Wednesday Mysteries... LadyBug Invasion

After the Computer Malfunction, nothing really strange has happened (not that you could count that particular incident strange since it was my fault to begin with)... Unless you count the strange appearance of ladybugs.

This is exactly what the computer room looks like....

Now, my desk where I do my homework and serf the web, is up on the second story of the house. I spend most of my time here writing and studying and this room also has a window air conditioner which means the over abundance of bugs is normal. Well, have I ever told you about my bug phobia? Yes, every little thing bigger than a spider (which have also been appearing a lot lately - though that's not strange) or ant makes me nervous and gives me the impulse to run. Even butterflies and caterpillars. Not that I don't like butterflies and caterpillars, I find them very cute and pretty - but, just as long as there's a ten foot pole between us. That goes for everything that buzzes, chirps, crawls, or flies. Cockroaches though, I'm especially freaked out by.

 Anyway, you get the idea right? Well, recently I have seen more ladybugs in my entire life than I ever have in the span of a month. My mom told me ladybugs were a sign of good luck but, that doesn't mean anything if you're freaked out squealing and crawling helplessly on the floor trying to dodge their incoming assaults. To me, that's BAD luck.

"There she is! Dive-bombers at the ready!" says the Red Ladybug  Baron

HaiiiiiiYA! There's no escape!

But, my question is, why the heck are there so many? Every time I muster up the courage capture one and take it outside, another one appears! Immediately! So far, I have yet to figure out this Wednesday Mystery...

Until next time!

Spot Light!

Howdy! Here's yet another installment of Spot Light!
I'd read this post a while ago and it struck me as inspiring: How to Get Your Blog Post on Google's First Page

The author tells of her success story with her blog with the help of Kristen Lamb. To writers out there that feel like they want to crumple their blog into a ball and toss it over their shoulder - don't! Stick with it! And most of all, try reading a daily post or two from Kristen Lamb's blog (here's her blog post Deadly Sin of writing #6-Drifting in the Doldrums) She is witty and gives advice both in the blogging and story field. She makes a valid point and has helped people achieve their goal to be self-published authors.

Until next time~ ^_~

Wednesday Mysteries....Computer Malfunction

This one is not exactly a mystery... Mostly because it was my fault to begin with.

See, last night, after dinner and homework, I sat in front of my computer writing. I'd written the first chapter in first person and was painstakingly trying to change to third while adding bits and pieces here and there. Well, after a while, I heard a loud crash behind me. I got up, thinking the cat did something, and hurried to toward the site of destruction. Apparently, she'd managed to cram her fat fuzzy body into a space that was much smaller than her. It was a shelf that had a few CDs on it, and in the process of climbing up there, she'd pushed all of them out creating the crash I'd heard.

She was stuck. I could tell because of the loud growls and meows echoing out of the shelf when I'd tried to pull her out. I went an got the parental kitty un-sticker and while pulling her out, a few more CDs fell and knocked out the power cord for my computer.

After I'd painstakingly cleaned up her mess, I flicked my puter back on. Guess what happened. (nods solemnly with tears prickling in eyes) I hadn't had time to save part of my progress and Auto Save chose that exact moment to stop working. I lost ALL my fixed and added data.

Me agonizing over my computer. 

 Now, the funny thing is, I thought I'd saved it before running in like a knight in shining armor to save Princess Puss stuck in Too Small Tower. I also don't understand why Auto Save didn't kick in. I guess that thing they say about breaking mirrors is true...

 T_T Oh why, dear mirror, did you have to break?! Why couldn't you pick something else besides my story to pick on?

Until next time~ ^_^

(I do not own the picture by the way.)  

The Water Mannikin

Water Mannikin is a guardian fairy that inhabits the figurehead of a ship. This creature is of German origin and reportedly invisible. Another name is the Klaboutermannikin. Sailors believed that for the fairy to want to choose to inhabit their figurehead, the figurehead would have to be very lifelike. Only the oldest and most precious woods would be used to carve the figurehead. Supposedly, the Water Mannikins guarded the ship from ill health, rocks, troubling weather, and fearsome winds. If the ship went down, the fairy would guide the sailors to the Other Side. The Dutch thought that if you went down without the Water Minnikin it meant you would be forced to stay in a watery eternity.

