Tidbits and Miscellany

I wasn't really sure what to post today, but I had a variety of things that needed said (as it often is), and so here I am, jamming them all into one not-too-neat little post, but there you are. Such are the ways of Belle when she's in a scatter-brainedly ecstatic mood (don't ask me why I am in such a state exactly, I don't believe I could answer you properly... if at all). Maybe it's the fact that I had a plate of cheese and crackers (which I adore). Maybe it's because I've gotten all of my schoolwork done and it's not even two o' clock. Maybe it's because of the prospect of the beautiful sunshine outside that is pretty enough to enjoy but too cold to be pushed out into. I don't know. But. Anyways. I have a few random things to tell you of. First of all,

What has Belle been up to?

A question... I do not usually answer on this blog as a principle. But, as this is labeled 'Tidbits and Miscellany' I think a little unorthodoxy is in order. I have been watching a movie I seem to be fated never to finish (the movies in question being Gunga Din, with Cary Grant). I have started the Oresteian play, Agamemnon, and am enjoying it greatly and even contemplating making it into and opera because would that not be just splendid??? What else. I have embarked upon the brainstorming stage of a new novel, coauthored with a friend (if she is alright with it, late on I may introduce it on here). I have also reached new heights in the word counts of The Pain of a Memory, Alomina, and The Ever-Three (The Second Brother's sequel). I think that's about everything exciting. Oh, yes, actually, I guess I also discovered an amazing new artist (been listening to him non-stop ever since) called Patrizio Buanne. If you like pop, check out his Solo Tu, if you like jazz, check out his Crazy, if you like swing, check out his L'Italiano, and if you like hilarious parodies, check out Home to Mamma. He's really got everything. And with that, anything of interest I had to say, I believe, is said. :) Now, the next thing.

Questions for Alagna? Please...?

So, I'm not really sure what else to do. When I posted the last character bio (of Alagna Arleine, from Alagna), for the purpose of character interviews, nobody asked her any questions. Which is completely understandable, just kinda awkward in my situation. Because with no questions... no interview, unfortunately. Maybe somebody could scrape together a few so that the interviews don't get stopped? I would be very grateful. :) Thanks!

The Second Brother

I have not written even one more word in The Second Brother, but have written immense amounts in the sequel. Why? Who knows? I really, really want to share the beginning of it, but I don't think I will just yet. However, there is something else of it that I will share - a surprise at the bottom of the post. *mysterious smile* ;)

What's Ahead?

Within the next several posts, here's what you can expect if you want spoilers:

• Character interview (if Alagna gets enough questions)
• The next part of The Pain of a Memory
• Possible another Meet the Books! feature
• Tags, tags, tags
• Snippets of a story

Just for those who were curious to desperation, haha. ;)

The Surprise

You probably skipped ahead to this, didn't ya? Oh well. I wouldn't really mind even if anyone did, because I'm very eager to show this off. :)
https://www.playbuzz.com/bellea15/which-quester-from-the-second-brother-are-you
Tell me who you got and if you liked it! :D
Any questions for Alagna? Any questions about what posts are coming up? Any questions concerning the quiz? Any suggestions for movies after I finally finish Gunga Din? ;) 



Far, Far Away - A Song

This is my first time ever posting one of my songs. They aren't what most people would like, so I've never really been brave enough to do anything but talk about posting them before. But I'm still not. I would like to take this moment, before I post the song lyrics, to give the source of this. Another blogger - someone whose blog title could've told me that she was a fellow out there somewhere - started a while back posting her own songs. She wrote them, and yet still let them out, and to her I am very grateful. Thank you, Lilah, the Singing Writer, for paving the way! And thank you for all the beautiful songs you wrote - I've loved the ones I've read, and I hope that a stranger like me won't embarrass you in saying thank you so very distantly. And this song is also in thank you to everyone who has ever helped me out with my music - my friend in VA, my aunt, and my wonderful music teacher who has taught me so much. And also, if he is listening, which I doubt, a bright-haired, brown-eyed little rascally boy who has so reluctantly inspired many an idea for me. :)

***

Verse 1

When I close my eyes, I see it clear as day,

And when the sunlight dies, the dream is there to stay -

I only know

Somehow, it's there,

I only know

It's waiting for me somewhere.

