mayday, mayday!

Wow, it's May already. Just one more month until summer.

...

Gah, I know this post is off to a booring start. But come on... it was this or a mega fangirling/rant Star Wars/Young Justice/Legend of Korra/Avengers post. 

Joking. Even though if I did post one, you'd probably have a phobia of animated/fantasy/sci-fi pictures and the acronym 'omg' for the rest of your natural life. I need to stop using text talk on here...

Anywayyyys:

 001} I'll be guest posting at An Autumn Day sometime this month.

 002} I'm reading Matched by Ally Condie. oh. my. goshbubbles. This thing is a triumph of the human spirit, from our darkest depths to our most heroic heights. And the worldbuilding is so deep and detailed it's almost like you live there yourself. If we did live in the Society, this would be high on the Hundred Novels list. 

 003} Read this blog. Don't die laughing. 

 004} Read this magazine. Fall in love. Get inspired. 

And please forgive the complete and utter vulgarity of the following image, but I think my writerly readers out there might relate:

http://www.jimchines.com/2011/04/comic-amusement/

But seriously- don't hire someone to shoot you if you don't finish that novel. Because that would be stupid. Really stupid. Besides, guns are dangerous. ;) 

keep on trucking,

your resident wordbender 

PS} Yes, wordbender. And did you notice how I used the '00*insert numeral under ten here*' up there? I totally sounded like a secret agent. ^_^ 

#Updates

Happy Easter and/or Passover, everybody! I have a few things on which to bring you up to date.

One, as we all know, Picnik will be gone as of the 19th. Well, I've discovered something awesome: an online editor called Pixlr. Now, while this is great in and of itself, there's also something else. Most designers have extra fonts they've installed on their computer, right? Well, Pixlr somehow brings in all your fonts, which means no more transferring your pictures to Paint to use them. Yay! Also, it gives you the option to create a transparent image.

Two, I've officially gotten a twitter account. The link is under the 'Follow Me On...' tab in my accordion menu.

And finally, three: how do you like the new blog design? It wasn't supposed to happen that way, but the usual 'Annika finds tutorial>>Annika tries tutorial>>Annika likes effect>>Annika proceeds to uncover more HTML tricks and redesigns entire blog' pattern was in order.
Speaking of blog designs, remember CinderScoria, who I interviewed a while ago? Well, she's started her own blog, and I designed it. Check it out here!

Happy Easter!

A Post Where I Just Talk.

Hey, have any of your ever had that feeling? That in blogging, no matter how hard you try, there will always be someone better? Not nicer, prettier, funnier- just better? I mean, if you get a 100 followers, I guarantee somebody else has 1000, and somebody else has 5000.

Yeah. That feeling.

Nobody ever gets it all at once, I think. They just get it sometimes, in little amounts. Like, no matter how awesome your design is, someone has a better designer or is better at HTML. Or has longer, more thoughtful posts- that you can't help but love because they're just so darn thoughtful.

Yeah, well, I'm here to tell you something: don't bother trying to copy everyone. Because if you did, you'd be in one hot mess. Besides, what happens when someone is better than the person your trying to copy?

Dr. Seuss put it better than anybody:

 Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

So, why try to be someone else? Who really deserves to have two of them upon this earth anyways? I mean, that wouldn't be fair to the other six billion, nine hundred ninety-nine million, nine hundred ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine peeps on the planet, now would it? You're you, and your blog should reflect that. Not Awesome McAwesomescreenname's.

So, I've decided something.

I usually stay away from touchy topics like politics on this blog. The only truly universal topic I've ever blatantly given my opinion on [here] is home/unschooling. But I've decided something: who cares if someone doesn't agree with me? It's my blog, the world and it's actions filtered through my lens.

 I used to be afraid to make enemies and upset people just because I didn't agree with them on a topic like whether or not the President is doing a good job - and I think he's doing great, with all the stones people hurl at him. There's nothing wrong with being polite, but I also think you're entitled to your opinion too- and no, that does not mean you can talk straight up trash about somebody. I mean about more national/universal things.

 As in: why do Christians consider Muslims their mortal enemy, again? They are not all terrorists, just like Christians are not all evangelicals. And don't start with the suppressing women thing, because while it may be very, very true, Christians do their fair share of it too. Enough with the stereotypes, people.

Or: why don't homosexuals deserve basic human rights? I thought the idea (of homosexuality) was a little surprising at first, but in the end, why is it our business? And as for abortion, what are you going to do if the fetus you save is gay? I don't condone abortion, but I don't think people should just straight up decide when it comes to someone else and their child's future.