I found this quite interesting when I'd read it from the dictionary at the back of A Witches Guide to Faery Folk by Edain Mccoy. It has many interesting things listed back there. If you're a fairy enthusiast like me, I encourage you to get it. The dictionary at the back is very helpful if you're writing a story involving the fae.

Until next time~ ^_^

Wednesday Mysteries... Kidnapped Homework

Welcome to another installment of Wednesday Mysteries where I tell my creepy middle-of-the-week experiences around a digital campfire!

As you know, to escape the jelly-afying effects school (I blame math) has on my brain I like to let my imagination run wild. 

Today, I came home and, as usual, went straight into the dining room to start on my homework. Quickly unzipping my backpack, I flipped it upside down and let its contents thrown up in a messy pile all over the surface. Organizing them into piles (i.e. hardest to easiest) I went in hard on the my most illusive subject - duh, duh, duuuuuuuh.... (drum roll please?) math. After tackling it and coming out of the fight beaten, bruised, and lightheaded I stood up to take a break.  I went into the kitchen for a Gatorade. 

Pookah

Pookah, my fat and fluffy dinosaur of a cat, sauntered in and promptly sat on my left foot and began licking my right. This stalled me for about a five minutes, because every step I took I was assaulted by a pink tongue. 

When I'd gone back into the dining room, my organized stacks were tossed and dumped all over the floor. Grumbling, I then sat my glass of Gatorade on the table and bent to pick my papers up. Upon closer inspection, I noticed my math homework was missing. Going through each pile several times, a rising panic began doing a jig in my stomach. 

"Oh no...no, no, no...." I whispered  desperately. 

I looked under the table, in the kitchen (thinking maybe I'd brought it with me when I'd taken a break), and re-checked my backpack. Slumping in the dining room table's chair, my was face ashen and sickly. Sucking it up, I worked on my other pieces. My only thought the rest of the evening was, "What am I going to tell the teacher? My cat ate my homework?" 

Jujubi The Culprit

This mysterious unexplained phenomena went unexplained until next Wednesday when it turned up in the bathroom behind the door in the corner all crinkled with little holes all over the sides. It was if someone had sat there with a pencil and stabbed the sheets repeatedly. I noticed one sheet was missing. Looking around the bathroom and the hall, I heard the unmistakable sounds of paper crunching. Following the sound, I came upon my other cat Jujubi with a piece of paper in her mouth. Yes, you guessed it, my other sheet of homework. 

Do you have animals that steal your stuff to? Have you had something go missing one day then reappear the next day - or even a week later? Tell me! I'd love to hear from you!

(I do not own the campfire picture by the way. But, the cat pictures are entirely my own ^_^)

Spot Light! TV Shows For Writers?

Hello! Here's yet another installment of Spot Light!

Today, I'd like to draw your attention to a post that I thought was both funny and had a point to it. This person brings to mind reality TV shows for writers: Here's what they have to say

They made a very valid point that there are no TV shows out there for writers. Why I wonder? They have TV shows for just about everything else, why not writing? It would be cool if they'd come out with something that  instead of following celebrities but followed the big names in the author world - like, Jim Butcher or J. K. Rowling. It almost seems a little unfair that we don't have a say in reality TV or any type of TV show for that matter.

What do you, the writer, think? Also, what are your suggestions as to what TV shows you'd like to see about the writing community? I'd love to hear your opinions!

Anime Marathon(part 2)!

Here's another installment of anime marathon!

Hello and good day.

