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A celebration of creativity.
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Welcome to another new segment of my blog. I've currently been doing a truck load of research on genies for my current
WIP, so I thought it would be fun to share what I know, as well as research other mythical creatures throughout the year. I hate to horde all this genie knowledge and keep it to myself. There's plenty to go around for everyone! Who knows, if it works out well I may keep it as a staple here at Christy's
Creative Space. We'll see how it goes. Let me know what you think. Are there any Mythical creatures or Characters that you would like to see researched in the future?
Contents:1)Modern day thoughts regarding Genies (truth is stranger than fiction)
2)Writers Toolbox; Association and symbolism
3)History
-origins
-traits
4)Six different levels or tribes of Djinni
5)Strengths
6)Weakness
7)Major Legends
8)Books about or containing djinn
9)Sources
Modern day thoughts regarding Genies: (truth is stranger than fiction)
While the majority don't believe in the existence of Genies, there are some who still believe they can be contacted and summoned. Below are some modern day examples:
1)In
1998,
Pakistani nuclear scientist Sultan Bashiruddin Mahmood proposed in a
Wall Street Journal interview that jinn could be tapped to solve the
energy crisis. "I think that if we develop our souls, we can develop communication with them. ... Every new idea has its opponents, but there is no reason for this controversy over Islam and science because there is no conflict between Islam and science." (
Wikipedia)
2) When a
Djinn dies, its soul infuses the area of its death. If this can be somehow harvested, it can be used to create magic of great curative properties. It is said that such magic can raise the dead, greatly extend life, and bestow great powers. (http://legendsguide.com/793/legend-of-the-different-types-of-djinn/)
3) There are web-sites that sell the secrets to summoning an rituals so that you can have your very own Genie who can give you winning lottery numbers, dig treasure, and aid you in
teleportation and grant any wish in the blink of
UNDERCOVER by Beth Kephart
A review from a writers perspectiveImagine words pirouetting in a perfectly choreographed line straight into the depth of your soul. Along the way their magic softens calluses and sets free the hidden and the buried things that you've justified into darkness yet have managed to take root in your very core Yet the words breeze by and set them free. It may result in tears, or relief, or latent therapy or just made you take time to stop and think, but they've done some good none-the-less, in one way or another. That's what lyrical language does for me. That's what this book did. Beautifully written.
Why I picked it up? I went to flashlightworthy.com and looked for reading suggestions. The description and the mention of "lyrical language" caught my eye.
The Story: The story in itself is a simple one: Girl (Elisa) with low self esteem and a crumbling home life likes boy. boy dates another girl. What sets this book apart from other books with a similar story line is the materials with which it is woven into an intricate and thoughtful design. Kephart created a modern day, teen Cyrano De Bergerac (Elisa) and adorned her with a unique perspective on life and a love for skating that helps her step out of her shell so she can face troubles with more confidence and see the beauty within herself.
The Characters: Most of the characters are well-rounded and well-done. The only Character that I think could have been more developed was Lila, the girlfriend of our main characters love interest. Lila's character is flat and since we know so little about what fuels her over-dramatic outbursts towards Elisa, it makes Lila's character and her excessive actions feel a bit forced.
The Voice: The things that make up the voice of this book: The lyrical language (of course) Even though this is a lyrical book Kephart is still able to maintain an authentic teen mindset and thought process, Elisa's unique perspective and contemplation about the world around her, strong use of symbolism with a statue, a lake and the change of seasons.
The Underlying Theme: What is going on beneath this regular girl with regular problems? She is learning to not give into her troubles and let them keep her from having what she wants just because she has always believed that she didn't deserve them.
I believe that the best of the best of the books out there have a sentence or a paragraph (usually found somewhere in the last quarter of the book that states or gives clue to the underlying theme of a book. Since it is written so well, I want to share this paragraph where I found (what I believe to be) the underlying theme.
Part 2 chapter 18
setting: Elisa is contemplating her honors English class study of Cyrano De Bergerac as he cares for Roxanne after the death of Christian, yet he never tells her the truth of his love and his letters. ". . . . But what does he do, for fourteen years? He attends to Roxanne's fantasy. "It is written/ that I should build for others and be forgotten . . . " he says. "I stand below in dark--'tis all my story--/while others climb to snatch the kiss of glory." Here's what I think, when I think about it more: beauty is a cruel deception,
Thanks to Katrina Lantz for giving this blog award to me.