*silence at Annika's jawdropping opinions*

I know some of you might not agree with this, and that's okay, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Because I like to think that for every hater in the world, there is a lover. And by that, I don't mean people who simply disagree with some of the stuff I said. Of course not, that wouldn't be reasonable.

<3

Books, Star Wars

Do you know what today is?
Do you?
Do you?
 I suppose I shall have to tell you. Today is... the Star Wars: the Clone Wars, season finale! Yep. And I have a bad feeling Obi-Wan is going to get owned.... by Darth Maul. Don't ask. Heheh. Heh. Heh...

Anyyyyyywayyyyyys...

The other day I went to the library and I found all sorts of awesome books! Lemonade Mouth by Mark Peter Hughes (it's what they based the movie off of), four Artemis Fowls (plus a graphic novel), The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Shine by Lauren Myracle, Pretties by Scott Westerfield and Mediator: Twilight by Meg Cabot.
Wowza. That's a lot of books. And I got three more than expected because I found an extra one and two that were some of the exact same holds that hadn't come through. I can't wait to read them, all of them look so good. And the covers are so beautiful.

*dreamy voice* Did I mention I love books?

Also, I know I've been posting mostly picture oriented posts lately, and I'll try to-

Yoda: Do or do not. There is no try.

I mean, I will be cutting back on the picture oriented posts. Thanks Yoda. I'll be keeping it to Silver Lining Sundays, How Pinteresting (on Wednesdays) and I might do a tutorial every now and then- blogger buttons, anyone?. If there's something with a blog you want to learn how to do, like install a background on Minima, change Minima's size, make a header or download fonts, feel free to say so in a comment. I'll direct you to a tutorial or post one. 

Tagged, I Have Been

Yes, I know I already posted today. But Amaranthine (yes, no linky love >:D) tagged me with  the 11 tag that's been making its rounds in the blogsphere. 


The Rules:
1) Post these rules.
2) Post 11 random things about yourself.
3) Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
4) Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
5) Go to their blog and tell them they’ve been tagged.
6) No cop-outs in the tagging section like, “If you are reading this” or “if you follow me”. You have to legitimately tag people! 
 

11 Random Things: 

1. Despite the fact that I like hot pink, I despise light pink. 
2. I don't get the Justin Beiber craze.
3. I love Artemis Fowl <3 
4. I want a Fine and Dandy Blog Designs design. Badly. XD
5. I think Cleopatra and Elizabeth I are awesome.
6. I also like Catherine the Great and Eleanor of Aquitaine
7. When people with bad grammar insist it's spelled 'grammer' I get ticked off. 
8. I've noticed Sundays are almost always sunny
9. I like pie and pi (3.14) equally ;)
10. I use XD way too much
11. I prefer Blogger to Wordpress 

Amaranthine's Questions: 

1. What’s a famous movie you haven’t seen but would like to?

The Percy Jackson movie. 

2. What’s a famous book you haven’t read but would like to?


The Hunger Games.


3. What’s your dream pet?


A... horse.


4.What’s your favorite fruit?


Strawberries


5. If you didn’t know all the rules for a game, would you make up the rest of the rules yourself or change games to a game you did know the rules for?


Make up the rest


6. Name one blogger you really admire and link to them,

Qui from Freckles and Pointe Shoes

7. Who’s your favorite male/female movie/book/TV show character of all time?


Ahsoka Tano.

8. Your top 5 fictional crushes?


Ew! Duuuude... not cool. I think the correct answer is None. 

9.What’s your ideal follower number?


282. I just like the number... I dunno why.

10. What’s your ideal age?


18? Hmnn, not sure... 

11. If you could automatically speak any language fluently, which would you prefer?

French  

Now, I tag: Ashley and Hannah. 


My Questions:

1. What are your three favorite colors?
2. What is your favorite book?
3. Warsie (Star Wars) Or Trekkie (Star Trek)?
4. Favorite Name?
5. Favorite TV show?
6. Favorite Genre?
7. What is your favorite blog? (Add a Link) 
8. Who is your favorite super hero/villain?
9. Who is your favorite author?
10. What do you want to be when you grow up? 
11. Singing or Dancing? 

Literary Heroine Blog Party!

Hiya! Annika here. Ashley over at Cheery-O  did one of these, and I thought it was really neat, so here we are! 


Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

• 
  
• Likes? Writing, Blogging, RPing, learning new things. Not to mention... Star Wars and Artemis Fowl! And Harry Potter. And Anne of Green Gables. And Percy Jackson and the- you get the point ;) Dreams... hmnn... beign a bestselling author, definitely. 
• 
  
• What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

• 
  
• One who is kind, well educated, resourceful, outspoken and just. And a major book worm.
• 
  
• Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.  

