The Lord of the Rings Tag

Got this off The Life of a Musician and Dancer.
Couldn't resist.
So here we go:

Have you read the books? 
Three times. Each.

Provided you've read the books, which is your favorite? 
The Fellowship of the Ring. There's something just so classic, so childhood-y nostalgic about it for me.

Have you read the Hobbit? 
Yes, twice. When I was young I remember the old cartoon was playing for it, but I didn't like it and didn't even know it had anything to do with The Lord of the Rings.

Have you read any Lord of the Rings companions? Not movie companions, but Middle Earth and book companions? 
I read the poems about Tom Bombadil, and I've also read The Children of Hurin, but it's not my favorite.

Have you seen the movies? 
Have I seen the movies? *maniac laugh*  Why does it ask us silly questions, preciousss?

Have you read any movie guides? If so, which one(s)? 
I own all of The Art of the Lord of the Rings books. They're brilliant.

Which is your favorite movie? 
It's between Fellowship and Return of the King. While Fellowship once more reminds me of my childhood, The Return of the King is. just. epic.

What's your favorite scene from the trilogy?
Just one?! Well, I'd have to say where Gandalf and the Rohirrim come charging down the hill as the sun rises. That's just stunning.

What scenes do you find exceptionally touching?
The Breaking of the Fellowship, where Frodo remembers Gandalf's words and Sam goes after him,
"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo",
and "I can't carry it for you. But I can carry you!"
Come to think of it, mostly ones involving Sam.

Have you seen the extended movies?
Yes, and I own the second one. It was a birsssday present.

Tell us your three favorite characters (good luck narrowing it down) and why.
Sam for his loyalty and innocent courage, Aragorn for his selfless bravery, and Faramir, because he has many emotional struggles, and so his happy ending with Eowyn is much more sweet.

Who bugs you the most in the terms of being really annoying (but not necessarily wicked?)
Gollum. I mean, sometimes I pity him, but sometimes I just wish Sam would shove his head in.

What are your feelings on Boromir? 
 It bugs me when people who haven't read the books think he's evil. He's not. He just gave in to the lure of the ring, and that was his downfall. He learned his lesson too late. But he was a good man, and you can really see that, especially in the way he looks out for Merry and Pippin, and in that extended scene with him and Faramir (why they didn't keep that in the theatrical version, I'll never know).

Who do you like better, Aragorn or Faramir? 
Aragorn. But I still love Faramir--he's also a good man.

Which Lord of the Rings weapon would you use?
A bow.

What do you think about Eowyn?
"...fair and cold, like a morning of pale spring..."
She's an incredible, brave woman.

If you were going into battle, which character would you want to take with you?
Aragorn.

Which girl is your favorite?
Eowyn.

Which hobbit is your favorite?
Samwise Gamgee.
(These questions are getting too easy.)

Which location is your favorite?
The Shire is just picturesque. I could gladly live there till the end of my days.

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Liebster Tag

Detail from The Hostage by Edmund Blair Leighton

I was tagged by the lovely Marian at All That is Gold.

Rules:
1. You must post eleven facts about yourself.
2. You must also answer the eleven questions the awarder has given you and make up eleven questions for your awardees to answer in turn.
3. Tag eleven fellow bloggers.
4. Notify them that you've awarded them.
5. No tagging back.
6. And the eleven blogs you tag must have less than 200 followers.

FACTS
1. I am currently reading Les Misérables and loving it. (I hate the musical, however. Javert as the villain and not a mistaken civil servant? The Thénardiers as comic relief? C'mon.)
2. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That is, a Mormon. (And, no, we don't practice polygamy:)
3. I've ridden a horse bareback.
4. Norse mythology is fascinating to me, and despite enjoying The Avengers, I'm having a hard time with these new misconceptions about Thor, Loki, Heimdall, and Odin. It's kinda frustrating.
5.  Prehistory is also a fascinating subject for me.
6. I think every writer ought to own a multi-purpose black cloak. It helps enormously.
7. I plan on attending the midnight showing of The Hobbit. It will be my first.
8. While we're on the subject, I own a White Tree of Gondor t-shirt that I made myself.
9. I sometimes lapse into British and Scottish accents.
10. My favorite film composer is John Powell.
11. I'm still working with the concept that photography can be art. Sometimes I think I'm still stuck in Impressionist times.

