabelle entered the apartment, Genevieve could tell she noticed the lack of holiday cheer and décor. How was she supposed to decorate with garlands, ornaments, and lights when she couldn’t even put out a tree skirt without breaking something?

“How are you doing Ginny?” Before Genevieve could respond, Anabelle noticed the broken picture frame and the glass shattered on the floor. Without a word about the apartment or the picture, she cleaned up the mess.

Sweet Anabelle. She had always been like a granddaughter to Genevieve and Lloyd. She had spent her summers in their greenhouse watching the couple work side by side. As a little girl, she would beg her mother to sit with the Taylors at church. Genevieve would bring her candies and Lloyd would tease her that she reserved her brightest smiles for him. When Lloyd’s battle with cancer ended, Genevieve could see how strongly his absence had affected Anabelle.

“Would it be okay if I help you hang the ornaments again this year?” asked Anabelle.

After a moments hesitation and a sigh, “Oh sure, honey. I guess it’s now or never.” The look on Genevieve’s face suggested that maybe never would be preferable; however, her expression quickly changed to one of determination. “Well, let’s get that old tree to sparkle with some Christmas cheer. We wouldn’t want to disappoint Lloyd.”

“No, we wouldn’t,” Anabelle said. She turned on some holiday tunes then she retrieved the boxes of garland, beads, flowers, and trinkets.

With unsteady hands, Genevieve lifted the turtle doves by their green ribbon and perched them in her palm. After running the ribbon through her fingers, she smoothed her hair. Genevieve dismissed a notion to tell the story. No stories this year. Remembering was just too painful. She passed the crystal birds to Anabelle.

“Aren’t you going to tell me the story?”

“I can’t remember it,” Ginny lied. Maybe time would go faster if she didn’t have to remember how great it used to be.

“You were seventeen when you met Lloyd at the Christmas dinner. Your mom made you a red dress and you wore this green ribbon in your hair.” Genevieve tried to silence her with a glare, but Anabelle continued as if she hadn’t noticed. “All the girls were jealous when Lloyd asked you to sit by him. To be polite, you asked him what he was getting for Christmas. ‘A kiss from you, if I’m lucky,’ he said. You told him he was very charming, but you were all out of kisses. Instead, you took the green ribbon out of your hair and tied it in a promise knot around his wrist. What was it you said to him?” Anabelle urged.

Genevieve couldn’t help herself, she said, “’I promise if you stick around for a year, I’ll have some kisses for you then.’”

Anabelle laughed. “He held you to that.”

“He sure did. And after a year of dating, he still had my green ribbon.” There was love in her voice as she spoke of his sentimental gesture. On the wave of emotion, she continued the memory aloud, “I can still remember the nervous look on his face as he fumbled with the gift under the tree.” Genevieve looked toward the bare tree and then to the empty space in front of her as if Lloyd was there now.

“He knelt in front of me, waiting for me to open the box. The doves were sparkling so much that I didn’t see the ring at first. But when I did, he said he no longer wanted just the promised kiss; he wanted eternity.” Ginny smiled and looked directly at Anabelle. “And when a guy like Lloyd Taylor wants eternity; you promise him eternity.”

The room was silent—both women were overcome. Every time Genevieve recalled their love story she felt so blessed. She recalled the love notes, caresses, and looks of admiration from Lloyd. He was better than any Prince Charming she had ever read about. His expressions of affection never dwindled even in the years when he had fallen ill.

“I can’t believe you two dated a whole year and never kissed,” Anabelle said.

“Times were different then. Love was different. Don’t even get me started on how all you whippersnappers wouldn’t know romance from a fly on your nose.” She laughed, and her smile erased some of the years from her face.

“Whippersnapper? Ginny, I’m near 30.”

“And that’s plenty young, sweetheart. Now let’s get to trimming this tree. It is going to take all day if you make this old lady tell you all her stories.”

The two women spent the majority of the day hanging ornaments, lights, garland, and beads, as Genevieve told the stories related to each trinket.

Anabelle was completing the final task of positioning the star on top of the tree, when Genevieve said, “That was always his job, you know. Even if he wasn’t able to be home to hang the other ornaments, I always saved the star for him. I told him no one could light up my life the way he did.”

The women hugged and looked at the full tree.

“He hasn’t come this year,” Genevieve confided. “I’ve been waiting, and waiting. But—”

“He will. He always comes. He couldn’t miss Christmas with you,” Anabelle said. Genevieve had shared with Anabelle her belief that Lloyd had spent every Christmas with her since the year they met—even the ones after his death. Anabelle seemed inclined to believe her. “Now don’t you worry yourself sick over this! You get some rest, and I’ll be back in the morning for our Christmas breakfast.”