Refrain

Far, Far Away,

Beyond what I can see,

I know my home

Is waiting there for me -

Someday I'll go back,

Chasing the running day,

But for a little while,

I'm far, far away.

Verse 2

I see the golden smile

That now lights a known face,

And after this small while,

That smile my hand will trace-

I only know

I love the sight so well,

I only long

For it more than I can tell.

-To Refrain-

Bridge

I promise you, never

Will my thoughts be severed

From my love so far away,

But promise me too, home,

That you'll stay my true home

Until this earth's last day.

Refrain

Far, far away,

Beyond what I can see,

I know my home

Is waiting there for me -

Someday I'll be back,

Though my heart always did stay -

And then I'll never leave

To far, so far away.



Waiting - A Poem

A poem for all those who are waiting.

***

Perhaps does someone wait for me,

Beyond the blue and breaking sea?

Perhaps in some far distant land,
Does someone wish to hold my hand?

Looking over silver shores,

Does anybody God implore

To keep me safe, to keep me whole,
As they gaze o'er the waves that roll?

Staring from the shore-cliff's peak,

Would someone my ship on the waters seek?
Would the ground be wettened with the tears
Of someone who for my sake fears?

 

Perhaps would someone wait for me

To come back from my long journey,
To stand at the shores of my home,
'Til I come back, no more to roam?

This does somebody do out there,
Beyond the misted seaborne air?
Does someone watch the early dawn,
As I once did in time bygone?

Perhaps they watch this scarlet rise

As teardrops fall down from their eyes,
Thinking of I - their love away -
Who may watch the same newborn day.

Perhaps someone play-strokes my hair,
Though where they are, I am not there;
Perhaps someone dreams of my eyes,
And may for them the dream not die.

And if such a someone waits for me,

Beyond this boundless, lonely sea,
Then I would take the greatest care
To survive Danger's burning flare,

And my Maker then I would implore

To let me live a moment more:

"Someone waits!", I'd gladly say,

"So, please, now let me wait for they!"

What did you think? Have you written any poetry? Feel free to share it or any thoughts in the comments! Did I get better aesthetics this time? ;) And is anybody else frustrated with how this blog always formats poetry wrong...?

Suffer Your Characters To Suffer

What would you say your favorite story is? If you're like me, you probably can't pin down just one, but a list. And what do the stories on this list have in common? I can guess at least one thing - for my favorites all have it in common as well. Suffering. The characters and suffering.

It makes a better book out of a bad one

Physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, all good books have suffering. Does this make a good book? Not necessarily, but it will make a better book. Even if your plot is as holey as Swiss cheese and your setting as overused as the word cliché and your characters as bland as angel food cake without frosting, suffering can at least help. Making your characters suffer will bring more attachment to them from the reader, at least out of empathy, and making high, difficult situations makes a plot more intense and a more enthralling read. Making your characters suffer can even help a boring setting, because it invokes urgency in the reader's mind, making them think that this is a dangerous or very undesirable place and situation (and all of us, the odd creatures we are, enjoy reading about other people being in trouble). Making your characters suffer will add interest in their wellbeing, because any sympathetic human being will at least be mildly interested in their solution to this suffering.

It polishes an already good book

Even if you have a nice, creative setting, good characters, and an intricate plot, you should still incorporate difficulties and strife. If your amazing characters are uncomfortable, it will have twice the empathetic effect as characters who are not amazing. If the reader loves your characters, their heart will ache all the more seeing them suffer, and be all the more invested in it. If your plot is already good, this  - even if it doesn't increase the stakes themselves - makes the stakes seem higher for losing it all. Same with the setting - suffering increases the human element in a story's setting because it is an essential part of humanity and earthly life.

