Inspirational Music: Dreamer by Elizavetta

(Photo of me taken by my friend on Halloween)

Part of my writing playlist and just a gorgeous song!

Every now and then . . .

Every now and then . . .

I take a walk in my backyard
I burst into song
I write a poem
I choose a random book from Barnes & Noble and read it
I cry in the movie theater
I say something funny
I eat something cold during winter
I have hot tea in the summer
I wear my favorite outfit
I try a different craft like painting or jewelry making
I go through my old notebooks
I take a risk
I don't clean my room
I watch A Walk to Remember
I take a picture
I put a song on repeat
I listen to my music without skipping songs, even when I want to
I challenge myself
I trip or fall
I don't get back up
I run away
I write a diary entry
I get a new hairstyle
I take a late night trip to WalMart
I bring a keepsake
I lose a friend
I put my guard down
I try something new
I eat dessert for dinner
I take a personal day
I do a puzzle
I cook a new dish
I pick a random picture and write about it
I read a children's book
I watch the stars
I learn a new language
I accept reality
I create a new goal

Writing Prompt 34: Things you want to do in life

Prompt: Write a list of 25 (or just 5!) things you want to do in your life.

1. Become a professional writer
2. Publish a novel
3. Make a music album
4. Fall in love
5. Go to Japan
6. Work for Disney
7. Visit Korea
8. Go to Disneyland Paris
9. Have a Disney wedding
10. Raise children
11. Have my own library
12. Adopt a cat
13. Make a difference
14. Live with no regrets
15. Go see the Teddy Bear Museum
16. Go to a Cherry Blossom Festival
17. Go to a Tanabata festival
18. Swim with dolphins
19. Dine at the Beauty and the Beast Restaurant
20. See the Northern Lights
21. Receive a single red rose from someone I love
22. Have a Disney cruise trip with all my friends and family
23. Visit Atlantis (the theme park)
24. See the Great Barrier Reef
25. Accomplish a great feat

Something you admire . . .

        It's a tie between courage and confidence. I believe that courage and confidence go hand in hand. To be confident, you must have the courage to be yourself. To have courage you must have confidence in yourself. I guess I admire them, and spot them in a person right away, because I didn't have courage and confidence when I was younger. In all honesty I gave up on many things, including myself. It's been said that all the things worthwhile in this life require courage: getting a job, falling in love, having children, pursuing a dream and persevering in  a difficult situation. From characters in stories to people in real life, courage will always be admirable in my eyes. Confidence is it's own branch of courage. It takes bravery to speak your mind, step into the unknown and discover who you are.
      The power to face your fears requires a confidence that you will overcome them. That confidence becomes more important than fear. I believe that if you have courage and confidence, you can do anything you set your mind to. Most of the people I admire have these qualities, and I'm fascinated by the lengths they have gone with two simple character traits. The truth is that hanging around someone with these qualities is contagious. When someone around you believes in his or her self, you begin to discover that you can do the same.  The main reason that I admire both courage and confidence the most is because in my eyes, years ago, they were super powers. Anyone around me who was confident and courageous was a powerful being who could achieve anything in the world. There were many days I wondered how it happened. How could someone be so straightforward about what they wanted, and then go for it without fear?
       Now I'm learning, little by little, that it is something you discover, buried under doubt and fear. Some people have told me I'm more confident then I believe, and I'm braver than I know. For awhile these comments were extremely difficult for me to believe, and that was frustrating for the people who said them. Now, when I look back, I faced a lot of fears of my own and I displayed confidence without even realizing it. I'm still not as confident or courageous as I'd like to be, so I suppose that's another reason why I admire these qualities in others. These people give me a goal, to become as courageous and confident as they are, maybe even more so. My heroes, role-models and favorite characters are all important for me to look up to because they give me the hope that I will one day be just as amazing as they are.

Something that speaks to me . . .

 Blog Challenge week post 1:
Prompt: Something that speaks to you . . .