“You’re right dear. He’ll come,” Genevieve agreed, but she couldn’t erase the doubt from her voice. “You shouldn’t worry about being here for breakfast. You should be with your family.”

“I’ll see them for lunch. Besides you’re family. You’re welcome to join us for lunch.” Before Ginny could protest further, Anabelle said, “See you at eight o’clock. If you’re good maybe Santa will leave you something nice.” With a kiss on the cheek and a hug, Anabelle bid her farewell.

After her friend’s departure, Genevieve turned off the overhead light and allowed the glow from the tree to fill the room. A tree full of memories and she felt so empty. She should be thankful that her mind was clear enough to recall those memories, but somehow it only emphasized the void she now felt. Why hadn’t Lloyd come to be with her this Christmas? She knew it was selfish—some would say crazy—to believe he could be there with her, but she never doubted that the comforting voice she heard year after year was his. All the lights and all the ornaments were meaningless without him.

Before closing the blinds, she took one more glance out of the window. Still no snow. Still no Lloyd. She settled into her rocking chair. From the radio she heard the King belting out the lyrics of Blue Christmas. This Christmas was blue without Lloyd’s holiday cheer. She closed her eyes and massaged her arthritic hands.

The disc jockey made announcements about Santa being spotted in the Tri-state area and cheered that in a few short hours it would be Christmas. It didn’t feel like Christmas. Bing Crosby began singing White Christmas. Genevieve opened her eyes wishing for white flakes to create a blanket outside, but she was certain nothing was there. She shut her eyes again.

“Genevieve?” It was a whisper—a sweet melody to her ears.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” she said in almost a sigh. The tears of pain and relief could be heard in her voice, and a few escaped from the corners of her closed eyes.

“I know, my love. I am so sorry it has taken so long.”

“You’re here now. How long can you stay?”

“I’m afraid I can’t.”

“Oh, please Lloyd, don’t leave me here. I can’t bear it.” Genevieve was so afraid of being separated again. Each year the burden of separation was harder, and she was too old to do it again.

“Has this year been so bad?” His voice seemed remorseful. “I should have come sooner.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“I had preparations to make.”

“Preparations?”

“I recall a certain girl promised me eternity. It is getting pretty lonely up here alone.”

“You mean—” she was unable to finish as the realization of his implication filled her heart.

“It’s time for us to be together, dear. Eternity has been mighty lonely without you.”

Genevieve smiled through her tears and released a sigh.

***

Anabelle entered the apartment quietly when no one answered the door. After setting the cinnamon rolls on the counter, she opened the blinds so Ginny could see the snow when she woke. Ginny was reclined in her rocker with her quilt tucked under her arms. Anabelle set the table for two; the noise didn’t seem to disturb Ginny’s slumber.

As she crossed to wake the sleeping woman, she noticed Ginny’s pale face. There was no rise and fall in her chest. When Anabelle lifted a lifeless hand to check for a pulse, an envelope slid to the floor. Struggling not to cry, she replaced the hand to Ginny’s lap in reverence, and bent to retrieve the fallen envelope.

She gazed in wonder—it was addressed to her. She removed the letter. It read:

Dearest Anabelle,

He came. My Lloyd made it. We’re together for Christmas.
Your love and kindness has meant more to us than you will ever know. As a token of love and gratitude, please keep
our turtle doves. We love you.

Merry Christmas!

Genevieve and Lloyd

The simple note said it all. Anabelle wiped her eyes. Noticing the green ribbon on Ginny’s lap, she lifted the crystal bird and held them to her heart. She leaned over to press a gentle kiss to Ginny’s brow and whispered, “Merry Christmas, Ginny. I love you, too. Go enjoy eternity.”

Thank you to Meagan and L.T. for your help.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-12-16T01:28:00.000-05:00

In a previous Wednesday French Inspiration. I talked about stopping for a snowball fight. We had when we stopped at the Col de la Republique outside of St-Étienne. (To learn more about this area in connection to the first Tour de France held in 1903 click here.) This is another picture from that stop. As you can see I am the experienced snow angel maker in this picture. (This post was inspired by reading Lara's post about Snow Angels on her blog OverStuffed.)

Today I wanted to talk about snow, why I love it, and how that relates to my love of writing.

When the ground is covered with a fresh blanket of white fluffy snow, it beckons me. There is something so luring about the unpolluted beauty. It holds so much potential.

Sorry for all the videos, but these movies just run through my head as I try to explain to you what I feel.