It will increase your creativity

Thinking of new ways to make trouble for your characters that nobody else has used is one of the best exercises an author can do for creativity. A bajillion authors let somebody get shot in the shoulder with an arrow. What about in the middle of Central Park? A bajillion authors let people die in the last stretch of the book. What about early on? Even if the idea isn't necessarily a good one to actually use, your span of new ability for ideas is broadened by having it.

It develops your characters more

What makes each of your characters suffer? In trying to figure out even just this tiny question, you are delving right into your ink-and-paper person's heart. A tiny bit of heartache for a character can mean pages worth of development on them.

But isn't it a bit psychotic?

I've heard a few authors concerned before that making characters suffer can decrease the author's empathy, or make an author become rather obsessed with, or even a bit psychotic and inhuman in their normal life. However, let me dispel these fears. Actually, at least in my case, making my characters suffer has made me far more empathetic. Submerging myself in the darks and lights of other fictional people allowed me to see into the different viewpoints of other real people. In fact, I believe writing has done wonders for my relationships with my siblings and close friends especially, because I can imagine things from their point of view. And even random people, I start to analyze their viewpoints in my mind - it helps to know them better and to respect their actions more. As for being inhuman, many authors tend to give off that vibe, but most of the time it's not because they're authors. It's because a lot of authors are introverts, who also seem to give off that vibe, but in truth are merely people in their own little world. If authors don't pay attention to other people, or seem too quiet, it's merely because they think more about what those other people are saying or doing, not less. And being obsessed with making your characters suffer is a problem I have never come across in all my days of being an author or meeting other authors. A few may celebrate it, but that few are the people who like to pretend they're psychopaths anyways, and so writing was just one of many ways they found to channel that usually comically-meant persona. As far as I've observed, none of us are really, truly obsessed with seeing other people suffer.

Why do we write suffering?

Yes, you may agree with my arguments at this point, but there is the creeping question that I haven't answered yet. Why? Why do we as readers love books with suffering? Why do we as writers tend to write suffering? Why? I think the first reason has to do with what I've mentioned above - suffering is such an integral part of humanity, that it gives us a revelation of our own lives and world to see suffering. We realize how much it reflects our humanity and it plays upon our hearts' attachment to our fellows. To see another suffer reflects our own suffering, and we wish for both to end, but we are interested because it tells us what we bear in this life.

Another reason is the reason for real-life suffering - it is a cross we must bear, but it touches us. In suffering, we grow within ourselves, and in sticking with others through their suffering, the same effect is accomplished through our human empathy. We are perhaps sobered by the fact of suffering, but we also take joy in the fact that it is not all there is to existence. So reading it makes us feel the presence of both joy and sorrow, so deeply written in our being.

The final reason is perhaps the most profound. We, as humans, imitate what we love or admire. In our real suffering we imitate Christ on the cross. In writing suffering, we wish our characters to imitate that same scene. We love to see them as sacrificial, and beautiful, and a profound insight into the greatest things of life. In writing their suffering, we are expressing our desire to be like Christ even in our works. And in having our works imitate Him, we give him glory - and is that not the ultimate goal of any art?

Summary

 If you are writing a book, let your characters suffer. There is nothing better you can do for your book - and it can even be spiritually aiding for you in addition. And, perhaps, it can lead your reader also to an image of what they most want to be - a true human, who suffers with us all.

So there's my light writing-tip post turned all meditational and profound. This happens every time I write posts without pre-decided guidelines... :P But, despite the inconsistent change of mood mid-post, what did you think? Do you agree? Do you have anything to add? Are there any of the aforementioned mock-psychopath writers in my audience? And is anyone else frustrated with how incongruous the aesthetic of this post is???





The Pain of a Memory - Part VI

Hi! I know that you guys are probably wanting some variety from Meet the Books! and story snippets at this point, and I'm sorry it's been so predictable around here. But, here's another piece of The Pain of a Memory, and I promise the next post won't be Meet the Books! or this. Sowwy! The last part may be found below.
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Hope you enjoy! :)

***

Echo limped through the streets into the town square. There it was - the scene that had called him from his home. A king's messenger, a trumpeter, and a company of the summoned knights were gathering there.

