The Untreed Detectives

Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears (and your eyes)!:
I am lucky enough to be published AGAIN! A sequel story to my novella The Hudson Diaries, called "A Knife in the Dark", has been selected to be part of an amazing detective anthology, The Untreed Detectives, published by Untreed Reads. You can find the anthology here:
http://goo.gl/aeAfBU

I hope you enjoy! Pass the news along to those who like to read!

                                                                                       


For The Hudson Diaries: The Life and Times of a Baker Street Resident, follow this link:
http://store.untreedreads.com/Books/UTR9781611873696?FromPage=search&Search=The+Hudson+Diaries&searchcategorytype=undefined
                                                                                                                                
Hope you enjoy some good reading!

Life

Life can be really interesting sometimes. I was saying to a friend the other day that I don't live a cookie cutter kind of life, and I don't, but now that I think about it, I don't think anyone does. We live in a world where most things we want are at our fingertips, and our lives rarely turn out the way we expect them to be.

Not that this is a bad thing; in fact, it makes for good stories, and if you are living life to the fullest, it is something you will not regret. Make sure to make a bucket list. I know I have mentioned this before, but I mention it again because it gets my goals written down and it helps me remember the things I want to achieve.

In that vein, I can say "CHECK!" to another of my bucket list goals...Try something for thirty days, and that is blogging. I know that is a weird goal and kind of weird result, perhaps, but when I had writer's block it has really helped me out.

Thanks for joining me on this thirty day journey, and I hope whoever happens upon this that you are doing well!

Sick Foods

Sick Foods=AWESOME!
                 

Holidays

I may have mentioned this before, but I love the holiday season, and for me, it starts in three days! Huzzah! From October 1st--when you start decorating--to January 2nd--when you have to get back to real life-- life just seems more relaxed, people are generally nicer and life is just a little more fun.

We have parties, seasonal foods, comfortable readings by the fire, decorating, candlelight--and the list could go on. I find that mankind for some reason is more generous, more forgiving, more enthralled by the simple joys of life. We let ourselves go, in a good way, and let our hair down, dusting off the things (and relationships) that we've held back for so long.

Colors also fill the stores, the streets, the trees, the homes. Everywhere you look you will find color: orange, red and yellow in the autumn, green, red, silver, white in winter, and the colors continue to grow as the year ends. Although the weather outside gets colder, hearts become warmer, and that gives me hope in mankind. It restores your faith in the idea that all is not lost, and when it comes down to it, mankind will for the most part help each other out.

We remember what the important things are in this life, and hopefully let others in. We hold tight to each other, and we remember that if we stick together, no harm can really come to us (even in a haunted corn maze :) ). We go back to our childhood, if even for just one night, and help our own children or relatives, and even strangers, live the traditions that have made us who we are. We eat, sing and laugh together; we get together with old friends and make new ones. We share a cup of cocoa, ghost stories or things we're grateful for.

Let us live for these moments, and while we cannot have these holidays year-round, let us remember what we learn and have warm hearts and giving hands winter, spring, summer or fall.
         

Z is for Zoo

The power went out yesterday at my apartment, which is why if you have been following this, I did not write last night, So sorry! We're going to catch up now and I will do two blog posts.

I like the zoo an awful lot. I'm not sure how to explain this, since most of the time I enjoy animals in general, but I'm picky about them too. I DO NOT like rats, snakes and spiders--too shifty. They give me the creeps. But then I love giraffes and elephants, all cats and penguins, polar bears and several others. The list could go on. I guess I'm not as picky as I thought, but just know I don't enjoy the reptiles and amphibians very much. Creepers :).

At Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City Utah, where I live, they have this event called Zoo Lights. I've lived here for twenty years and have never been. I'd like to go sometime. It happens during Christmas, and apparently it's really fun. I already have a vision of what it might be like==colored lights everywhere, probably snow on the ground (It's already gotten really chilly here, and fall hasn't really happened :(!), and all the polar animals will be out, along with the year-round ones. Exciting!

 

Y is for Yellow

Yellow is such a happy color. Although my favorite color is blue, when looking for help, comfort and hope--which I must admit I am seeking right now--I think of yellow. It reminds me of warmth, both physical and emotional, and that there can be healing, even when your life feels like it's falling apart.

It is also the color of light, though other colors are mixed in or it could be possibly white, just an older light bulb :). Either way it can bring physical light into a room or even knowledge to the soul.  I know that doesn't really make sense probably in context, but I hope you can understand what I mean.

Yellow is also the color of my favorite flower, the daffodil. Daffodils just make me smile every time I see them (Too bad they are only in season in spring!). If only they could be in season all year round--I would absolutely love that.

Pick a color that brings you joy, and when life gets you down, think of that color, find a place with that color or pick a project using that color. Hopefully it will bring hope and comfort back into your life.

X is for Xylophone

One of the weirdest (and coolest) instruments ever. It does take true skill to play! It takes me back to my elementary school days, the Christmas program that after the first year every parent dreads :).  I played it for that same Christmas program--the song was "Silver Bells". I wonder if I would be able to do it again...