          When I was in High School, I read Fruits Basket by Natsuki Tayaka for the first time. I felt attached to the characters right away, because they all had problems. Some problems were more serious than others, but the main thing that kept me reading was the hope and love all the characters find because they never give up on rising above their misfortunes. It's a story about acceptance: acceptance of the self and acceptance of others. It's also a story about growing up, facing fear and overcoming everything to find love and happiness. The anime is just as important, but not as long, complex and detailed as the manga. With each secret revealed and burden lifted, the Sohmas find a way to survive with a curse, and Tohru Honda discovers a real family.
        There is no way I can sum this anime or manga up in a paragraph or even an essay. It really speaks for itself and dives into the human heart in a way I have never seen a story do before. The closest story I can compare Fruits Basket to is Dengeki Daisy by Kyousuke Motomi.This story speaks to me, because it taught me so many important lessons and gave me hope that I would overcome my weakness and become stronger through each difficulty I faced. To me, Fruits Basket is about life and how people learn from it.

Now, I'll let Fruits Basket speak for itself ^_^

Writing Prompt 33: Why do you write?

        
      I write for many reasons. It started as a way to come up with great stories. I would write story after story in elementary school. I wrote more poems in Middle School and finally from High School on I have written many different pieces. I love writing.
       Writing was my escape for years. It's my escape from depression, hopelessness and of course doubt. When I write I can do anything and be anything, just like when I read I can go anywhere and become someone different. Truly great stories always contain an element of humanity, and I try to achieve that whenever I write. It could be anything, from an essay to a novel. Each time I write, I try to create a world where I can express who I am and what I believe. Hope is essential to my stories, and every single story I enjoy has some element of hope in it.
      Writing is my therapy. It can take me away and teach me lessons I don't have the courage to learn, and take me on a journey to discover more about myself and the world around me. It's more than a hobby, it's a life style and a method of survival.
       I get depressed when I don't write, similar to the way I get depressed when I don't sing. Sure, my writing isn't always happy and perfect, but it is a way to believe in myself. Whenever I write, I convince myself that I am someone important. It's a way for me to develop self confidence and achieve small goals that give me the courage to pursue greater goals. Writing gives me the courage to understand the world around me and discover what I can do.
      The stories I read inspire me to write. Movies, television and even video games have encouraged me to come up with my own world, and create characters that give people hope. The hope to achieve goals and discover their identity.
      In many ways, a story is the only place I feel like I can be myself, without judgement. I can believe the impossible and make a difference without facing the wall that I have put up.
     So, why do I write? I write to dream, live, laugh and learn. And one day, I will develop enough courage to create my own true story of accomplishing my goals and living my dreams.

Balance

How much should you care

for others and yourself?

In hope and despair

when you need a little help?

Is it like a reflection?

The same image on either side

Is it more like a scale

with no extra weight to hide?

If you have a hurt buried

can you make it disappear?

To save yourself from worry

doubt and fear?

How much should you listen

to what people say?

Insults and accusations

in seriousness and play.

This complex question

is not a simple thought.

It comes with perspective

and what has been taught

to survive such matters

from person to person.

Some you can trust

and others you can't be certain:

Who will protect 

and who will harm,

Who's hiding their pain

with bright smiles and charm.

Who is true

and who is a lie?

Who will hurt you

no matter what you try?

These answers are not easy

and all must be learned

through experience of pain

and trust to be earned.

But the balance between

who is selfish or not

comes from judgement within

and knowledge that's sought. 

Kyouru Polyvore set

I just made this Polyvore set in honor of Kyouru :) Inspired by the picture above.

More details here: http://www.polyvore.com/kyouru_set/set?id=45869702

Music to write by: Waka Waka by Shakira

This was performed by Mile21 last night and it was fabulous ^_^ I love the lyrics and the mood of this song. Perfect to write by:

Lyrics:

You're a good soldier
 Choosing your battles
 Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle

You're on the front line
 Everyone's watching
You know it's serious
We're getting closer
This isn't over

The pressure is on
You feel it
But you've got it all
Believe it

When you fall get up
Oh oh...
And if you fall get up
Oh oh...

Tsamina mina
Zangalewa
Cuz this is Africa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
This time for Africa

Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Don't wait in line
Y vamos por Todo

People are raising
Their Expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations

Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it

If you get down
Get up Oh oh...
When you get down
Get up eh eh...

Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
This time for Africa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh

Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa

Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Be Strong

Be strong,
and do what you can.
Even if life
doesn't go according to plan.
You must believe
or else what will you have?
An empty heart
and a wound without salve.
Deep breaths are important,
just two or three
can make all the difference
from what you can be.
When life gets tough
you be tough too.
Believe in yourself.
Do all you can do.
After all what is life
with no purpose in mind?
Beautiful details
Nice things to say
How you can improve
who you are day after day.
With every memory,
and every mistake,
a lesson is learned.
Each step  you take.
Be strong and be brave.
No matter the cost.
You have to be found
before you are lost.
Learn from your tears,
face your fears.
Do your best
but remember to rest.
Life can be cruel,
and life can be kind.
Sometimes you must lose
in order to find.
Create who you are
and have no doubt.
Whatever comes your way
you will figure it out. 

Words that inspire me

 Phrases and quotes:
Once upon a time
Follow your dreams
Keep moving forward
"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere." - Belle- Beauty and the Beast
"The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible." Alice in Wonderland
Dear Daisy . . .
Rainy days were always the best
"This is my story" FFX- FFX2
Be yourself
Beauty is on the inside
Never judge a book by its cover
"I've heard it said that girls can't keep secrets. That's wrong: we'd proved it" - Wildwood Dancing
"A philosopher once asked, are we human because we gaze at the stars, or do we gaze at them because we are human. Do the stars gaze back? Now that's a question." Star Dust
"There is no such thing as coincedence. What there is it Hitsuzen." Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle
"Love is hope." Once Upon A Time
Camp Half- Blood - Percy Jackson
"The reason why books are heavy is because the whole world is inside them" - Inkheart
"That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me." Ella Enchanted
All good stories begin with a wish

Names:
Adrian
Percy
Belle
Jenica
Costin
Alleah
Alan
Rose
Alec
Kyo
Tohru
Peter
Tidus
Yuna
Tatiana
Sorrow
Silvertongue
Dustfinger
Farrid
Dexter
Remy
Westley
Hermione
Ron
Celeste
Jareth
Aurelie
Cybelle
Serenity

Objects:
rose
stars
tea cups
books
perfume
masks
post cards
envelopes
jewelry boxes
paintings
fans
kimonos
puzzles
music boxes
journals
hair barrettes
music
bottles
letters
chop sticks
rugs

Topics:
Mythology
Folk Lore
Fairy Tales
Classics
Astrology
Magic
Self Discovery
Heroism
Culture
Justice
Balance
Dreams
Goals
Stories
Courage

Details:
Dark
Light
Rain
Wind
Lightning
Water
Flowers
Crystal
Pearls
shadows
rays of sunlight
paths
spirits
guardians
palaces
festivals
silver
fountains
waterfalls
ballrooms
water gardens
mist
libraries
languages
fashions
curses
sea creatures
clouds
constelations

Places:
Spira
Gran Pulse
Cocoon
 The Sohma Estate
Middle Earth
The Wildwood
Avalon
Disneyland
Walt Disney World
Egypt
Ancient Greece
Enchanted Forests
StormHold
Neopia
Talia
Pemberly
Neverland
The Wizarding World
InkHeart
The World of the Gods
Piffle World
The World Beyond
Lakeview
Persia
Myst
The Hanshin Republic
The Country of Clow
The Country of Shura
The Labyrinth
HalloweenTown
Radiant Garden
Twilight Town
Beast's Castle
The World beyond the Mirror
Atlantica
Zanarkand
Pandora
The Northern Water Tribe
Ba Sing Se
The Northern Air Temple
The Spirit World
Agrabah
District 12
Ponyville
Canterlot
Kingdom of Dreams
The City of Recourt
Yume Kira Dream Shop
Ancient Japan
Wonderland/ Underland
ANJEL's headquarters
Yubaba's Bathhouse
Howl's Moving Castle
The City of Laputa


Miscellaneous:

Dragons
Fairies
Aeons
Avatar
Shiva
Ifrit
Isbjorn
Summoner
Faelin
Foi
Pegasus
Unicorn
Borrower
Butterfly
Pokemon
Demi-God
Wanderer
Siren
Mermaid
Dolphin
Polar Bear
Lion
Stravanga
Blitzball
Hitsuzen
art of the Hikari
Sailor scout
Pig rabbit
Gumiho
Moon
Sun
Ocean
Sky
Keyblade
Kingdom Keeper
Magician
Dreamer
Adventurer
Reader
Believer