They were about to announce something. They wouldn't summon the knights and have a messenger sound the trumpet if they weren't. Echo hoped that - whatever it was that they were announcing - it wasn't another quest. He wanted to be home... But if they proclaimed a dire enough need, he knew he would volunteer. Maybe if he tried not to hear...? No good, he was already curious. No, no, no. Echo prayed only that it was nothing of too much consequence. He listened closer, though, relentless of the urge inside him to cover his ear.

The trumpeter blew his horn again. Echo held his breath. The messenger rolled out a scroll. "Hear, all knights of our king!", he cried. "There has been a decree of trouble in our fair kingdom of Belestine!"

Echo pressed his fingertips to his head in worry. So far this wasn't turning out so well. But he listened all the same as the messenger continued.

"There have been various raids on the forest border in our fair kingdom. The mountains seem to shadow a band of thieves. These bandits grow ever and ever more troublesome. Attempts of minor law-aids to catch or corner the rogues have been fruitless. So far they have mostly intercepted trading-carts to Nistria, but there is rumor that a slightly larger, foreign host was moving through our land and now is gone. The king suspects that if this small party ever really existed, they were overtaken by the vagabonds. We think that, with a small host our own, we may be able to track and apprehend these vagabonds to finally free our forest border. And so, we need a knight willing to aid our mother-country, Belestine. We need a knight to lead the host to the border and take the rogues - lest Nistria hold us responsible for their losses in trade. Who among you shall volunteer?", the messenger finished and looked about for emphasis. "If such a knight returns victorious, he will gain great reward. It will not be a thankless task, so who among you shall volunteer?"

Echo listened desperately for someone else to say something. He was already having to hold himself back from volunteering, and he wouldn't be able to refrain much longer if no one else offered. But a moment of silence defiantly reigned. The messenger glanced around at the knights, who in turn glanced at one another expectantly. It needs done... They need my help... No...! Please let someone else volunteer...

Still no one spoke. Perhaps the other knights were - like Echo - weary from the last journey. Perhaps they knew the peril of the forest border and its thieves. But, for whatever reason, still no one spoke.

Echo had to restrain himself harder and harder not to give in. He looked around hopefully at the other knights. Echo just couldn't do it. He was only a lesser knight, he had just gotten back from a journey, and he had two children to stay home with and take care of. He couldn't just leave them again so soon. Who knew if he'd come back this time? He just couldn't let them down like that. Why wouldn't someone else volunteer? Echo couldn't let Ariff and Orlania down... But, then, he couldn't let this country and its innocent people down either. They needed someone's aid, and who was Echo to refuse a need for aid? Echo set his jaw firm.

"I will go", Echo spoke up determinedly.

Everyone now turned to look at him. The messenger raised a brow.

"Are you a knight of the king?", the messenger asked suspiciously, perhaps doubtful of Echo's knighthood due to his very roughened garb.

"Yes" Echo stepped forward. "I am a lesser knight of the knights of King Ohelm", he said, showing a ring on his finger - the ring of Belestinian knights with common or foreign blood.

The messenger raised now both brows, perhaps disappointed that the only volunteer was a lesser knight. But, no one else spoke, so the messenger finally bade Echo come forth, seeming a bit reluctant.

"The leader of our host shall be the knight, ah...." The messenger turned to Echo questioningly.

"Ah, Echo...", Echo said absently.

"Echo? I know of no Sir Echo...", the messenger trailed off confusedly.

"Oh, ah, Torriven, Sir Torriven", Echo corrected himself.

"By the good knight Sir Torriven!", finished the messenger.

Echo stepped down afterwards, and started to head back towards the hut. A feeling of relief in conscience was in him, but it was accompanied by a sinking weight. He would have to leave the children again.

