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Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Olive Tree's Exta Tigerdark


Here you are! You can click to enlarge...
I didn't use any visual aid or 'dummies' for this one, and its the first one I've done like this too:) That's why she's not perfect..:){Ugh! I can't get over the legs! I started her too low down so I was running out of room and had to shorten her up a bit...} I don't have anything against Tats:) as long as they're decent :D. I based hers on an islander pattern I once saw... I couldn't fit three stripes without making it look like too much. I like the face detail, if I do say so myself:)
Hope you like it!! ~Gwyn

Monday, December 28, 2009

The CornetCrazie's Kasta Shepshier



-Click to enlarge even More!-

Whoohoo! Record time!
The black kind of looks green on the computer..:/ Oh, well.
I hope you like it:) Tell me what you think!
If you do take this, please have a note saying I did it. Thanks!
~Gwyn
-Want one of your character? Check out the post below!-

Costume design, anyone?{writers please read}

Alright. I am trapped inside my home during a blizzard that is going to go down in history, SO, with four feet of snow out my window, I feel like designing some outfits... But can't think of anything. Alas! So I had this thought, do any of you writers have a dress or something that your heroin wears in your books that you'd like me to draw? I'm afraid I don't have a guy "dummy" so it would have to be a girl.{besides, their clothes are much more fun:)}

I'll use HB pencils and colored pencils for the color. I could even try water-color paints if you'd like.

Well, if you do have something for me just comment with a DETAILED description of whatever it is{dress/armor} AND the character, and when I finish I'll post it up here and you can take it and what not:)
If you don't quite have it sorted out, you can give me your idea(s) and I can go from there.
Example images would be fine, if you have one.

One costume can take from one hour to four.

Example comment:
(start with character)
Era/Genre: Fantasy-medieval
Name: Gwyn
Hair color: dark brown
Eyes: Green
Skin: light
Freckles: light dusting on bridge of nose
---
Type: Everyday/light armor
Clothing Descrip.: White blouse, forest green cloth pants, leather jerkin, leather riding skirt.
-Details-{customize to fit yours}
Blouse- light fabric, laced wedge in front :white
Pants- Cloth w/ leather cording :F. green
Jerkin- laced front
Skirt- not quite knee length, Plain {no embroidery/embossing/etc}
Shoes- Tall dark leather riding boots
Cloak/cape- none
Jewelery- Necklace:Small sapphire on silver chain

Well, I hope I didn't make that confusing.:)
Please send ideas!!!!
~Gwyn

Saturday, December 26, 2009

{Top Books to Read '09} MUST READS




These are the books that amazed, touched, and transformed the way I see/write and even think in some cases! So therefor MUST READS!

1. The Books of Pellinor{the Naming, The Riddle, The Crow, and The Singing}
A fantasy series by Allison Croggen said by some critics to rival Tolkin's writings! While I wouldn't take it quite that far, she is certainly one of the best fantasy writers of our time

The story follows a girl named Meared as she comes to learn she is a Bard, and not just a Bard, but also the Chosen One said to over throw Sharma{love that name, by the way}, the Dark Lord. But in order to fulfill her destiny, one which she herself is uncertain of, she must unlock the riddles that surround her past, present, and future. She must travel all over Annar in search of the answers, but in a land tearing apart from the strain of war and discord, danger lurks behind every bend of the road.

If you like fantasy, originality, danger, traveling, adventure and all the things that come with it, this book is for you! Simply amazing writing and extreme plot twists that will leave you staring at the page for ten minutes, wondering if you really read that... Even my Mum enjoyed it.
Ages 14+ for fantasy violence and plot line


2. From Baghdad, with love: A Marine, the war, and a dog named Lava
A true story written by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth. This was a real eye-opener to the life of a solider in Iraq. Filled with the raw emotions of a Marine on duty and a ray of hope for human decency in the form of a small stray puppy.