Since I'm a very obedient person and adhere to all rules (a-hem) I will do what all who post this award must do; Post 15 things that you probably don't know about me.
1) I study 2 disciplines of martial arts; Taekwondo and Hapkido
2) I don't mind going to the movies by myself. I actually kind of like it when I feel like a need an "escape"
3) I have broken both of my legs and both of my arms, but not at the same time. This last broken ankle was the clincher. I'd really like to stop breaking bones now.
4) In 7th grade, my English teacher accused me of plagiarizing a poem that I had written for an assignment. (It was called Lead Foot Granny) I was so embarrassed that I didn't keep it. In hindsight, I wish I had.
5) When I was 16 I got to travel through France for a month with my French group.
6) My husband and I only knew each other for one week before we started talking about getting married. I was only 21 when we got married. The odds were against us, but we'll be celebrating year 18 this May.
7) I had some unusual pets as a kid such as; a turtle, an iguana and hermit crabs
8) I love turkey bologna.
9) My favorite Starbucks drink is a skinny vanilla latte.
10) I was hit by a car when I was 5 years old (see #3) with a broken arm, leg and my face split open, I was lucky I survived.
11) I was a gymnast and a figure skater when I was younger
12) I went to the same church with Clay Aiken a year before he went on American Idol. My jaw dropped the first time I heard him sing a solo from the stage.
13) I once went to a hard-core biker wedding. I went dressed in shorts and still felt over dressed.
14) I once had a friend who had a guinea pig that would do back flips after it ate broccoli.
15) I have a tattoo.
Now I'm supposed to tag people. The rules say it should be 15 people, but honestly by this point it's hard to find bloggers who haven't already had this award given to them. I'll just tag some people and not worry about how many it ends up being. I mean, there aren't any blogging award police out there, is there?
I am tagging:
Kelly Pollark, Rena Jones, Angela Ackerman, Bish Denham, MG Higgins, Cynthia Chapman Willis. Also, if I didn't post your name but you want to participate then consider yourself tagged!
Happy Birthday
Across the Universe!
That's right. Today is the long anticipated birth of Beth Revis' brain child, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
Congratulations Beth! I know the world is going to go gaga over your book.
I also thought this would be a good opportunity to start a new segment on my blog called "Encouragement for Writers from Authors, Editors and Agents." Who better to be my first Encouragement Interview than Beth!
So, Thank you Beth for sharing some words of encouragement for writers on your very special day.
Beth, Do you have a favorite saying, quote or poem that inspires you during times of discouragement?
I love Winston Churchill's quote: "Never never never never never give up."
Do you have a brief story about discouragement in your own writing career that you would like to share with us?
The truth of the matter is that I was rejected for ten years before I got a single acceptance. That sucked. There's no other way to put it. I was ready to give up, and very nearly did, but decided to give it one last shot...and that ended up being ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, the book that changed everything.
What words of encouragement do you have for people who have yet to publish their fist manuscript?
Keep writing. By this, I mean: write each novel like it's The One--revise it, edit it, work on it, and submit it--but if it doesn't work out, write the next novel. Don't let yourself stagnate. Keep writing.
What words of encouragement do you have for those who are published yet are seeking further publication?
Keep writing. The same principle applies to the published author as to the unpublished one. Keep working, keep striving, and never never never never never give up.
Anything else to add?
If you haven't read it, check out Paolo Coelho's novel, THE ALCHEMIST. It's a wonderful book about seeking and striving towards your dreams, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to try to become something more.
Thanks for your encouraging words, Beth. You are an inspiration! Also, thanks for rec. the Alchemist. I'll have to check that out, but before I do, I HAVE to read Across the Universe first! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy.
It's only the 3rd of January and I've already broke my resolution. Literally.
OK, so it's not necessarily a resolution for the new year. I have an ongoing resolution to work on my health and fitness goals. It's pretty much a staple in my life. January just seems like a good time to renew that commitment. So . . . this morning I wake up at around 5:00. I'm feeling energetic and peppy, so I decide to take the dogs for a walk before waking the kids up for school. I bundle up. Walk out the door, walk down the driveway, slip on ice at the end of the driveway and break my ankle. I had to crawl up the drive and up the stairs to wake up my hubby to take me to the emergency room. To make a long story short, I have to have surgery on my ankle in the morning to have a metal plate put on my bone.