Fresh snow can be a battle field, a canvas for snow angels, a snow man, an igloo. There are endless possibilities (depending on how much snow you have.) Pure Imagination covering the earth ready to create your own paradise. And when you need a break, you come in from the cold and enjoy a warm glass of homemade hot cocoa made from white and milk chocolate a splash of vanilla, and a spoonful of marshmallow fluff. Imagination and chocolate go hand in hand or they should. How does this relate to my feelings on writing? Well it is same thing with a blank page or word document. It sits there pure and white just waiting for a little imagination to come and be etched upon its surface to create something new, adventurous, a tale of love, or achievement.

The thing I love most is there is nothing you can't create with a pen and paper, and a lot of times I feel that way about snow. (of course creating fire with snow may be hard, but you get my point). Words have the power to inspire love, or hate. Words can cut down, or build up.

Do you love or hate snow? What is the best thing you have created with snow?

Enough with the peace and quiet; It's time to Party.

2009-12-12T10:50:00.001-05:00

I know it has been quiet around this blog recently. With holidays, birthdays, moving, and traveling I have had a hard time sitting long enough to tell you about what is happening. I recently got by blog to read count down from 300. Every day I would put a small dent in the numbers, only to find more there the next day. But I've catch up on my reading, and I'm ready to party with my peeps. Will you be my peep?

Press Play you know you want to...but if you don't that is ok as long as you stay for a minute while I tell you something. As I was reading over here at Cranberry Fries. She talks about how much she loves comments.

Do you have a love for comments as well? I DO!

To demonstrate how much I like comments, I want to tell you a recent event in my life. Actually I will have to tell you a few things. When I went to Texas for my best friends wedding, my camera was in a fatal crash with the ground. My husband performed and autopsy to determine cause of death. After disecting my friend, he determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma. He offered to replace my camera with a slimmer more portable model. I turned my nose up at his offer and pouted about my loss.

I am certain he couldn't stand to see me suffer any longer (it was that or he needed me to stop wasting time searching online for a camera that could make me forget my loss). He took over the search, and found a camera that came with guarantee to return a smile to my face.

Due to the fact that Hubby and I are both technology lovers, we shop online frequently. Therefore, the UPS guys are on a first name basis with me. We kick up our feet and have a golly old time a few times a week.

So anyhow, I was waiting very impatiently for delivery of my camera, but I also had some flameless candles, and other assorted Christmas gifts coming our way. I had checked online and the camera was one day out, and my candles were out for delivery. When I heard the bell, I knew my candles had made it safely.

I had to open the package immediately. (Who waits to open packages? That is just crazy.) Underneath the layers of cardboard, and bubble wrap was my beautiful camera. I am only slightly embarrassed to admit that I may have stood up and danced around my livingroom saying. "I got my camera, I got my camera." I also apologize to all the people with numbers stored in my phone. I know you may have been busy, but I had to let the whole world know that I got my camera. I called a million people or at least I felt like telling everyone. I may or may not have picked up the camera and kissed it.

A few minutes later my bell rang, I had more boxes. It was a red letter day.

So you see just how excited I was about my camera. Well that is how I feel about comments. I love each of them. I can't wait to open them, I could kiss them.

So you may have noticed that I've changed my commenting section. THANKS MOMBABE for your help. I am hoping that it will make it easier for all of those stopping by to leave a quick hello.

Throw on a party hat and let's make some noise.

12 Days of Christmas

2009-12-11T23:03:00.000-05:00

My family has a few Christmas traditions. One of my favorites was that starting on the 13th of December each person got to unwrap a small gift (normally some sort of stocking stuffer) We called this the 12 days of Christmas. While Hubby is not a fan of this tradition (it means more shopping and coming up with gift ideas); I love it. And Little Princess likes to open presents every opportunity she gets.

So Starting Sunday I get to open a gift. YEAH ME! So in the Spirit of Sharing I want to give you the gift of song. If you are like me this song will get stuck in your head. It is my way of passing on a smile.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-12-09T18:30:00.002-05:00

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-12-02T10:47:00.001-05:00

Les raboteurs de parquet (The Floor Planers)

In the collections of the Musée d'Orsay, you can see the art of many great artists. Pictured above is the work of Gustave Caillebotte. As I was wondering through the many collections, I found Hubby admiring this painting. I have to admit; at first sight, I did not have a connection to this work. However, I have grown to love it the more I look at it.

The skill with which Caillebotte paints is undeniable, but the thing that I love the most is the content. I love the depiction of hard work. I can relate to that. As I labor to decorate my new home, I feel slightly burnt out. I can see all the work ahead of me.

So if I have been missing in action these past few months, I hope you will understand that I have been hard at work. I do have plans to share pictures, as well as some of my writing projects with you hopefully after the new year. Or sooner if I get a new camera. (My old camera had an unfortunate fall in Texas last month.)