RumBelle wallpaper

Yes I made another one. This one is clearly based on the iconic ballroom dance. Enjoy RumBellers ^_^

Who you are and What you are

         The latest episode for My Little Pony Friendship is Magic focused on Spike and walked through his journey to discover who he is and what he is capable of. He found other dragons, and tried to learn the things they do and fit in with the crowd. He discovered that just because he was a dragon, he didn't have to or want to act like one. Spike decided who he was by doing what he enjoyed instead of what was expected of him due to his label.
          Labels can be a positive or negative thing. By giving someone a general title, specific expectations are related to that name. A worker is expected to work, a student is expected to study and an artist is expected to create art. Other labels like jock, nerd and prep have nothing to do with who a person is, unless they choose to make the label become who they are. Once you put a label on a person, they become a one dimensional persona in your mind. Whether the persona is good or bad depends on your acknowledgement of people. People give themselves labels to define who they are, especially if they are judgmental of  others and want to create a specific clique to belong to.
          Even if you enjoy activities associated with the label of prep, nerd or jock, the label itself will  never be who you truly are. Spike learned this when he met other dragons, and tried to pass every test they gave him, due to the pressure he felt in not knowing his identity.
          Alice from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland goes on a similar journey. Everyone tells her that she is the wrong Alice but only when she tells Absolem who she is, does she gain the power to face the Jabberwocky. Alice learns who she is by discovering what she can do. She makes decisions to change her fate, and prove everyone wrong that she's the wrong Alice.
         The message of these stories is simple: Only you have the power to decide who you are and what you can do. Spike learned this by meeting other dragons, and Alice learned this by acting on what she wanted to do. Both characters had let other people determine who they were by doing what was expected of them, but they finally discovered what they really wanted to do and who they wanted to be. Going on a journey of self discovery is an important rite of passage in everyone's life. Age, time and situation is irrelevant. Once something threatens you to lose your identity or condemns you to a label, it is only natural to question if this is really who you are and who you want to be.
         As Spike says in the episode, "Who I am is not the same as what I am."
Who you are is your decision while what you are is the person people think you are. The self is a complex thing that can never be defined through one label. 

Two Good Stories

             Today was a day for stories. Mom bought Beauty and the Beast tickets a while ago, so we went to see the Broadway musical at the Buel Theatre. The musical was amazing, and I loved the artistic accents they used for the castle, tavern and the village.  Beauty and the Beast is clearly my favorite fairy tale, and Disney movie. The musical expands on the story and focuses on a few themes for Belle and Beast. For Belle, the theme is home, as she feels she doesn't belong anywhere. Belle finds a way to live in the castle, and goes through a lesson of self discovery. She decides to stay with the Beast, but that doesn't mean she won't care for her father anymore. As her signature song "Home" states: "Home is where the heart is" and Belle learns what that means when she has to save her father from the villagers and the Beast from Gaston. For the Beast, the theme is acceptance. He must learn to accept the side of himself that he doesn't want to show. This acceptance can only be achieved through his own opinion of who he is, and how he wants to live. Once he lets Belle go, he learns that you can't make someone care for you by force, and it is you that must decide who you will be.

            After the musical, my family and I saw John Carter. I've been reading the book, but I haven't finished it yet. The movie is a little different from what I've read so far, because Edgar Rice Burroughs is actually a character in the story. This movie had everything I love about a good story. A flawed character, epic plot and a good message. John Carter carries a burden from the beginning of the film. He his not able to let go of his past. His grief drives his decisions to avoid war, battles and getting close to anyone. Once he lands on Mars, he is forced to face his fear, with a war raging and the whole planet, except one city, under the influence of a brutal war lord. But even this nemesis is a pawn in a much more dangerous game of fate, secrecy and deception. Carter's choice is whether or not to live life again, after experiencing so much pain in the past. He finally makes his decision and even passes on the advice to Edgar Rice Burroughs. The message is to live life and make a difference, because sitting by and doing nothing is also a decision. 

