Top Ten Lost Things I Wish I Could Find Again

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I was tagged with the "Christmas Character Tag" by Sarah of Dreams and Dragons, but I haven't had time yet to do it.  Even though it's past Christmas now, I'll still probably do it next time I have the chance.  

In the mean time, enjoy this list of things that sometimes keeps me awake at night.... 10 Lost Things I Wish I Could Find Again.  @_@

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#10 The Words to that One Song I Wrote...

One of the first songs I wrote was called (ironically) Forgotten Memory.  I had words for it, but I preferred the instrumenal version.  Now I've forgotten both the words, and the melody, and I'll never be able to get them back.

#9  Lily Baby

Probably my favorite toy from my earliest childhood years, Lily Baby was just a simple baby doll dressed in a beautiful white dress and pinafore.  She had a bonnet too at one point, though that was lost before the doll herself disappeared.  I remember, even in my little-kid-memory, that she was pretty discolored toward the end, so there's a good chance one of my parents is behind her eventual "retirement".  

#8  My Ruby-Crystal Ring

 A pretty little piece of costume jewelry with a fake ruby and mock diamonds on either side.  This was the first pretty ring I remember having.  I lost it in a McDonald's ball pit.

#7  Emily Elizabeth

Another childhood toy, Emily Elizabeth was a life-size cloth doll in a pink dress with braided brow yarn-hair.  When I first got her, she had a miniature lookalike doll to go along with her.  I actually have a pretty good idea where Emily ended up.  She was mistakenly taken to a thrift store donation center by one of my parents, who (needless to say) felt horrible when they found out their mistake.  I forgave them of course, so all is well.  I hope some other little girl got to enjoy the doll afterward.  Though as I recall, Emily Elizabeth was missing a nose by the time she was taken, so maybe the thrift store didn't even put her on the shelves...  -_-

#6  That One Verse in Proverbs

Once I found a really cool verse in Proverbs that said something about a warrior who defended a city versus a warrior who waged war on another (or something like that), but I forgot the reference and I've never been able to find it again.  It's possible I imagined it and it was never there in the first place.  My fellow Bible-studiers out there may be able to point me in the right direction.  

#5  The Sisk 4 Necklace

When I was writing my first book, I gave my main character Nayrame a special necklace, a silver pendant depicting a rearing unicorn.  I had a similar necklace myself that served as the inspiration for it.  I call it the Sisk4necklace because these words were engraved on the back of the necklace, along with its twin, which I gave to my best friend at the time. After a few years of having it, I lost it at a Bible camp and despite many efforts to find it again, it has been lost ever since. I'm sure some kid picked it up and thought it was the coolest thing ever.  

The sad thing is, I've never been able to find another one just like it in any stores.  I've found others similar, but not the same.  Finally, not too long ago, I googled "Sisk-4" and found the same pendant on a different kind of chain, now valued at forty dollars plus shipping and handling!  I briefly considered getting it, but then came to my senses as I realized that $40 bucks is a bit much for such a small necklace.  0_o

#4  The Rest of My Enola Holmes Series

I'm not sure where the other books went.  I used to have the whole series, but now I only have the last book.  I last saw the series in a box I kept in the storage garage until I could get a new bookcase, but now they're nowhere to be found.  As you can imagine, this CHAFES ME GREATLY.

#3  My First Round of Checkbooks

What can I say? I had them stashed under my bed, safely away in one of my plastic totes.  Then, when I needed them after wearing out my very first checkbook, they were just... gone.  I have this nagging doubt in my mind that during one of my mad purging fits I threw the box out with other things I perceived to be junk.

#2  My Cat

I guess he wasn't really my cat, but he was my favorite.  Angel was the most beautiful cat I've ever seen.  He resembled a Siamese cat, but with more patches.  He was perfectly proportioned, and had a face full of character.  His bright blue eyes were almost hypnotic in their intensity.  I'm serious, this cat could have made money in shows if we'd have only known his parentage.  He was clever too, unlike his mother Bella whom we affectionately acknowledged as a Supreme Ditz.  

Unfortunately, Angel disappeared on the eve of his adulthood.  Maybe a hawk took him, or a fox got him.  Maybe he took to wandering and decided not to come back.  Or MAYBE some well-meaning person saw him walking around on the farm and thought, "Hey, this cat is so pretty he doesn't deserve to be treated as an outside cat.  Come with me, kitty-kitty, I'll take good care of you!  Leave your silly mean masters behind, I have tuna!"