QUESTIONS
1. Favorite vegetable?
Onions. (Do those count?)

2. Is there anything you like now that you used to dislike?
Van Gogh paintings. He was an unstable man (read: insane) but I have to admit, he could paint!

3. Monkeys--cute or creepy?
 Extremely, extremely creepy.

4. What do you do when you're bored?
Read and write, although I am trying to work on not surfing the internet when I'm bored. Waste of time, that.

5. Do you like to garden?
Uh, no. Not really.

6. What is your favorite color and why?
Green. Because of Erin gra mo chroi (Ireland of my heart).

7. Your favorite screen/literary couple?
Funnily enough, I'd have to choose a couple no one's ever heard of. Prince Aethelbald and Princess Una from Heartless by Anne Elisabeth Stengl. They go through so much for each other, and are reunited under such bittersweet circumstances that their happy ending is, I think, all the more poignant.

8. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be?
As long as I was some animal living at Redwall Abbey I'd be perfectly content.

9. What is your favorite dessert?
Anything chocolate and preferably made from flour.

10. Do you have any traditions you made up yourself?
Does listening to the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack whenever I read the book count as a tradition?

11. Do you usually get snow in December?
Only up in the mountains.

MY QUESTIONS:
1. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
2. Are you a part of any geekdoms (ex. LOTR, Doctor Who, Harry Potter, Marvel, etc.)?
3. Which literary/movie character reminds you most of yourself?
4. Most unpredictable book/movie you've ever read/watched?
5. Favorite music genre(s)?
6. What do you fear?
7. Name an exotic pet you'd like to have if it was legal (anything from tigers to foxes to unicorns).
8. Any books or movies you'd like to live in?
9. Last song you listened to?
10. Newest obsession?
11. Pick a superpower!


I tag:
ANYONE who thinks this looks like fun. But, specifically Sierra, Kirthi, Faerie Artisan, and Izori.

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A Tag

I got this from Musings of an Inkheart (the renamed Whispers of the Wind) and I just thought I'd have a go.

Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, and find line 4.

...a carrying sling across one shoulder. He selected a stout ash-handled spear...
-Taggerung, Brian Jacques

Stretch your left arm out as far as you can. What's there?

Important-looking documents and a cushioned seat.

What is the last thing you watched on TV?


I don't watch TV, but we do own all the Hogan's Heroes, and that's all I've been watching for the past few weeks!

Without looking, guess what time it is:


9:58 AM

Now look at the clock. What is the actual time?

10:14 AM

With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?


The house creaking.

When did you last step outside? What were you doing?


Last night, to go see my favorite play, "The Importance of Being Earnest." (Very well-performed.)

Before you started this survey, what did you look at?


My scriptures.

What are you wearing?


A comfortable cotton, dark blue shirt that reads "NY", and some denim shorts.


Did you dream last night?


Yes. It was really strange--The Avengers meets Hogan's Heroes.
Huh.

When did you last laugh?


Last night at "The Importance of Being Earnest" (that play is hysterical!)

What is on the walls of the room you are in?

A framed photo of my ancestors, an aged photo of a place in Switzerland, family love notes.

Seen anything weird lately?

A hideously-cute iPhone cover.


What is the last film you saw?

The first Ice Age, and that was two weeks ago.

If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy?

CDs and books. And then I'd do what I've always wanted to do with money--go to a restaurant and pay some one's bill (I think it would be so much fun.)

Tell me something about you that I don't know.


I have a list of every movie coming out from now to 2016. I try and keep it as updated as possible.

If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?

Just one thing only--make sure this year's election goes how I want it to go. Otherwise, we're doomed.

Do you like to dance?

Only to Celtic, and in the privacy of my kitchen.

Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?


Sherwood.

Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?


Strider or Roan.

Would you ever consider living abroad?

Europe would be a fun place to visit, but I'd much rather life in good ole' America.

What do you want to say to God when you reach the pearly gates?

2 Timothy 4:7
And a thank you.

Where were you 3 hours ago?

Asleep.

Who are you in love with?

Define that.

Have you ever eaten a crayon?