Are the holiday's making it hard for you to keep up, or am I the only one?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-11-25T14:42:00.002-05:00

The back of Notre Dame from Île Saint-Louis

In the spirit of Thanksgiving and WONDERFUL food, I am going to share with you one of the best meals we ate in Paris.

So first I must tell you, if you are going to visit Europe you may want to pick up a Rick Steves book to advise you about where to visit, what to see, and where to eat. He has amazing taste and interesting facts to share. Aunt and I wanted to experience at least one AMAZING French meal; therefore, we took one of Rick's suggestions: Tastevin (You really should visit that link and see the ambiance. Also look at the pictures of the food, especially the desserts.)

The restaurant normally requires a reservation pretty far in advance. Luckily, we were visiting during the off season and got in without one. To get to Tastevin, you must head over to Île Saint-Louis, a small island in the middle of the Seine.

(While on the island, we got to watch saw people filming on a side street. They had changed some of the fronts of the shops for the film, and they had this boxy looking police car that was used in a shot. It was speeding around a corner. Very neat. )

Anyhow, on to the food. The French have their menus set up in various ways, but most of the time they have a set price for a 3 course meal, a 5 course meal and so forth. And within those price ranges you get to choose from different items. For the 3 course meal price point, you start with your ENTREES (this is your starter not your full meal). I think hubby and his aunt had escargot (snails) I had a French onion soup. (yum) After the entree plates are cleared, you order the PLAT AU CHOIX (your plate of choice/Main course) Hubby and Aunt chose pork cooked with Anise (a spice resembling licorice. I'm not fond of aniseed, but Hubby loved it) Uncle and I had a plate of beef burgundy and potatoes. Although it all sounds quite simple, it was magnificent. However, the best was DESSERT. We all choice the same thing -- An apple tart with caramel ice cream from Berthillon topped with a caramel sauce.

We were well fed, and enjoyed our meal tremendously. I hope you all can say the same thing about your Thanksgiving. May you be well fed and have a terrific day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-11-18T20:02:00.000-05:00

A few Wednesday's ago I told you about the lovely metro ladies who decided that Uncle didn't need his wallet. After a quick trip to the apartment to cancel debit cards, our group went back out to see Sacre Couer.

To expand the amount of sites we would see Hubby decided to get off the metro at the bottom of Montmarte, at the Pigalle metro stop. This is the nightclub and redlight district-- the home of the Moulin Rouge. I actually saw the lights of the red windmill (this is what Moulin Rouge means). I was going to go take a picture, but I had higher places to go to. I find it interesting that the lowest part of the area is covered with clubs, and upon the summit is a Basilique.

In the mid-1800 Monmarte became the principal artistic center of Paris. The picture above is a plaza that artists still gather. They draw portraits, or just sit high in the sit and are inspired by the beauty below. But what I love about that plaza is how the artist gather together. I love that community of talent sharing and supporting one another.

Blogging has become my plaza in Monmarte-- a place were I have met many types of artist. All of you have provided support and community. But also a place to share with others a small portion of my talents and thoughts. I am certain that the artists in the plaza are always encouraged when they are praised. They are there because they love what they do. And when you love something it is hard to keep to yourself.

What is your Monmarte plaza?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-11-11T11:28:00.005-05:00

Paris at a glance. Sorry just more views for today. I promise I will tell you more later.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-11-04T23:00:00.000-05:00

I am in Texas for a wedding and I have traveled with a toddler. So no inspiration just a view and a dream.

How is your week looking?

Happy Halloween???

2009-10-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

Would you give this Princess some candy so she will smile? Please?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-10-28T10:23:00.004-04:00

Fountaine des Innocents

After watching the artist in this post paint Obama my husband went on to find the building that was used as church offices in Paris while he served his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While we were there we met two missionaries who were Mandarin speaking. While Hubby was comparing mission stories and getting the number of member he has been out of touch with for years, I took a much needed potty break. (You try walking around Paris all morning and not having to pee.)

I enjoyed seeing the church building, and the missionaries, and we got pointed into the direction of a close place with a good grecque. In my mind it was about time, I was hungry. I mean while those pain de chocolat are great, one of them will not hold you all day. I am not very nice when I'm hungry.

Regardless of my hunger induced grumpiness, Hubby decided to take me to the Marché des Innocents. It was a risk on his part. I was about to turn cannibalistic. His Paris glow must have impaired his judgement, or maybe he knew me well enough to know that when I saw the Fontaine des Innocents that I would forget my hunger and he would be safely forgiven.

It is the oldest monumental fountain in Paris, and it just sits unassumingly in the middle of this plaza. The ease and grace in which it sits is breath taking. I found it inspiring how something so beautiful was just there, no pomp or circumstance necessary. I learned a lesson that day:

Beauty does not have to presented with a big fanfare.