Echo just didn't know what to do with himself sometimes. He couldn't help doing these things - it was merely out of an overpowering conscience and a sense of duty. He would have to leave Orlania and Ariff again. He would have to go back and see their smiling faces and then tell them. He would have to tell them and watch Lania's face shade with worry and Ariff's smile fade with disappointment. They wouldn't say anything, but he knew they'd be devastated.

They hated it when he left, and Echo hated having to leave them. Why did things have to be like this? Poor kids...  Echo set his jaw firm. Whatever would be, would be, he supposed. With some prayers, it might turn out well in the end. But all the same, he hated to leave them again so soon...

***

Perhaps now my readers may guess at the connection of Sir Echo with Anwynne? I told you he would be relevant! ;) And soon enough, our Echo will meet with the troubles of Anwynne... But, for now, you can look forward to a post of something other than The Pain of a Memory! So, tell me, did you enjoy it? Have any critique? Comments? Suggestions? I love any and all input, providing it's civilly done, so chat with me!



The 10 Most Loveable Cartoon Characters of All Time

Hi! So I've been watching a lot of cartoon shows I used to watch - mainly for fun. But, in discovering some old beloved shows, I uncovered something else. Some of the most loveable, endearing, just plain 'Awww!'-invoking characters - you know, those ones you couldn't get enough of once upon a time, and somehow somehow(!) forgot with time. Today, I'm reminiscing a bit about those old loves... I'll always hold a place in my heart for all of them.

#1 - Arthur from Babar, King of the Elephants

I've been watching (and loving) Babar since I was three years old, and it's never gotten boring. When recently, for the first time in two years, I saw it again, I fell in love even more than I had before. And my old love was still just as great - Arthur. Arthur is the rambunctious, adventurous, tall-tale-telling explorer brother of Babar's wife, Celeste, and he really is the best character in the show. With his characteristic white beret that has its red pom-pom on top, he was a sight received most delightedly by my memories. Always adventuring off onto nigh-impossible endeavors, always getting swept up in large-scale plans and plots, and yet always coming home to tell the stories afterwards (usually somewhat exaggeratedly) to his fascinated nieces and nephews. My favorite character in my favorite cartoon, Arthur always will be a pleasing sight to me - and I hope that children of this day won't ever lack for the sight of his silly beret either. :)

#2 - Jay Gordon/Walker from Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

Jay is the most recent rediscovery of my old cartoon loves, though he's not quite so old as the rest (I actually started watching Ninjago only about a year or two ago - and the series, NOT the messed-up movie!). He's the court jester of the ninjas, perhaps, but he's ever-endearing with his common panicking, his constant joking, and his adorable bashfulness. Not to mention his cute, though often failed romance. Rare a laugh come from watching Ninjago has not come from Jay. And at first, all he seems to be is the loveable clown of the group. It's in his season, season #7, that you really get development on him. He's a gentleman at heart, always striving to help others, and be chivalrous even in his modern age. And he endures more than most cartoon characters I've seen just for the sake of others (in fact, in one particular episode, he gets beaten/tortured by pirates repeatedly to the point of temporarily losing his ability to walk, use his powers, and see in one eye, yet keeps his composure amazingly). And if there's one thing that's endearing, it's a character with an unassuming appearance who shows themselves a rock of fortitude in hard times. Now that's a loveable character.

#3 - Scooby Doo from What's New, Scooby Doo?

Really, Scooby should be first, but he's so well-known, I think that he can afford a little less mention. In fact, I don't think any introduction to him is necessary. How often does one come across a talking, constantly hungry, mostly cowardly, mystery-solving great dane?

#4 - Starscream from Transformers

How on earth did a villain get on this list? Don't ask me, it's just Starscream! Somehow, even for being the cowardly, treacherous, villainous right-hand man of Megatron, leader of the Decepticons, Starscream was always my favorite of all the transformers (with only maybe Optimus Prime as competition). Constantly a mutineer vying for alpha position among the Decepticons, somehow the shady, bojo-esque character of Starscream always made him strangely enjoyable. And that high-pitchedly tense voice was always so familiar and smile-enticing. (And no, people, I'm not talking about the popular Transformers Starscream - not the new moves, but the old 1980's series. They're way better, you know!)

