ARC Review: Hacking Timbuktu

Author: Stephen Davies
Genre: YA, Adventure, Mystery
Release Date: November, 2010
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3.5/5

Description: Long ago in the ancient city of Timbuktu a student pulled off the most daring heist in African history, the theft of 100 million pounds worth of gold. The stolen treasure has remained hidden until now, when teenage hacker Danny Temple discovers a cryptic Arabic manuscript. It's a good job that Danny is a keen traceur (free runner) because he has to run across rooftops and leap from buildings to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. His nightmarish and adrenalin-charged quest leads him all the way to sub-Saharan Africa, and the mysterious cliffs of Bandiagara.

Review:

What I Didn't Like:

• My main issue is the fact that the main character, Danny, is 16 and lives alone (parents are in Australia, I believe). Also it's kind of....far-fetched that a 16 year-old kid could find what the pros haven't been able to in seven centuries. I don't know. It seemed a little far fetched to me. With that being said...

What I Did Like:

• The book was action-packed and fast-paced...especially towards the end. I could so see this as an action thriller.



• It introduced my to the phenomena of parkour. According to Parkour Visions website, parkour is "the art of moving through your environment as swiftly and effectively as possible using only the human body." In Hacking Timbuktu, Danny and his best friend, Omar, use parkour to get away from the ones after them.

Hacking Timbuktu shows what 100 million pounds of gold can do to your morals (like, uh, forget them). This book is definitely "boy" book, especially with the action and parkour tricks. I mean, being able to jump from building to building without having to be a superhero? Awesome.

Writing Wednesday

I have Kiersten White's first book, Paranormalcy, in my TBR pile. This is the 2nd book in the trilogy. How gorgeous is this? You can read Ms. White's reaction on her blog.

Tickle-Me Tuesday

Ok, say what you want, but I actually think Justin Bieber is a talented musician. I'm not a die hard Bieber fan, but I like some of his music, including, Never Say Never, which was on the Karate Kid soundtrack.

I also think Jaden Smith is just precious. I liked their performance on the Grammys and would have that video, but it also includes Usher's performance (I didn't think Usher did so good that night). So, I'm posting the Never Say Never video. BTW, how cute was it when the camera showed Mama and Papa Smith supporting Jaden?

Man-ificent Monday: Ricky Whittle

This week's cutie pie hails from across the ocean. Ricky Whittle is a British actor/model, known for his role on Hollyoaks, a popular British soap opera.

Word(s) to Describe: Oh la la!

Inspirational Sunday

"But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)

Rae's Thought: This verse comes after Peter mentions what happens to those who do not obey God's word (they stumble and meet the fate they deserve; vs 8). In verse nine, Peter describes those who do obey God's word. I'd like to break this verse down a bit.

• Chosen people. You may wonder how can we, as Christians, be God's chosen people when God gave that title to the Israelites. Israel's rebellion and disobedience caused them to be rejected by God (although there will be a time - during the end of days - when they'll have the chance to reclaim the title). The reason why Christians are now God's chosen is in our name: CHRISTians. It is because of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection that we are now able to say we too are God's chosen.
  
  Now, some Christians take it to mean that the children of God are better than everyone else. This is a dangerous assumption. After all, the Pharisees and Sadducees - the main ones behind the brutal death of our innocent Jesus - had this same attitude. Jesus calls them a "brood of vipers" several times in His day. Matthew Henry says, "All true Christians are a chosen generation; they make one family, a people distinct from the world." Being God's chosen does not make us better...it makes us blessed. We are different from those around us.

• Royal priesthood. Also because of Christ's death/resurrection, we are now royal priests. What exactly does this mean? Well, first of all, we're royalty! God is the King of kings...the Ultimate in kingship. While it may be awesome to be a child of an earthly king, it's even more awesome to be a child of the Heavenly King. Just think: our Father owns EVERYTHING...even the possessions of all the earthly kings. With the title of "child of the King" comes benefits that far outweigh anything we could ever imagine: eternal life, a castle in Heaven, unconditional love, grace, mercy, a peace that no human can understand, provision for EVERY need...just to name a few.
  