             No matter what type of story we read, watch or write, the purpose of these tales is a disguised journey into what life is all about. Stories define who we are, whether we are heroes, outcasts or wanderers. Stories give us courage to face our fear, follow our dreams and live life in the best way we can. They inspire us to discover who we are, why we're here and what we are able to do. From greek myths and fairy tales to modern day novels and TV shows, stories teach us what it means to be human, and how to discover and achieve who we truly want to be.

Writing Prompt 32: Favorite Movie

 Prompt: What's your favorite movie and why?

My favorite movies change over time. I love any Beauty and the Beast story, but the film that stands out to me right now is Penelope. It's a film about accepting who you are and discovering what you're capable of. 
I love the message of this film. The curse that Penelope has isn't just physical, it's mental. She's the person who tells herself that she can't live her life, and once she discovers how to live, she learns about the world and decides who she wants to be.

Writing Prompt 31: My Dream House/ Room

 (The Beast's Library in Disneyland)

Prompt located here: http://writeonrightnow.blogspot.com/2006/12/writing-prompt-your-dream-houseroom.html

My dream house would have a water garden and a library.  It would be a light blue with brown trim, similar to the house I grew up in. It would probably be two stories with a small balcony, or a nice patio. A porch swing would be a must. The living room would be a soft green, very light with a few nice paintings and an indoor water fountain or water fall and aquarium. The stairs would be a soft blue with cherry wood railings. The kitchen would have a strawberry theme with frog salt and pepper shakers on lily pad shaped dinner mats. And yes, I would own a Mrs. Potts and chip teaset, along with a homemade tea set based off of Skin Deep.  It would be a simple place with a wood floor and small roses in the window. The must have room for my dream house would be a library with a Beauty and the Beast theme. Stained glass windows, if possible with the pictures from the movie, and "an enchanted rose" on a table by a nice arm chair and a globe. If possible, there would be a rolling ladder, and the walls would be covered with books and fairy tale paintings. The books would be organized and arranged artistically around my Beauty and the Beast collection.
The backyard and front yard would have gardens. The front yard would be relatively simple and feature a few roses and daisies. The backyard would have a koi fish pond with a small bridge going over it. I would love a Cherry Blossom tree and a willow tree, along with a small zen garden with sand and a rake. My kids would have a playhouse outside with a swing set and a slide, similar to one I had in my childhood. The dogs would have a little doghouse and play pen outside, and the cats would have a scratching post. And yes I will have wind chimes. My bedroom and kids bedrooms would probably have a theme, mine most likely Beauty and the Beast, and the guest room would have a story book or fairytale theme as well. The bathrooms would have a frog and waterlily theme, with a fish theme for the kids. If there was a basement, It would have a secret passage and an entertainment room for special events.
In short, my dream house would be based on the three things I love most, Beauty and the Beast, Fairy Tales and Asian Culture.

Photographer: Samantha Decker

(Picture from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sammers05/4755548594/in/photolist-iHJh39-eTJMLK-iwJK3E-kyTrod-8feqV9-eiZzx4-9FH2oh-fKdfcR-efA2j9-eeHZxA-eE4GDH-e9zsfy-jqGDpL-eS72Rg-9Kjntc-8KNBJA-mfXp2F-eAHoJd-7JCT3j-ed6xrV-7AMhCW-7ytRWU-6sCyEx)

Writing Prompt 30: Something comfortable is . . .

(Calming garden at Disney World)

            Something comfortable is nice, but as my character Rose discovers, it's not always possible. One of the ways life tests you is by putting you in an uncomfortable or unstable situation or environment. A crisis at home, school and work can test your character and challenge you to remain as positive and strong as you can regardless of what's happening around you. Comfort can be a break from an unstable environment or difficult situation. It's a nice moment when you feel safe and relaxed with nothing overwhelming looming over you.
             Sometimes you must invent comfort for yourself. You find a sanctuary within a chaotic place or situation with a peaceful state of mind. A specific way of life can be comfortable, and little details throughout the day can bring comfort during a rough time. A tone of voice, a familiar phrase or expression and a familiar place can be comforting. 
             Comfortable places are inviting, inspiring and relaxing. You can relate to a place you feel comfortable in. There's something about it that speaks to you or even represents a part of who you are. It's somewhere you know you belong. A Place that reflects your creativity and allows you to be yourself.