#5 - Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe: The Real American Hero

By this point, you can probably tell that I love old 80's cartoons (some of them, at least). And G.I. Joe is no exception! The best of the Joes, though, is a mute martial arts expert who constantly wears a blind mask and has a pet timber wolf. Who? Snake Eyes! Perhaps the name is a bit cheesy, but cheesy's fine by me. And, being the only G.I. Joe that isn't constantly making painfully punny jokes all the time (he couldn't make one even if he wanted to), Snake Eyes already had one thing going for him. He doesn't speak, but nonetheless his character shines through vibrantly. And no other character exhibits the same amount of common sense, I assure you. Or cool ninja moves. ;)

#6 - King Babar and Basil from Babar, King of the Elephants

Though I love Arthur better, Babar has always held a special place in my heart (despite my sister's avid hatred of him and his show). And Basil the rhino has always been a great source of laughter in the show. I couldn't decide which I liked better, so they're tied as it is. They're so different! - Babar, in his steadfast, humble, kingly character, and Basil with his cheapskate tricks but unerring loyalty to King Retaxes of Rhino Land. Though often at odds, both Babar and Basil are characters deserving of praise amongst cartoons.

Unfortunately couldn't find one with Basil in it, but there's Babar, Celeste, and Retaxes.

#7 - Kai Smith from Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu

I know, I know, another Ninjago one. But, seriously, guys, this show is pretty awesome! I mean, Legos, ninjas, amazing characters, and intriguing plot arcs - how could it not be? And Kai is the main ninja it centers around. Hot-headed though he is, sometimes Kai's hotheadedness is endearing... and sometimes it's very frustrating. Either way, though, he never fails to amuse. And being the main one, you get to see a lot of him. Perhaps not quite so loveable or dependable as Jay, but still one of the best characters in the show.

#8 - Basil the Hare from Redwall

This show is another I love but my sister unfortunately loathes. Most of all she loathes the tall, gangly white hare in a red feathered cap always striding about the place saying "What, what" - however, as we usually do, we differ greatly on this character. Basil the hare is undoubtedly Redwall's best character (I actually didn't like him much when I first read the books, but the show softened my heart somehow). An adventurer of sterling loyalties, though perhaps rather haphazard habits, Basil is quite the loveable character (what is it with loveable characters being called Basil...?).

#9 - Peter Parker/Spiderman from Spiderman

I couldn't tell you the specific name of which cartoon Spiderman he's in (as it's been a few years now), but whichever one it was, it was good. This Peter Parker was not the awkward punk we see in the Marvel franchise, but a Peter Parker of troubles and conscience, and actual background. A Peter Parker really striving to be his best in a world that loves him one day, hates him the next. A Peter Parker having to carry his cross everyday of working for his worst enemy. He had virtue beyond most cartoon characters I've seen, and he had troubles equal to it. A chivalrous protector of the alleyways of New York, lover of simple things, vilified by everyone, but doing his duty anyways. That's the Spiderman I know and love. :)

#10 - Tigger from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Best version of Winnie the Pooh ever. And Tigger, as he has in almost every representation of the series, remained my favorite above all in this version. Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! Who knows what the most wonderful thing about Tigger is? Who could pinpoint just one single thing? All I know is, for the total, Tigger is the most wonderful (and nostalgic) thing about Winnie the Pooh to me.

And that wraps things up. What did you think? Are you familiar with any of these characters? Perhaps they bring nostalgia to you as well? Do you have any favorite cartoon characters? Any favorite cartoons? Chat with me! 



Tag Juggling - Look At Me, Three At Once!

Hallo! I would write you a captivating introduction to this post, but as it is, I am very busy. Busy doing what, you may ask? Well, juggling. Juggling tags, to be precise. I think every tag in the blogging world (total exaggeration) has hit me and I have procrastinated long enough to have more tags than I do Il Divo albums now (not an exaggeration, unfortunately). So! I need to start juggling!