  Before Jesus died, the children of God had to go to priests to communicate with God. The priests were the middle men. The need for a middle man perished when Jesus died on the cross. Now, we have a direct connection to our Father. If we want to talk to God, we can do it ourselves. If we have sins to confess, we can do it ourselves. We now have the ability to experience the presence of God without first having to go to a priest.

• Holy nation. A "holy nation" doesn't mean a "perfect nation." Jesus is - and will be - the only perfect person to ever walk this earth. A "holy nation" is a nation set apart for a special purpose. We are to be different from nonbelievers. There should be a distinction between the children of God and the world.
  
  I recently finished a book called, Captivate, by Carrie Jones.
  
  Now, the book is fiction (werewolves, pixies, etc) but it contains something the children of God can learn from. Bear with me: in the book, pixies were distinguishable because they left a trail of gold dust behind. The characters in the story knew when they were in the presence of a pixie because of that dust. We as Christians should be distinguishable from other people. We don't leave a trail of gold dust, but we should leave a trail of God's love. When people are around you, can they tell that they're in the presence of one of God's own? Or do you look and act just like everyone else? Do they see you or do they see a reflection of God? Being sanctified, separated, and set apart for a special purpose...that's what being a holy nation means.

• God's very own possession. God owns us. Plain and simple. We were bought and paid for with Jesus's blood. Now, the awesome thing is God is no ordinary owner. He doesn't force His views on us. He doesn't mistreat us. We still have our own minds...we're not His robots. He loves us enough to let us be our own person...even when being our own person may cause Him pain. He's so good that He'll welcome us back with loving, open arms when we've strayed. He even uses our personalities for His glory. Want to know what being a possession of God entails? Go back to "royal priesthood" and reread the benefits of being a child of the King.

• You can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light. This one is easy. Because of all the awesomeness God has bestowed upon us (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, etc), it is our privilege and duty to tell others about His goodness.
  He has called us out of the darkness - which has things like sin, unhappiness, misery, evilness, and bondage - to live with Him in his marvelous light - which has things like forgivenss, joy, peace, and freedom.
  
  Recently, my little nine year-old sis received a package full of goodies from one of her favorite authors. She was so excited and wanted to show everyone what she'd gotten. She couldn't keep it to herself. Likewise with the children of God. He has given us numerous of gifts, one of which is the gift of salvation. Why keep it to ourselves? We should be so excited, that we'd want to tell everybody. The secret to a joyful, fulfilled life is Jesus Christ. This is one secret that shouldn't be kept to oneself. Show everyone how good God is!

ARC Review: Losing Romeo

Author: A.J. Byrd
Genre: YA
Release Date: November, 2010
Source: Netgalley
Rating: 3/5

Description: Best Friends Forever - that's Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler. Growing up together in an Atlanta housing project, the girls have always been there for each other. But high school is a whole new world, and the drama is just beginning.

New guys, new gossip, new rivals - Anjenai, Kierra and Tyler have plenty to occupy their time now that Romeo, the football star who almost cost them their friendship, is out of the picture. Or is he?

Straight-A student Anjenai's edgy new makeover is getting the attention of cool, hip-hop stylin' Kwan - and from Romeo, whose girlfriend, Phoenix, will do anything to keep him. Kierra's hectic schedule tempts her to try a dangerous pick-me-up. And Tyler's street-tough image is challenged by some real hardcore girls. Once, the BFFs vowed to stick together through anything. But can they still count on a bond of trust that's been broken before?

Review: I really wanted to like this book. I really did...but it was just ok to me. This is strictly my humble opinion, but it just had too much drama for me. It kind of read like an urban soap opera for teens...and I so don't like soaps. Now, I did keep reading cos I wanted to see what happened, so it kept my interest. And I liked that I didn't really have to read the first book, Chasing Romeo, in order to know what was going on. And I like the idea of bffs sticking together through anything...through thick and thin. I've seen some of the reviews teens are posting, and it looks like a many of them like it. So, maybe it's just me.