Some of my comforts:

Books

Music

Crafts
Writing
Movies

Korean Drama

TV shows
Water Gardens

Fountains

Butterflies

Flowers

Lullabies
Fairy tales

Art

Blues and Greens
Imagination
Decorating
Singing
Disney
Beauty and the Beast
Warm tea 

Dogs and cats
Fish
Nature
Rain
Family

Friends
Parks

Cooking
Cleaning

Puzzles
Spring

Dreams and Goals

Laughing
Smiling

Good Memories

Walking outdoors

Organizing

Lanterns 

Dressing Up

Teddy Bears

Roses

Watermelon

Chocolate

Strawberries

Happily Ever After by J4nT

http://browse.deviantart.com/photography/?q=lotus%20rain&order=9&offset=120#/die739

Formal RumBelle Polyvore set

 A formal RumBelle fashion set, complete with props! I really enjoyed making this one.
More info here: 
http://www.polyvore.com/rumbelle/set?id=45376304

Storybrooke Rumplestiltskin outfit

Here's the outfit for Rumplestiltskin. This was harder to put together than it looks! This outfit is based on his castle attire in Skin Deep.

More info here:  http://www.polyvore.com/rumplestiltskin/set?id=45269666

Storybrooke Belle outfit

In honor of Once coming on today, I decided to do a ONCE outfit on Polyvore. I had a lot of fun with this, so I'll probably do a RumBelle set in the future. Inspired by Once Upon A Time and DisneyBound.

Here are the deatils:
http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=45258558

The Cage

What is this cage
that keeps me inside?
Is it made of my fear?
Is it made of my pride?
No matter what made it
the cage has to go.
Because if it doesn't
then I 'll never know
what it is to live, laugh and love,
if I'm able to achieve
what I dream of.
It I put it there,
then why can't I see
how to destroy it,
spread my wings and break free.
It's such a sad thing
this prison of art.
It was built to protect
not to restrain my heart.
I know I can't stay.
I dream everyday
of tearing it open
and breaking away.
Maybe it's fear
or maybe it's doubt
that keeps the bars near
and the complex world out.
My heart is crying
and this I now know:
I want to be free
and I want to let go.
So I pick at the cage
with my hopes and my dreams.
The structure is not
as strong as it seems.
One by one
the bars disappear
as the past falls away
and the future draws near.

The Case of the Missing Coffee Cake

 The Evidence

Culprit1: Dingo

Culprit 2: Haley

The Case: 

             It took only seconds, a run to the laundry room and a few minutes of folding towels for something to go missing. The item in question? A coffee cake. My one indulgence on a busy day of cleaning. The culprits in question? Two dogs. A black lab named Haley and a mixed breed named Dingo. I left the cake on the table just for a moment, planning to eat it when I was done with the laundry. But, when I came back, the delicious morsel was gone, and two dogs stared at me with sad eyes. I looked around, waiting for a clue to solve this case. I knew it was one of them, or perhaps both, but surely they didn't eat the plastic? That would be tasteless. My first question loomed in my mind. Why did they do it? I had just given them their food, water and I took them outside for some fresh air. They couldn't be hungry. It must have been revenge. I knew Haley to have a temper when it came to getting into trouble. Whenever she was angry with me, she would sneak off and try to find the nearest trash bag, just waiting to make a mess for me to clean up. Dingo wasn't innocent either. He had once gobbled up my favorite turkey sandwich in one quick gulp when I returned with a glass of water. No, it was both of them, but where was the evidence?
            I looked around. Nothing on the table, no scratch marks or piles of papers on the floor. How did they get it? Finally, I found what I was looking for. Under the table, pushed by the trash can was the plastic wrap for the cake. Licked clean, no doubt, and confirming my suspicions. The dogs had done it. Now for the questioning. I started with Dingo, who bowed his head in shame. I asked a simple question. "Did you eat my coffee cake?" His response was a roll to the side, as if he was avoiding the situation. He did not look me in the eye. I knew he wasn't innocent. Next I turned to Haley. She was better with the interrogation, having years of practice and a good innocent act. I asked her the same question and she let out a sigh, as though the question was pointless. I kept my eye on them as I reached in the cake box and pulled out another pastry.
"You're not getting this one." I said with triumph as I grabbed my glass of chocolate milk and walked away. I learned a lesson that day. Never assume that your food is safe, with two suspicious canines in the house. 

