The Difficulties of Photographing Animals

   Animals are not aware of when you need to take a good photo. They may stop for a few moments in curiosity to try to figure out what you're doing, but other than that they have no concept of helping you get a good picture. I thin I may be getting slightly better at it though, because I'm learning what is and isn't possible with animals. Take this cow for example, this is the most recent picture I've made of an animal. It probably only stopped for a minute or so to get this picture. I even kept making clicking noises to keep it focused on me for a few moments while I got the picture.

 Not all animals are like cows though, and respond to noises. The majority of turtles I've come across love to crawl back into their shells at the sight of a person, so I tried to zoom as closely as I could while remaining hidden to get this shot. He caught me but thankfully chose to freeze, and only stare at me instead of running. 

   There was also this frog. They don't mind running from people, and can't be stopped with noise. I was thankful he stopped for a few moments so I could get this picture really quick before he got away.

   Lastly there is my dog, who is probably the worst picture taker I've come across. She has no idea of what being still or even calm means.  When I have her out for a walk it is just chaos. I've been able to get better pictures of her as I got more experienced with the camera, but this one just sort of came out of nowhere. I thought I caught her being still, but then she came running at me. Thankfully my shutter speed was fast enough to capture her.

Going into Week Four, and Feeling Bummed

   So yesterday I got a new guitar. I was looking for something that would be easier to learn on since my guitar was almost making learning unenjoyable with the pain it caused whenever I tried to play. I seriously couldn't type well on my laptop after sitting and playing for only 15 minutes. Yesterday I walked into the guitar store to just gauge the prices of one, but ended up walking out with one. I usually like to do loads of research before purchasing, but after sitting down with one, and finding it pretty easy to play I continued on with my purchase.
    I found out that the guitar is basically beginner, but I guess I shouldn't get in over my head in seeking out something expensive when I'm not too good at it yet. The only thing that made me sort of upset was to find that I could have ordered a whole kit with my guitar instead of just buying it solo at the store. I saved about $20 on it versus purchasing it online, and probably a tad more considering I didn't have to  pay for shipping. Was all the gear that came with it only worth $15 or $20 though? I checked out it on Ebay though, and people aren't selling it single for much cheaper than what I bought it for. My mom is now telling me to stop overanalyzing and just be happy with my purchase. This would be very easy if it didn't have a broken string which sent me spiraling downward.
    I'm gong to admit that I don't know much about guitars, but I liked the sound of my little guitar, or I wouldn't have considered it. I was also into going the acoustic/electric route, and that's what it is. My only concern is that it may be a difficult guitar to tune. The high E broke before I could fully achieve it being accurate. After that I was too scared to attempt tuning the others since I didn't want a guitar with a bunch of broken strings.
   I'm hoping Monday arrives very soon because I am so anxious to get this fixed, and be back to playing. I read a few random reviews online for the guitar I got, and the general opinion seems to be that it is a suitable beginning guitar, which reassures me a bit. Hopefully I'll keep moving forward very soon.

Wednesday Movie Night: All Good Things (2010)

  I've learned that movies that maybe two hours are best divided up instead of me attempting to watch them all in one sitting. I just don't have the attention span. All Good Things turned out to be quite a thriller though. I felt a little spooked watching it at midnight especially since this is based on a true story.
  The story is about David Marks, a guy who falls in love with Katie, who is not of the same wealthy class as him. After their marriage spirals downward when he takes a job as his dad real estate agency, David becomes tied to a number of disappearances including his wife's. The movie follows the beginning of their romance in the 70s to 2000 when David was being tried for the disappearances.
  Ryan Gosling is a very diverse actor, and in this movie he is far from the confident, handsome guy he depicts in other movies. My sister even commented on how much a creeper he appeared to be in the movie. I'm not quite sure why this movie didn't get a bigger opening, or why it wasn't somewhat bigger than it was. The cast was filled with people who are quite known, the movie was just as good as anything else you would find at the theater these days. Perhaps being based on a true story that isn't the most light hearted event doesn't make a good movie goer movie. I would suppose the story also isn't one of the most popular that could have been chosen from though it does have notoriety.
  If you're looking for an interesting suspense then this provides it. The movie isn't the most satisfying of movies, but I won't give away the ending if you aren't already familiar with the case.