Random Thoughts Thursday

A few of the movies I'm looking forward to see this year...

XMEN FIRST CLASS

TRANSFORMERS 3

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

CARS 2

FAST FIVE

Sweet Venom Cover Reveal

Tera Lynn Childs, author of Oh. My. Gods. and Goddess Boot Camp, has decided to allow bloggers participate in the cover reveal of her latest book, Sweet Venom, and I am one of the participants (YAY). This is my first cover reveal, so yeah, I'm excited. It helps that the cover is awesomeness! Ms. Childs is a very talented (and sweet) YA author, so I'm sure Sweet Venom is going to be as awesome as her other books. So, without further ado, here is the cover...

Three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in a world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

Isn't it gorgeous? Sweet Venom is due out this fall, so make sure you go out and get it. You can learn more about it on Ms. Childs' website. For Goodreads users, you can add it here and for Facebook users, you can "like" the Sweet Venom Facebook page. Also, if you're interested in getting a visual of what the three sisters - Grace, Gretchen, and Greer - may be like, Ms. Childs posted character collages over at Books, Boys, Buzz. And guess what I have? SWAG!


If you're interested in a chance to win an awesome signed Sweet Venom bookmark to go along with the awesome Sweet Venom book that I know you're going to buy this Fall, all you have to do is leave a comment below. Don't forget to leave your email addy. This is only open only to US participants. Contest ends February 28th, so get your comments in!

Tickle-Me Tuesday

A cute Tiny Sepuku Comic to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Man-ificent Monday: Akihiro Sato

This week's cutie pie is a Japanese Brazilian model/actor. Akihiro Sato is one of the most popular models in the Philippines, where he resides. He participated in the Philippines' version of "Survivor" ("Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Showdown") where he won the title of Sole Survivor.

Word(s) to Describe: Cutie Pie

Book Review: The Iron Daughter

Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Young Adult; Paranormal; Fiction; Fantasy
Release Date: August 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 4/5

Description: Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron Fey, iron-bound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her. Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's alone in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Review: This is the second book in the Iron Fey series - the first book being, The Iron King. I loved book #1, so of course, I wanted to read book #2. I liked The Iron King better, but that usually happens with series. The Iron Daughter was good, though. I did like it.

What I Didn't Like...

• My only issue with this book is the Meghan/Ash relationship. Her moping over him and her undying devotion to him was kind of annoying to me. I can't get with the whole "moping over a guy cos he doesn't love me/woe is me" attitude. That's just me. Teen girls may relate to Meghan. I don't know. And am I the only one who prefers Puck over Ash, anyway? I'm still hoping she wakes up and falls for Puck. I'm not crazy about icy, emotionless, yet sexy guys. Just like I've always preferred Jacob over Edward in Twilight.

What I Did Like...

• Julie Kagawa does an excellent job with her creative worldbuilding. Her descriptions are spot on.
• I could feel Meghan's emotions. While I didn't like her devotion to Ash, I felt her emotions.
• I LOVE the cover. I'm a big fan of captivating covers and this is one of them.
• I love the characters of Ironhorse and Grimalkin. Very endearing.
• The twist in the story that happens when Meghan meets Leanansidhe, the Dark Muse.
• I love Meghan's growth. She develops into a stronger character.

Once again, Julie Kagawa does a wonderful job with this book. I'm so excited cos I have an ARC of book #3, Iron Queen, which comes out this month.

Book Review: Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation

Author: Matt Myklusch
Genre: Middle Grade; Fantasy
Release Date: August, 2010
Source: Library
Rating: 5/5

Description: All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks further into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests predict that he will spend a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library.

Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack.

Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.

