Kingdom Hearts Challenge Day 2: Favorite Character

Roxas

Roxas went through a quest of self discovery and had to make some difficult decisions to finally understand who he was and what he was capable of. I could relate to the isolation he felt from everyone else, always questioning everything and trying to find somewhere he belonged. He approached his situation in a way I recognized, and I found that it was easier to sympathize with him than with Sora.  His personality was so different from everyone he knew, the organization and his friends in twilight town. He always felt distanced from them, and when he finally decides who he wants to be, he doesn't look back and faces the challenge head on. In many ways, I feel like Roxas is the emotional hero of Kingdom Hearts. His persistence and kindness kept him going when everything fell apart, and he accepted the fate he chose in order to finally learn who he was. This is a powerful story, and I learned a lot from his story. 

Kingdom Hearts Challenge Day 1: Favorite Kingdom Hearts Game

Kingdom Hearts 368/2 days

This is my favorite because Roxas is my favorite character, and it was fascinating to witness his story before he lived in Twilight Town. Watching his journey from a lost identity to someone with goals and dreams. It was also cool to learn more about the members of the organization and what intrigued them about emotions. Completing missions was just the daily routine, but Roxas always asked questions and sought more than the typical employee of the organization. He was a dreamer with other goals, unlike the other members of the orgazination, Axel Xion and Roxas found purpose beyond their assignments and discovered that they could control  their own destiny.

Kingdom Hearts 30 Day Challenge

I thought this would be the perfect way to count down to Christmas :)

Day 01 – Favorite Kingdom Hearts game

Day 02 – Favorite character

Day 03 – Least favorite character

Day 04 – Character you are most like

Day 05 – Character you would be enemies with

Day 06 – Favorite land

Day 07 – Favorite heartless

Day 08 – Most difficult boss battle

Day 09 – Favorite music

Day 10 – Favorite original Disney character

Day 11 – Favorite original Final Fantasy character

Day 12 – Character you wish would be crossed over

Day 13 – Favorite summon

Day 14 – Favorite magic

Day 15 – Favorite form

Day 16 – Favorite clothing worn by any character

Day 17 – Favorite intro

Day 18 – Favorite pairing

Day 19 – A picture of a Kingdom Hearts cosplay

Day 20 – Character you would cosplay as

Day 21 – Organization member you would get rid of

Day 22 – The scene that made you happiest

Day 23 – The scene that made you the saddest

Day 24 – Favorite key blade

Day 25 – Favorite gaming system to play Kingdom Hearts on

Day 26 – Favorite official art

Day 27 – Favorite fan art

Day 28 – Favorite voice

Day 29 – Least favorite voice

Day 30 – What Kingdom Hearts means to you // How has it changed you?

Writing Prompt 44: Writing

Prompt: Writing is my . . .

Writing is my comfort.
In words, I can pour
Hopes for the future, and
Dreams of what's in store.

Writing is my friend.
With trust I can confide
The stories I have lived through
And the fears that I hide.

Writing is my life.
Each day a new story begins:
Whether I am alone,
Or with family and friends.

Writing is my world.
With each character I learn
More about the world
And others in their turn.

Writing is my heart.
Emotions kept with care.
Something I can say
Without anyone really there.

Writing is so many things
Stories, poems and songs . . .
Messages of light and life
That keep me brave and strong.

Writing Prompt: 43 Life changing books

Prompt: Name any life changing books you've read


One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss

This book began my fascination with rhyme. I wrote poem after poem once I could learn how, because I loved the way the words sounded.

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

My Dad used to read this to me when I was a kid. I was always curious what would happen next and looked forward to story time. In fact, it's probably this book, and my Dad's reading it that inspired me to become a writer.


The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis:

This was the first book series that I couldn't put down, and it inspired me to come up with stories on my own. Stepping into that world motivated me to create many worlds of my own.