Not to my knowledge, no.

Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

An official document.

When is the last time you went to the mall?

For last year's Christmas shopping.

Are you wearing socks right now?


No. Just me and my bare feet (as usual.)

Do you have a car worth over $2,000?

I don't think so. Anyway, a car to me is simply a useful hunk of metal with wheels. As long as it goes, I'm fine.

When was the last time you drove out of town?

I haven't been on vacation, if that's what you mean.
But I did drive downtown to pick some things up, last week.

Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

No. Nothing's been out since The Avengers.

What was the last thing you had to drink?

Water.

Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

Depends if I feel like getting wet or not.

Last food that you ate?

Last night's dinner. Ravioli (not from a can!)
That reminds me, I still need to have breakfast...


Where were you last week at this time?

Eating banana-nut pancakes and doing crossword puzzles.

Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

No. I buy more books than I do clothes.

When is the last time you ran?

I don't know.

What's the last sporting event you watched?

A baseball game years ago.
And Quidditch on the big screen:)

Your dream vacation?

Erin gra ma chroi.
(Ireland of my heart.)

Last person's house you were in?

The house of family friends.

Worst injury you've ever had?

Twisted my knee and had to hobble about on crutches for a month. It was not fun.


Have you been in love?

Depends on what your definition is.

Do you miss anyone right now?

My sister-in-law.

And anyone who wants to can do this.
Cheers!

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Book Questionnaire

Got this tag from All That is Gold (where else do I get these great tags?)

1. Favorite childhood book?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

2. What are you reading right now?

Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott, Save the Cat! Strikes Back by Blake Snyder (the first book being one that every writer should read), and The Oxford Book of English Verse.

3. What books do you have on request at the library?

The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke.

4. What do you currently have checked out at the library?

Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott and The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells.

5. Do you have an e-reader?

Heavens, no! I loathe e-readers with a passion. Some technology scares me, and it scares me even more when they mess around with books.
But e-readers can be good for some people, though...

6. Do you prefer to read one book at a time, or several at once?

I used to read at least five at a time, but over the past year I've started to just focus on one or two books at a time.

7. Can you read on the bus?

Yes. And in the car. I hear a lot of people get carsick when they do this, but I've never had that problem.

8. Favorite place to read?

On my couch next to the wide, bay window. Particularly when it rains or during a sunset.

9. Do you ever dog-ear books?

Yes--thus earning me the ire of every book-lover out there. (They're small dog-ears.)

10. Do you ever write in the margins of your books?

I just make little marks to indicate my favorite quotes, but I don't write in them.

11. What makes you love a book?

Character arcs and lots of great emotional struggles. Oh, and battles.

12. What will inspire you to recommend a book?

If I absolutely love it.

13. Favorite genre?

Fantasy! What else?

14. How do you feel about giving bad/negative reviews?

I feel justified, but I won't ever post negative reviews because it's just sort of...negative. I'll talk about it with my friends and family, or just warn them to not read it.

15. Favorite Poet?

I hate horror, yet I love Edgar Allen Poe. I also love Wadsworth and Tennyson.

16. How many books do you usually have checked out of the library at any given time?

Seven is the highest I allow myself to go.

17. How often have you returned books to the library unread?

Only if I don't like it will I return it unread, which is sort of often.
18. Favorite fictional character?

Aragorn.

19. Favorite fictional villain?

Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. He's the most interesting villain I've ever come across. I despise him and yet I can't help but pity him.

But if we're talking about giving an award to "Most Despicable Villain in Literature" then I'd have to say Count Olaf from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

20. Books I’m most likely to bring on vacation?

Whatever I'm currently reading. Or The Hounds of The Mórrígan by Pat O'Shea. Or the first two Ranger's Apprentice books (first two are great, but I don't like the rest of the series.)

21. The longest I’ve gone without reading.

A month. (Shame!)

22. Name a book that you could/would not finish.

Not to bash The Hunger Games (it's not that I disapprove of it or anything) but I couldn't get past the first chapter. Dystopian novels are not my thing.
For all you fans--good for you, it's just not my cup of tea, so to speak.

23. What distracts you easily when you’re reading?

I'm not easily distracted while I'm reading. I could be stuck in a noisy room and still be able to read. But I can be distracted if there's a repetitive noise going on, like a buzzing sound or a faucet dripping.