Review: Two words describe this book: so awesome! I loved it. There are similarities between this series and the Harry Potter series - orphan boy discovers powers he didn't know existed; orphan boy goes to a hidden world - but that's where the similarities end. Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation is in a class of its own.

What I Didn't Like...

• Um...nothing. I couldn't find any unlikeable thing about this book. Oh, I didn't like that it had to end. I have to actually wait for the next book in the series. Oh, the pain!

What I Did Like...

• Jack Blank - I loved this character. He's memorable, likeable, funny...I found myself rooting for him throughout the whole book, which is what writers aim for when coming up with protagonists. His last name isn't really Blank, that's just the name they gave because no one knows who his parents are.
• Imagine Nation - The name of this world is cool in itself, but the actual world is cool, too. Imagine Nation is where you find all creatures that come from the imagination of humans - superheroes, supervillians, aliens, etc. Many of the inhabitants of Imagine Nation are from the comic books Jack loves to read.
• The Whole Story - This book is full of action! I loved it from beginning to end. It was like one big adventurous ride. The descriptions were awesome. I could actually picture what was happening and what the world would look like. The cover is what drew me in. The story is what kept me in.

I loved loved LOVED this book. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes a good read...especially if you like fantasy books. Boys will love this book. Girls as well as adults will too. I so cannot wait for book #2, Accidental Hero to come out (April 26th).

Random Thoughts Thursday

Every year since childhood, my famly and I have come up with slogans to fit the new year. For example, the year I turned 12, our slogan was "Getting It Straight in '88." The year I turned 23, our slogan was "In God's Time in '99."

This year, though, we didn't come up with one. Whether it's because we couldn't think of one or because we've outgrown it, I'm not sure. I think maybe all five of us - my parents, brother, sister, and I - are at different points in our lives and God is speaking to each of us separately. Maybe He's giving each of us our own slogan/theme for 2011.

So, a few weeks ago, I'd been wondering what my theme would be, when God gave me one word: change. This word came about after a particular complain-fest I'd had with God. I was apartment hunting - not really wanting to move from my townhome, but knowing I had to. God just listened and waited until I was done. After I finished, God told me, as clear as day, I kid you not, "This year is going to be a year of change for you, Rae. Some change you'll like; some change you won't like. Just know that I know what I'm doing." I couldn't really say much after that. I couldn't go on complaining, that's for sure.

I've always had a sense that my 30s would be the time God took me out of my comfort zone. Since I'm almost 5yrs into my 30s (I turn 35 in September), and I haven't had to go too far out of that zone, I figured, maybe I was wrong. Maybe I don't have to venture out. Well, I'm getting the feeling that 35 will start the "Journey Out of the Zone" for me. While that excites me, it terrifies me a little. I like my zone. I'm comfortable here. All's well in my little world. Now, I gotta venture out into the unknown?

The best way I can put it is like this: I'm going through my very own butterfly metamorphosis. Right now, I'm in the pupa stage. I'm in my nice, comfortable chrysalis, but God is telling me it's time...time to leave my safe chrysalis and venture out. I'm scared, but when I really think about it, I'm excited. The caterpillar is no longer a caterpillar when it leaves the chrysalis. It's a butterfly...a beautiful butterfly. And that's what God is saying. It's time for me to become the beautiful butterfly He's called me to be.

Treasure Davis, the main character in my novel #2, Hidden Treasure, ventures out of her zone to truly experience life. The differences between our journeys are (a) she's 18 and I'm 35, and (b) my venturing out has to do with God; hers is cos she learns that life is too short (her aunt has an aggressive form of cancer). It's funny that the whole story comes about during a time I myself am experiencing change. Guess that's why I totally enjoy writing this book.

One of my favorite scriptures says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). I also like the way The Message puts it: "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." So yeah, God may lead me to the land of the unknown, but I trust Him. I believe He knows what He's doing. His plan isn't to hurt me, but to prosper me - which doesn't always mean financially, btw - and to give me a hopeful future. I'm excited about what God's gonna do. This is gonna be the best year yet and I'm gonna blog all about it, whether it's changes I like or changes I don't like. Stay tuned...