So, my new New Years resolution is to not take the dogs for a walk early in the morning. Nothing good happens that early in the morning. Sleep in people! It's the safest thing to do.
I'll be off my feet for about 6-8 weeks, so it looks like I'll have more time to dedicate to my writing. I'm thinking about doing a NaNo Break-mo. I've started an idea for a new book, so maybe it'll be fun to see what I can do with that for the next 6-8 weeks and an ample supply of pain killer.
On a more positive note, here's a link to my article that was published in the
2011 Charlotte Parent Baby Guide. Click here to see it.
the Genie Scheme by Kimberly K. Jones
a review from a writers perspective
Do you ever have things magically disapper? Socks, toys, jewelry, books? Psst . . . . ! Come a little closer. I've got a secret to share with you.
I've done a little research on this "disappearing epidemic" and I found some interesting intel. The answer to this phenomenon? Genies. Yep. That's right.
I learned this info from Janna, a teen who feel like she lives in poverty because her mom drives an old car and they have to shop at second hand stores, showed a random act of kindness to a bag lady. Turns out this wasn't your run-of-the-mill bag lady. Nope! She was a Genie. Apparently when you show kindness to a Genie, this binds them to you as their master.
Janna was finally able to have everything she had ever dreamed about. Unfortunately, she learned very quickly that genies don't just *poof* things out of thin air. Anything that they give to you has to *poof* out of the possession of someone or someplace else. Janna learns that there are consequences to our greed and materialization of our wishes.
So . . . all those socks that you've lost, they've gone to some poor sap that needs to learn how to make better wishes. Missing books? Gone to some lucky reader who has a magical-endless supply of reading material.
Story: The Genie Scheme is a cute and humorous story best suited for the tween reader. I think an older teen audience would think the moral of the story might be too preachy.
Chracterization: The main character has realistic problems and realistic reactions to them, her character was written well. The genie is funny and likeable. I love the Genie!
The only downside to the characterization is that the "bad guys" fall flat. There seems to be little (if any) redeemable qualities in the antagonists making their personalities unrealistic. Also, there seems to be a blanket idea that all "rich" people are self serving and bad.
Voice: Each character had their own distinctive, consistent and believable voice. Great job on voice!
Overall this is a cute, fast and fun read. And with all our hopes and dreams building up in anticipation of the New Year, this is a good book to remind us to "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it!"
That lead me to ask . . . what do you wish for 2011 to bring?
Critter's new adopted mom has set up a new blog in honor of Critter's arrival. Please stop by her blog and welcome Sherri Carpenter and Critter to the blogosphere! http://followsherriandcritter.blogspot.com/
It has been 15 month, and the time has finally come for Critter's auction! Along with Critter in all his autographed glory, I also made a nice little 20 page scrapbook documenting his travels. you can see the details of the scrapbook by clicking here
http://www5.snapfish.com/snapfish/projectshareewelcome/l=2376313028/p=345131292260621756/g=1555904028/cobrandOid=1000/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/otsc=SYE/otsi=SPBKlink/
this is a picture of what artist,Robert Bateman wrote on Critter's backside.
Are you just finding out about Critter right now? Who is Critter?
Good question.
For over 14 months Critter has traveled the world visiting talented writers, artists, and authors: while exploring their world. Christy Evers sent out Critter after an interactive art project, directed by the cutting edge artist, Ian Sands.
Critter has visited (and was signed) by PJ Hoover (author of the Forgotten Worlds trilogy) and the Texas Sweethearts, in Texas. Beth Revis in North Carolina (whose debut novel, Across the Universe, coming out in January 2011, is expected to be a HUGE success!). Christina Farley in Korea, New England with Nandini Bajpai, Illinois with Kelly Polark, (who is frequented in Highlights magazine), MG Higgins in California, Rena Jones (author of multiple picture books) in Montana, Cynthia Leitich Smith (NY Times best-selling author) in Texas, Bish Denham in the Virgin Islands, Jacqui Robbins (author of “The New Kid and Me”, and “Two of a Kind”) in Michigan, Tina Ferraro, (author of “How to Hook a Hottie, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress, and The ABC’s of Kissing Boys) in California, Cynthia Chapman Willis, (Picture book author of “Dog Gone” and “Buck Fever”) in New Jersey, Jill S. Alexander, (YA author of “The Sweetheart of Prosper County”) in Texas, Ellen Oh in Virginia, Alberta, Canada with Angela Ackerman (the blog-genius behind the “Writing Thesaurus”. The World-famous artist, Robert Bateman, also signed Critter (on his backside) as an honorary host.