I want to be like that fountain... in Paris. Okay, that isn't what I was really going to say. I want to be unassuming and without pretension. Any beauty of mine, I hope shows just by being me. I also realize that those are the characters in stories that I like best. The ones that are without conceit. The characters that don't hold their merits out as a reason to like them.

Who is your favorite character? Why do you love them?

Did Halloween Explode? Or is that Wall Black?

2009-10-26T17:44:00.003-04:00

Do you remember My Girl 2? Well, maybe I was the only person that watched it. But there is a short scene when they are picking out wallpaper for her new room. Her father suggests a floral, she pulls out black. If you did see the movie and you thought that was crazy.... then you are are going to be sending the straight jackets my way soon.

It isn't a joke and it isn't for Halloween.

It's just a black wall in my new house and I put it there.

So if you miss my rambling, and wondering where the heck I've run off to, just know that I'm just painting my naked house. The fumes may be getting to me, maybe that is why the wall is black. Or maybe once I get it all set up it might resemble something a little more classy.

What do you think about black walls? I have more paint and some rollers.... do you need anyone to paint your house.... black?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-10-21T11:45:00.002-04:00

Today's post was inspired by my wake-up call. The delivery guys rang the bell five minutes before my alarm sounded. They were bringing my well travelled baby grand piano. Hubby's grandmother bought a bright orange baby grand piano from a bar in Sacramento that was being demolished as past of urban renewal. Over the years during her ownership, it has been refinished, and travelled, to Casablanca, Toronto, Bandkok, and various cities in the US.

Obviously the picture above is not my baby grand. This musical instrument (I'm not sure maybe it is a piano forte) is found at Versailles. When I saw the piano I recalled the Jane Austen movies. In her books her characters all had such musical talent, or at least some ability. So I guess Now that I have my own piano it is time for me to improve my skills.

My sisters both had piano lessons, I was left to teach myself with some help from them. I was more prone to singing than playing. Regardless, our house was always filled with music. I think some homes have lost the sound of music. Do you agree?

Is your home filled with music? Does RockBand count as musical talent?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-10-14T10:34:00.003-04:00

After sometime in Paris my entourage headed south. We planned to go visit some of the castles in the Loire valley. When visiting Chenoneau one of the employees told us that the Chateau de Chambord was a must see. We knew that we might not make it before they closed but we rushed ahead. (Well rushed may not be the correct term. One can not rush through the beauty of the french country side.) We got there and were amazed by the beauty of the grounds. Unfortunately, we were too late to go inside the castle. Regardless, this castle was definitely one of my favorites. I especially loved the double-helix staircases, maybe it is just in my DNA (haha).

The thing I loved so much about Chambord is that I could see the ghosts of the past come alive as I looked over the grounds. I could imagine members of the the court walking the grounds. I can see the women watching from the castle as they watch the hunting events taking place on the grounds. I could imagine descending the staircase with a candle in one hand and my dress hoisted in the other.

The castle whispered its past to me. I loved it. And I would have loved to live the life for a day. ( I would have to return to the 21st century for hygienic reasons.) I have mentioned once before of how I sang in an Elizabethan choir throughout my high school years. Maybe that has added to my love of the past. Wearing the elaborate dress stitched by my mother always drew me back to a lifestyle that is so different than my own, but fueled by the same emotions that we feel today. Perhaps those emotions of the past were felt more intensely when there were not so many distractions.

Do the ghosts of the past talk to you?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

How many emotions can you feel at once? I think it is possible to feel an entire symphony of emotions. When you are learning something new it can be both frightening and exhilarating.

When visiting Marseilles, we took a day trip down to Cassies a beautiful French town off the coast of the Mediterranean. A small group of school kids were also enjoying a field trip to the beach. They were taken out on water in small boats all attached. The children could operate the rudders, but ultimately they were being pulled by the leaders. (As a parent I think I may be a little apprehensive about allowing my child to go on this field trip, I am a bit of a hover. Of course my first and only child is only 2 so that may have some to do with my doubts.) Being on the open sea, can be scary, exciting, freeing, and so much more.

Watching the children, brought to mind a lot of situations in life in which it is so important to have a little guidance. When beginning a new project or hobby, it takes time to learn. Having guidance and boundaries is key. But eventually you will have to go out with all your knowledge. You must find your own way.

Are you ready to take off your training wheels?

Tired and Grossed Out

2009-10-04T00:23:00.002-04:00

First, note is that I'm back in the real world (blogland) but there is still much painting and unpacking to do. The internet being back will make that take longer.

I have read a lot of the posts I've missed commented on a few. And realized I missed so much and I felt sad to be missing it.