Alas, we shall never know.  But I did see a cat in the pet store recently that I could swear was descended from him...  

DUN-DUN-DUUUNNN!!

 #1  My Star Sapphire Ring

This one really galls me.  My grandpa bought a 10-karat silver ring with a real star sapphire set in the center when he received his very first Christmas bonus.  Fast forward to many-years-later, when he gave it to me as a gift.  I was so taken with it, I loved that ring.  I wore it often, and my friends at school thought it was so neat how you could really see a six-pointed star in the gem when you held it under the light.  But then one day, with no explanation, I couldn't find it.  I don't know if it was stolen, or if it just fell off in the snow somewhere.  I didn't notice when it went missing  because my finger had grown so used to wearing it I couldn't even tell when it was off.  We turned the house upside down looking for it, but to no avail.  

Now it's my plan that if I ever get a job where they give Christmas bonuses, I'll use my first one to get a star sapphire ring, and finally complete the circle.

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-Emmarayn Redding

(Images taken from the public domain)

The Winter Wanderer: a Christmas Poem

The Winter Wanderer

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Dark, the tide of cloud stretched out

across the western sky

blotting out the twinkling stars

in the pale blue sea on high

A mournful wind was crying 'cross

the glistening snowy plains

ghosting through the pines and

stealing through the window panes

Emptiness, quite tangible, had

gripped the winter world

And frost in biting patterns

on the frozen trees was swirled

Then, with grim resolve he pulled

his patched-up jacket tight

He could see the shape of town ahead

in a line of dimming lights

Down a slope, so weary now

He stumbled backward twice

Every step now bound him

like a fetter to the ice

“Oh, God above,” at last he cried

and to the ground he fell

On hands and knees he crawled

as if to flee the threat of Hell

“I've wandered far against what I

have always known is right

And though I'm trying to return

I cannot make it through the night

If You have loved me as they say

then my soul at last be won

if You reach down to save me now-

'Thy will, not mine, be done'”

He stood, and swaying in the wind

He saw the wooden door-

a church stood there, he could have sworn

had not been there before

With a shout he tugged the unlatched door

and stumbled through inside

A praise from wind-chapped lips he gave

for warmth in which to hide

So through the night he slept in peace

his sorrows far away

And in the morning light he saw

a shining Christmas Day

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(Poem property of Emmarayn Redding.  All rights reserved.  Photo taken from the public domain)

Beautiful Music: Codail a Linbh

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Codail a Linbh is a Celtic Christmas song.  Arranged by Michael McGlynn and sung by his group Anuna, the lyrics translate  beautifully to English with this simple Gospel message:

I worship you, my little child come on earth

Sleep peacefully, my child

I worship him, weak, naked and helpless

Sleep peacefully, my child

   

Tell me, my love, as you lie in the manger

Tell me why you lay stretched in the straw

You are a treasury of grace, and Jesus, Son of God

Sleep peacefully, my child

Sleep peacefully, my child

   

Mary, my mother and gentle nurse

Sleep peacefully, my child

I am a treasury of grace, and Jesus, Son of God

Sleep peacefully, my child

   

Desperately poor, I came with desire into this world

To save wandering exiles from death

And when I am suspended on high they will lean towards me

Sleep peacefully, my child

Sleep peacefully, my child

Review: Charmed Life by Dianna Wynne Jones

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As a huge fan of Dianna Wynne Jones's "Howl's Moving Castle", I was delighted to find this highly intriguing-looking book on the shelves of my local book store.  I know it's almost Christmas and I shouldn't have bought myself a new book, but I just couldn't resist.   After skimming over the back cover summary I went straight to the checkout and bought it- which is something I hardly ever do with books.  

Usually I prefer to mail order my books only after I've researched them and read reviews, or if I've already read them from the library and want them for my own shelves.  This is mostly because I'm pretty choosy about what I read, and more choosy about what I actually want on my personal shelves.  If a book doesn't grab me, I don't want it, and it would be a waste of money to buy all the books that reguarly catch my eye!  ;)

But this book did not disappoint.  In typical Dianna Wynne Jones fashion, it had me from the first words of the first chapter, and I settled down in a rocking chair and happily stayed there practically until I finished reading it (aside from the part where I had to get up and dig my sister's car out of the snow when she got stuck...).