How do I get serious about writing when I'm not published yet?

(Image from sxc.hu by channah)

    I have been struggling with this question. There are days when I want to fast forward, and have a beautifully crafted book in my hands. By beautifully crafted, I mean it has it's cover, and is through with editing, and all. Instead I am still sitting here with a half finished first draft of two novels, and wondering how in the world to I get to the end product I imagined?
    I am no expert on this, so sadly I can't give any real advice. I'm only an aspiring author hoping to see my work in book format, and selling.  I don't expect to become a known author, or even to make over $500 in sales for a novel. Do I really want these things? I do. I understand though that isn't what usually happens. For some reason I will admit this is a minor motivator though. Seeing my book sitting on a shelf would be amazing. I would take a great sense of joy in knowing my book interested a few people enough for them to order a copy. Plus the extra money in my pocket wouldn't be such a bad thing. I hope writers aren't wanting to throw tomatoes at me right now for saying this!
    My absolute main motivation for continuing to write is the possibility of the stories. I know a lot of writers have to give up reading in order to find time to write, or they will get distracted. This is true, but I can't give up reading. Whenever I pick up another author's work I am being confronted with the fact that is possible to achieve my goal of publishing, whether through a company, or self-publishing.  I also love hearing about authors sacrifices before they published their first work, or any work they have. It reminds that the road that seems so rough now wasn't only rough for you, but it was for other authors, even known ones, to finish their novels. I have so many ideas I want to share, and if I don't ever get serious about writing then I'll never share those ideas. I can't always be afraid of how it will turn out or whether the idea won't be as good on paper as it was in my mind.
    To answer the question, it is a need that I get serious about writing. It can be difficult to find time during the day to do something that isn't bringing you any income. There will be days when a story brings you no inspiration because it has hit a lull, and those are the days I back away from story to think so you can't read my lack of motivation in the story. If I ever want to consider myself published, self-published or otherwise, then I will be serious about something I really want to achieve.

Still Trying to Warm Up to Chords

   For the past couple of weeks it seems I've had trouble overcoming how to play C. This past week Em was presented to me, and now I'm having to also adjust my fingers to it too. My hands just don't have the flexibility to reach everything, but I'm hoping they'll eventually adjust to it.
    Em, and C seem have the fingers placed oddly. They are almost stretched in a way where your fingers feel like they shouldn't be bending, especially Em.  I actually just went to practice again, and my "point finger" is feeling pretty beat up. I have no idea why, but it seems to be the finger having the most difficultly adjusting to the strings.
   I've started looking at songs I want to learn though! I think I jumped way ahead though when I tried strumming some stuff from Mumford and Sons though. I've always enjoyed trying to piece music together even though I should be focusing on what I'm playing before even thinking about that.
    Tomorrow I have my third lesson though, and I am looking forward to what knowledge awaits me there. I've learned so many chords in only two weeks, and the two I'm struggling on sort of have me feeling a little behind.

Book Review: Yvonne's Harris' A River to Cross

   I am not a historian by any means, but this book is perhaps one of the obvious historically inaccurate books I've read.  A River to Cross is about the very quickly progressed romance of Elizabeth and Jake. In the very beginning he rescues her after she kidnapped by Mexicans who are in a feud with Texans. From that point on he is trying protest her from being kidnapped again since they want her as leverage considering he status as someone's in government's daughter.
   As I said there were many inaccuracies from what I could tell. There were two very obvious things to me though. One was that the lead characters kissed a lot. I'm very sure public affection was not that approved of in the 1800s, but yet these two were at each other's lips almost every chapter. There is nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't seem to match with how reserved most women, and society viewed conducting themselves in public. Now if she was working in a saloon under a mistress, and trying to seduce men it would have made more sense. The second thing was only one sentence, but it bugged me the entire time, because I've always known this. There is one woman who is insecure about her body, so she wears her dresses baggy to conceal that she feel she is overweight. If anyone knows anything about whatever then you know thin was not in for the women of the 1800s. Men loved women with lots of curves, and were voluptuous. A woman would have not been trying to conceal, but instead play up in the best way she could that she was extra endowed in certain areas, such as most notably the breast! Have you ever watched a movie from those periods that tried to cover those up?
   I did finish reading this book, which at least says that it vaguely kept my interest enough for me to do so. After the first few pages the action seemed repetitive, and the romance wasn't very deep. It seemed everything was happening, to just be happening. It was thankfully a quick read, so it didn't have to keep my interest long.
   If you are a fan of these historical, Christian, romance novels, then you'll probably love it. I'm not a consistent fan of them. I'm struggling to find many that know how to make deep, believable characters.