Writing Wednesday

I love writing and reading fractured fairy tales. Fractured fairy tales are made when the author takes fairy tales we know and change them up. Some people start their stories where the fairy tales left off (like what really happened to Cinderella and her evil steps after she married the prince) or they write an updated version of an old tale (change the prince into the popular guy at school or something like that).

A few years ago, I took Little Red Riding Hood and change it up a bit. I had so much fun doing it! So, today, I'm sharing it with you.

Little Redd

Seriously, you’re not going to believe what happened to me the other day!

Mom tells me to deliver some homemade soup to my grandmother, who's supposed to be sick. I don't want to go cos a) my show is on and b) Nana lives too far away.

Okay, so she only lives a block away, but I so don't feel like walking. Mom isn’t hearing any of my excuses, though, so I still have to go. Once again, she gives me her speech about the dangers of talking to strangers, blah, blah, blah. “Things are a lot different now than when I was a girl," she says.

Well duh. That was like, a gazillion years ago! I start to tell her that, at 15, I’m not a little girl anymore, but I know she won’t listen. Why waste my breath?

Of course I’m upset so, instead of rushing, I take my sweet little time. I'm in my own little world, dreaming of all the ways Chris Wolfe will profess his undying love for me. I mean, sure he still sees me as his best friend's little sister, but a girl can dream can't she?

A horn blast jolts me out of my daydream. I turn around and see Wolfe, sitting in his brand new, royal blue Mustang. Smooth, chocolately skin, deep dimples, eyes that stare into your soul...*sigh* He looks so good.

He pulls up right next to me. “What up Little Redd? Where you going?”

By now, my heart is beating so fast, I’m sure it’s about to explode.
“
Uh, hey Wolfe. Um, I’m just going to my Nana’s house to, uh, drop this off. You driving now?” Duh! I can’t believe I sound dumb and babyish at the same time. At this rate, I’ll never get Wolfe to profess his love for me.

“Yeah, you like my ride?”

Uh huh, but not as much as I like you. Of course, I don’t tell him this. Instead, I say, “Um, yeah, it’s cool.”

“Get in. I’ll give you a ride.”

Now, I know Mom would kill me if I got in the car with him - she has this rule against my being in a car with anyone under 21 - but whatever. It'll get the soup to Nana faster, right? So, I get in.
Hallelujah, I’m in heaven now!

Wolfe drops me off in front of Nana’s house and pulls off. He says he has to pick his girlfriend up from work. Ouch!

My poor heart is breaking, so the fact that Nana’s door is unlocked doesn’t register in my mind. I open the door and say, “Nana, I’ve got some soup.” There is no answer, so I go to the family room. I see Nana lying on her couch, completely under the covers.

I’m about to hug her when I notice her feet. Man, those dogs are big!

Nana moves and I see her ears. Man, those ears are huge.

Then I see the arms. Ewww, they’re so hairy!

This is definitely not my Nana. I grab a broomstick and strike the figure over and over again. It growls and jumps up. I scream. It’s a big hairy beast! Gross!

“What are you doing in Nana’s house? What have you done to her?” I chase the beast around.

“Ashlee Nicole Redd, you better stop it right now!”

Uh oh.

I turn around to see Nana glaring at me, standing with a hand on her hip. “Why are you beating Mr. Wolfe like that?”

I gulp, look from Mr. Hairy Man to Nana, and say, “Mr. Wolfe?”

Oh man! Please do not tell me that this man is related to my one true love! It’s just a coincidence, isn’t it?

Anyway, it’s been three weeks and I’m still in a lot of trouble. I practically beat up Nana’s new boyfriend, who happens to be Wolfe’s grandfather. I’m now grounded until further notice, Wolfe laughs at me every time he sees me, and, to top it all off, I won’t be able to watch my show for a long time.