Book One in The Chronicles of Chrestomanci.  In "Charmed Life", young Eric Chant (or Cat) and his older sister Gwendolyn, are orphans.  Gwendolyn has a powerful gift of magic, and she's determined to become the most masterful magician she can be.  Cat watches as she hones her talents with admiration, but things go awry when his willful sister clashes with their enigmatic host and benefactor, the Great Chrestomanci.

PROS:  This book, though not connected directly to Howl or his bunch, is similar in feel.  The laws of magic seem to work the same way, though in this story we get to see it up close.  But Charmed Life is a bit darker in my opinion, but I won't get into why just yet.  

The characters were suitably whimsical and mysterious.  Cat was an innocent, trusting boy who was believably childish and naive, unlike most fictional heroes.  Gwendolyn...  boy oh boy, don't get me started on Gwendolyn.  The book is really about two people, and that's her and Chrestomanci, even though neither are the main character.  So if I were to talk much about Gwendolyn, I would be giving away too much of the story.  

My favorite character was probably Chrestomanci himself.  Distant and dreamy, kind, yet simultaneously terrifying, this mysterious character steals every scene he's in as you, the reader, try to figure him out.  I also very much liked his assistant, Michael.   (MICHAEL, you say??  Not A-Certain-Other-Michael-from-Ingary, is he?  I don't know...)

Like in Jones's other books, every detail counts.  There are clues hidden everywhere, and it isn't until you reach the end that it all makes sense.  I was extremely proud of myself for being able to predict one of the revelations, which I've never been able to do before in one of her books.  This isn't to say that Charmed Life is predictable, but rather that Jones did a good job of weaving the answer throughout the whole story, instead of just dropping it on you at the end.

CONS:  Like I said earlier though, this books is darker than the Howl's Moving Castle books.  Dark magic is played with here, and though it is most definitely shown to be evil and forbidden, the way it figured into the plot was very sad.  

There is a scene in which a group of characters attend a church, and one of them causes the stained-glass artwork to come alive during the sermon in an attempt to draw attention to herself.  This is set in a fantasy world, and no direct mention of God is made, but some people may find this offensive anyway.  The character is scolded and told that she went too far, but still.

Fortunately, there are no significant red-flags as far as the actual magic use in the book goes.  Magic words and incantations are mentioned, but not written directly.   A pentagram is mentioned to be painted on the floor of Chrestomanci's office, but that was the only objectionable element I noticed throughout the book.

Mostly, it is the nature of the great crime committed by the villain of the story that children (and parents) may find disturbing:

 ***BIG SPOILER***  

It is revealed that a beloved character who unwittingly possesses nine lives has been killed several times without their knowledge by Someone who should have protected them in order for that Someone to obtain the nine-lived-character's magic.

***END BIG SPOILER***

Aside from that, there are a few magical-apparitions that appear in quite a frightening manner.

OVERALL:

Charmed Life was a fun, exciting, quick-to-finish book with a great mystery and decent conclusion. Being book one in a series, the ending left you wondering what else might happen, but there are several other books I have not yet read.  The second book takes us back in time several years to explore the backstory of one of the most important character, so I'm looking forward to finding some answers there.

I would recommend this book to people 13 and up.  Adults can enjoy it as much as children, so don't be shy. Parents of young children should be aware that magic and the use of it is a major theme throughout this book, and it can be compared to Harry Potter, though unlike Harry Potter the magic words are not written out for readers to memorize.  

To people who loved Howl's Moving Castle, Castle in the Air, or House of Many Ways, this is the book for you!

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-Emmarayn Redding

The Madman of Elkriahl: Posters!

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YES!!!  With the final proof finally approved,the countdown for The Madman of Elkriahl and Other Fairy Tales has finally begun!   Physical copies will be available on Amazon in 3-5 business days, and my own copies for local stores will be available on Dec. 19th-  so now is the time to tell all your family, friends, and even strangers on the street if you want!

Here are some promotional posters that I will be putting up on Facebook and Google Plus.  If you're interested in this beautiful book, please share these on your blogs and whatever other social media you may have so that we can get the word out there.  