This complimentary copy was provided by Bethany House in exchange for a review.
  

Day Nine of Photography Challenge: Someone Who You Love

My sister actually let me do a photo shoot to built a portfolio, and she is someone I love. It makes sense to include some of those pictures for this!

Interview with Dry as Rain Author, Gina Holmes

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to interview author, Gina Holmes. Gina Holmes is the bestselling/award-winning author of Crossing Oceans. Her sophomore novel, Dry as Rain released in 2011 with Tyndale House Publishers. She holds degrees in science and nursing and makes her home in southern Virginia. To learn more about her, visit: www.ginaholmes.com or www.novelrocket.com

1. What inspired you to write Dry as Rain?

I see so many marriages around me, good marriages falling apart because of a snowball of misunderstandings and unkind words. That was a proponent of sorts and then I started wondering what would happen if one spouse was suddenly emotionally back to when they were still in love. How would that effect the other spouse and the marriage.

2. How was writing Dry Rain different from writing your debut novel, Crossing Oceans?

Well, Crossing Oceans is written from the point of view from a woman who, while made mistakes, is someone on the right path of trying to do the right thing. Dry as Rain is written from a man's point of view. It was challenging, to say the least, to try and crawl into a man's skin and not use the flowery language and imagery I would if I were writing from a woman's mindset. It's a very different book but they're both about redemption and forgiveness and family drama.

3. Like your characters, you've experienced the loss of marriage. Were there any parallels between what Eric and Kyra went through and your own life?

A few. As far as I know my ex-husband didn't have an affair, but he did stop being attracted to me and even liking me not long into our marriage. When he told me he wanted a divorce, it was devastating but a relief.  I know that kind of rejection and pain. I know that kind of lonliness and I can see how someone can fall into the sin of infidelity, although it is sin regardless of the circumstances.

4. One of the topics Dry as Rain deals with is infidelity. Why did you pick that particular betrayal to explore?

I was not cheated on that I know of, or did I cheat, but again, I know the temptation of that and truly believe that given the right set of circumstances any of us can fall. I never thought I'd ever have that temptation myself. I pride myself in being loyal above all, but it's easy for someone who just ate to not be tempted to steal food, quite another for someone who is dying of starvation

5. How has your life changed in the past couple of years since you became a published author?

Well, I remarried 2 years ago to the love of my life. I'm no longer starving and thank God for that. I feel like I've come through a trial and testing period that I did better than I would have thought, not as well as I would have liked, but at the end of it all was Adam. He is one of God's greatest gifts to me and adores me as much as I do him. I also now have 3 beautiful stepdaughters to add to my family, with 2 boys and 3 girls, we're one shy of the Brady bunch!

I also am not nursing full time at the moment. This could change given unforeseen circumstances but for now I'm enjoying the time to work on Novel Rocket, promotion and of course writing!

6. Do you still find time to review books for you successful literary website, Novel Rocket? (Formerly known as Novel Journey)

Very rarely will be review a book on Novel Rocket. That's not the site's purpose. I handed over the separate, Novel Reviews website, to Kelly Klepfer, one of our team members. She's much better at it then I am. 

7. I've been writing a novel to hopefully publish in the future. What advice do you give aspiring writers?

I've recently done a youtube video on this very subject:

8. What is your favorite thing about writing?

Wow, I love almost all of it. I guess knowing something I've written has pointed to one of God's truths. 

9. What do you hope readers will take away from Dry as Rain?

I hope that couples will stop and take a moment to see how easy it is to get off the path and that at any point, all it takes is one of the couple to turn it around or at least to begin to turn it around. Humans are very reactive, I know I am. I don't believe every couple who has gone through infidelity really can work it out, or should. But some can and should. Some people really do repent and change and in that case, that's a love worth saving.  

