*Hugs* And Thank Goodness

(First of all, my earlier post was a bit confusing. I only lost the 1000 words that I had last written, but still those were 1000 words--and any writer knows that its painful to lose any writing).

Thank you to the commenters for your encouragement--so much appreciated. (bad grammer, yes, but I've been nanoing).

Unfortunately I wasn't able to retrieve the 1000 words--however, I pushed myself this afternoon and churned out about 5000.

I am beginning to now think that I once again have hope for nano.

My plan of attack is to write 5000 tomorrow and Monday.

And then I shall win. ^^


Sadly though, my book is not even near to being done. Before nano, I had mapped out the plot into what I thought would be the chapters. The plot was about five pages long and it ended up being about 24 chapters. Not a big deal.

Right?

Wrong.

Right now, I'm at page 149, my wordcount (on microsoft word) is 41,501, and I'm on chapter 12.

And here's where I am at my plot: (aka, the dash)

|_|_|-|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|_|

Hm...

Not good. Not good, at all.

(And yes, that was from Night at the Museum Two: Battle of the Smithsonian :P)

Y'know that feeling...?

Y'know that feeling, when you wake up at your grandparents house, ready to write, and go onto both of your email addresses to find the newest part in your nano novel that you sent to yourself so you can keep writing, and you find that for some odd, unexplainable and shocking reason, it didn't send right.

So now your writing is gone. O.O

Ever had that feeling?

Praise Him--Give Thanks

Do you ever have moments in life when you just want to go, "Woah! Hold up just one second; let me regain my sanity for just a moment."? Do you? I certainly am feeling that way right now, and not just the cause of nanowrimo, but just all of life. (I know that I've had several other posts like this, but just hear me out ^^)

November, it seems, is a busy month. It is a time to get ready--ready for Thanksgiving, and ultimately, ready for Christmas. It's like the moment you take after drinking a glass of water--that moment where you pause and breathe in and out deeply.

So that brings me to another thing? How many of you watch the Macy's day Thanksgiving parade (or whatever it's called)? I know that I do, and I know that many of my family and friends do. I think it's great (except when they bring out Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers--and the skimpy costumes on the dancers), but sometimes it feels like that's what we've made Thanksgiving all about. There is so much emphasis put onto the material things, or the things of this world, that we lose the real focus.

For Thanksgiving? Well, the title is pretty clear. We're giving thanks--basically to God. That's a big deal. But lately, it seems as if we're aren't doing that. We aren't praising God--sure, some of your relatives may utter a long, and spiritual prayer at the dinner table--but the focus isn't on giving thanks to him. Thanksgiving, i. e., give thanks. The big bird (no, not Big Bird, but the turkey) takes up the space at your dinner table, just as the things of this world take up space in our hearts. And unlike the turkey, they don't leave. If we don't do something about them, then they are just gonna keep staying right there.

1st Chronicles 16:35
Cry out, "Save us, O God our Savior;
gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to your holy name,
that we may glory in your praise."

Wow. That we may give thanks to your holy name. That we may glory in your praise. That's pretty deep.

How many times a week do you sit down and go, "God, help me to give thanks in your name, help me to glory in your praise." Honestly, how many? I know that I haven't done that for awhile, partially because it's so humbling.

"God of all the universe, Creator of everything, O, Beautiful One, help me to glory in your name, and to praise you and give thanks to your everlasting glory."

That's not just a simple prayer that you rattle off before going to bed; it's something much more. It's deeper, it's harder, and it's exalting HIS name.

Thanksgiving--because God sent the Indians to the pilgrims they survived. Just like God sent Jesus to us so we could live forever in Him--remember this at that time of the year, when your main focus is to eat four helpings of pumpkin pie and to snooze after the big supper. Open yourself up to God, make ready to receive His spirit.

Raise your hands and praise Him with all your heart, mind, and soul, for He is good, and He loves You.

Give Thanks.

The Amazing Race--180 Style

Last Sunday, our youth group (Called 180 because of the purpose to make a 180 turn in your life) went about doing The Amazing Race--180 Style. Our youth directors put it all together, and man, was it incredible! Such an awesome and fun experience--one of the best youth events ever.

I was grouped with Caleb, Jake, Kara, Zach, and Bekah (whom I brought). A woman from our church, Katie, was our driver, and she was amazing! There were 42 "kids" in all, and seven teams...makes for a lot of people.