24. Favorite film adaptation of a novel?

Lord of the Rings. Didn't see that coming, did you? :)

25. Most disappointing film adaptation?

Inkheart. Dustfinger was great, but the movie made it look like a magic kiddie movie, and not the Fantasy Epic it is.

26. What would cause you to stop reading a book half-way through?

Swear words, fake religions in Fantasy, or just general bad content. Or if a book's too weird (why I stopped reading the Vampirates series.)

27. Do you like to keep your books organized?

I'm not a neat person, but books are the only things I manage to keep tidy. 

28. Do you prefer to keep books or give them away once you’ve read them?

If I like it, I keep it. If I hate it I'll be giving it away to the first person I can. But that isn't usual as I never buy a book I hate.

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Awarded

I was awarded the LOTR Award by The Director!

Thanks!

Now, I must answer the following questions:

1-Who is your favorite LOTR character and why?
Aragorn. Because he's awesome, brave, loyal, and generally heroic.

Sam is also one of my favorites. He's loyal and brave and really underestimated. "Frodo wouldn't have gotten far without Sam..."

2-If you were in Middle Earth, what species would you be?
A hobbit. I'm short, I like good food, and I'm generally barefoot 24/7.

3-If you were in Middle Earth, where would you be from?
Either the Shire or Erodas.

4-If you were with the fellowship in Lothlorien, what gift would you have wanted from Galadriel?
How about a writing utensil that makes me automatically inspired whenever I write with it?

5-Which language out of Middle Earth would you want to learn?
Black Speech!
Haha, just kidding.
I'd like to learn either Elvish or Rohirric. Even Khuzdul would be great to learn.


I award these fellow LOTR-Lovers:
Marian at All That is Gold
Kirthi at Pages
Gwyn at A Celtic Cowgirl
Margaret W. at Artisan of the Shire

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Award

Sierra/Arries over at Whispers of the Wind awarded me the One Lovely Blog Award!
Thanks, Sierra!

The rules are:
List 7 things about yourself and
award 15 other lovely bloggers.

Here goes:

1. If I have a choice between researching online and researching by book, I'll choose to do it by book.
2. I'm often called an old soul.
3. I can't play an instrument to save my life.
4. I get cold very easily.
5. I'm a big history buff. To me, it's just one dang good story.
7. I wish I could apprentice myself to a famous artist for a few years (Like, say, Tony DiTerlizzi), just so he could teach me his wisdom.

I award:
Gwyn at A Celtic Cowgirl
Marian at All That is Gold
Ivorydancer at Another Once in Time
Margaret W. at Artisan of the Shire
Liz Patterson at Awake
Madeline Claire at Daisy Chains
Gray at Gray's Locket
Margaret at Hello, World

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30 Awesome Characters

Once again, I got this idea from All That is Gold (stop doing awesome posts, Marian!:) The rules are to list 30 fictional characters that you like, you identify with, have influenced you, or are simply unforgettable.

Let's begin.

Spider Carey from Dirty Magic by Carol Hughes
Dustfinger from Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
Smike from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

Shifu from Kung Fu Panda

Mr. Tumnus from The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis

Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean
Sirius Black from Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
Aragorn
Faramir
Eomer
Samwise Gamgee
Paton Yewbeam from Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo
Vanessa Santoro from Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Shiara from Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede

Puddleglum from The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
Gwydion from The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
Eilonwy
Fflewdur Fflam
Neville Longbottom from Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

Reepicheep from The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
Rapunzel from Tangled

Milligan from The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Col. Robert E. Hogan from Hogan's Heroes
Philip from Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Hiccup from How to Train Your Dragon

Mr. Warne from Miss Potter

Sextus Rubrius from The Kingdom and the Crown by Gerald N. Lund
Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling

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Character Questions

Though I wasn't necessarily tagged, I simply had to do this questionnaire I got from All That is Gold (who got it from Thoughts of a Shieldmaiden).
I decided to question one of my many villains, and he's as shallow and despicable as can be expected.
I left some parts of his speech blank, as I don't want to give anything away.
As you can probably tell, I did not enjoy his "company" one bit.