{excerpt from inside cover} When Marines enter an abandoned house in Fallujah, Iraq, and hear a suspicious noise, they clench their weapons, edge around the corner, and prepare to open fire.
What they find during the US-led attack on the "most dangerous city on Earth", however, is not an insurgent bent on revenge, but a tiny puppy left behind when most of the city's population fled before the bombing. Despite military law that forbids the keeping of pets, the Marines de-flea the pup with kerosene, de-worm him with chewing tobacco, and fill him up on Meals Ready To Eat.
Thus begins the dramatic rescue attempt of a dog named Lava and Lava's rescue of at least one Marine, Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, from the emotional ravages of war.
From hardened Marines to war-time journalists to endangered Iraqi citizens, From Baghdad, With Love tells an unforgettable true story of an unlikely band of heroes who learn unexpected lessons about life, death, and war from a mangy little flea-ridden refugee.
Incredible read; makes me want to help the export of Marine dogs from Iraq and give them all homes.
Ages: Very mature 15+, maybe even older. Was written for adults. So, caution! For very real, slightly graphic violence, strong language, and strong emotion

3. The Hiding Place
Also a true story. By Corrie Ten Boom
Incredible story of a Dutch family who decide to hide and help Jews during WWII. Their faith in God is amazing and changed the way I see many things.
Eventually caught, Corrie and her sister, Betsey, are taken to a concentration camp in Germany, where, against all odds, they continue to bring God's word to others and grow in Him. This story proves beyond measure that no matter how dark times get, God's Light shall shine through, that He is always there and caring for His children.
An incredible story of forgiveness, faith, hope, and thankfulness, this is a book I think everyone needs to read, especially today.
Ages 13+

Like I said before, these are books that i don't just like{there would be far more} but books that changed the way I see or do things, and books I think that need to be shared. :)
Tell me if you've read one of them and what you thought! ~Gwyn

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Quick update...

{May I call your attention to my new profile pic? Yes, it is me and Shyanne:)}
Hammie's operation went well. Bill{the vet} said it was a good thing we didn't wait any longer because the ligament was practically gone. O.o Poor baby! I went in Thursday to learn his PT exercizes, and so on. He had to be kept in a kennel for five days to keep him off his leg. That didn't go over well with him, being Corgi/Ausi and all. They said his leg won't be totally healed for about 8 months. That's a very long time for the active guy.
As my absence testifies, I have been extremely busy and still am. Hammie's PT takes up quite a bit of time and my brother and I are very popular this season for playing at churchs'. Too bad this isn't the ideal year for it people! For us anyways. Oh, well. Show must go on and all that.
Remember I mentioned awhile back that I had the flu? It turns out I don't have the flu but worse, there is mold in one of my bedroom walls. Eergh!! I do not need this right now!!
Sunday I was really sick, but couldn't stay home because I had to play 1st violin at two Church services and the Children's Christmas Program. Monday was the second Midnight Mass practice at the Catholic Church. I'm 1st violin there, too. Tonight's another and tomorrow night it's show time! This is the third year we've played at the Catholic's MN Mass. It's like the highlight of our music year; it's the biggest church around; their biggest holiday... so we're very flattered to be asked to play for them every year.{'specially cause we're Lutheran :D} Needless to say though, it's very stressful. There's new music this year, and... Okay I *love* the latin mass and the *beautiful* latin music tunes, but, it is very hard to play! It was originally written for voices alone, which is great!...If you're in the chorus.
With voice you can easily go from a low C to a higher B. But on violin you have to cross two strings. And when you put the C-B in a run O.o
We've got one more practice...<:)

Yesterday hor-frost covered everything in beautiful white spears. Got some awesome photos I'll try and post later on this week. Today we got an almost white-out snowstorm that's hitting most of the US looks like. Fist power out too. Joy.