And again, I want to thank the people who helped to make this book from the bottom of my heart.  My loyal editors, and my family who encouraged me, my dad who helped me with formatting, text design, and so much more, Hannah and her amazing art skills, and of course- all of you, my readers, who have been with me through this whole process.  I'm so excited to be so near the finish line!  Thank you all so much.

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And here is the script for a banner hosted by MyBannerMaker.com for those of you who like the banner widget on blogger.  :D

<a href="http://mybannermaker.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://mbmfiles.com/Nov2016/161130-mIRymDKbg9CP.jpg" alt='Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!' border=0 /></a><br>Copy this code to your website to display this banner!<br><textarea cols="40" rows="2"><a href="http://mybannermaker.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://mbmfiles.com/Nov2016/161130-mIRymDKbg9CP.jpg" alt='Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!' border=0 /></a><br></textarea>

Questions and Answers Tag!

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I've been nominated by Lover Of Lembas (or Nimrodel, as we call her,) for the Questions and Answers tag! Thanks, Nimrodel!

For this tag, I must...

-Tag the person who nominated me
-Answer ten questions
-Tag ten people

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Do you play a sport?  Is there a sport you want to learn?

No, I do not, and no... I don't really want to learn a sport.  Unless fencing counts!  I would actually love to learn fencing or other swordplay.

Sunrise or sunset?  Why?

Sunset.  I love to go out on cool nights and watch the sunset over the west hills.  Sometimes I bring my penny whistle and play a few tunes before going back home.

What was your dream job as a little kid?

There were quite a few.  I wanted to be an artist, an astronaut, a nurse, a spy, a librarian, and an author.  I picked the last two.  :)

This is not actually the library where I work though...  ;)

What was the last movie you watched you really liked?

The Patriot!  Awesome movie.  Very violent, but a great story, and fantastically executed.

What songs are stuck in your head?

What is something that makes you feel nostalgic?

Burnt peanut butter toast, the smell of old books, and the Chronicles of Narnia, to name a few.

If you were granted an extra hour to be added to your day (so you have 25 hours) what would you spend the hour doing?

Depends on my mood.  I might read, I might write, I might sleep, or I might waste it on the internet.

What is one of the most embarrassing moments you're willing to share?

I was home-schooled all my life, but I also took various classes at public school during my older years, including music, which my dad taught.
One time at the end of choir class, we were all supposed to put our folders back in their shelves, so all the students crowded around the shelves to do so.  I was walking directly behind my friend, who is significantly shorter than me.   Suddenly, she stopped in front of me, and I was walking too fast to stop.  I ran into her, doubled over, staggered to catch myself, tripped on the steps up to the shelves, staggered again, and promptly crashed into every guy left in the line trying to catch myself.

Several of them were cute.

And none of them tried to help me.

I laughed it off and put my folder away, and said nothing of the fact that it was totally my friend's fault.  Totally.

If you could customize your car license plate (for most U.S. readers, that means pick any combination of 5-7 words and letters) what would you want your license plate to say?

LUTHIEN

Rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, or the ocean?

Rivers.  :)

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Now for 10 questions of my own....


1.  What do you like best about the place where you grew up?

2.  What elements do you think were most influential in making you the person you are today?

3.  What fictional character do you identify with most?

4.  Would you call yourself an introvert or an extrovert?  Or possibly an ambivert?

5.  If you could be masterful in one skill, what would you want it to be?

6.  IF you were to be born in  a different time period, which period would you prefer?

7.  Where do you feel most free and happy?

8.  Do you dream of romance, whether present or future?

9.  And speaking of dreaming, what about your literal dreams?  Do you remember you dreams at night?  And if so, what do you usually dream about?  ( If this makes you uncomfortable, don't worry about it.  ;)

10.  If you were going to go down in history, what would it be for?

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And now I must nominate...

....ten people....


...umm...

Honestly, I'm scared that I've nominated people way to often for tags, so I'll do it this way.  If you're reading this, even if you're not technically subscribed to this blog, consider yourself tagged.  If you want to do this tag, awesome!  If not, no guilt.  :)  Link back here when and if you've done the tag, and I'll visit your blog to read your answers!  I look forward to hearing from you!

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-Emmarayn Redding

(DISCLAIMER:  Images taken from the public domain.  Except for the one of Inigo Montoya, which is taken from the Princess Bride.)

Beautiful Music: Luke and Leia

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(Spoilers for anyone who somehow has not yet seen Star Wars...)