Solution: Grab another coffee cake

The World of Writing

The world of writing
can be heaven or hell.
It all depends on the story you tell.
The flaws of your characters,
and the obstacles they face
make the world of the pen
an interesting place.
As stories bring together
people from all over the world,
the mystery and magic of the
subconscious is unfurled.
Each story is a gift
with an original design.
Universal themes
that travel over time.
The art of the story
is complex and true
as each new adventure
reveals more about you.
 

Waves

           Life can come in waves sometimes. The waves can overwhelm you, and bite at your heels. The tide can run through you and nearly knock you over. The noise can be loud, almost deafening to your ears. It may seem like a wave of water, or a wave of clouds. Expected or unexpected, the waves will come, and test your balance, your strength and your endurance. Controlling the waves is out of the question, but sometimes you can control where you stand. Are you challenging the wave itself? Standing as far in the water as you can, daring the wave to rush toward you? Are you even further in the water, balance lost and struggling to find solid ground? Are you more in the middle, where the water goes to your knees, enough to effect your balance but not knock you over? Do you stand on the edge, in the sand, where the water reaches your ankles? Unable to feel the full effect of everything around you but still braving the water in your own way? Or do you stand away from the water, merely observing, but not participating, not daring or challenging such an overwhelming event? Regardless of where you stand, the waves are there, but it is you who has the ability to choose which wave will effect you, which wave you will challenge and which wave you will observe.

Love is Hope

"Love is hope. It fuels our dreams." - Belle (Once Upon A Time)

I've seen many quotes about love, but this one is so simple and, in my experience, so true. You strive toward a goal because you love something about it. A career you would enjoy, a dream you want to come true. It's all based on some sort of element you love about it. Love helps you get through tough situations in life. It helps you endure difficult times and gives you hope for a better future. When you love something, you go for it. If you love writing, you write. If you love singing you sing. If you love dancing, you dance. Your hobbies, goals and interests give you the hope of becoming someone better than you were before. Love gives you something to believe in, when everything around you seems hopeless or distant. It takes a lot of courage to pursue your dreams, but if you love something, you will find a way.
So as Belle says in Once Upon A Time: "Go. Find your love. Find your hope. Find your dreams."

(this picture by skye3 from: http://skye3.tumblr.com/post/18786843149/now-go)

The Chipped Cup and how to make it

Rumplestiltskin's precious keepsake is a beautiful teacup that Belle accidentally chipped during one of his quips.

Here's how to make your own:

Buy a Royal Albert Bone China England Val D'or teacup in white and gold.
Buy Navy Blue acrylic paint at a local craft store. (I watered the paint down a bit to make the blue a little lighter)
Buy some paintbrushes. (I used a small round brush for the dots and branches, while I used a small flat brush for the main branch and the base)
The branch pattern is on both sides of the cup as shown here:

and here:

The tricky part is chipping the cup, which my dad did with a dremel tool after I drew the chip on the cup. He also sanded the edges.
After painting the pattern, let it dry over night, then use mod podge for the finishing coat.
It's really fun to make and looks lovely when you're finished ^_^
The perfect decor for any RumBelle fan.

Goals and Dreams

You have the power

to change your fate,

 rise above despair

and make a clean slate. 

No matter what you go through

as long as you believe,

you could not even imagine

all the things you can achieve.

The dreamers and the doers

will always find a way

to conquer their fears

and seize the day. 

So believe and persist

and continue to act.

With confidence and understanding

you form your internal pact.

Perspective is the key

to pick you up when you fall.

Use it to understand 

that you can have it all. 

The dreams you pursue

and the goals you start

begin with action

and come from the heart.

The Beauty of Life

The beauty of life 

is a fragile thing.

With each ticking second

and pendulum swing,

time moves fast. 

Life flies by. 

In a split second,

you could die. 

Life is precious, 

a gift to know.

With every moment

you flourish and grow.

The colors and shades,

sights and sounds

are fleeting experiences

in the world abound. 

Cherish the moment,

and enjoy all you can

while the hourglass drops

each grain of sand.