If I survive tomorrow, I might post...
It's getting dark and I haven't feed my horses yet. So Happy Christmas Eve's eve! If you live some place warm, I envy you. ~Gwyn

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

In which I cover something without thinking

Well, today I am ill so I searched Ranger's Apprentice FanFic to pass the time. O.o You would not believe what some people come up with. One{female} fan wrote that Will was related to the girl he falls in love with in the books for this reason, and I quote:"You know what this means, girls! He's up for grabs!" O.o Soak my brains in acid for I am totally embarrassed to be female right now! What on earth has the world come to???? I know boys are no better. But seriously! When my Grandmum was 14 she was teaching school in a one room prairie schoolhouse to children ranging from 3 to 18! Could any of today's teens do as much? I really don't think so. No, its seems that to a lot of people responsibility is to take or leave. Along with manners, respect for self and others... God. Aha. That may be where the train left the tracks. Since when did it become okay to take or leave God?
That's like creating a robot and then having it say there's no such thing as a creator. If it decides to believe that you do exist, well then, you should be indebted to it and fill its exspectations{sp} of what a creator should be. This sound wrong to you?
There is a common mistake made in Christianity that is self-sanctification. We might and perhaps often do make it unknowingly when we say "I accepted Jesus" At first glance it doesn't seem wrong, but look closer. When you say "I accepted Jesus" who really has the power? *I* accepted Jesus. Therefore *I* should get to go to heaven, because *I* made that choice. I-I-I-I-I! The focus is taken off Jesus when in fact, "I cannot, by our own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ" How then can we? The Holy Spirit. "...but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel,... sanctified and kept me in the one true faith." So really, you see, we are by nature spiritually blind, dead, and an enemy of God. But through the Holy Spirit are we enlightened.
If we believe that it is because of our choice that we believe in God, our house is built upon the sand. But when we know that we have been called and truly believe He is our Lord, then our house is built upon the Rock.

....That just kind of flowed out of me. In fact, when I began writing this post I was just going to say that I started writing my own fanfic for RA. It's great when you're sick because you have a line to follow and you don't have to think real hard. :) Otherwise I wouldn't bother and be working on my own novel. but I have to really think for that;P I'm sick! i should be able to enjoy the candy of adding on to someone elses work, right? If you'd like to read it just comment{though, you have to have read the 1st book}
Okay, I am starved for reasons I shan't go into other than one word: stomach flu
Remaining cheerful and enlightened ~Gwyn

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

The weather is frightful! "don't forget me! I'm in there too!" Be quiet, Newton!

Oy! You know its cold when your eyelashes freeze together when you blink and freeze to your skin when you open them!
Last night it got down to -16 with a wind chill[that hasn't warmed up] of -27*!! It's now a balmy 6* above! We were praying our water pipes didn't freeze last night, and thankfully, they haven't! YAY! That has to be one of the worst parts of winter.
Our water tank on the other hand is nearly frozen solid >~<. By some miracle there's still about 4" of water left so we won't have to start hauling water in buckets till tonight. UGH!! I HATE hauling water! Sorry, just had to rant for a second...
Today we also have music lessons and shopping. That'll be fun in the but cold ;l Oh, no. *moans* That means we'll get home after dark {it gets dark @ 4:00pm} so we'll be feeding and hauling water in the dark! Maaaaaann! "Suck it up, Princess!" Hey! Don't you call me princess! "You're acting like one." Newton! Shut up! YOU get to stay here inside and be plugged into your nice warm charger! *Newton: sticks disk tray out* I knew I should have gotten Clara. Even if she didn't have a WIFI card. But no, I got the smart mouthed $200s more you! "And you're glad you did, prissy" I've about had it..! "You know people are going to read this" ......Oh.Right.... Back on topic!...Newton, what was the topic?? "You were complaining" *glares* Okay. I get your point. Right. I'm doing it for the things I hold most dear: my fur-children. So I shan't complain. Right. *nods impressively, hands on hips*
On to the good news!
"About time..!"
Newton, I shall ignore that last snide comment and continue with my post. On to the GOOD news!
Today I finished my math book and so... am on Christmas break!!!!!!!! Whooohoooo! Three WEEKS off!!!!!! Can you believe it?? Sweetnes!
Its mainly because I have to help Mum a lot. We have 27+ cookie trays to make and send out for Christmas and I've got several horse-hair necklaces to make by next week. Should be fun. I got some really beautiful horse pendants for them; I'll have to post pics when I get them done. Speaking of pics, the reason I haven't posted any of getting the Christmas tree is because my Dad has been making a DVD of hi sculptures on the iMac which has all the pics on it. And Newton doesn't have enough memory to hold my story and 80+ pictures and run fast enough for me. "Say what?" That's why I got him under $500. :)