The Versatile Blogger Award

I technically didn't get tagged for this one, per se, but I said I would do it... *shrugs* And so I shall.

The Rules (because, to quote a movie I really hate but am always quoting, "What's fun without the rules?"):

• Thank the person who nominated you (no one, in this case, but I'll thank Lucy Agnes anyways, as it was her doing that it even got on my radar. Thanks, Lucy!)
• Share 7 facts about yourself (ugh - boring!)
• Nominate 10(?!) other bloggers of your choice
• Link your nominees and let them know of your nomination

Alrighty, concerning Belle -

Fact #1



I am a student of music, studying voice and piano presently, and in the midst of writing with said musical learning two operas and a wanna-be Broadway musical.

Fact #2

I am so in love with fictional characters sometimes, I wrote a waltz for a book character once, as well as extensive poetry.

Fact #3

I am a baptized, confirmed Roman Catholic, very traditional, very orthodox, and I don't enjoy it when people make fun of religion or religious people. STOP MAKING FUN OF CATHOLICS!!!

Fact #4

My five favorite actors are Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Charlton Heston, and Jimmy Stewart (in that order), and all of them are dead at this point in time. :P

Fact #5

I am so introverted, the one time I experienced any kind of male attention that was obviously romantically inclined, I was weirded out and initially avoided the guy because of it (and am still weirded out!)

Fact #6

I have listening to and/or watched the opera Carmen so many times, that hearing any piece from it, I could tell you exactly what act it was in, exactly who sang it, and almost exactly what part it's at in the opera (working on that presently).

Fact #7

Despite being very awkward and caught off-guard in any such personal experience, as in Fact #5, I am quite the romantic for other people and fictional characters.

And that sums that part up. Now, I don't even know 10 bloggers, I don't think, so I'll just tag a bunch of people for all three tags at the bottom of this pots.

The Cookie Book Tag

Okay, so is the name of this tag not just delicious in itself??? I don't know about you, but if there was an award for tags with the best title, this one would get it. :) The rules are to match a book to each cookie listed, and then to spread the tag via awarding other bloggers. Which I shall now do.

This has to be one of my favorite pictures ever. So yummy... :D

Chocolate Chip - a book that never gets old

Blue, the lovely lady who tagged me (and thanks, btw, Blue!) already said the Bible, so let me think... The Hobbit, duh! Best book to re-read ever!

Dutch Snowballs - a book that gave you an unexpected surprise

The Chronicles of Prydain, to be sure. I love the old The Black Cauldron cartoon, but I had always despised Gurgi in it with all my being. If there was one single thought I had about the story, it was that Gurgi was soooooo dumb. But then I read the book. I don't understand it. He wasn't even that difference in the book, but somehow, I adored him. Gurgi - whose prime fact of his existence was that I hated him - became one of my favorites. Boy was that a surprise.

Molasses - a book with a character that gets in a sticky situation

The Scarlet Pimpernel. Marguerite digs herself in such a deep hole in parts of it, it's just ridiculous. *facepalm* She just gets into so much trouble. It's very frustrating.

Oreo - a book dealing with the light and the darkness

I'd say Crusader King (my most recent book-love experience). It shows the virtue and growing goodness of Baldwin himself, and his friend Theo very well, but the villains - wow. They were just painted so vividly, they were just despicable. And yet... you could see the way the wheels in their heads turned. Just like Baldwin and Theo, sorta. Except they were twisted. But it showed both sides in intimate ways, making it an exceedingly pleasurable read.