Check out her novel, Dry as Rain, which is available now!

Behind every broken vow lies a broken heart.
When Eric and Kyra Yoshida first met, they thought their love would last forever. But like many marriages, theirs has gradually crumbled, one thoughtless comment and misunderstanding at a time, until the ultimate betrayal pushes them beyond reconciliation. Though Eric longs to reunite with Kyra, the only woman he has truly loved, he has no idea how to repair the damage that’s been done.

Then a car accident erases part of Kyra’s memory—including her separation from Eric—and a glimmer of hope rises from the wreckage. Is this a precious opportunity for the fresh start Eric has longed for? Does he even deserve the chance to find forgiveness and win back Kyra’s heart . . . or will the truth blow up in his face, shattering their last hope for happiness? A richly engaging story of betrayal and redemption, Dry as Rain illuminates with striking emotional intensity the surprising truth of what it means to forgive.

First Week of Guitar Lessons

   This past week I had my first week of lessons, and it has revived my passion for wanting to learn so much. My fingers though are protesting every step of the way. This week I was given the task of remember what each string should be tuned to generally, and learning the Major chords, G,C, and D.
   I'm pretty good at memorizing, and since I'm a late bloomer at beginning guitar lessons I haven't focused too much on that. I did however get batteries for my tuner, because I'm nowhere near good enough to tune it by ear.  My tuner still works since being out of use for a few years, which is a huge plus though.
   As for the chords I had an idea of how to play them before beginning, but fingers never really adjusted on getting used to doing what they needed to get the sound of the chords. Now my hands are having to toughen up all over again, so for the past week I've been making sure I play at some point during the day.  I think they are getting though. My fingers at least don't hurt when I try to type anymore, or feel bruised when something hits them. It now only feels like a pinch when they are pressed against the strings.
   I'm really enjoy playing the guitar again, and I'm very excited about seeing what progress awaits me by the end of 12 weeks. It feels good to finally hear my guitar making sounds that sound like a guitar.

Day Eight of Photography Challenge: A Bad Habit

The next picture is supposed to be of a bad habit I have. I want to say that I do no bite my finger nails, but I do pick my finger nails, which isn't as nasty, but still not a nice habit. I've also go a new photography book on exposure so I'm trying on some different techniques to try out different outcomes. 

Book Review: Elizabeth Miles' Fury

  Fury was completely different than I thought it would be. I was thinking this book would be similar to Gossip Girl when I began, but it turned out to be almost like a horror novel.  The book has a lot of enjoyable twists and turns that keep you entertained, but be warned the characters do things that leave you wanting to dislike them until you see how we all are capable of destructible things.
     Em has a crush on her friend's boyfriend, Zach. He seems to be flirting with her, and giving her a chance, but she is unsure of whether she wants to betray her friend this way. There is also Chase who has a dark secret, but it seems to be haunting him in his new relationship with a mysterious girl, Ali.
    This book is quite dark, and even though the characters show remorse for their wrongdoings the book maintains it's tragic feel. Drea was a very interesting character, and I hope the book features a bit more from her. She seems to be very complex. I liked the feel of this book, and it felt natural to read.
  I want to add that I don't think I've read a young adult novel that had language quite like this one. I think the age group can handle it, but it was strong. The book does deal with many issues that happen though. The ending definitely has you wanting the next book very soon.
   I enjoyed this, and I'm not a teen. I'm also not someone who feels they are hugely interested in digital books, but this kept my attention.

I received this book apart of the Pulse It program in exchange for a review.
 