Do you want a hug?
M: What is this?

Do you have any kids?
M: (laughs, then sees my expression. Sneers) You’re serious?

Have you killed anyone?
M: Ask a stupid question…

Love anyone?
M: Myself.

What is your job?
M: (examines fingernails) Captain of a ___ ship and the soon-to-be ___ .

Favorite season?
M(sighs): Lame question, let’s move on.

Who’s your best friend?
M: I don’t have friends. Only slaves.
Celtic Traveler: Get over yourself.

Hobbies?
M: Slitting throats, torturing ___ in my spare time.
CT: You disgust me.
M: I try.

What are you going to do when this tag is over?
M: Run the crew ragged, probably yell at someone.

What is your eye color?
M: Grey.

Are you good? Or bad?
M: Oh, I’m very, very bad.
CT: At last we agree on something.

What is your greatest fear?
M: I’m not scared of anything.
CT: Except of losing your power.
M: (frowns) I suppose so...

What do you think of your parents?
M(sneering): My parents were common. I rose above them in the world, no thanks to them.

Any siblings?
M: No.

Was it fun to answer all these questions?
M: (glares) A little tedious, perhaps…

Do you have any weaknesses?
M: No.
CT: Besides being an evil, heartless scumbag, you mean.
M: I wouldn’t call that a weakness.
CT: I would.

Your favorite element?
M(maniac gleam in his eyes): Fire.

Do you care what others think of you?
M: No. Are we almost done?

Your theme song?
M: “Would You Mind if I Killed You” by Within Temptation.

What’s your species?
M: Human.
CT: Oh, I wouldn’t call you that.

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Book Tag

Got this tag from All That is Gold, and I simply had to do it.

1. A fictional character you identify with and why.
Cornelia from Cornelia and the Audacious Escapades of the Somerset Sisters. She's shy and enjoys large books, words, and stories of far-off lands. Just like me.

2. Your earliest memory of reading or being read to.
My father reading a picture book to me.

3. Your favourite book aged 9 ½, or 13 ¾, whichever you remember best.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

4. The book that’s been on your shelves the longest.
The New Horizon's World Guide.

5. A book you acquired in some interesting way.
Tunnels by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams. It originally belonged to a library, who caught me in the act of underlining my favorite quotes. It was discarded and I promptly paid for it.

6. A book with a story for you, that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time).
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome. Reminds me of me and my sisters when we were kids. We played pirates and other games of imagination.

7. What fictional character are you (secretly) in love with.
Dustfinger from the Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke.

8. The last book you acquired, and how (begged, bought, borrowed?)
King Arthur by Roger Lancelyn Green, bought for only five dollars at my local Barnes and Nobles.

9. Your current read, your last read and the book you’ll read next.
Vampirates: Tide of Terror by Justin Somper. I last read Robinson Crusoe and I'll be reading The Travels of Marco Polo next.

10. What author do you own the most books by and why?
Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events. There's thirteen, after all.

11. Do you own multiple copies of any book? What are they? Why do you have multiple copies?
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket. I bought my first copy and many of my relatives sent me multiple ones.

12. Book borrowing – do you use the library? Do you prefer to try before you buy? What about lending your books to friends? Are you a good borrower, do you remember to return books?
I use the library. And of course I read a book before I buy it. My vast collection often is begged to be borrowed, but I'm usually hesitant as few books ever return... Actually, right now I'm waiting for my copy of Martin the Warrior to be given back. I think I'm pretty good about returning borrowed books.

13. Do you reread a lot? Why (not)? Name a book you have reread many times.
Only if it's a stupendous book. The book I must have read the most is Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. My paperback copy of it is falling apart because I've read it so much.

14. What is the best book you’ve read in the past year?
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart.

15. Do you recommend books to other people? If you could force everyone you know to read one book, what would it be?
Yes, I recommend books. But if I could get everyone I knew to read just one book, it would be The Book of Mormon.

16. Adaptation: What book would you most like to see made into a film? Do you like to read the book first or see the film? Any books you have read after seeing the film version?
I would like to see a well-made, non-musical version of Les Miserables. (Pleeeeease!) And I usually read the book before I see the film. But to my absolute horror and despair, I waited until after the film to read The Lord of the Rings. I won't be making the same mistake with The Hobbit.