Before starting, Jason, (Caleb's dad and one of our youth directors), went over the rules and handed us six envelopes...on the outside where clues to where to go, and once we got to the place which we thought was right, we got to open the envelope. If we were in the right place, then we completed what the challenge was (stated in the envelope), if we weren't, then we went to that place. All of our teams went to the right places though. ^^

Our first challenge was at church, were we had to line up in order in age, and then names, and the like. Then, we went to a bowling alley and had to bowl one game with three bowling balls and three pairs of shoes (remember, this was a race, so we were going FAST). Afterwards, we had to race to a pizza place and down an entire pizza. Caleb and I ate the most, and our team was the fastest--we ate the entire thing in two minutes at most. Later on, Caleb named our team "Stomachs of Steel"...I think it fit. ^^

Then, we had to go an arcade and get 10 dollars worth of tokens, use up our tokens and cash in tickets (won from our tokens) and "buy" a prize with them.

And that's when our team deteriorated.

Before that, we had been in second, third place, and we were doing GREAT...but for some reason (aka, all of us going to the same arcade game) we bogged down at the arcade.

After that, we had to go to Mrs. Fields and eat a cookie. Everyone in our team. That wasn't too hard. ^^

Then, we went to our pastor's house and had to make a slam-dunk. We stood on a box, and got behind several other teams because they insisted that you had to wait till their entire team finished...which you didn't.

Lastly, we had to go to a grocery store and buy three things, one at the checkout, one sweet thing, and one cold thing. We ended up buying rootbeer, a candy bar, and I think, a pack of gum.

Then we raced to (one of) our youth director's house and hung out for awhile. Sadly, we came in last, but, we had the most money left over, and the most tokens, and we came in second for our bowling score.

But man, what an awesome experience! It was just so incredible, and very fun. Below are some pictures chronicling the journey. =)

Starting out...our team is the one in front. :)


Stuffing that pizza! From left to right, Katie, Zach, Caleb, Jake, Me, Bekah & Kara. (I'm laughing, if you didn't know ^^)


Reading our last clue...


All those who participated. What a big group!


Our great drivers. Left to right--Jeff (Zach's Dad), Bob (our pastor), Ralph, Nate (Alex & Jake's dad), Nancy, Lori and Katie.

Kara, Me and Bekah

Kara, Bekah, Me, Caleb, Hunter (whom Alex & Jake brought) and Alex.


Anyways, it was just a blast, and a total blessing. I gotta say, I love my church! ;)

Sadly...

I am unable to write my nano novel at all today. I would be writing it right now, but I'm currently babysitting some kids from our church, so...bye-bye nano day. (although, I'm hoping to be able to write for a bit when I get home...although that would be around 11, and I have dance from 10-1 tomorrow morning...hmm...will I do the smart thing, or the write thing? *shakes head* nano is on the brain.)

The real reason for this post though is to post a short poem I just wrote (literally, like ten-twenty some minutes ago) for my email signature. (its supposed to be in all lowercase, just so you know. ;]...Also, it's a nano poem. ^^)

sleep is for the weak
just chain me to my desk
i'll stare at that computer
and never get any rest

my main staple will be chocolate
with coffee and some tea
and don't forget the packs of gum
or the toasted salami*

i'll zone off as your speaking
and babble on with glee
describing the agonies that i put eirad** through
as she pleaded mercifully

and then you will finally realize
you'll come to terms with the truth
that i have gone insane again
but, hey, what else is new?
hannah martin, 2009

Thanks for all of your wonderful comments! It was so nice reading them...Lol, I mean, I always enjoy reading comments, but with nano on the brain, well...yes. I enjoy them even more so. ^^


* Toasted salami is a favorite at our house. We zap them in the microwave until they're black...well, I like mine nearly black, with a circle of seared pinkness in the center. ;]

** Eirad is my MC for Remix, my nano novel

Late-night update

(this is going to be a very short post, because I have to get to bed.)

I just finished my nightly writing spree (I have found that the only time when I can write consistently is at night, after dinner and the kitchen jobs have been done, so I do so for a few hours, depending on the day and what time it is).

Nano is going very well! I am two days ahead of the official word count goals (I suppose), and Remix is sitting at 10,012 words; tomorrow I am hoping to get to 15,000.

That's all at the moment...I'll keep you updated! =)

Are you ready for this?