Kidlit Critterpalooza!
by Angela Ackerman (The Bookshelf Muse)
For over a year now, CRITTER, the creation of artist Ian Sands, has been travelling the world, meeting talented writers and authors and exploring where they live. At each stop he learns more and more about KIDLIT and the importance of literacy and creativity. This journey was the brainchild of Christy Evers, (Thats me! Thanks Angela!) who got her hands on Critter after an interactive art project of Ian’s, where 500 Critters were hidden all over her city for people to find.
Critter has visited PJ Hoover (and the Texas Sweethearts!) in Texas, Beth Revis
8 Comments on Critterpalloza = lots of prizes!!! share the wealth!, last added: 11/18/2010
Donate to St. Jude. Click on the link above and it will take you directly to St. Judes Donation page on their official web-site
Today's inspiration comes from Jedi Master Kitty and Thomas Edison. Jedi Master Kitty wants to get you into shape! He doesn't want you to simply have a sip of success. He wants you to BE a SIP.
What is a SIP?
I'm glad you asked.
S uccess
I n
P rogress
Thomas Edison said, "Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."Jedi Master Kitty is training me to be a SIP and not give into discouragement. Who want's to be a SIP too?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some training to do with one tough Jedi Master.
Depressed teen, Martin Conway didn't like it much either. Martin lives in the shadows of an alcoholic father, an overcritical mother and an over-achieving sister. What makes is worse is that everyone hopes that he will measure up to his namesake; a WWII hero of a Grandfather. But Martin can't measure up. He makes poor grades in school, has few friends and when he is picked on by a group of boys at school, he ends up suspended for something that he didn't do. It turns out that he has more in common with his alcoholic father and his mentally ill uncle more than his grandfather.
Everything changes when his mystical grandmother dies and leaves him her antique radio from the 1940's. As he falls asleep to the radio static, he is transported back in time to WWII Where a a boy named Jimmy is pleading for his help, although he's not exactly sure what he needs Martin to do. . . . yet.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I picked it up at the library on a whim. I luv, luv, luv it when that happens!
Book characterization: I like how the characters in this book are believable. They are all flawed yet have their own endearing traits. This book gently explores alcoholism, depression and mental illness in a positive way. I would recommend this book for children facing such issues.
Voice: I think the main characters voice was a little weak. He used several words that I wouldn't expect a teenage boy to use. However that didn't take away (much) of my enjoyment of the voice. I cared about the character and his circumstances. I loved the voice of the WWII boy, Jimmy. I felt like I got a good sense of who he was and his perspective.
The underlying drive of the book: I think this is what sets this book apart from other time-travel/historical fiction books. The underlying question asks, "What do you think makes one man a disgrace and another one a hero?" The story explores how some of those who have been deemed "great" may not be as wonderful as we would like to think. Likewise, those who we tend to look down our noses at may actually be the ones who come through for us in the end.
On a scale of 1 LUV to 5 LUVS, I rate it 4Luvs! <3 <3 <3 <3
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find an old radio and see where (and when) it will take me.
I did NaNo WriMo (for those of you not familiar with the term NaNo WriMo stands for National Novel Writing month) about two years ago. It was fun, but the story ended up being a flop. That was a huge disappointment. I may try it again another year. For now, I'm just trying to figure out how to fit "writing" into my schedule. I miss it. It's my "ME" time. My "therapy" time. My FuN time. Plus, I HAVE to write. If I get out of story writing for too long it makes me feel all wOnKy.
So . . . instead of diving into writing a whole new novel this November, I decided to set a goal that was more doable for my current situation. I'm taking 2 hours 3 mornings a week where I wrap myself up in my cozy local coffee shop while the kids are at school in order to dedicate time to finish my current novel. Hopefully it will become a habit and I can keep it up beyond November.
I only have about 5 more chapters left in my current novel, but it feels like much more. Wish me luck in trying to tackle that goal and being able to stay true to my scheduled writing times. It has felt so good to get out and write (and drink coffee) again.
So, how about you? Are you doing NaNo or another variation of it? Or, has the craziness inspired you to set another type of goal?