The Time Quartet by Madeline L'engle:

This book series was more of a step toward courage. At the time I was very young, and afraid to move to a new place. These books gave me the courage to make that decision and do the best I could to make the best of any situation.

Salior Moon by Naoko Takeuchi

This series got me interested in mythology. The complex story lines, classic light versus dark and good versus evil motifs always fascinated me and encouraged me to come up with a mythology of my own.

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

This book taught me that some stories have a bittersweet ending. The second time I read it, I learned that it was a coming of age story. It also fueled my dream to own a pet unicorn one day :) My imagination was wild  even in elementary school.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

I literally grew up with Harry Potter. I got my Dad into this series, and it got to the point where Dad would read it first because he was the faster reader. I'll never forget waiting for my turn to read the books, and all the conversations Dad and I had after reading them.

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Mariller

This book appeared in my life by chance, and inspired a new ritual of going to the book store and just picking a book at random. It was during a tough time between Middle and High School that I read this book for imagination, sanctuary and comfort. Jena's courage, acceptance of her faults and her strengths helped me deal with the toughest times in my life.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

This series will always mean something to me. It got me through depression, High School and just taught me about life in general. It was a well written story with very complex and amazingly human characters. Each time I read it, I learn something new about life, the world and the people around me.

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

This was one of the best fantasy stories ever written in my opinion. Tolkien is one of my role models as an author. When I read these for the first time, I was writing a novel before I realized it.

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

This book changed my attitude towards love. I changed with Remy, as she discovered it wasn't always a strength to separate yourself from your heart. Once she realized this, I realized I needed to believe that I had the strength to get over a broken heart.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

This book helped me learn more about myself, and it inspired my own version of Beauty and the Beast set in modern day. This is one of the books I recommended to my mom, and when she read it, it meant a lot to me. I'll never forget how excited we were to see the movie.


How to be like Walt by Pat Williams and Jim Denney

This book changed my outlook on my situations in life. Disney has always been a source of hope for me, but this book showed me that those stories and characters were created by someone who had his own challenges in life. Once he rose above them, he achieved his dream, and lived his life. This is my goal, and my guidance towards my dream job.

Books have taught me more lessons than I can remember. These are my most well known moments and stories. I'm sure there are many more. I learn something about writing, living, growing and changing every time I read these books, and I have many memories that revolve around them.

What books have changed your life?

Life of Pi: A Movie review

I want to begin this review by mentioning the novel the movie is based on. I read Life of Pi by Yann Martel years ago and loved the powerful storytelling and symbolism. Before you realize what the author is doing, your imagination follows the tale and depicts Pi as he describes his life. Pi goes on a spiritual journey of belief and tells you so throughout the book, but there are even more layers to this story than that. It's a philosophical tale, and it is up to you to decide what Pi's story is ultimately about.

Now, because the film is a movie, it's important to note that it is visually stunning. The effects are amazing and at times breathtaking. But each scene is meaningful to Pi's journey antd teaches you something new about the way he views the world.

My favorite visual scenes were the moments at night when the night sky is reflected in the water, and the moon jellyfish can be seen.
As for the story, it is very true to the book, and begins the same way the book does, with an interview. Pi is interviewed by an author who came to hear a story "That would make you believe in God." Pi begins with his childhood, and mentions three very specific times where he discovered faith.
The story itself is narrated very nicely, but they did leave a comical scene from the book out of it that I was a little surprised not to see . There were many funny moments and clever remarks from Pi, including the story where he got his name. Pi's character is intellectual, inquisitive and daring. He is set apart from his family who are more grounded in their ways then curious about the world. But his story of growing up is very entertaining and interesting.

Once Pi is Shipwrecked with the tiger, Richard Parker, things change. Very specific events happen that are no accident, and the real story begins. Now, I recommend this movie to anyone, because it makes you think, really think and by the end of the film, you learn something about yourself. It's a beautiful piece of literature and was very well translated on the big screen.
This is a movie you don't want to spoil anyone about, but in many ways, you can't even do that, because people need to watch the movie for themselves and come up with their own conclusion.
Anyway, this is a five star movie on my list, and it was a five star book as well.
I recommend both book and movie to many people, because you never know what you'll take from it.