Update on Hammie: He's going to have surgery next Wednesday to repair his ligament. Afterward its going to be really hard to keep him from running about like he usually does. We might have to get "ace" for dogs or what ever they use for them. Have you ever tried to keep a corgi/ shepherd cross calm? Not easy. Even now, when it hurst him to move, he runs after the truck and jumps around. Hmmm. That dog:)

Well, I guess that's I really have to say. Cheers!~Gwyn Farewell~Newton
Oh, don't be so dramatic.
"I'm insulted!"
Oh please.....
"You just hush! Or I'll...I'll post all your passwords! Ha!"
You wouldn't dare!
"Oh, I think I would."
Don't look so smug. Remember, I have your power cord! Ha, trump that, Newt!
"Smiggamorphgrr...."
>:) I win.
"...For now...."

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Christmas Makeover!

Do you like it? Vote!

Today we started putting up the Christmas stuff so I put it up on here too! Spread the cheer! I'll post about getting our tree tomorrow....
Cheers!~Gwyn

A vet trip





 The day before yesterday my sister took Hammie and Hooey in to the vet; Hooey to get booster shots and Hammie because he has been limping with his right back leg for about a week now.
The worst we thought it could be was maybe a sprain; after all, he didn't seem to be much pain.
My sister got back late and when she came in the door she was in tears. I'm telling you right now it takes A LOT to make her cry. But when it comes to our animals.... I nearly died. I could not imagine not having Hammie. Just writing it now is hard.

It turns out he experienced CCR:Cranial Cruciate Rupture.
It's not incureable{thank you,Lord!} It can be mended with surgery, but it won't ever be quite the same. But as long as we don't have to put him down, I'm happy!
He's not in much pain now, which is good. I don't know when we'll take him in to be patched up, but I did find out its close to $7oo+ just for the surgery, not including therapy....oy... I think that was why my sister was so upset; She's got a huge college work load{one more class and she'd have to get permission from the Dean} and has two jobs to pay for that and rent and she just had to get a new car and fix it up. She was afraid she couldn't afford Hammie's treatments{he is her dog, though he lives with me}. Well, she forgot just how much we love our Ham-Bone! I'm gonna throw in my savings for that violin{what's an instrament compared to my lil boy?} and Dad said he'd help her out too.
So lets pray for a quick surgery and speedy recovery for the little Fur-Child. He has been such a blessing to us. I wonder if he knows just how much....

"Give thanks unto the Lord in all circumstances..."
Lord, thank You for Hammie.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Guess what i got...!!

Ho, yes! Today my eldest sister and I went to 'The Big City' {see city adventure} to go Christmas shopping and stuff like that. Well, I took a bit more money than I usually do{anything over $2o :P. What can I say? I'm cheap!} and we 'happened' by Computer Village on the way back A-and... I'm writing you from the newly christened 'Newton' iBook. *squeals!* My own laptop! I bought it with my own money so I shall be *very* careful with Newton:) Like the name, by the way? I thought it appropriate considering he's an Apple. Comically sophisticated; I call it:) Or simply Me-ness.

On another note; yesterday the weather took a turn for the WAY worse. It is now snowing profusely and bone-chillingly cold. 16* and a wind chill of around -10* and blowing real hard. And this isn't our normal dry-cold either; to make us more miserable {it seems to me} it's very damp too. Yuck. There's about a 2 inch layer of ice on the water troughs mornings and nights; that's always a good sign telling you it's really to cold, if you are somehow unable to feel the icy daggers of the wind.
I was chopping the ice this morning and splashed my Carhart covered leg; the water froze in less then ten seconds. O.o I hate winter.
Well, now that I've rejoiced and ranted with you guys I must charge head first into said hated weather in order to feed my poor fuzzy ponies. Cheers!Gwyn

p.s. Sometime I have got to share a book with you. Its an amazing true story...! Okay, okay. Enough procrastinating.... well, here I go.... Maybe... Its getting dark out....

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

I LOVE Picnik!!!!