This month's beautiful music comes from the master of filmscore, John Williams!  

"Luke and Leia" is the theme that plays when Luke first reveals to Leia her true identity, and the fact that he is, in fact, her brother.  This piece is both sweet and powerful, and emotionally charged, which is especially appropriate due to the circumstances in the films, with Luke preparing to go out to meet what might possibly prove to be his doom.  

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-Emmarayn Redding

(DISCLAIMER:  Music property of John Williams and LucasFilms/Disney.  No copyright infringement intended.)

Ready to Fly Part III

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Hey, guys!  I'm here with another update on Ready to Fly!  Just a quick recap for ya-

Previously, ordinary hotel clerk and maid Leah Kestler had her night disrupted when she met an old friend from high school, Troy Davis, who revealed that he was an agent for a government agency called the Secret Defense, or S.D.  Before he had a chance to fully explain himself, the hotel was attacked by a group of deadly gunmen.  Troy and Leah fled to a nearby field, where Troy has hidden his trump card- a flying car.  

Now having successfully evaded their pursuers, Leah insists on calling her parents...

Link to Part I

Link to Part II

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Part III

Heart hammering, I mopped the sweat from my brow and tried to pull myself together.

"Is something the matter, Leah?" my dad asked. How he and my mom always knew was beyond me. I thought I had my voice so well controlled, and then their darned but lovable parental wisdom would always cut right through me.

I swallowed nervously and nodded, forgetting for a moment that he couldn't see me over the phone

"Um... actually, yes. I have some bad news. Something happened, but the first thing you need to know is that I'm okay."

"Okay," Dad said slowly. I could practically hear the myriad of possibilities rushing through his mind.  

It's not too late- you could just make up a story and avoid all this... I bit my lip, torn.

“Tell him a guest trashed one of the rooms and you have to stay late to clean it!” Troy whispered loudly.

I hesitated.

“Tell him your car broke down and your sleeping with a friend or something!”

“Hello?” said Dad.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and ignored Troy's distracting whispers.

“I'm still here! Sorry, I'm just very distracted right now.”

“Maybe it'll be better if you say it very quickly,” Dad prodded. In the back of my mind I felt the humor of the statement; he was quoting one of our favorite movies. But unexpectedly, I found tears in my eyes.

“The hotel was attacked,” I finally managed huskily. “Gunmen came- tore the place up.”
Every word felt like lead on my tongue. I struggled to keep my tone straight and calm.

“What?”

I wished I could have seen the look on his face at that moment. Was he shocked? Was he laughing? Had he actually not heard? Suddenly, the words came like a torrent.

“I don't know, I don't know! They just came and started shooting-”

“Who? Are you okay?”

“-but we got away in a, a- a thingy! You know, the thingy that does the, uh,...” my traitorous brain refused to produce the word I was looking for.

On the other end of the line, I could hear my Dad struggling to understand and keep calm. “Where are you now? And who's we?”

“Troy is with me,” I paused, trying to reset my thought process.

“Troy? Like, Troy Davis?”

“Yes. I- AUGGH!”

I screamed as static crackled loudly in my ear and I ripped the phone away from my head. Scrambling to pick it up, I could already see that the call had been dropped.

“Crap!” I spat as I fumbled to redial. No signal anymore. I slapped my palm to my forehead and scrunched up my face, trying to hold back hot tears.

“No reception for me either,” Troy said quietly after a moment.

I sniffled and dried my eyes, shaking my head. “Bother it all...” I muttered. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break down like that.”

“ 'S okay. It's been a crazy night.” All the energy had gone out of his voice, and he blinked with bleary eyes.

I pocketed my phone and tried to relax. Blankly I stared into the horizon, wondering when I would wake up and find myself late for work. Ach, if only it were that simple! I closed my eyes and tried to stop thinking about it.

“Do you have any Kleenex in here?” I asked after a moment.

Troy paused, tapping his teeth together. “Uh.. maybe?” He fumbled around with his free arm for a moment, trying to open the center console. It was empty. So was the compartment in front of me, and the pockets in the doors.

I tilted my head back in an attempt to stop the slow drip from emerging in a most humiliating fashion.  

Troy hesitated for a minute and drummed his fingers on the wheel. He glanced down out the window and seemed to consider something.