Nanowrimo is getting close...in fact, close enough that I have begun to seriously contemplate my plot. And sadly, I am changing it. I will be able to do it, but to have to sit down a completely write a new one...*sighs*

And, inspired by Earwen, here is my Nanowrimo Survival Kit:

1. {The family computer} Sadly, I was unable to attain my laptop before Nov. Oh, well...there's always next year...
2. {All of my notebooks} Scattered all throughout the house are my notebooks, all littered with ideas.
   
3. {Chocolate and some good tea} I'm going to try to get some chocolate from my aunt beforehand...and as for the tea, we have some green tea infused with peach. :)
4. {Multiple writing books} Ah, yes, the wonderful lore in the writing books on how to write, writing techniques, tips and tools of the trade and so on...my dad lent me most of them. Correction. All of them. ;)
   
5. {My friendly, neighborhood bookcase and desk} The many wonderful books that spill from my bookshelf and desk are wonderful resources. And definite inspiration.
6. {The Lord of the Rings} My dad, sister and I are in the process of re-watching LOTR (for like, the third or fourth time). Always nice to chill out and stay up late watching [the best movie ever] LOTR.
   
7. {Gmail & the Phone} Bekah, get ready to give some serious support! *laughs* I can always count on her for a shoulder to cry on. And hey, if I get nano-depression (hence, "AH! I'M BEHIND MY WORD COUNT GOAL!!!") we can always bury your names, right Bekah? *laughs* Inside thing...
8. {Bobo} A nice squishy stuffed animal from when one was younger...that's always nice to squeeze. That or...
9. {Eli} Get ready, my dear little brother, for some hugs. I'm going to need you to keep my cheery! ^^
10. {The Nano Site} I'm definitely going to be hitting the procastination forum more often...
11. {My insane characters} Yes, Eirad, that would be you. And for all the other's whom have no shown up...*sighs* please just listen for once!
    
12. {My family} Aw...just had to put it up here. Instant, wonderful, loving support...most of the time. Inquiring what fantasy name is better, with only a difference of one letter, around ten o-clock at night, to your mom with a new baby, isn't reccommended. (Side note: Sam was a month old last Sunday! Ohmiword, how time flies! *grins*)
13. {Write or Die} THANK GOODNESS!!!

That's it for the moment. Now I have to get dinner ready.......:)

Just one of those days...

I've been feeling under the weather all day...and so I didn't go to dance (which I shall now have to make up) and when my mom took my sister to dance (along with Sam) I watched the three boys (Grace was at a sleepover).

I left for one minute (honest!) and when I came up, Elijah had colored scribbles with permanent marker, all over the main level. (Eli, Eli, Eli...)

Thank goodness for Goof Off! Completely gone, with no evidence. My dad cleaned it all up...


But still...two is such a troublesome age. Although, who can resist this?

AH! Life...

If your wondering, this post will just be a random, ranting thing for me to post ramblings that run through my head. (And yes, I tried to make an alliteration out of that. ^^)

Woah, life has really slipped through my fingers lately. I feel like I'm trapped within the everyday business that has become normalcy.

But I'm not dead. I'm still here. Silent, but here.

---

I've been working on some story plots, actually, fretting over a particular plot that I just cannot figure out. The characters in it are...to tell the truth, not cooperating.

You hear writers say that a lot, "my characters aren't cooperating!" But honestly, it's true. It sounds really stupid, but it happens. Especially if you have an overactive imagination. Really though, they refuse to listen.

---

Another note...I gave up pop about a week and a half ago. And through the multiple occasions were I have been tempted to drink some, I have not. I'm really proud that I gave it up, and stuck to it. I mean, it may taste good, but who wants empty calories? (I'd give up chips too...but, I'm not ready for that. ^^)

---

I am very sore at the moment. Tired, sore, achy, sleepy, exhausted...etc... I had three hours of dance earlier, and now, I'm very tired. (As stated above).

---

I'm going to go write some, browse some of the many sites that I'm on, and so on.

---

Hopefully my ramblings were not too boring. Although, they were pointless. :)


Still alive here.


But feeling tired enough to die. ;)

Type Racer...how fast can YOU go?

After browsing the nanowrimo forums for awhile, I stumbled across a blog, where I then stumbled across this site called typeracer.

The basic idea is that you use your account or just use guest (that would be me, but I used ElvishAuthoress instead of just calling myself guest) and then your pitted against people, and you type a quote from a book as fast as you can. If you make a mistake, you have to correct it. The fastest typer wins.

The first time, I got 41 words per minute (I was warming up! ;D) but I won nonetheless.



The second time, I achieved 93 wpm, and won as well. (Told you I was warming up. :D)


The third time, I got 100 wpm, and won again. (VICTORY IS MINE!)