~Corona~

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Character Sketch of Emy

Name: Emy (pron: ee-mee) Featherling
Age: 14 
Occupation: Singer and entertainer with the bards
Home: a caravan wagon
Physical Appearance
A. Face: Fair; almost elf-like, but softer lines
B. Hair: Straight, white-gold
C. Eyes: Cornflower blue
D. Nose: Small and upturned, I guess...I can't explain it very well
E. Mouth: a 'rose bud' smile
F. Skin: Fair
Physical Build: Five foot two, slender and graceful
While Sitting: Back is straight, shoulders back
While Standing: Stands erect, head slightly bowed
While Walking: Walks slowly and gracefully
What you notice first: Her eyes 
Place of Birth: In a caravan wagon somewhere between Castle Riely and the Western Shores of Ithreal
Parents: Balien and Marina Featherling
Siblings: Has none
Places lived: Everywhere, as a traveling bard
Friends: Her best friend Gwyn; they grew up as orphans together. 
Relationship with God: When she was ten she had a 'spiritual revolution' and since then has become incredibly learned in the Bible and holds tighter to her faith than the skin on Polish sausage
Characteristics: Patient and wise for her age; she is an angel in human form.
Scars: (physical/mental) The day her mother died
Special Skills or Knowledge: Skilled with the harp and voice; she astounds people with her ability to write moving songs. Knows just about every Bible verse down to the number.
Interests and Favorites: She loves teaching children and playing with them; her music; Avidly reads all she can.
Favorite Music: Songs with deeper meanings
Favorite Books: The Bible of course
Favorite Sport: She doesn't play sports. It isn't lady-like
Dislikes: Mice, death, and sickness

Friday, November 27, 2009

Horses: The way they are portrayed makes all the differance


This is a topic that really got me started writing The Legend of Skyrian. I realized a need for horses to be portrayed for what they really are: Horses.
 If you have differing opinions please, share them. I'd love to see other angles of this...

In many books and movies and video games horses are evoked as perfect angels that come at your beck and call, you know the kind. "My Little Pony" stereo types. This has always irked me.
Now, don't get me wrong. I think horses are angels and are some of the greatest things on the planet. But I also realize there is a a line to be drawn. 
Horses are not people.
Seriously, if your going to write a book about planets you get the facts. You don't simply write planets to be what you assume they are. They may end up to be just like stars in different skin. The same way horses need to be explored before you write up what you think they are like. You have to know them.
Some one once told me words I will never forget: "You can't write about something you don't know about."
When you do, people who do know about it will see through your story right away and the whole thing will collapse. Take this book and its reviews for example. Pay special attention to Writer/rider, ~*RanchGirl*~, and Lifelong horsey girl's reviews. (writer/rider's and ranchgirl's reviews are on the sidebar)
In my books I am really trying to stress that real horses don't match the media's view of them. I want my horses to be horses. To roll around, get dirty, play horsy games, ignore their owners commands on occasion, have mood swings, run away when said owner approaches with a bridle; you know real horse stuff!! Things that real horse people experience daily. Getting frustrated with a stubborn pony is as much a part of loving him as when you learn a new trick together and something just clicks.
If you take away a horses 'bad side' and replace it with perfect behavior, you might as well have your character brush a cardboard cut-out.

Okay, I'm not sure if I got my point across clearly,(there's still plenty I want to say!) but its all I have time for right now.
A hurried Cheers!~Gwyn