Kagome (the heroine) and Inuyasha (the hero) in the hit series Inuyasha

Now, I will recommend an anime that will keep you occupied for a couple of weekends. If you haven't heard about Inuyasha, there is something seriously wrong with you ^_^

About a normal teenage girl who falls down her family's well and gets transported back to the past in feudal era Japan where she accidentally breaks a half demon free from a curse and fragments a sacred jewel in which she must go out and re-collect the pieces. It has over a hundred episodes and is full of action, drama, and hints of romance. The last season came out recently and has been licensed by the U.S. but they have yet to release it. It's one of my favorites and is an oldy but goody.

Until next time~

Wednesday, School, and...Ghosts?

Ah yes, Wednesday. How are you my dear? (No, I'm not talking about Wednesday Adams) That time of the week that marks the middle mile stone you have to get past before.... THE WEEEEKEEEND(echoes in a mysterious voice). For me, who is a student that grinds her forehead against a cheese grater at the mention of MATH, Wednesday was always hard to get through because Friday was just looming on the horizon, its hand beckoning toward me making kissy noises. So I've learned to try and trudge through with my head down and my arms pulled in to protect my vitals from the bombarding equations and scientific garble. Not that I don't like scientific garble, but after a while, it begins to sound like, "Blah, blah, blah, blah - test next week - blah blah."

But, another way I've learned to deal with this torture was to let my imagination run wild: Shadows in the corridor - could it be a ghost? Unexplained laughter - could it be a fairy? You get the idea.

So, this Wednesday, I was taking my lunch break and as I was walking down the hall to the cafeteria, I heard what sounded like crying. Stopping, I looked around. The bathroom was right there so, curious, I went in to see what poor soul was crying a river. It was louder in here and the unmistakable stench of dirty water burned my nose and made my throat close up.
"The janitor needs to get in here and figure out why it smells so bad..." I mumbled to myself.
I set my bookbag down on the sink and approached the stall that seemed to have the tearful occupant.
"Hey, are you okay?" I asked softly.
The sobbing just got louder and more intense, like the girl was gonna have a nose bleed if she didn't stop soon.
So I said, "Um, I know this may seem strange to hear from somebody you probably don't know but, whatever your sad about will get better. I promise. I'm Belle Knight.What's your name?"
She paused in her river-making and hiccuped, "Stephanie McComber..."
"Hi Stephanie, what's got you so sad?"
She hesitated but responded, "My boyfriend."

Ah, yes. The source of all teenage girls' troubles.

I nodded and stood there a few minutes talking with her and giving some friendly advice. Not once did the stall door open.
When I asked her if she'd like to come to the cafeteria with me she refused and said she'd like to stay behind and fix her makeup. Shrugging, thinking that nothing was not out of the ordinary, I left to join my friends at our usual table. Well, I'd kept them waiting a while and my lunch hour had been reduced to fifteen minutes. Scarfing down what little food I'd chosen from the lovely (note the sarcasm) choices the lunch lady had provided, my friend asked me why the heck I took so long. In between bites I told her about Stephanie. When I looked up to take a sip of my lemonade, my friend had blanched. She told me that a Stephanie McComber had killed herself in that restroom two years ago.

Okay, so I'm a little freaked out. I just had a conversation with a ghost. Wouldn't you be a little shaky? So I asked one of my teachers if they knew this Stephanie and they said the same thing and that, to their knowledge, no Stephanie McComber was enrolled at this school currently.

Yup. That was my Wednesday. So, tell me, how was yours? Any creepy ghost stories to share? Heck, it doesn't have to be a Wednesday ghost story, it could be a Monday ghost story! I'd love to hear from you~

I bid you Adieu ^_~        

Spot Light!

Howdy folks!

I thought I'd try something called Spot Light for Tuesdays which highlights things like books, blogs, stories, and TV shows I'd like to share with you guys!