• 
  
• Anne Shirley, Marguerite St. Just and... Annabeth Chase.

• Five of your favorite historical novels?  

• Anne of Green Gabels, Rainbow Valley, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Anne of the Island and  Anne's House of Dreams  
• 
  
• Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? 

Anne. She is kind, resourceful and her antics are heartwarming.

• Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

• Gilbert Blythe or the Scarlet Pimpernel. They are both kind and heroic.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

• 
  
• Egypt! Or England... or Paris? I would write in Paris, explore England and find a lost tomb in Egypt!

• What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? 
• 
  
• 
  
• Tudor England and Ancient Egypt!

• You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 
• 
  
• Easy. I would read my book out loud, alternating the voices for each character!

• If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 
• 
  
• Elizabeth Benett or Anne of Green Gables, if we're going old school. For a book from now? Hermione Granger!

• What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 
• 
  
• Not completely crazy about it, but yes, I like it quite a bit.

• Favorite author(s)? 
• 
  
• Rick Riordan, Eoin Colfer, J.K. Rolwing, Lisi Harrison, Gail Carson Levine, L.M. Montgomery and E.D. Baker  

• Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 
• 
  
• Books. And a computer. 

• In which century were most of the books you read written? 
• The 21st! 

• In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…
• 
  
• It's a tie between Harry Potter and Percy Jackson!

• Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

• Big, cozy with a bigggg study and tons of inspiration and pink! Plus some Tudor touches and roses! And a perfect writing place...
•  

Sum up your fashion style in five words. 

• 
  
• Pink, chic, comfortable, action, fun!

• Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 
• 
  
• Actually... No!

• In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 
• 
  
• Lord Voldemort! Oh yes, his noseless villainy is delightful! 

• Three favorite Non-fiction books? 
• 
  
• 
  
• I don't read non-fiction much... but perhaps Writing Magic by Gail Carson Levine,  most books on Egypt :)

• Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 
• 
  
• 
  
• Writing and reading outside... 

• 
  
• Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 
• 
  
• Hats?! Hmnn, not really my style, but a sparkly pink beret!

• Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

• Winning nanowrimo and having my first finished novel.

• Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” - the Holy Bible, 

• 1 Corinthians 13:4–8

Snippets of Story- February

Hiya! Annika here. I found this lovely little 'Monthly Blog Thingy' as Kate from Whisperings of the Pen calls it through The Director's blog . You have to post snippets of things you've written, including fanfiction if you want, as long as it's your own. So, here we are:

"Roll call!" Ms. Polowski said in her gruff, biker-esque voice. Her beady eyes swept over the entire 7th grade English class, stopping on me briefly. For some reason, I was a trouble maker in her eyes, even though I was almost always framed or no one could prove I did whatever I was being accused of. It started in first grade, when someone broke one of the schools toys and blamed me. That teacher told another, the another, all the way up to  Ms. Polowski, 7th grade torturer extraordinaire . But you almost couldn't blame her. Even though I was far from a delinquent, I looked the part. Not extreme punk, but lots of black. On black. With black. Even my hair was black.- Zoe Knight, Night's Prophecy 

“Why is it so cold?” Victoire shivered. “My toes feel as if they’re made of stone.” She wiggled her toes in her boots for emphasis, even though no one could see.“You really are very childish for a twelve year old girl, do know that?” Agnès smirked.“Yes, and you are very serious for a seventeen year old girl. Now, answer my question: why is it so cold?” The girl’s breath came out in a foggy cloud.“It’s cold because the sun hasn't risen and it’s winter.” Victoire nodded, showing that her sister’s answer was satisfying. Even though she now understood why it was so cold; it didn’t really seem to make the crisp November air any warmer. She sighed, glancing at the gray winter sky and early morning fog.- Victoire Leroux, Victoire, a Novel 

“Hey, Carrot Hair!” Stella’s 16 year old brother Cameron teased her the moment she had crossed the threshold. He had called her that since she was eight; when his eighth grade English teacher had made his entire class read Anne of Green Gables.      “Hey, Tinsel Teeth.” She said, smirking at his braces.  Cameron went red in the face. He was very sensitive about his braces. “Oh yeah-!” he started, but was cut off by his sister, who was standing on the landing above them.  “Put a sock in it, Cameron,” Stella called down. “Come on up here, Rory.” - Rorina Stevenson-Homer, Time Traveling Tweens 

Thanks for reading! Even though I wrote some of this stuff in Summer 2011, I'd love some feedback :D