“There's a fairly decent motel down there right now,” he said haltingly, as if not convinced he should be saying it, “and I think... I think it'll be okay if we stop.”

“Are you sure? I cad holt od still,” I managed.

“Pretty sure. We should be safe for what's left of the night.”

“Do you habe edough bodey? I cad helb pay.”

Troy shook his head. “I got it. Hold tight, Leah.”

He tapped the screen to his right and I could feel the vehicle shift. Slowly and gently he twisted the wheel until we began a tilted descent. My stomach flip-flopped and I squeezed my legs around the seat, enjoying the thrill of it despite myself.

Smoothly we swooped down toward the ground. There was a cornfield on the outskirts of the town that could provide some cover. As we sank slowly toward the ground, crushing several healthy young stalks of corn beneath us, I cringed at the high-pitched whistling sound the propellers made.
Then, quite suddenly, the noise stopped, and all the lights in the vehicle dimmed. Slowly, the hatch overhead slid open, and the cockpit depressurized in an instant. I closed my eyes, reveling in the cool, fresh air as it touched my face. Until that moment, I hadn't realized how enclosed I had felt in the peculiar flight-craft.

Troy pulled himself up out of the cockpit and stepped quietly into the field, keeping his head below the level of the cornstalks.

“Follow me,” he motioned with his hand.

I plucked a corn leaf and dabbed at my nose, which only served to make it worse. There was nothing for it- I used my sleeve and hated myself. I was thankful that Troy's back was to me so he couldn't witness my humiliation. Funny how years after a crush is supposed to have ended, I still cared about what he thought of my appearance. How stupid.

A minute later, we emerged from the field and strolled toward the town as if that was nothing unusual. And actually when I though of it, it probably wasn't, what the area being mostly populated by farmers.

Although I could see the light of the street lamps ahead, I was still very much aware of the darkness that surrounded us. I hung close to Troy, thankful that I wasn't alone, and thankful that it was a familiar face who walked beside me. In the middle of this crazy mess, at least it was someone I actually knew; at least marginally.

Finally, we came to the hotel. Troy stepped ahead and held the door open for me, and I flashed him a grateful smile as I passed. Spotting a kleenex box, I darted forward and proceeded to honk and snort unashamedly until I was sufficiently refreshed.
Thankfully, there was no receptionist at the desk to witness that particularly unsightly necessity. Troy picked up the phone and dialed the specified number for service. A moment later, a rumpled yet attractive receptionist emerged from a backroom and greeted us with a tired smile.

“Good evening,” she said. “Looking for a room?”
“Yes, two singles, if you have them,” Troy answered, winking at her and pulling out his checkbook.

“You're in luck.” The receptionist flipped open a book and marked our names down. I barely paid attention to the proceedings as I closed my eyes and massaged my temples.

So much for my hot-cocoa and book-writing... I thought ruefully. This whole night was beginning to seem like one big blur, otherworldly and fake like a dream. To think that a few hours ago I had been doing laundry and scrubbing toilets in a hotel much like this one! I had been in much the same mood as I guessed that receptionist was in- bored, weary, and ready to go home.
And how long before I get home now? I swallowed and tried to empty myself of the suffocating panic that kept threatening to rise. The police will come soon, I thought, and then it will all be over. You'll probably write a book about it someday.

“Leah?” Troy's voice snapped me out of my reverie.

I opened my eyes and saw him holding out a toothbrush for me.

“I got our rooms,” he said with an understanding smile.
I nodded and took the toothbrush and the key he offered. With leaden feet and an anxious heart, I trudged up the stairs behind him and found our rooms, which faced each other across the hall.

“Get some rest, and hopefully things'll be better tomorrow,” Troy said. He rubbed his forehead, and I could tell he was tired too. “And listen... don't talk to anyone tonight. Those Ronan Corp. guys will be looking for us, and you already saw what they're willing to do.”
“Yeah...” I said, my voice hardly above a whisper.

“Tomorrow I'm gonna get you to the S.D. headquarters, and they'll protect you. Trust me, you'll be back with your parents before you know it.”

“'Kay. Good night, Troy.”

He gave me a small smile and disappeared into his room. I could see the regret and apology in his eyes.