17. What is the most difficult book you’ve ever read?
Le Morte D'Arthur. Seven-hundred pages, and all without proper punctuation!

18. Your favourite book series and your favourite book out of that series.
I'm torn between The Lord of the Rings and Redwall. Out of LOTR, it's The Fellowship of the Ring; Out of Redwall, it's Mossflower.

19. Your favourite picture, junior fiction and Young Adult books.
My favorite picture book of all time is Edwina: The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems. Favorite junior fiction is Redwall, and favorite YA...Well, does The Lord of the Rings count?

20. Least favourite plot device employed by way too many books you actually enjoyed otherwise.
When the good guys are benevolent toward the bad guys and let them live to wreck even greater chaos!

21. A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle.

22. Your "comfort" book.
The Fellowship of the Ring (This is just getting ridiculous...)

23. Favourite book cover including a picture!

Vampirates: Demons of the Ocean by Justin Somper.

24. Favourite fictional relationship (romantic, friendship, familial).
Decisions, decisions. Luckily I have a favorite couples list. Let's see, I'm going to have to say Allan a Dale and Ellen from Robin Hood.

25. Most annoying character ever.
Mr. Collins from Pride and Prejudice. His irritating behavior is legendary.

26. Most quotable novel or 5 of your favourite quotes from any books.
The novel I quote the most is either Inkheart or (surprise, surprise) The Lord of the Rings.

27. Any five books from your "to be read" stack. What makes you select a book for your “to be read” stack?
The Art of War for Writers, The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Travels of Marco Polo, and The Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.

28. Some firsts: First book you remember loving/being obsessed with. First book that made you cry. First book you gave to someone else as a gift.
The first book I ever obsessed over was The Lord of the Rings. The Bellmaker by Brian Jacques was the first book that made me cry. And for my sister I got Stories of the French Revolution by Marcelle and George Huisman.

29. Saddest character death OR best/most satisfying character death (or both!)
Either Dustfinger from Inkheart or Gandalf (I'm not even going to bother mentioning what he's from.)

30. The End: do you prefer everything tied up or to be able to 'make up your own mind'? What is the worst ending to a book you have read? And the best? (careful, spoiler tags!)
I prefer everything to be tied up, but not everything perfect. The worst book ending I ever read was in Bright Shadow by Avi. Everyone died and nothing got accomplished. My favorite book ending was probably in Fablehaven: Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary. There was a huge, explosive plot twist that literally took my breath away.

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Oh My Goodness

I've been awarded the Versatile Blogger Award by Margaret W.
Thank you so very much!
Now I have to tell you seven things about myself.
Let's see...

1. I simply can't stand modern art. Give me a Vermeer or a Monet any day. (Same with books. The older, the better.)
2. I really get into movies when I watch them. Even in movie theaters I gasp and jump at certain moments.
3. I think all the time, and sometimes I concentrate so hard that people come up to me and ask if I'm alright.
4. I will eat almost anything. Even haggis.
5. I'm a sucker for a good romance.
6. I love sunsets. And I'd hate to live in a big city where I couldn't see the stars.
7. I wish I could discover something that wasn't yet discovered.

Enough about me. I award these amazing bloggers:
A Celtic Cowgirl~Gwyn
Gray's Locket~Gray
Where the Sun Shines~Sananora
Random Writer~writergirl

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Another Tag

I was tagged by Sananora.
Thanks!
The rules are as follow:
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag 20 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS ‘ARE YOU OKAY’ YOU SAY?

Marble Halls-Enya

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Around Us-Jonsi
Perfect.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Only Time-Enya
Kinda works.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Tonight-The Afters
Not really…

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Only If…-Enya
Yep.

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Upular-Pogo
Absolutely.

WHAT’S YOUR MOTTO?
Let Me Fall-Josh Groban

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I’d Rather Be With You-Joshua Radin

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Lord Bless You and Keep You-Mormon Tabernacle Choir

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Outside looking In-Jordan Pruit
Actually, yes.