Beautiful Quote

I found this on tumblr and had to share it.
The pictures are made by Lydia.
The original post is here: http://advenna-avis.tumblr.com/post/36299580625/the-lonliest-people-are-the-kindest-the-saddest

Quote:  "The loneliest people are the kindest
             The saddest people smile the brightest
             The most damaged people are the wisest
             All because they don't wish to see others suffer the way they do."
-Fruits Basket

Writing Prompt 42: On dream vacations

Prompt: 10 Countries you would like to visit

1. South Korea:

I've been wanting to go there since I started watching Korean dramas. There are so many places in South Korea that I would love to visit.
The scenes they film in Jeju island and Busan are so beautiful.
I want to see the Teddy Bear Museum and find the Goong Bears.
I want to see the Dragon Falls.
I would love to see the palace where they film the historical dramas.
Shopping in Seoul sounds like a lot of fun.
Korea has inspired my  writing.

2. Japan:

Since I began learning Japanese, I wanted to see the Cherry Blossoms in Japan for myself.
I want to be there during the Tanabata festival and celebrate at Tokyo Disney.
I'd love to see Mount Fuji and visit historical temples and real water gardens.
Shopping in Tokyo would be fun, and I want to try Puri Kura.
I've also wanted to visit a real Karaoke place in Japan.
Visiting Kyoto would be amazing.
There are so many beautiful places in Japan that I have wanted to visit for a long time.

3. England:

I want to see where some of the greatest authors grew up.
I'd love to visit Kingston Gardens  where the Peter Pan statue is.
Visit  Buckingham Palace.
Find Baker Street.
Watch a play at the Globe Theatre.
See Big Ben, The Eye, Tower Bridge, Millennium Bridge . . . the list goes on.
I would also love to tour the Castles and ride the Chunnel.
England houses so many of my favorite authors.

4. Italy:

It started with Mary Hoffman's Stravaganza series, working at Disney World and a trip to the Venetian in Las Vegas.
I want to ride a real gondola.
Try all the great food in Rome.
See all the sites: The Coliseum,The Pantheon, The Trevi Fountain . . .
Go to Florence.
Attend a real Masquerade with amazing costumes and ballroom dancing.
I've wanted to see Italy for a long time.

5. France:

I blame both Epcot and the Paris hotel in Las Vegas.
I would love to see the real Eiffel Tower, The Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral . . .
Go to the Lourve.
Visit Château de Pierrefonds where Merlin filmed.
 Go to Disneyland Paris.
Have a real crepe, and visit a nice French Bakery.
Witness a fashion show.
France looks like a cool country to travel to.

6. India

I've always been fascinated with India.
There are so many landmarks there: The Taj Mahal, The Lotus Temple, The Golden Temple . . .
I want to see the floating lantern festivals.
All the lotus flowers and gardens.
Participate in a dance event like the one in Bride and Prejudice
I would love to shop at a real Bazaar.
India would be a beautiful place to see.

7. Australia

I've have wanted to see  the Great Barrier Reef since I can remember.
Of course I would love to go to the Sydney Opera House, The Sydney Bridge . . .
I want to see the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Go to the real Outback and hike some trails.
See Tasmania, Kangaroo Island, Castle Hill
It would be so cool to see Australia.

8. Norway

I am fascinated by Norse Mythology and what I have seen of Norway consists of beautiful landscapes.
I would love to see the Northern Lights for myself.
Hike the mountains.
Stand on Preikestolen, Geirangerfjord, Nordkapp . . .
Visit the Northern point of Europe Monument. 
One of my favorite fairy tales comes from Norway, so I would love to find a beautiful spot in nature and just write, and write, and write 

9. Greece

Greek Mythology is another fascination of mine. There are so many places in  Greece that I would love to visit.
The Parthenon, The Acropolis . . . just Athens in general 
Olympia, Delos Island (dedicated to Apollo)
Mount Athos
Santorini, Delphi, Meteora,
This whole country would be a trip back in time for me, recreating Ancient Greece in my mind and trying to solve its mysteries.