W is for Doctor Who

The 50th anniversary is coming this year, and I am sooo excited! So far, out of all the episodes my favorite doctor is David Tennant, but Matt Smith grew on me too. I was so pleased--and slightly frightened (JOHN HURT!)--with the last episode I saw that it makes me totally stoked! Anyone who sees that exclamation in parentheses and knows what I'm talking about gets extra brownie points and a gigantor invitation to be friends. Not to leave anyone out, though, anyone is welcome to be my friend. Just know that you will get unexpected gasps or random references from time to time to things you may not understand, like Doctor Who and Sherlock.

I'm planning on throwing a party on the 50th (November 23rd, 7 PM) with Whovians and non-Whovians alike. To tell you how important this is, I throw a party maybe once a year :). This is going to be the best party of all time, and I mean that literally!

For those of you who are not aware, Doctor Who is a British television show where science fiction and humanity meet, where a Timelord (an alien form that for humans is like a god that wants to become more human) that  tries to save the world (and humanity) several times and manages to succeed, but only with the help from his various companions. And yes, in case you're wondering, I have wanted to be the Doctor's companion from time to time. There are time warps and narrow escapes, villains that give you the creeps and good guys who make you unsure what to think. It's got the heroes tale wrapped up in a time traveling blue box called the TARDIS where every room is an endless enigma.

You should watch it--it will make you cry, tear your hair out, and bite your nails to the quick. It will rip your heart out and stomp on it and leave you an emotional puddle on the floor--but it's totally worth it!

V is for Violin

I love the strings, meaning violin, cello and viola. They make me melt inside; when I hear them it transports me elsewhere. I would love to learn to play the violin. That is definitely one of my bucket list accomplishments that I want to say CHECK to at some point in my life.

Close your eyes and listen specifically for the violin if it is part of a orchestral piece, or if it is a solo, take time to appreciate it. Even though they are often hidden in the full masterpiece, they are also the foundation for that piece. Take time to appreciate the beauty that the violin creates through sound. Though it is not so visual, the images that it creates in your mind are the direct result of what you are hearing.

Feel the vibrato in your soul, allow yourself free reign in the workings of your creative mind. All of this done through music, music usually without words. Find that instrument of your own and surround yourself with it. Whatever you want to accomplish, make sure that is a part of your strategy. Sometimes that can inspire you to new heights in more ways than one.

U is for Uncertainty

Uncertainty is the only thing that is certain in this life. That is what I have learned over the last couple of weeks, and most of the time I am okay with it, but there are other times where I feel a little overwhelmed. If I'm not worried about dating, then I'm worried about driving or my job or my writing or inadequacy....there's a ton. I don't like feeling this way, but especially as a single person, I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing, and I'm trying to figure that out and do my best, but I wonder if I'm doing enough.

My life has been anything but a "cookie cutter" plan, and I kind of enjoy it, but it's also very difficult to understand sometimes when others do not support me in it. I've never done anything that would make others wonder if I'm going to dive off the deep end or cause suffering to others--Why would they question that now? I'm 26 years old, and I haven't gone crazy yet (Well, that's not necessarily true, I guess. I am just crazy enough to get what I want out of life, like publishing my book or my England trip.), but I do need to move forward.

Since the men my age are not helping themselves at all, I have to move on and move forward with my life. That is what I am trying to figure out. Since I have no idea when I will be married or have children, I must still live my life in a fulfilled way. If I didn't I would look back on my life wondering, or worse, with regret. Why is that so hard to understand for people who have a different path than I do--especially the married people or people with children who have no understanding of singlehood because they were married young? Or for those that did have a long singlehood, why are they opposed to me, of all the people?

Sorry, I just had to rant there. Just keep in mind we all have different paths in this life, and sometimes when things get to be a little too much or you have no idea where to turn, turn to God. He'll listen and understand, even if no one else will or wants to. He'll help you find ways to be happy and peaceful in the hardship of not knowing.

T is for Turtles

          

S is for Sherlock Holmes

I have probably read or seen everything that involves Sherlock Holmes that I can legally get my hands on. Some I have liked, some I have loved, and some I really can't stand. There is even a Sherlock Holmes musical (I've heard the music--unfortunately, it goes on the "awful" list!).

Where did this love of Sherlock Holmes come from, you may ask? The truth is, I always liked the original stories, and I have read the entire series, but I didn't become a Sherlockian--yes, there is a term for people like us--until I was older. The real reason was researching for my own novella, The Hudson Diaries: The Life and Times of a Baker Street Resident, which you can find here. Once I started the research on guns, poisons, Victorian law and crime and several other things to make this dream a reality, then I really delved deep into the Sherlock mentality.