Wednesday Movie Night: Black Swan (2010)

   I would like to begin by saying that Black Swan probably isn't the best movie to feed your mind at midnight. I went to bed realizing how fragile the mind was, and utterly freaked out at how instantly the mind could deteriorate. Besides that I definitely realized what all the buzz was about over this movie. I don't think I've been on the edge of my seat as I was with this movie.
   About an hour in I realize my mouth is hanging open perhaps in shock, or terror, I don't know, but it was. The way the director is able to convey the thin line between how our mind can play tricks on us versus what is happening in the real world is so well put together. There were a couple of instances where you realize you probably have had your mind play the small tricks it did on Nina that eventually led into a full blown psychological collapse. Because of this it was probably one of the most terrifying movies I've watched.  This movie has no lightness or happiness about it which may not make it a movie for everyone.
   There is nothing offers redemption to Nina, besides the escape that the character the Swan Queen was able to find.  This movie is essentially about how Nina becomes so obsessed by the role that it intertwines into her own life until her life is imitating the play, Swan Lake.
   I believe the only thing that holds me back from saying this was an astounding movie was the amount of sexually graphic stuff in it. Now let me add that I have watched The Hangover, and none of it was too much for me, but the way Black Swan depicted some things I actually couldn't make it through some of the scenes without proceeding to fast forward past it. I expected it though, but I didn't think I would have to skip the scenes.
   Overall depending on your state of mind, I would recommend this movie. It definitely isn't an uplifting movie, and probably best watched way before bedtime, unlike me who watched it right before sleeping.

Book Review: Caryn Dahlstrand Rivadeneira's Grumble Hallelujah

   The concept of Grumble Hallelujah is relatable to everyone. We all have moments where we seem to hate our life, but I will say that some of us seem to have more of those moments than others especially me. When I saw there was a whole book dedicated to a topic that I often had to battle in my own life I was quick to want to review it.
    Rivadeneira shares her personal stories to tell how she has discovered how to love her life even though it hasn't always been as she had hoped. Whether this is because of her parents' divorce, or because finances have caused problems. She gives tips on how to squeeze out of the hands of hating your life, and learning to find a way to love it.
    The advice she gives based from personal experience, and a Biblical perspective is very useful. I had come to conclude a bit of these things prior to reading the book about my own life though. I think the most standout thing to me is that she advises we should rejoice in other people's happiness instead of rolling in jealousy. I have to admit I've been guilty of this. Though she never uses it as an example, since she is married, I will admit I've often found myself jealous of married, or engaged friends.  It seems like they stumbled upon something that has been so difficult for me to find, but I needed to begin finding the ability to feel happiness through theirs instead of wishing I had something I don't right now. This has become true with many things, but it seems I have control of whether I write a book or not, or finally learn the guitar, but that one thing seems to be completely out of my hands. So where does the author advise we direct those things we can't control? That is to give it to God, which I'm learning to do.
   I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has suffered a major setback whether it be finding out you can't have children, or you haven't got accepted to the college you wanted. Maybe it's something as minor as not having the two-story house you always dreamed of that's got you down. This book will encourage you to find those things you have to be thankful of though that give you a reason to love your life.

This complimentary copy was provided by Tyndale in exchange for a review. 
    

Book Review: Gayle Roper's Shadows on the Sand

  Sometimes a book will very appealing from the outside, and then you begin to read and find that the story is very flat. That is what happened with Shadows on the Sand. I had read several other reviews and was expecting the book to be interesting, but instead it turned out otherwise.   

  Carrie works in a diner in the city of, Seaside, and she has a crush on a frequent visitor, Greg.  He is still grieving the loss of the family, but after a string of missing locals they begin to grow closer as they investigate. 

   I want to mention the two leads have absolutely no chemistry, and the dialogue is very cheesy between them sometimes. The minor characters were slightly stronger, but the people who were victims were difficult to feel anything for because they weren't well developed. Another thing I thought was terrible were the villains. They seemed like stereotypical dunces you would see in a movie. 

  This book also included social networking more than any other book I've read in the plot, and it was not well included at all. If someone isn't familiar with Twitter, they will have no idea what the author is referring to when she says "tweeter" to describe someone. She had to use Twitter to advance her plot, but in reality the networking site is not nearly popularized as it is in her book, and for someone her lack of knowledge about the site seemed obvious. 

     Why was there reason to like this book? The story still kept my interest, though it was difficult for me to continue reading because of the bad character development. Depending on what your favorite part about reading is you might like the story. There are some interesting scenarios explored, which had potential to be more interesting than they were. 