I did it a fourth time, but lost with only 86 wpm, (my fingers were getting sore...^_^)


I thought it was fun, and I'd love to hear how fast you can go! :)

How to Fail a Test with Dignity...had to post

I had this forwarded to me, and had to share...

How to Fail a Test with Dignity









Too funny not to post...I love the ice one. ^_^

Just a little something to (hopefully) add some humor to your day. :)

The everpresent glory of God

So today we went to see Mom and Samuel, and I have honestly got to say, I have the cutest siblings ever. =)

Seeing that little round face (takes after me with that) and those big, wary eyes...that just makes me really see God's glory again.

To think that God created Samuel, and that he has a vision for him. For that beautiful little baby with the dark eyes and tiny little fists. For the that teenage girl who is still struggling to see who she is in Christ (and by her, I mean me). For that Momma who caresses her sleeping child tonight. For that girl across the street who is still looking for something and can't find it. For the lady at Caribou. For the cashier at the checkout counter. For the single mom. For the dad who feels like he's lost everything. For the annoying (yet lovable) little kid in church. For the disbeliever. For the believer. For all of us.

God is here, and he has a plan.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

He will never leave us, never forsake us, always holding us in his hands.

If he stumbles, he's not down for long;
God has a grip on his hand. Psalm 37:24

God is there; He is waiting for us to reach out to Him. Him. The Father of all the universe, creator of the heavens. The One who made everything, and who sacrificed His own son, He is there, and He loves us. He hears us. Whenever we struggle, if we fall away from God; He is there.

But me, I'm not giving up.
I'm sticking around to see what God will do.
I'm waiting for God to make things right.
I'm counting on God to listen to me. Micah 7:7

We have no reason to give up; if God is with us, then we are with Him, and if we are with Him, then we are safe, surrounded in His love and mercy.

and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and^" the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." Mark 1:15

And what can we fear?

But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." Mark 5:36

I recognize a need for change in my life...things that I should not be doing, and things that I should. And in change, a change has to be made in order to fit the definition. Therefore, I'm going to change.

My pastor is giving a series called Change Me which I really need at the moment. I want God to change me, from the inside out, and make me more of who I am supposed to be. I want to experience God to the fullest. And I want to be all that I can be. I want to be who I was made to be.


I will not fear, for in my God, I am changed.

MY NEW BROTHER IS HERE!!!

My mom went to the hospital this morning and my parents called a little bit ago to tell us that my mom gave birth to a seven pound, eight ounce, nineteen inch baby boy they named Samuel Josiah.

I'm still freaking out right now. Seriously. :)

Just wanted to let y'all know.

Wow...oldest of seven...

Rewind a second...and FREEZE

That's what I wish I could do lately. Life has been so incredibly busy ever since school started, and I just want to take time and pause, and just sit.

It reminded me of a poem I once wrote called "There comes a time" that really changes focus a lot and has no real form, so it's bad workmanship (and I stress bad), but I thought I'd post it anyways. It's basically free verse with some semblance of rhyme, meter and diction.

There comes a time
There comes a time when all hope is lost to the shadows;
When the flickering of flames die out.
There comes a time, when death and dying are often,
And the shouts of agony rain out.

There comes a time of pain,
Of loss,
Of hurt,
Of fear.

There comes a time of mourning,
When those we loved have passed away.

There comes a time of fighting,
When anger is not held at bay.

A time will come for all these things,
Times will come and pass.

The only time that will ever stay, is the time that we never have.

A time of never, a time of hope,
A time of faith and love.
A little sparkle, a heralded dream, a time of peace,
Some starshine from above.

The times of grief and hurt seem to double in our minds,
Yet we let the times of love and joy flicker away into the dark, damp night.

Where has truth yet gone, where have the light beings been?
For without all the warm feelings, the deep cold will seep in.

We wait, we watch, we listen, yet we do not see.
How foolish we are, to be chancing hollow fancies.

The light of day wants to shine in, yet we bar it from the door.
The dark of night barges in and we leave it there forevermore.

Why do we wait? Why do we not see?
A time and place for everything.
A little dance, a bubbling stream.
A time and place for everything.
Live and Die. Laugh and Cry.
Sing and Mourn again.
The times we wait, in lullabies,
The dreams we dream again.

But no, we are foolish, we are dumb and deaf.
The light of truth is gone.
We numbly wait for false hopes,
We dully sit without love or song.