Part of me felt like it should be angry with him for dragging me into this mess, but mostly, I was worried. Not just for myself, what with trained killers after us, but also for him, and the fact that he was mixed up in this kind of thing in the first place. How could a guy like Troy- laughing, charismatic, class ham Troy- end up involved in a secret government spy agency? I mean, I'd always known him to be a bit of a daredevil, but this just seemed so... surreal.

I shut the door to my room and leaned back against it, letting out a long sigh. Shrugging off my coat, I hung it on a hook by the door and lined my shoes carefully. In a crazy situation like this, at least one thing I could control was the cleanliness of my room.
After a moment's deliberation, I settled into bed with my clothes still on. If I needed to flee during the night, I wouldn't be doing it in, well, you know.

God in heaven, I prayed before falling asleep, Help me. Help us. Keep us sa...

I must have fallen asleep before even finishing the thought, because the next thing I knew I was coming back to myself from a fugue devoid of dreams. I opened my eyes.

It was still night. I blinked, trying to figure out what had woken me. Sitting up, I looked out through the window at the moon, and became suddenly aware of a raised voice coming from outside.

In a flash, I was at the window, looking for any sign of our pursuers. But down below, the parking lot was empty. Except, I realized for one lone figure standing just on the edge of the light from a street lamp. It was Troy.
He was pacing back and forth, talking to someone on the phone. I couldn't make out his face, but I could tell from the way his shoulders hunched that he was upset. Every now and then his voice would spike, and I could hear his distressed tone even from my window.

Frowning, I squinted to try to see more of his expression, but it was no use. I licked my lips, wondering if I should be ready to run with him again.

But, quite suddenly, Troy pulled his phone down and hung up, shoving it in his coat pocket. Tapping his foot, he sighed and threw his head back toward the sky. Then it seemed like all the energy drained from him and his shoulders slumped. Shaking his head, he turned and reentered the hotel.

I closed my shade and got back in bed. There was no danger tonight, that much was clear. But as for what had upset Troy.... I would have to ask him in the morning.

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-Emmarayn Redding

(Image pulled from Google Images)

Update on My Next Book

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As you may have guessed,  The Madman of Elkriahl and Other Fairy Tales encountered a bit of a hiccup in editing, resulting in a much longer delay in publishing than I'd anticipated.   But fear not!

 Work continues, and we're getting closer to our goal.

My latest proof was meant to be the last, however, something happened with the spine and back cover image during the printing process, resulting in an ugly, crooked spine.  :(  It was most unfortunate.  On the upside though, it will be pretty easy to upload a new cover file and get this thing back on track.  It'll be another couple of weeks while I wait for my third (and hopefully final!) proof to arrive, but once I've approved the exterior, everything else is ready to go!  

This has been an exercise in patience in my part, definitely.  But I'm glad the waiting working has payed off, and I'm looking forward to releasing this book at long last.  

Keep praying!  The Fairy Tale journey continues!

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-Emmarayn Redding 

Beautiful Music: Casper's Lullaby

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This month's Beautiful Music is by James Horner, my favorite composer.  I've never seen "Casper"  before, but I recently became aware of this lovely, magical piece that seems to vibrate with the same tone as my heart.  

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-Emmarayn Redding

(DISCLAIMER:  Music copyright James Horner)

Beautiful Music: Intermezzo op. 118 no. 2 in A Major

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Greetings, one and all!  This month's beautiful music is another classical piece, this time by Johannes Brahms.  I first became aware of it through listening to a movie soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat, one of my favorite composers.  I was immediately taken by the sweetness of this heartfelt piece, and though it's title is a bit of a mouthful to say, the music speaks for itself.  Romantic and full of emotion, this piece is perfect for a quiet evening of contemplation or prayer.

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(DISCLAIMER:  I do not own the music or recording used in this post.  Recording here is of Nikolai Lugansky.)

Book Review: The Wingfeather Saga

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A several months ago one of my dear readers recommended this four-book children's series to me.  I can't remember who that was at this point, but whoever it was.... thank you so much!  

And then on the other hand.... How could you??  Nevermind, it's not your fault.  You can't help the- oh, sorry, spoilers.  -_-  I'll just get to the review, I guess.

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In the land of Skree, there lives a lovely family known as the Igibys.  And aside from when they sing in the garden, or when they tell lively tales, or when they play zibzy, they are pretty miserable.  The nasty Fangs of Dang overshadow any happy moment in the lives of the three Igiby children, Janner, Tink and Leeli.  But they know very well that as long as they keep quiet and stay away from the dark forest where the Toothy Cows live, they'll be fine....