Want to know what makes him so great? It is because he is a hero, allowing us to be a part of adventures we can only dream about in our real lives. We also get his partner, Watson, who is the heart of the relationship, while Sherlock is the brain. This creates the best and brightest partnership ever, and we all secretly want a relationship like this, even if we don't admit it. Sherlock is balanced out by Watson, and one cannot survive without the other. But it also takes a certain type of person to be the other half. Now, I am not saying that Sherlock and Watson are lovers--don't even go there. They are more like brothers, a partnership that would do anything to help each other and build each other up.

The mysteries are also totally plausible. At first they are mind boggling, but as soon as Sherlock gets a hold of them,  you know that there will be a resolution that you are satisfied with, if not completely happy with it. Oh, and news flash--just like every normal human being, Sherlock doesn't always win. That's what makes him relateable and applicable to our own lives. He is a hero who fails, but always picks himself up, and he makes what seems impossible possible. There, my friends, is what makes a timeless character.
                             

R is for Roses

I love roses. Now, you may think, "That's because you're a girl." Well, yes, yes I am. I hope that's not a shock to you. But  I love roses also mixed with daffodils. Flowers, especially these bring me much joy. I love the meanings also behind the colors: One color can mean purity, one love, one friendship, one hope and affection....The importance of meanings without words. Everything said in an arrangement of flowers.

God speaks through nature, and so can we. He created the world around us, and we can use it to show love and gratitude for the people in our lives and the blessings in our world.

Q is for Quartermaster

This blog post is dedicated to one of my favorite characters in the James Bond movie series--Q, the Quartermaster, the man with all the gadgets. I loved the older man that played him forever, and I love the new one too from Skyfall. Perfect casting in my opinion.

I love also that without Q, Bond would not survive. He needs all the inventions that Q gives him at some point, and they always are available in an opportune moment (Good story tellers can pull out the stops like that while making it still plausible). He is a side character that is integral to the story, and also the humor, black or white, that keeps the movies on the optimistic side of things.

Don't underestimate side characters (They are often my personal favorites!), because in a well written story there is a reason for every character. One of my favorite scenes in the Bond series is when Q comes floating down in the balloon in Octopussy. If you haven't seen it, you should. Also see Skyfall--great Q scenes there too! Cheers!







           

P is for Pinterest

Pinterest is my new guilty pleasure! It's an addiction for people who don't drink or do drugs. Unfortunately, time goes by faster than expected, as with all things of this kind. Actually, it has also helped me in a lot of ways--therapy when my wheels are spinning and ideas when I'm spinning my wheels.

I also have been able to organize the things that I like into"Boards" or, more generally, categories, and when you don't have a category for something that you find, you make a new one. I have also found other people who enjoy what I enjoy; you can find out quite a bit about a person by the boards they have on their Pinterest account. And, when you need someone to talk to who understands, just comment, and someone will answer you. This is a pretty new thing, but I think it's catching. I wonder if it will become the next Facebook.

Also, I like the idea of pictures. Not just for art, but videos, recipes, books, articles...In order to add something onto Pinterest, you have to have a picture and a link to a website. Then you just pin what you like from others, for yourself--It's all you! Don't worry about getting "likes" or "pins", just let yourself go in a good way. It's a good way to let out some tension or just to know that someone out there feels the way you do about the way things are going in the world.

It can make you laugh, cry, sing, smile, remember....All from the comfort of your bedroom. It can inspire, create and comfort, whether you are alone or with someone. It doesn't matter. Just let you be you.

O is for Orange

Since you're getting to know me a little bit, I thought I would post this for you. I hate the color orange. I like the fruit, I like the smell of an orange, but I hate the color. I have no idea why that is, and I seriously dislike the fact that blue and orange are complimentary colors, seeing as blue is my favorite color. Such a conundrum sometimes.

Some of the things I absolutely love have orange in them, like autumn as a season, or pumpkin chocolate chip bread during the holidays, or chocolate oranges....but the color on it's own is just horrid. Maybe it's partially because I cannot wear it; it doesn't help me look good. That sounds really shallow, but it's more of a reason than "I'm not sure".

I will not have orange decorations in my house unless it's Halloween or Thanksgiving, and I would not pick it out for my decor of choice. I will never have a wall painted orange in my house....and if my husband loves the color orange, I will let him have an office all to himself and never wander in there unaccompanied.

I know this is probably a silly thing to be adamant about, but like I said earlier, you're getting to know me. I hope this doesn't completely turn you away from my writing or thoughts, and if it does, I'm sorry.

N is for Novels

“You don't read Gatsby, I said, to learn whether adultery is good or bad but to learn about how complicated issues such as adultery and fidelity and marriage are. A great novel heightens your senses and sensitivity to the complexities of life and of individuals, and prevents you from the self-righteousness that sees morality in fixed formulas about good and evil.”
― Azar Nafisi, Reading Lolita in Tehran

“Poetry, plays, novels, music, they are the cry of the human spirit trying to understand itself and make sense of our world.”
― Laura Malone Elliott, Annie, Between the States   

“In writing a novel, when in doubt, have two guys come through the door with guns.”
― Raymond Chandler