WHAT IS 2+2?
Shine On-Needtobreathe

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
No One-Aly & AJ
Ah, this works so well.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The Blood of Cu Chulainn-Mychael & Jeff Danna

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
If I Had No Songs-Mindy Gledhill

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Requiem For a Dream-Clint Mansell

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Hill of Thieves-Cara Dillon

WHAT WILL YOU DO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Forbidden Friendship-John Powell
Awww…

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Fields of Pelennor-Howard Shore


WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
This Time For Sure-John Powell
How to Train Your Dragon is definitely an interest.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Three Black feathers-Jim Moray

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
The English Ladye and the Knight-Loreena Mckennitt

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
The Sancity of Days-Sam Cardon

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
You Are More-Tenth Avenue North

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Ocean Wide-The Afters

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Hanging By a Moment-Lifehouse

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
River Flows in You-Yiruma

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Vision Quest-Tempest
Er, that doesn’t really fit.

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
So Contagious-Acceptance
Whoa, perfect answer.

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Ladders-Brian Tyler
It works.

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
I Want Tomorrow-Enya

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Whatever it Takes-Lifehouse

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Anywhere but Here-Safetysuit

WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO SAY TO THE PERSON WHO TAGGED YOU?
Something Beautiful-Needtobreathe

WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS NOTE?
Breathe Me-Sia


Now I tag:
Any of my followers to want to do this.
PS-These are free song recommendations.

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The Writer's Tag

Got this tag at All That is Gold. And since Yours Truly is a writer, I'm going to give it a shot.

Rules: Fill out the tag, and then add two of your own questions!

What do you write your stories on?
It used to be notebooks all the time, but now I alternate between those and Microsoft Word.
What is your favorite kind of character?
Strangely, the ones with dark pasts and secrets, like Dustfinger and Guy of Gisbourne.
I also love pathetically sad characters who are so timid and meek.

When you're asked what your story is about, what is your usual reaction?
Uh-oh.
How am I supposed to explain that?

What is your biggest writing pet peeve?
Writer's Block.
Definitely Writer's Block.

What is the biggest turn-off for you when reading a book?
Bad language/objectionable content.
Made-up religions in a Fantasy book. UGH...

Your favorite era in history?
Medieval all the way!

How many words on average do you punch out in one sitting?
Depends on how inspired I am...at least 100.

Are you a fast typist?
Yes.

What do you do for inspiration?
Flip through art books. You wouldn't believe how inspiring those things are!

The truest writing quote you've ever heard:
"Writing is an accepted form of schizophrenia."~E. L. Doctorow

What's your favorite genre to write?
I write hardcore Fantasy.

Favorite font to write with?
Times New Roman at 16px. Oh, and I just adore Harrington.

Least-favorite writing prompt you've ever recieved?
"Describe your Lunch."

What do you like better: Pens or Pencils?
Pens all the way!


I tag any of my readers that bears the title of  "Writer".

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Awarded

Oh my! I was awarded the Beyond Your Imagination Award. Thanks, Sierra!

So here how it goes: I have to name 8 books I'd like to live in for two weeks. And then I have to award eight people.

1. Middle Earth, preferably Rohan or the Shire.

2. Redwall!!! Need I say more?

3. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia C. Wrede. It sounds completely madcap.

4. The Edge Chronicles by Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. I'd love to visit the Great Library.

5. Narnia. Duh.

6. Hogwarts, definitley.

7. Sherwood during the time of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

8. The world of Larklight by Phillip Reeves.

Now I award these amazing bloggers:

Margaret W.-Artisan of the Shire
Marian-All That is Gold
Gray-The Locket
Gwyn-Plain Girl
Izori-Just Passing By
Ivorydancer-Another Once in Time
Jare and Lib-Random Jot Downs
The Reluctant Dragon-The Reluctant Dragon

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Awarded

Gwyn from A Celtic Cowgirl awarded me the Pure in Heart Award about a week ago. Sorry I'm late.
So, wow, I guess here goes:

1: Apples, Oranges or Bananas? Oranges all the way. I love citrus.

2: How many siblings do you have? So not telling.

3: How old are you? Ditto.

4: Do you live on/in a prairie, woodland, swamp, city or other? In my head.

5: Scissors or glue? Scissors. They're more dangerous and less sticky. :)

6: Describe your dream house. A thatched cottage in Ireland.