I did read a post that MomBabe of Bingham Diaries sent me in my reader (sorry i will link when not tired) about the gross stink bugs of the East. About 4 hours later I see a disgusting black bug skittering across my livingroom floor toward my new fabric. I lift the fabric out the way and find a shoe to smack the life out of the offending bug. 20 minutes later I find another. I lazily leave them on the floor for a while but decide to vacuum them up. about 10 minutes ago I see another one, and I smack it dead as the others. They all seem to be wanting to go to the same place because they all head from the same direction to the same area.

Then I have been hearing some more noise from the general origination place. I am afraid to look. but I will say that when you have laminate or wood flooring these bugs are not only seen but heard. You can hear their little feet tapping merrily across your floor mocking you that they have entered the place you are trying to make your home.

I am completely grossed out to know that bugs are taking over. I am going to go hide in my bedroom. I hope they stay down stairs. And that tomorrow I don't have an army of bugs..... eww another one just met its demise. Ok that is gross. Four bugs. This needs to stop. The worse part is I just watched The Mummy yesterday and my daughter has been talking about the bugs that are in that movie. Now I'm ever more freaked out.

Bed please keep me safe.

Pray for me.

Don't Tell My Sister

2009-09-28T14:53:00.003-04:00

Ok ladies and gentlemen- I have snuck into my sister's house to use her internet connection. I had to. I am going crazy. My internet isn't getting hooked up at the new house until sometime this week. That is like a million years in bloggerland. I feel almost like I don't exist anymore.

Are you ladies all ok? I haven't had a minute to read any of your blogs. All of my friends could be missing. Are you missing? I hope not.

Moving can be so crazy. Like the fact that I had a UPS package of fabric shipped to my new address, and they didn't attempt delivery because they said the recipient moved. Well yeah I moved to that address so please leave me my package. So now I can't paint until I have my fabric. But all the stuff is moved from old house to new house. but new house needs new carpet, so we are sorta in limbo.

So real world and bloggerland are both all messy and I just feel isolated. Catch you girls on the flipside of this crisis, and my blogging will return to its regularly scheduled (whatever that means) schedule.

Love ya all.
Amber

Short Notice Short Sale

2009-09-17T15:25:00.003-04:00

After months of waiting for the final decision, I found out 15 minutes ago that our closing will be in 30 minutes. Pictures to come and packing to do. Wish me luck!

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-09-16T10:33:00.003-04:00

On the grounds of Chenonceau they have beautiful gardens, and wonderful mysteries to discover. This door is one of my favorite finds. It leads to so many questions. Where does it go? Why hasn't it been used for so long that it is covered in vines?

Do you think I would have gotten in trouble if I had moved the vines and burst through the door. Do they have a french mafia that would have taken me out? Do you think the French have a mafia?

I want to here your theory on what is on the other side of the door.

Blogging with my Eyes Closed

2009-09-14T15:12:00.002-04:00

I hate that I haven't been blogging very much recently. But I just can't seem to keep my eyes open long enough during the day. I'm not sure why I'm excessively tired. I'm not doing anything that should make it so. I'm not a coffee drinker, but even if I were I don't think caffeine would be a powerful enough drug to wake me up.

How do you wake up from excessive fatigue?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-09-09T00:33:00.002-04:00

After months of forcing my love of France and Paris in your face, I was able to get even Kristina P. to want to come to France. She said "You know, I have never really had a strong desire to go to France. I would much rather go to Italy, and Greece and the Mediterranean. But you make me want to go!" So you my readers all love France, you are all cozy and dreaming of all the pretty things... but today that may change.

I'm not sure why it happened. I am vaguely aware of how it happened. But I certainly learned a few lessons. Before I went to France, I researched Paris Fashion. I wanted to feel like part of the city, so that meant looking the part. So I spent some time surfing the web and found a Easy Fashion in Paris. A lot of the stuff was off the wall, but I loved the music and I took inspiration from the type of shoes, and coats would look fashionable.

Hubby's uncle did not visit this site, and did not try to dress to fit in. With is cargo pants, ball cap, and camera, he couldn't look any more like a tourist.

It is easy to fall into the flow of visiting Paris. You learn how to stand on the moving metro without falling on your derriere, how not to smile at every person your pass, and to listen to Hubby because he lived in the area for two years and knows much more about the way things go down. It is easy to forget that anything bad can happen to you on your dream vacation.

Hubby and I skipped church to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal, so maybe that set things off to a bad start. Then we met Aunt and Uncle (who attempted to attend church but failed). We headed over to the Musee D'Orsay, and old train station that now displays collections of art from the period 1848 to 1914. I saw a lot of beautiful artwork. I also saw things that I hope you never see such as the origin of the world according to the artist Gustave Courbet. (If your curiosity is peaked and you research this I put a warning on it that you may go blind, and it is inappropriate especially when you are ditching church on the sabbath.)