10.  China

The Great Wall has been one of the places on my bucket list. I've read quite a few books that describe it, but I would love to see it on my own. 
I would love to visit Beijing
See the stone Quin Terracotta Army 
The Yangtze River, Yellow River . . .
Mount Everest- although I'm not sure I could ever climb to the top. 
And of course Disneyland Hong Kong.
I want to witness a real Dragon Festival and Moon Festival
I'd also love to visit my former roommate's town :) She taught me all I know about China.

Polyvore Set: StoryBrooke's Librarian

I made another Polyvore Set for Belle! This one is for her new occupation as the librarian in StoryBrooke. ^_^

View the set here: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=63785199

RumBelle chipped cup earrings for the Holidays

I had a few people message me about the earrings I sell on Etsy. With the holidays coming up, I was wondering how many people were still interested in buying them so I can make enough for everyone. If you're still interested in the RumBelle chipped cup earrings, please comment here or message my tumblr so I can make enough for the holidays.

Tumblr message here:  http://beautifulbookwormbelle.tumblr.com/post/36023657238/so-i-am-getting-ready-for-the-holidays-and-i-would

Listing here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/115451998/rumbelle-chipped-cup-earrings

OUAT Belle AX dress for sale!

I have an extra dress from Armani Exchange in a size 4. I posted this on tumblr but just in case no one responds, I was going to post it here too.
The dress is in new condition, and I plan to sell it for the price that I bought it.
It really is a nice dress, and I know a few people were still looking for one online. 
If you're interested, please leave a comment or message my tumblr so we can work something out :)
Tumblr post here:  http://beautifulbookwormbelle.tumblr.com/post/36015238343/belle-dress-for-sale-so-i-have-an-extra-belle

Armani size chart here: http://www.armaniexchange.com/category/id/100001451.do?sizefinder=true

pictures from tumblr

Roses and Thorns

 “Roses and thorns are parts of the same plant. Somehow though, some people are concerned mainly about the roses. The rose is not on the plant for more than a week, but the thorns are there forever.
Roses are teaching that the beauty of life will bloom, once you have taught yourself the lessons given by living with the thorns.” -Grigoris Deoudis

I saw this quote on tumblr today, and I thought it was beautiful and true.

We always look for roses in life, and who wouldn't? But we forget the many thorns that lead to them. I guess that's what someone means when they say that bad times are there so we can appreciate the good times. Stories teach this, for without the obstacles, how could the hero grow and change?
But still, this quote means more than that in my opinion. It's a quote about acceptance. Accepting the bad with the good is an important step in growing up. Understanding that good things don't always just happen and there are consequences to every action.
My problem is that I always look for thorns but I still expect roses. I go through life expecting the worst constantly, but still feel shocked and hurt when the worst happens. I guess I do this because I don't see the value of thorns. I only expect them and know that whatever I go through will be difficult and complicated. It's a grueling process, but it has become such a habit that I do this without thinking. Cringe for the worst and when it happens, expect it to be even more horrible.
I don't see the roses in my life. I don't see their value. I go through the thorns, expecting to come across at least one flower, but I have already set myself up for disappointment. All I expect are thorns, so all I get are thorns. There could be roses all around me, but because I focus on the thorns, I don't see them.
I'm not looking at the entire picture, and I have a negative bias that keeps me focused on the bad constantly.
At first, when I started doing this, I thought it was accepting the thorns, but it isn't. Instead of accepting the thorns, I am allowing them to control my life. So how do I step back to see the whole picture?

Photos by me

Dearly Beloved- all versions

Beautiful piece of music in many different versions.