In other Critter news, you HAVE to HAVE to HAVE to
read Angela's blog re: Critter's Halloween. He got to try on all kinds of costumes. It's Adora-sterical! (I just made that word up. I think I like it.)
Critter has made it to Canada with Angela Ackerman over at The Bookshelf Muse. This is the grand finale of his world-wide tour before he is auctioned off for St. Jude. I understand that Angela has lots of fabu-tastic stuff in store for him. Why don't you go on over to to her blog and see how Critter adjusted to Canadian life in the Ackerman home. He's very sociable. He seems to make friends wherever he goes.
The winner of the Sweetheart of Prosper County is . . . . .
Carol Baldwin!!!!
Congrats Carol!
Contact me at ChristyEvers (at) att (dot) net , with your snail mail address.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Hello! From my world of chaos to yours. I'm coming out of hiding for a long overdue post and book giveaway. Critter has recently been to visit Jill S. Alexander in Texas. You may remember my post about Jill and our serendipitous first meeting. You can visit Jill's blog to read about his visit by clicking HERE.
In honor of Jill's Critter Hosting awesomeness I'm giving away a signed copy of her fabulous book THE SWEETHEART OF PROSEPER COUNTY. It has heart, humor and a strong character voice.
Let me tell you. . . this book is a gem. I stayed up late; laughing, crying . . . copying down snippets of her writing in my little "favorite-quote-collection-book." Most books I read will only have one or two quotes that I decide to write in my little collection book. Jill's book took up 3 pages! Her writing is just that good!
Let me give you an example: Here's a brilliant passage where the main character is describing the town Mayor. It's brilliant because she describes him by describing the people around him. You get a sense of who he is by learning about his relationships with others.
"In addition to his swanky ride, Mayor Nesmith had a money-blowing wife, four whiney rugrats, and the hots for my momma. She avoided him like poison ivy."
Let me say it again . . . Brilliant. And entertaining to boot!
You have to read the book! I believe it so much that I bought 2 copies. One for me and one for a lucky winner.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win. You can gain extra entry points for commenting on Jill's blog, linking this contest to your blog, twitter, facebook or any other sort of social media and becoming (or being) a fan of Critter on Facebook. It will be a big help if you tell me, in the comments, which of these things you have done.
The winner will be announced on Tuesday. Good luck!
A great big, huge THNX to everyone who commented and sperad the word about Critter. I wish I had more books to give away to show my appreciation.
Since I only have two . . . it's time to announce the lucky winners.
Copy #1 goes to WordwrangerNC (Donna)
AND
Copy #2 goes to Llehn
You can contact me at ChristyEvers (at) att (dot) net with your snail mail address.
Congratulations!
Critter at the Heart and Soul Ball, SCBWI LAOK, I know Critter has had the majority of my blog time. But it's well deserved, don't cha think?
For those of you just tuning in . . . Critter is the bad-butt (family friendly word choice aptly chosen) flat-Stanley of children's literature blogs. He has been traveling since the fall of 2009 and is currently on his final leg of his travels. When his travels are complete, he will be auctioned off for the children of
St. Jude.
Just an FYI,
St. Jude runs on an operating budge of 1.5 million dollars a day, funded mostly by donations. ~gasp~ Yep. Makes me feel guilty ordering my daily Starbucks. I'm hoping Critter will be able to make a good dent in at least one day of operations. I need you to help me.
So . . . I figure . . . even if you don't have a ton of money to bid on such a fabulous piece of art, we are in a era of Twitter, Face book and blogs. If you help me get the word out re: Critter and his cause perhaps we, together, can find the people/groups who have the available funds and big-heartedness to make a generous donation to Critter's cause.
So . . . please, if you've got the time please follow Critter on his destination and let others know about his cause well. You can also leave comments on the blogs of people who are hosting Critter to show your support.
Currently Critter is with
Cynthia Chapman Willlis in NJ. Next he will visit
Jill S. Alexander in TexasFrom there he will go to
Ellen Oh in DCThe Grand Finale will be in good ol' Canada with
Angela Ackerman.(insert Rocky theme song here)
then the auction.
I want to thank everyone who has supported Critter thus far. Be sure to visit my side bar to see where Critter has been in the last year. Not to mention his brilliant creator,
Ian Sands and his interview with the
Texas Sweethearts.You can also become a fan of
Critter on Facebook by clicking here and then clicking on the "become a fan" button.