“It’ll come again, I’ll do it later, and I don’t have the time.”
The only time we don’t have,
Is one that never is felt at all.
The time of idleness, dust and decay.
The time of hate and rage.
Times that pass with no real truth, times that follow in agony.
Times of bereavement fill our souls with cavities.

Feelings of darkness creep in the marrow of our souls.
And slowly rot the etherealness out,
Till all were left with is fiery coal.
Until even the red flame, flickers,
Out.

Why do we not yell “die darkness, die! Leave us with the light.”
But no, instead we welcome it; it fills our rotted souls with glee.
Listening to shadowy music and song,
Daring to sing only in whispers of evil melodies.
Watching dark memories.

The love we could have, the lights we could be.
Let go of the dark, and painful memories.
Let go of the evil that gnaws at us daily.
Let go of the fears, the hurt, and the dreads

Let go of the ice that freezes us,
Trapping us in the past of yesterday.
Let go of the flames that burn us,
Reminding us of the evils that in us lay.

Instead hold on to the radiance of joy and love and light.
Hold onto the radiance,
Till the darkness in us dies.
Hold on harder to the radiance, tug it, and pull it near.
Whatever you do, don’t leave it there,
The dark will wrestle it away,
And poison you who fears.

Don’t let the dark drag you back, don’t let it keep you there.
Don’t let it cradle you, in its dark and shadowy caress.
Don’t let it hold on to you,
Don’t let it get you,
Don’t let it take and wear you like a vest.

But break free!
Live without out its demonic influence.
Instead live as one who can see.

One who can see the truth inside.
One who can see through the dark’s cheap lies.
One who can live and laugh and love.
One who can dance under stars above.
One who can cry without hatred nestling in.
One who can laugh with litheness.
One who can.
One who is.
Live as the One, the One who Lives.

Hannah Martin, 2009


As you can see, it's badly written, and the grammar is off in parts of it (I wrote it awhile ago, just to explain). But I was reminded of it, so I dug through my folders on the computer and pulled it out. :)

Honest Scrap Award! :)

I've been awarded the honest scrap award by...
Marissa
Alexis
Sarah E.
Natalie
(and) Samantha

Thank you!!! ^_^

So here I go!...But first, here are the rules.

1) Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2) Share "ten honest things" about myself.
3) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
4) Tell those 7 people that they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

Alright...so I'll say again, Thank you Marissa, Alexis, Sarah and Natalie! :) I was so excited to receive this award.

(Now to the "honest scrap" part)

1. I am so addicted to fruit...the other day, I had three plums and (I think an apple), and then yesterday, I had about five apples (from my grandparents trees). So think twice before having me over if you have fruit in the house. :D
2. I compose things in my head (no way to define them) and then promptly forget to write them down. The curse of a writer, I suppose, although some of them are (or should I say, were) quite good.
3. Three is my absolute favorite number in the entire world. I like to do things in threes, and I like to be third in line and so on. It can get ridiculous sometimes though...:D
4. I have hemophobia, in otherwords, a fear of blood. Whichis difficult, because I was learning about blood the other day, and I was just cringing. :P
5. I wrote a list out of my absolute favorite authors, and I think I had six female, and six male authors. Shannon Hale ranks as my favorite female author, while I have no favorite male one. (I'm torn between three authors)
6. You all probably know this, but I LOVE things that do with The Arts. Writing, Drawing, Singing and Dancing are all of my (main) hobbies. As well as graphic designing. Hey, that counts! :D
7. At this very moment I am consuming an apple, and I just returned from an hour and a half of ballet. (Tomorrow morning I have an hour and a half of ballet, then a half an hour of pointe...then I'm working with my dad. So I should be good and sore on Sunday! ^_^)
8. I believe that honey turkey is much better tasting than honey ham...and it's better for you. What's not to like? :P
9. Fall is my favorite season...I love the crisp, clear, biting air of the fall, and all of the colors. Definitely an artist's dream. I'm really bummed because it's still warm where I live. (of course, now, in the fall it's warm, instead of in the summer. :P)
10. I love my family and friends so much, and I am so grateful for them. God blessed me incredibly. THANK YOU ALL! I LOVE YOU ALL! :)

I'm going to award:
Alex
Jake
Hunter
Earwen
Jono
justagirl4god
(and) J. R. Parker


And before I go, just a little confession...I might redo my look again...

...I know, I know, I change it much too often (but I haven't for a month or so) and besides, it's fall, I need a new look. *grins* ^_^