Until one little dog bites the wrong Fang and all Deeps break loose. 

Suddenly, Janner and his siblings are thrown into turmoil as their lives turn upside down.  The Nameless Evil named Gnag the Nameless searches relentlessly for the Jewels of Anniera, and it's up to the Igibys to make sure he NEVER gets them.  Mystery, lies, secrets, and danger lie around every corner.  To defeat the darkness, the Igibys will embark on a journey that will change them forever...

IF they are not eaten first. And IF they can survive the Dark Sea of Darkness.

Maker help us.

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This series is among the most enjoyable I've ever read.  In fact, I don't believe I've read a fantasy book that made me laugh quite so much as these ones did. 

 Andrew Peterson has created something unique here.  The tone reminds me of a perfect combination of C.S. Lewis, Lemony Snicket, and Dr. Seuss.  One moment it was heartwarming, the next hilarious, and then quite dark indeed.  And all of it laced with distinctly Christian views, though the series itself is not overtly Christian.  

The world of Aerwiar is enchanting, though quite dangerous.  There is great beauty and whimsy, and also a load of crazy, scary creatures that you should thank your stars don't really exist!  

And the characters!  Oh, how I loved the characters.  They were the highlight of the series for me.  Well, them and the hilarious footnotes scattered throughout the books to expand on various wacko ideas and history.

Janner, the main character, is the oldest of three children, and his mother and grandfather have raised him to be the protector of his younger brother and sister, Tink and Leeli.  I found him incredibly relatable- probably because of him being the oldest (and a writer!), but also because of his very personality.  He is perhaps a little grumpier than I, but the things he struggles with really do mirror my own personal faults.   Though lovable, Janner struggles with apathy, pride, and selfishness- which can probably be applied to anyone, but his emotional reaction to those faults is pretty much how I would have done at his age.

And I just must say that my new character love is Artham P. Wingfeather.  Not a crush, mind you, but more of a... squish.  A squish is what my sisters and I call that feeling when you just like someone a lot, and want to be their friend, and want the best for them no matter what, and seeing them happy makes you smile inside.  

Artham was such an interesting individual.  I can't really talk about him much without giving much away, so I'd best stop while I have the chance.  

The other characters were wonderful too.  There are too many for me to talk about, so I'll just get down to the pros and cons.  

PROS

Okay, maybe I should have labeled the above section as Pros instead, since I've already sung the praises of the lovely series.  But, in a nutshell, The Wingfeather Saga is full of loveable, memorable characters, witty humor and an emotional plot that's sure to draw anyone in, whether they're 10 or 100.  Themes of redemption are woven through all the books, which opens up many discussion opportunities for parents who wish to teach their children about God and the redemption that He offer us.

CONS

(Spoilers ahead.  No names are mentioned, but just the same...)

These books do have a dark side though.  The antagonists are quite evil, and there are a lot of sad things that happen to the characters, and it's not the kind of bad think where you can just shrug it off and say, "Oh well, in the next chapter everything will be alright."  The tragedies that occur throughout the series have lasting consequences.  Some sequences can be a bit intense and may be frightening to children.  (SPOILER: for instance, the villain creates his minions by transforming humans into beast-like creatures, causing them to lose their free will.)
Parents should be aware that themes of imprisonment are prominent through the stories.  Children are captured by the enemy and snatched away from their parents, and they are locked up in prisons or made to work in factories with no reason to hope for rescue.  One character is revealed to have been captured and tortured for quite some time, and he has never been the same since then.  Characters are changed forever by the events that transpire, though in the end things are worked out for the best.   There are some character deaths too, which may be quite upsetting to young readers or listeners.  Parents will be the best judge for their children, since they know what they can handle.

OVERALL

I would recommend this series wholeheartedly to anyone who loves fantasy, comedy, drama, and adventure.  Just a word to the wise, though- it is emotional, and so be prepared as you read.
For young readers, I would personally recommend you to be thirteen and up before reading this book on your own.  However, as I said, that depends on the parent, the kid, and the family.  If you can handle it, great!  Because this series is not something that should be missed by anyone.

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-Emmarayn Redding

(DISCLAIMER:  Images taken from The Wingfeather Saga)