Kids lit peopel RaWk!!!!!!
Critter says he loves you! He thinks that you're all RaWk Stars.
In order to show my appreciation for those willing to help me get the word out, I'm holding a giveaway for 2 . . . that's right TWO copies of the last book of The Hunger Games Trilogy. The recently released
This was my clock. OK. Maybe not the EXACT clock. But this was my clock when I was 4 years old, maybe younger. Now someone is selling it for a ton of $$$ on e-bay. Anyway . . . when the alarm went off it said, "Andy, Andy, please wake up, it's time to start our day." (or something like that.) If there's any more to it, I don't remember.
I remember this clock because my mom was at work and my dad and brother were outside shoveling the Chicago snow. I was in the house all by myself. Sure. My dad and brother were technically "there" but in a 4 year old mind, I was in the house . . . ALONE!!!!! I remember grabbing this clock and a few tomatoes from the refrigerator and hiding under my bed.
Cartoons had taught me well. The clock told me when mom should be home. The tomatoes were to throw at an intruder. I was set!!!
I love this memory! I'm even contemplating buying this stupid clock!
Can anyone else remember their irrational childhood moments? I'd love to hear them!
This has been a fun blog week! Fist it started out by lil ol' me winning an ARC giveaway on PJ Hoover's blog for the book "Girl Parts" YaY! I love winning books.
And starting today . . . . Author Tina Ferraro is offering a Critter-inspired giveaway!!!
Tina is the author of "Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress," "How to Hook a Hottie," and "ABC's of Kissing Boys" Not to mention, she's also a sweet-cutie-patootie as well.
Go on over to Tina's blog to show some luv for Tina, Critter and St. Jude, and win a chance for a free book or a 1st chapter critique from a fabulous author on top of it all!
Don't forget to become of Critter on Facebook! Click here to go to his FB fan page.
Critter has been to visit Jacqui Robbins in MN. She's starting to post about some of the Critter mayhem in her house. Plus, she called me a "cool person." I think I love Jacqui. (In a totally non-weird way, of course.) I tend to favor people who call me "cool"
anyway, Click here to see what Critter and Jacqui have been up to.
And while your waiting for Jacqui's posts, you might like to know that Critter is on his way to visit YA author, Tina Ferraro. I hear she's taking him to Vegas. whooo hooooo!
Remember my crazy-canceled/delayed flight from DFW to LAX? ( previous post) Well . . . there's more.
You see, at first, when I got on the original (canceled flight) I was supposed to have a window seat. I ADORE window seats (despite the bathroom dilemma) I like the view and I like having a surface to lay my head and snooze. What can I say? A moving plane is like a rocking cradle to me.
Anyway . . .
I approached my coveted window seat. I saw a man, a woman then and baby. A cute, friggin' baby sucking on a pacifier (in my seat). uggggghhhhh!!!!
"Would you mind switching seats with me?" said the man.
Crap! Now I'll be sitting in the Hell-of-all-middle-seats! "Of course. It's no problem." If only I was the angel in my thoughts like I was the angel of my words.
I would've been a heartless soul to refuse. I couldn't. The angel of words won. The angel of thoughts repeatedly stabbed the back of my eyeballs.
So. I settled in between a nice woman and a young lad several rows back. (in the middle seat)
I blew up my inflatable travel pillow. Adjusted my i-pod. (in the middle seat) Did I mention middle seat?
The nice woman next to me snapped her head in my general direction and said, "Stop it!"
Stop it?
OK. So, I wondered if maybe Critter was up to some of his Critter-tricks. He's a bit ornery, you know.
But then she says (in the most adorable Texas twang) "I'm so sorry, hon. I'm not talkin' to you. My son is traveling with me and he's pokin' me from behind."
awwwwww! She was so adorable! I wanted to pinch her cheeks! But I didn't. I have some self control, don't cha'know.
"That's funny stuff." I replied. Truly relieved that I wasn't sitting next to a stuffity'uppity window-seater, and thankful for the comedy relief. I liked this woman from the very start.
But then, the flight was canceled.
We reboarded 3 (or more) hours later.
I sat next to the nice lady with the Texas Twang once more. But that was OK, because I already liked her.
We giggled at the loud-mouth braggard sitting in the row in front of us. What can I say? We were loopy from the plane delays and flight changes. We must've been easily amused.