After visiting the Musee D'Orsay, we wanted to head over to Sacre Coeur up on the hill in Montmartre. We went down into the metro station to wait. I see some nice inviting seats that Hubby just passes. I call him back and he looks at me hesitant but then decides to come sit by me. When the next train, pulls up Hubby goes up further to get on the train. Aunt, Uncle, and I just go to the closest door (this was a bad decision.) As we are getting on the train, some rude girls (Hubby calls the gypsies) push their way through our group, bumping hard into Uncle. There is a musician on the train who was collecting money for his entertainment, he looks up at the gypsies and tells them something in French, and they push their way back off the train. Doors shut, and drama starts.

In about 10 seconds, Uncle realizes his wallet is gone (from his front pocket nonetheless). If you have never felt a dread in the pit of your stomach, that makes you want to puke, then you have never been pick pocketed on a metro in Paris. We get off at the next stop in hopes of recovering maybe at least some of the contents of the wallet, hoping they dumped it and took the cash. And Musician guy heads off the train quickly and proves a better magician than a musician because he disappeared. The wallet wasn't found but it wasn't horrible. Other than his license, and recommend, they got about $100 worth of assorted money, and a debit card that was quickly cancelled.

The part that was sad to be is how well orchestrated they had the act. The musician was working with the gypsies, it was obvious because Hubby said he was telling the girls to be fast and get off the train. Hubby thought the girls looked suspicious while we were waiting but never told Uncle, Aunt or I. He should have followed his gut, but it is hard to do when you are on a vacation high.

The lessons I learned were:
1. It is good to blend in as a local when you are trying to not get mugged. Uncle was definitely targeted because he looked very touristy.
2. Ditching church to see the Eiffel Tower does not earn bonus points with God.
3. Even the city you love can break your heart, and make off with your money.
4. Girls are not afraid to reach into a guys front pocket to make off with his money. (side note about Uncle - He was actually be quite diligent about having his hands in his pockets on his wallet so something like this didn't happen. But he reached out as he was getting on the train to pull himself in. It only took a second).

If you care to share, what is something bad that has happened to you that only took a second?

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-09-02T00:13:00.004-04:00

What can you create with less than 10 minutes and little paint? If you are my daughter a large mess. :) This guy can create art and entertainment.

After my long unexpected night tour from the Champs-Élysées to Notre Dame, I rested. But when the morning came I wanted to be out in the city. Without much a plan, Hubby and I decided we would go see Notre Dame in the day light. Not knowing the ways of the metro, or the lay of the city, I relied heavily on Hubby to lead the way. We ride a few stops down the line, and emerge from the underground ~~restrooms~~ metro, into the middle of Paris.

After the night before, I was not in the mood for aimless walking, and I wasn't seeing the towers of Notre Dame. I see little shops and lots of fun things, but Hubby keeps walking not stopping to look, and no hand holding like the other Parisian couples. I was getting irritated. (This happens easily for me.) I ask Hubby where we are going. He mumbles some sort of nonsense. By this time I knew I was destined to walk through all of Paris with never getting a chance to enjoy the things that I wanted to do.

Was it too much to ask to just sit outside a café to watch the city go by me, instead of me going by the whole city?

Hubby then says there is a plaza ahead that normally has all types of performers and we should go see if there is anyone there. That sounds good. My feet were still aching from the night before a rest would be nice. I was actually excited to have a chance to soak it in. We get to the plaza, and the guy above is just there trying to convince people to stop and watch. He had finished one show, and would be starting another one when there was a sufficient crowd to feed his ego. Actually he was quite funny and entertaining, and it was just awesome to actually hear people speaking French. No one really seemed to be gathering, Hubby and I were just at the back of the plaza. So we went and sat in front of his work area. He can and talked thanked us for sitting there and said he needed more people like us.

His told people passing that his show would only take five minutes (of course he is saying this in french I really loved that part). They were heading to the museum. What's at the museum that can't wait five minutes? he asks. He said the museum will be there all day, his show will only take five minutes.

His show actually took about eight minutes, but it was so fun to sit by Hubby and just enjoy Paris. Hubby knew what ego-painter was painting long before most people can guess. He did a good job and we tipped for his spectacular then went on our way.

What I loved most was his confidence, and his willingness to put himself out there. When you are mastering your art, are you so willing to put your work on the line with such confidence? I have been thinking a lot about criticism (Lazy Writer had a post on it just yesterday)

If you have time I uploaded the video of his performance to You Tube and it is being processed (blogger was taking FOREVER trying to upload it.) I have no idea how long that will take but the video is embed below in case it actually gets around to finishing the processing in time to be part of Wednesday French Inspiration. If not this is the link and I will send out a reminder when it up for viewing just in case you want to sit back and pretend you are sitting on the stone plaza ground watching ego-painter.