Sugar - a book with a sugary sweet villain

Pride and Prejudice - Wickham definitely fits that billing. And he's just as sickeningly sweet as a sugar cookie is too. *nods head decisively*

Monster - a book that confused your emotions

Princess Academy definitely did. The romance was so vague, and yet present, that it was soooooo hard to figure out (while at the same time being incredibly simple). It drove me into an inner hysterical state sometimes, truly. I loved the prince (even though he wasn't present for most of the book), and I also loved the original romantic interest, Peder, but I was so torn. Because there wasn't a real love triangle, except maybe in the protagonist's head. The prince only seemed to mildly enjoy her company, and Peder was too hard to figure for all his simplicity of emotion. But in her head it was such a frustrating ultimatum of definitely marrying one or the other - Ahhhhhh!!!!

Snickerdoodle - a book that made you laugh

Again, Crusader King would fit well, but I'll try and pick a different one. Hmm... man, I really haven't been reading many comic books lately... How about  Little Women? Laurie always makes me laugh in that (despite the fact that I may or may not have already read it seven times...).

Peanut Butter - a book with a nutty character

Oh, definitely King Solomon's Mines. It wasn't lacking in eccentric characters, let's just say... :P

Now, thank you for the tag, Blue! And I shall tag people at the bottom of this post.

Daily Quote Challenge

This one I got from Anna Deubell. Thank, Anna! So the rules are as follows:

1. Thank the person who nominated you (check!)
2. Nominate three new bloggers everyday (at the bottom of the post)
3. Post a new quote each day for three consecutive days

And... I'm going to do it like Anna did it, and just do all three quotes all at once right now. And also like Anna, I'm going to make this fun and do quotes having to do with stories (then, also like Anna, display quotes from the stories themselves). I'm going to use my newest novel - My Land, My Heart.

"Someday, someone will hug you so tight that all your broken pieces fit back together"

-Anonymous-

This quote fits perfectly to the story (which... will someday be introduced on here, no doubt). And here is a quote from My Land, My Heart:

"It doesn't matter if I am loved. I love, and that is what matters, isn't it?"

- Selina (although Veren also says something similar) -

All the remaining pictures are taken from the My Land, My Heart Pinterest board, here.

"True soldiers fight not because they hate what is in front of them, but because they love what is behind them"

- G. K. Chesterton -

Another perfect one. This basically summarizes the idea behind the title and the whole story. Love doesn't cause fights, but love doesn't run from them. It's a display of Mr. Chesterton's pure brilliance at its best certainly.

"War is inevitable at this point, but I have reconciled myself to it in the face of the reason why it is inevitable"

- Veren -

"How do you move on? You move on when your heart finally understands that there is no going back"

- J. R. R. Tolkien -

Can anyone state it more artistically? This quote is a story within itself. No novelist has since failed to reciprocate in some form or other the many ideas of Tolkien, and this especially is one no one can help copying... not even me.

"Perhaps the reason I do not mourn is because I know that it is not the time - there is more reason to mourn yet coming, there are other people who need me more than my mourning, and there are people who will mourn more than I before this is over"

- Ronan -

So! That ends the quotes, and I'll end the tag by thanking Anna. Thanks, Anna, for the tag, and for allowing me to be the copycat that I have been! :P

And the bloggers I shall nominate for all three of these tags are as follows:

• Hope
• Catherine Hawthorn
• Lucy Agnes (excepting the Versatile Blogger Award)
• Blue (except for the Cookie Book Tag, which she has already done)
• Kate
• Fellow Rebel (please let me know if you read this, Fellow Rebel, because even though I have seen your icon here before, I do not know where to find your blog and so have no other way of telling you of your tagging)
• Kat N Lia (same situation as Fellow Rebel - please let me know if you see this)
• Anna Deubell (excepting the Daily Quote Challenge)
• Anyone else who feels like doing any of these

Don't ask me what this picture has to do with tags... It looked kinda cool. :P

And that ends this post. Thanks to all the people who tagged me (for those who don't see their tag here, I will be doing more tags soon, don't worry!), and thanks to all the people who made the tags - they were a blast! :D Happy New Year to all of you, and to those whom it may be of interest to, a late happy Solemnity of Mary as well. I hope you enjoyed the post, and with this post is ended my hiatus, so I shall be back again soon. :)