7: Is your room clean? Absolutley not.

8: If you could be a movie character for a day, who would you be? Hard one...Probably some random mouse in Reepicheep's army, or some hobbit in the Shire.

9: Italy, Greece, France, Spain or England? England and Italy.

10: What denomination are you? I'm a Latter-Day Saint A.K.A a Mormon. Yes, that means I'm also Christian.

11: Do you sleep with a stuffed toy (BE HONEST!!!!): Nope.

12: Gum, chocolate, or jelly beans? Chocolate...

13: What is your favorite book? The Book of Mormon.

14: Favorite ice cream flavor? Mint Chocolate Chip.

15: If you had to eat one type of food for two weeks, what would that food be? Bakery products.
16: What is your favorite Olympic sport? I don't watch the Olympics, but I would if they had jousting or Quidditch.

17: If you woke up and discovered that you had turned into Miley Cyrus for the day, what would you do (note, I am NOT a fan)? UGH. I would hide in a hole and hate myself all day.

18: Describe yourself in three words. Shy, Creative, Unique

19: What chore do you hate? Mopping or sweepin'.

20: If Elmo came into your room with a gun, what would you do? ...This is an very odd question.

Now, I tag EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO DO IT.

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Whoa, Tag AGAIN

Marian from All that is Gold tagged me! I'm really enjoyin' these things.

 What song are you currently addicted to?
The "How to Train Your Dragon" theme song.

What books are you currently reading?
Dormia & Frommer's Ireland 2008. (Travel Guide)

What's your favorite colour?
Green.

What's your favorite hobby?
Writing, drawing, curling up with a good book.

Sweet or Salty?
Sweet! Or spicy.

What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?
 Um...Again, "How to Train Your Dragon."

Cake or ice cream?
Cake all the way.

What websites do you always visit when you go online?
Blogger, Youtube.

What was the last thing you bought?
Books-A Single Shard and The Edge Chronicles: Stormchaser.

Which fictional character do you think you're most like?
Aragorn.

Favorite toy growing up?
Don't remember.

Favorite instrument?
BAGPIPES!!!

What was the last meal you ate?
Tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

Do you want to learn another language?
Yes, but I wish I could just learn it all in one day.

Five things you really appreciate:
Books, Creativity, God, life, music, art (not nessacarily in that order.)


What's one of your favorite quotes?

It isn't the thing you do, dear;
It's the thing you leave undone,
That gives you a bit of heartache
At setting of the sun.-Margaret E. Sangster

What's something you'd like to say to someone right now?
GO SEE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON!

What are you looking forward to?
The Hobbit movie.

I tag the following eight:

ATLANTA
BRIDGET
THE RELUCTANT DRAGON
MEAGHAN RUTHERFORD
KIDS2.ENGSTROM
PIXIE VIXEN
SAERWEN
&
IZORI

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Award!

Thank you Jare & Lib for giving me the Stylish Blog Award! I have to list 5 random things about myself, and then tag 5 people.

1-I don't own a cellphone, ipod, itouch, or anything of that sort. I'm a CD Player sort of person.
2-I read Travel Guides like regular books.
3-I use slang that doesn't even exist in my country or this world. And I'm always popping up with random quotes from books and movies.
4-I've written six 200+-page books in my life.
5-My smile looks like a frown. I'm not sure if my frown looks like a smile though...

Anyway, enough about me.

I award:

MELODY
LIZZY
GRAY
LADY GREENLEAF
&
ELIZABETH KAUFMAN

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Tagged

I've been tagged from Thoughts of a Sheildmaiden. And since this is thye first tag I'm doing, take it easy on me! :)

You grab a book, turn to pg. 123. Then go to the the fith sentence and post the next 4 sentences. The tag 5 people. So, here goes:

"It takes a good ripe man for that weapon."
""Boys are good enough with slings," Conán continued, "but except for eating their fill and running away from a fight, you can't count on boys."
The two bulky men turned towards the school of the Fianna.
It happened that Fionn mac Uail had summoned the gentlemen of the Fianna and their wives to a banquet.

-Irish Fairy Tales by James Stephens
I tag Marian, Saerwen, Izori, Gwyn (A New Follower!), and Nahla of the Eastern Winds.

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