Also, as a side thought. Do any of my readers (if you are still reading the small print at the bottom, have any questions you want answered about me? Any questions about my writing, my French obsession, my life, or when I'm ever going to continue Dreams of Love?

If you do leave them in the comments and I will get to posting some answers.

Summer Reading Thing Wrap-up

2009-08-31T16:42:00.008-04:00

I think I have previously mentioned my relationship with deadlines. So it won't surprise you that I am posting my reviews for the remaining two books on my Summer Reading Program list on the last day of the assigned days. I signed up saying I would read three books.

1. The Host
2. Wings
3. My Fair Godmother

My review for The Host by Stephenie Meyers was posted earlier on this post.

I finished Wings by Aprilynne Pike last week. I enjoyed reading this book. The pace is easy, in the beginning a little slow for me. But as Laurel the main characters life begins changing the pace picks right up with it and carried me away in a tale that had me hooked. It was an in your face love story even though there were romantic connections there. I am interested in how these relationships will play out in the sequels. I really loved the characters, and I am impatiently waiting to read what will happen next in their lives.

Noticing that the deadline for reading and reviewing was quickly approaching I started My Fair Godmother by Janette Rallison on Thursday and even with a busy weekend and a slow reading pace I finished it today. I was laughing and hooked from the first page. And now have to say I don't think I ever want a fairy godmother to help me out in my life even if the end result is fantastic. You will laugh out loud, and cry a little. I am going to be telling a lot of people they need to read this book. It is just so fun.

Now that you read that I just loved all the books, you may think I love everything. This isn't true. I read a non list book last month. It is called Boy Crazy. I picked it up as an easy read. I was completely disgusted by the example it through out as completely appropriate. The characters were shallow.

Anyhow I enjoyed my Summer Reading Thing, and have been introduced to some new authors that I will continue to read.

Wednesday French Inspiration

2009-08-26T08:00:00.001-04:00

Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss photographed by Hubby's Uncle

I am in love with sculpted art. You may have noticed by the number of previous Wednesday posts that have sculptures. There is something so beautiful about how the artists can create so much life and emotion out of a lifeless, shapeless piece of marble. I could spend happy days wandering through the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Collection at the Louvre. Each piece tells a story, and I LOVE to be told stories.

Pictured above is the story of Cupid and Psyche. Ordered by his mother, Venus, to use his Golden arrow so that the dangerously beautiful Psyche would fall in love with a vile creature. Bond by his mother's orders, Cupid goes to fulfill his duty, but ends up scratching himself on the arrow and falling for Psyche. The story takes some twists and turns (it is linked above). Let's just say Venus still never likes Psyche even though her son loves her and many issues arise. It really does seem like a fairytale story... I love fairytales.

I love to see the stories around me. You can find them all things. When I was home this past week, we were driving the roads that wind through the country side. I passed the same run down house several times. I wanted to stop and take a picture, but I never did. I could see a story in it. The house was no longer habitable. What had the years brought to that home that had left it so desolate.

Does your mind work like this? Do you see and wonder about the stories around you? Do you create your stories by the things that you see?

Spot on Role Play

2009-08-25T01:14:00.002-04:00

During our stay at Nanna's house, Little Princess decided she wanted to dress up as a construction worker. Her cousin was dressed as a Doctor. Well, Little Princess must have really been getting into the role, because before I knew it she was peeing on the construction site.

Oops. Potty Training is hard enough without having to train a 2 year old construction worker. Sorry Nanna about your carpet.

My Life According to Billy Joel

2009-08-21T01:37:00.000-04:00

Like a million years ago, my bloggy friend Motherboard did a meme post that I wanted to do and never got around to until now. Well here it is. I told you I would get to it.... My timing is SLOW....

Pick your Artist:
Billy Joel

Describe yourself:
She's Always a Woman

How do you feel:
I Don't Want to Be Alone

Describe where you currently live:
Somewhere Along the Line

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
The River of Dreams

Your favorite form of transportation:
Travelin' Prayer

Your best friend:
C'Était Toi (You Were the One)

You and your best friend are:
Sometimes a Fantasy

What's the weather like:
Falling of the Rain

Favorite time of day:
Through the Long Night

If your life was a TV show, what would it be called:
Shameless

What is life to you:
The Longest Time

Your relationship:
Keeping the Faith

Your fear:
Only the Good Die Young

What is the best advice you have to give:
Honesty

Thought for the Day:
You May Be Right

How I would like to die:
Sleeping With the Television On

My soul's present condition:
Close to the Borderline

My motto:
If I Only Had the Words (To Tell You)