   This book had potential to be better than it was, but it was lacking in how it read, and the characters. They didn't feel very deep, and sometimes the way they acted was tacky. 

This book was provided by Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for a review. 

Wednesday Night Movie: Going the Distance (2010)

 The main reason I believe I was interested in this movie is because I've attempted long distance, and I figured out it wasn't for me, so I was curious as to how a movie conveyed a long distance relationship. With that being said the movie has it's funny moments, but is a sad reflection at what are modern relationships.
   For a quick summary this is about a guy, Garrett, who meets, Erin, immediately after a breakup from a long term girlfriend. They rush into physical things that leaves their emotions developing soon after. Erin finishes her summer internship at a paper in New York, and has to return to California. This leaves Garrett in New York creating a long distance relationship. With this comes the normal obstacles of distance that the viewer watches to see if they can overcome.
   So let's get what some of my negative thoughts were out of the way. I really hope this movie isn't the standard for what relationships are like these days, because if so I never want to experience anything similar to it. There was nothing romantic about this movie, but this isn't to say the two stars didn't have chemistry. I guess this may come from my old fashioned roots, but Garrett did nothing to win Erin's affection. She gives her whole self to him right after they meet. I'm sure for some people this isn't a problem, and it's very relatable to how they approach relationships. Since I'm more of someone who likes to build something slowly, and allow the guy to convey his interest to me first before I give my feelings, it left me not finding the movie romantic.
  For the positive, well the movie does have funny moments. I didn't expect for it to be as funny it was, and it seems to have the potential to appeal to both men, and women. The long distance obstacles were also very real, and it doesn't have the woman chasing after the man as if he is her whole life. Erin, and Garrett both have to consider all aspects of what makes them happy, which isn't only each other.
   The movie has it's definite negatives, and positives. It is watchable though, but leaves you feeling disappointed that this could be how a lot of the world values relationships, which seems like very little in comparison to other things.

Day 7: Fruit

It may sound like this would be difficult to believe, but getting a picture of fruit turned out to be more difficult than I expected.  My house turns out to not provide enough light, especially with the recent storms to keep me from having to use a slower shutter speed. My choice was to wait around for better lighting or use a tripod. I instead set my camera on the floor across from the bananas so I could use a slow shutter speed. This was the result!

Book Review: Charles Martin's Wrapped In Rain

   Sometimes it seems to take forever for a book to get itself into a story, and this was one of those books. For the first hundred pages I felt I was moping along hoping for a break to kick in the pace. There were a few redeeming moments that made it difficult to dislike Wrapped in Rain though.
    Tucker Rain left his hometown to pursue his photography career, and also escape his past. The wisdom of Ms. Ella never leaves him though, and guides him back home.  After spending years running from his past he returns home to find his childhood friend, Katie, on the run, and that his brother, Mutt, has escaped from a mental home. Instead of shoving these issues to his side he faces his abandoned brother, and his abusive father to resolve his past.
    As I mentioned the biggest issue I had with this book is that it took a while for the book to catch my interest. The characters were well developed though, and I found Mutt to be the most complex, and interesting. The story covers a lot of topics that are difficult to discuss including, abuse, alcoholism, abandonment, and mental issues. It does a very good job of depicting these issues.
   The book was good, but the flashbacks are threw in, and for me it took away from the growth of the story. I knew they had to be there to explain why some things were significant, but it was difficult to get through at times.

Taking a Time Out from Writing

(Image from sxc.hu)

    After spending a couple weeks working on my novel, I had to step back. I was feeling what I'll call "creative fatigue".  I was really wanting to write, and felt like I had great chapter to write. Whenever I began writing I noticed my words felt very empty though.
   When this started happening it reminded me of all the books I read where the author got tired of writing, but continued to trod on for some reason though the characters were becoming disconnected from the story. The story from these authors would usually be good, but I longed for a deeper feeling from the characters.  I know that I am my own toughest critic though. My biggest hope is that if someone else read my work they would see something I wasn't.  Hopefully I'll work up the courage to let someone read through, and offer constructive criticism. That is something an author has to choke up, and accept.
    I've been taking a week to not force myself to work on a novel though. I have plenty of time to do that when it comes November.  Right now I really want to make the best of the story I've been letting take shape for the past two years, so it turns out on paper as I envisioned.
    I'm as determined as ever to complete a novel, and seriously edit it. I at least have almost 30 pages of a start, which I believe is something.