I liked her, even though I didn't know her. We talked, but about nothing in particular. Simply pleasant company.
Fast forward to the hotel. . . .
I'm standing in line to check into my room for the SCBWI LA conference and who do I see? It's the nice lady with the twang from the plane.
"Oh!" She said, "If I had known you were coming here, you could've shared a cab with me and my son!"
Nice! Such a nice lady. Wow! We were at the same conference. How amazing. What a small world.
Fast forward once more to the next morning:
. . . I'm sitting in the opening session of the conference. The faculty of SCBWI is introducing themselves on stage.
Who do I see introduce herself as one of the faculty authors? You guessed it!!!! The nice lady with the twang, the one who sat next to me on the plane and whispered "stop it!" in my general direction (although not directed to me)
We spoke several times throughout the conference. Her name is Jill S. Alexander (BTW) She's sweet as pie. I swear, children's literature people are the nicest people on the whole entire earth!
Consequently, I bought her book, The Sweetheart of Prospect County, and I read it in 2 nights. That's a big deal, seeing that I read it during the conference. They keep you going at conferences like this, so it was no easy feat to stay up in order to read a book. However, I read Jill's book. I laughed. I cried. I stayed up way later than I should have. As a matter of fact, I bought a book for myself and I bought an extra to use as a book giveaway, here! On my blog! Might I dub Jill as the Swe
Our flight was early. Critter is coffee-mad. Can you imagine drinking a cup full of coffee that is 98% of your height? But critter did it. And it paid off. (Critter likes mocha) We had no idea what was ahead that was about to challenge Critter's energy level.
Our connection in Dallas was delayed as a result of mechanical difficulties. Annoying and yet, I prefer delays over crashing. Crazy. I know. I'm weird that way.
Three hours, two cups of coffee, 8 1/4 cranky employees, two tram rides and three gate changes later . . . we were on our way to LA. Seriously . . . picture 150 people being herded through an airport, parting escalators Exodus-like, complaining that our time was being inconvenienced as opposed to risking our lives in a plane crash.
You might think people would be cranky during a circumstance such as that. No need to worry. Critter saved the day. He pulled his guitar out of his backpack and led the entire flight in rounds of campfire songs and bad 80's ballads and supervised line-dances.
Everyone agreed. It was the best flight they had ever taken. Some airline employees were ready to quit their jobs and join a circus. But Critter's enthusiasm reminded them of what was really important in life and dubbed it as the best work-day EVER!!!!
Yay, Critter saved the day!
Foam board is truly amazing. Isn't it?
Critter was pretty tuckered out after all of that rabble-rousing. He needed to kick back when we finally checked in. Here's a picture of Critter chillin' with his i-pod. (He likes Toby Mac)
This is Critter chillin' on our balcony.
More Critter in LA stories to come . . . .
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Wow! You've done your research. I almost wish I were writing a book about genies now!
Thanks Kelly! If you decide to write a genie book, you know where to go. :0)
You've done a ton of research on this! Very cool!
Thanks Sherrie! :0)
Excellent Christy! I'm definitely looking forward to what you find out about other magical beings. Here are a few I'd like to know more about.
Phoenix
Dragons
Unicorns
Centaurs
Gnomes
Fairies (a huge catagory all by itself.)
thnx bish and double thnx for the list to work off of! :0)
Christy - *shiver!* That djinn story (with the college student) gave me the heebie jeebies. I couldn't even make myself go to the next page. EEEP!
I don't trust the stories with "fun, sweet" genies. I mean, really, wouldn't you have pent up aggression/anger if you had been stuck in a bottle for hundreds of years?
BTW - my computer is being weird and not letting me post to your page. BUT, if this does happen to go through 4 times, just delete three of them!
Hi Donna! That story creeped me out too. But the one about Genies selling on e-bay and the lawyer who wanted a genie to testify in court made me giggle a little. :0)
Hi Christy,
I suppose you must be aware of Philip Kerr's children's books, which, I believe are all about djinns. (I haven't read them)
Children of the Lamp is one.
See www.pbkerr.com
Oh, and thanks for reading my blog and your kind comment.
Wow! That's a whole lot of genie going on! Tonight, I may dream of Genie...LOL
That's an impressive amount of research! Wow! And really interesting. I am genie clueless--or, I was. I bet your WIP is awesome!