So, that’s it. That's my story. Of course, I’m clearly the victim here. I totally blame Mom. If she hadn’t sent me, none of this would have ever happened!

Tickle-Me Tuesday

Man-ificent Monday: Hugh Jackman

This week's cutie pie brought one of my favorite comic book heros to life. Hugh Jackman an Australian actor known for his role as Wolverine in XMen, X2, XMen: Last Stand, and XMen Origins: Wolverine. I LOVED him as Wolverine! Don't worry ladies. Wolverine will be back in the fourth installment of XMen as well as the sequel of XMen Orgins: Wolverine. Hugh Jackman's other movies include Swordfish and Van Helsing. He was also the voice of Memphis in Happy Feet.

Word(s) to Describe: HAWT! Gorgeous!

Inspirational Sunday

"This is why God has given him an exceptional honor - the name honored above all other names - so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and in the world below, will kneel and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."

Philippians 2:9-11 (GWT)

Rae's Thought: I love my name. Raenice (pronounced Ray-niece). It's different...sets me apart. There aren't too many women with my name. Makes me feel special. Even with the uniqueness of my name, it doesn't hold any power. Call my name and all that you'll get is me answering.

Oh, but there is a name "honored above all other names." At the name of Jesus, things happen. Sick are healed. Demons tremble. Ungodly bonds are broken. The confused are given wisdom. Circumstances are worked out. That name holds so much power! I don't think we truly understand how much power. If we did, we wouldn't say it in vain. We'd reverence it and hold it in high regard.

According to the Bible, there will be a day when, at the name of Jesus, every single created being - angels, demons, or humans; dead or alive; believer or nonbeliever - will bow before Him and confess that He is Lord. Awesome, isn't it? All will bow before Him.

One of my favorite worship songs is Revelation Song. Both Kari Jobe and the group, Phillips Craig and Dean, have beautiful versions of this song. The chorus says, "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty who was, and is, and is to come. With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings. You are my everything, and I will adore You!" So. Beautiful.

He is my everything. I am so in love with my Lord, the Lover of my soul. I absolutely adore Him! I cannot imagine life without Him. When I'm feeling low, all I have to say is, "Jesus" and I'll get a sense of peace that only He can give. He died for me. Do you know how awesome that is? He gave His life so that I won't spend eternity in Hell, but in Heaven with Him. He loves me...cherishes me...adores me. He thinks of me every day and night. I. Am. His. Child. I mean, can yall feel me? Do you see why I'm in love with Him? Do you see why I'd spend eternity worshipping Him? Do you see why I'm all about Him...not the world? How many people love me like God does? How many people would give their life for me - knowing that I'd sin over and over again - like Jesus did? NO ONE. No one loves me like Him. I praise You, Father! I adore You, Father! You are the air I breathe! I love You more than life itself!

Every time I hear the Revelation Song, I envision all of God's creation reverencing the name of Jesus. Not only God's most cherished beings (humans), but ALL of creation: animals bowing; trees waving; sun shining brightly; stars twinkling; every human singing praises, etc. The picture I have in my head just gives me goosebumps. I leave you with Phillips Craig and Dean's version of the Revelation Song.

Random Thoughts Thursday

I'm so behind in my writing. I haven't gotten past chapter 3 of novel #2; I haven't even started revising novel #1; I have EIGHT books I need to review...Argh! Sometimes, I just wish I could put life on pause, just so I can WRITE. Since that won't happen, I gotta make do with what I've got. I'm working on catching up. You know what I didn't do that I need to do? Make deadlines. I'm not sure why I didn't give myself deadlines this time. I'm thinking I let life's struggles get in the way. Doesn't matter. I need deadlines, so I'm gonna give myself deadlines. Ooh! What if I posted my deadlines...put it out there so people can see. Then, I'd HAVE to adhere to them. So, yeah. Deadlines it is. Deadline post coming soon...

Writing Wednesday

Used with permission from Debbie Ridpath Ohi at Inkygirl.

Tickle-Me Tuesday

Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net