Day Six: Something From a Low Angle

I had a couple of pictures I could have used, but chose this one. It's been difficult to stay motivated lately, so I ordered another book to give some focus to.

Book Review: Emily Ann Ward's Finding Fiona

   Could it be possible your whole existence is only a replication of someone else's? That is what Fiona, in Finding Fiona, is have to face in Emily Ann Ward's novella.  Fiona wakes up not knowing anything about her past until a few months later someone reveals to her she is Elizabeth Normans. From then on she is trying to piece together her previous life while figuring out she can and can't trust.
    The novella is very entertaining. There were more twists than I expected, and the characters were memorable. I liked how the story throws immediately into how confusing things are for Fiona. The introduction of James early, also provided the suspense at a good time.
   I believed the story was also well paced. The story contains a lot of information, and it seems well researched. I'm not sure about the accuracy of how replication works considering I haven't read too much about it, but the book explains everything so the reader can easily understand.
    I believe that whether you are a sci-fi reader or not, you will enjoy this book.  The book is youthful, and strangely reminds me of a coming of age novel. Fiona is having to find herself, and I can very much relate to that since I'm a just recent graduate.   I feel like I'm having to find where it is I now go next. If you want to check out more then visit Emily Ann Ward's website.

The book was provided by Emily Ann Ward, the author.

Making Way to Guitar Lessons

My guitar

   The last time I wrote I was struggling with a minor setback that involved me being unable to string a guitar. Two weeks later, and I've thankfully moved past that obstacle. The instructor of the class was nice enough to string the guitar, and fix a few loose things on it. My guitar is around 8 years old, and there are a few minor signs of age , but thankfully nothing that will take away from my ability to play it.
   Seeing my guitar sitting on the stand for the last few years has been brutal considering I always wanted to learn it, but I knew that if I continued trying to teach myself I wouldn't ever find the motivation to learn. I'm not sure why, but I'm just not the best self-teacher. I need guidance to at least get out of the gate. I have some very great guitar books that lay out how to play, and provide you with CDs to hear how the examples they are giving you sound. While learning the notes I was flying through, and became decent, but when it came time to jump into learning chords I began to struggle.
   I begin guitar lessons in less than two weeks, and I'm looking forward to it. It's always been one of those things on my list of goals. The scary prospect is that I'm just not cut out to play an instrument, and even with guidance won't learn it as well as I would like. I'm not sure if that is possible, but I think I've heard of people who just can't excel at certain things no matter how much they try.
    I'll continue to post updates about what I'm learning, and how it's going! Hopefully by December I will be playing a song as naturally as an intermediate.

Wednesday Movie Night: Say Anything (1989)

  I've started a new weekly thing for me so I can watch the movies I've always planned to watch, but never got around to yet. It's gets old when someone references a movie, and I look at them strange, and in return they say "you haven't seen that?" Last night I had Say Anything to watch. I know it's famous for the scene where John Cusack stands outside his love's window with a boom box.
    The move was very cute, and good. I seem to be on a theme of people who graduate, and then have no idea what to do with their life, particularly men, so they cure the unknown with finding love. Also another thing is to note is that strange guys were the cool thing in the early 90s, and 80s. The premise though is that Lloyd has just graduated high school, and he's been building up the courage to ask Diane out. Diane is ambitious, and on her way to college, and her father worries that her developing relationship with Lloyd will hold her back. He begins to become in between her and Lloyd, forcing them apart. The premise sounds very typical, but like any movie there are atypical things to set it apart.
  This movie almost seems more about a father and daughter relationships sometimes, which is overlooked in other movies. The way it tries to conveys characters other relationships besides the romance gives it depth.  You get many ways that different types of relationships affect us whether that be friends, or parents. Another interesting observation is seeing the subtle changes in how romance has changed.
   If you're looking for a movie that will make you feel romantic, or you're just looking for a good movie then this qualifies! Personally I must on a kick lately with finding people dealing with the daunting realization of moving on after graduating, and find a career.