A year ago, I came across a TV show called Haven. Watched the first half of an episode and thought it might be good so I went out and borrowed a copy of the first season from a friend. Well, it only had thirteen episodes for the first season and I wanted to wait until I was in the mood to handle cliff-hanger withdrawal before watching it. So it sat on my dvd player for a long long time. Until this weekend. I originally had the intentions of having my anime marathon but a little voice nagging me said, "Look, you see that dusty DVD over there? You said you'd watch it and you didn't. It's been sitting there for weeks! Why re-watch Saint Tail (which you've already seen twenty times) when you can watch one that you haven't seen? It's already into its second season. Come on. What's stopping you?"

Ah, yes... the little stinker went on like that through my morning coffee and my shower so I finally gave in so I could have my thoughts to myself.

After the first few episodes I was hooked. The people out there that watched the X Files, Supernatural, and Fringe may enjoy this one too. I love the characters and the plot twists. Allow me to give a small synopsis (read at your own risk!!!)

FBI agent Audrey Parker is sent to a small town in Maine called Haven to find an escaped convict. When she gets there she meets Nathan Wuornos who is with the local police department. As she goes further into the case she soon finds that Haven isn't a normal town and that her birth mother (Audrey is an orphan) could have possibly lived there years ago. Haven has been plagued by something called the "troubles" since 1983 when her mother was there. And people who have been effected by the troubles are called the "afflicted". The afflicted have supernatural powers that they can't control sometimes and it's her job to help them and uncover why her mother was in a newspaper clipping of a mysterious murder that was never solved called, "The Colorado Kid". (Based on Steven King's novel The Colorado Kid)
It can get a little gross but it has hint of humor and small moments of a possible developing relationship between Nathan and Audrey (I'm rooting for them to get together!) The plot is masterfully written and the characters are well developed and played by good actors. Unlike Syfy's other TV shows, Haven isn't quite as hokey or low budget so the special effect look okay - not great but, better than some.

I recommend  it to those who enjoy mystery and the paranormal! It is truly an awesome series in my opinion.       

Anime Marathon!

Hiyah! How are you folks today? It's almost the weekend and I'm pretty exited. You know what the weekend means? Anime Marathon!
Yup, yup.
I don't know how many of you are interested in these things but I thought I'd rattle off an anime or two that would be good weekend material - especially if you've got a bowl of popcorn and a plate of brownies in your lap. ^_~

Kaicho wa Maidsama is great if you're looking for a funny chic-flic. Here's a link that gives you the basic story plot - Kaicho wa Maidsama!

Another that'll keep you on the edge of your seats is Shinrei Tantei Yakumo. A mystery series that focuses on the spirit world but, it has hints of romance too. Here's the link to read more - Psychic Detective Yakumo

Until next time!

Magical Moments

Words are gushing forth and it seems like magic. I have to stop and wonder why I didn't try this before!

My soul is lit with the flame of my inspiration and is dancing with joy. This sort of joy reminds me of those warm summer nights up at my grandmother's house. I'd sit on the porch with her watching the fireflies and getting bitten by mosquitoes while she told funny and inspiring stories about my family. Listening to the chirp of the crickets and the wine of the cicada...that really was magic. Especially if I had an ice cream sandwich in my hand.... You know what i mean? 

Then there's the magic of reading a book and having the words just come alive. One really good story I've read recently that made me laugh and smile until my cheeks hurt was on a site called www.fictionpress.com by an author by the pen name of woodstock1969. Her wit, sarcasm, descriptions, and characters really lit up the page. The particular story of which I'd read was a teen romance called Six Weeks With Satan about a girl in her senior year of high school going on a six week trip to Europe with her choir. Kurt Mathews who is her arch enemy is also in choir. Can you imagine being on a six week tour with your nemesis? Funny and charming, and a very sweet story line, I highly recommend this. Besides, Kurt's not so bad once you get to know him ^_^.

READ IT. It's fantastic. Here's the link: Six Weeks with Satan  (If the link doesn't work, highlight this into your web site bar: http://www.fictionpress.com/s/2318926/1/Six_Weeks_With_Satan)

So what are your favorite magical moments? What stories have you read that have been magical to you?Please feel free to comment! 

(I don't own the picture by the way...)