My Thanksgiving

... was great! We stuff ourselves to the brim((some of us over)) on turkey, stuffing, cranberries galore!, potatoes of every kind, and total of seven pies were made! We did m=not eat all this on our own, though, rest assured. My Uncle and English Aunt(I always have to put that :)) along with my grandparents came out. Oh, and I almost forgot he was so quiet! One of my Mum's co-workers from the coffee shop came too because Mum found out he didn't have family up here and was going to be by himself for Thanksgiving. Little did he know! Lol, that's just Mum for you, she would invite everyone who weren't doing anything for a holiday if she could. :)
After eating was the seemingly universal nap time. Whatever. Not for me!!! I was practically bouncing off the walls demanding we DO something! I think it was all that sparkling 'wine'. {I had half the bottle!}
After finely rousting my youngest older sister we went over to spread to love with our horses. Hugging them, petting them, taking to them, even taking some pics with the sister's phone; the whole nines yards you could say. Then, after Corona bit the sister(I'm sure he just thought her finger was a carrot), we hiked around the place, resting at last on the hill where my profile pic was taken, we watched the sun sink down on the horizon (4:20pm!)
Then is was time to round up and feed the horses. Instead of doing it the usual way, chasing them on foot back-and-forth trying to get them into the yard, I suggested we take the pickup. Not just any pickup, but the pickup. The one that smokes when you put it in park, the one that smells like a lawnmower because oil or gas, I can't tell which, is dripping slowly onto the exhaust pipe; the one that's steering is like pushing a tractor wheel up hill. In other words: the most fun truck to drive ever! Where every drive is a survivalist adventure!
Yeah, well, imagine that with me at the wheel and my sister riding in the back chasing a herd of frolicking horses across a huge expanse of pasture. Our guests thought it was amusing too.

That's pretty much all of note that happened that day. 
Today, for me, is much worse. I have got a cold. Again. And this one is worse then the last. Grrrrrrr. My throat is on fire!
Ah, well. Nothing for it but to Cowgirl up.
Cheers!~ Gwyn

Saturday, November 21, 2009

The horses in my li-- ahem, story

I found some pictures on the web using Google Images of horses that, for the most part, match the three main horses in my novels. I also did some mild enhancing...
Here they are...

These two here are Skyrian, who takes center stage in book one. He is the First Stallion

This is Enya(pending) The name Enya is Gaelic for 'little fire'. She is the First Mare and doesn't enter the story till the second book.
...And we seen this lady before! Once again its Gana. Who I haven't completely figured out where she will come in....

Okay my thirty minutes are way past so....
Cheers! ~Gwyn

Friday, November 20, 2009

Horse-Hair Necklaces

I've just found (another) hobby for my self!!!! {I know, I know, I've got to stop..... :P} Making jewelry! Mostly horse hair stuff {its unique}, but I do bead and make ribbon necklaces; I've even made a pair of horse hair earrings{but never will again! Very difficult! :P}
But as I said, horse hair, though the hardest, is my total favorite. The only reason I know how to braid is because of horses hair! I had to know for Showmanship horse shows, Rodeo Queening competitions, etc....

These two are Christmas presents for my friend in Ukraine and her little sister....

The black and white one is for Kate, Sam's little sister, and is made from double Stuff's mane.
Sam's I made from Shyanne, Corona, and Double Stuff's manes because those three are her favorite horses:)

I think these are very special and a great and beautiful way to remember a wonderful four-legged friend. I have one of my old pony {R.I.P Kiawa!} and it is very dear to me. When he died I wore it non-stop for three months; and I still wear it often. Since then I have made one of Bingo, my old comrade, and I will soon make one from Shyanne's mane and then Corona's and then Roanie's.... That is... after I finish with Christmas orders! Oy, I've got a lot to do! Not including one for a birthday that's due Sunday. Ahhhh! I don't even have the girl's horse's hair yet! Not to mention a pendant! I've also got to write a two page essay for Psychology!  And next week is school exams!! Gaaaaaaah! And I've got to go to a birthday party tonight!! AaaaAAAhhh!!!!! I guess the real question is: What on earth am I doing on Blogger??!!!
*Dashes off!!!*

Saturday, November 14, 2009

~Birthday~

How old am I? A lot of you were close!! {Earwen, you might be right ;D lol!} I am now 15. *starts singing the Taylor Swift song*
Thanks for all the birthday wishes everyone!  I see I'm not the only one with a Nov. birthday! So, Happy Birthday to the rest of you!

My grandparents came out and we had pizza for dinner followed by an enormous chocolate cake!! De-lish! And then, the best part, (in Lucy P.'s voice) presents! Here's a list of what I was given:
  • My fav! A field watercolor/oil easel with paint box!! Whoohoo! From France too! Fancy stuff! ;D
  • A new drawing pad Just in time; I was out of paper!!
  • A huge drawing pad I'm talkin' 16.5" x 18.5"!
  • Bamboo goat hair paint brushes The fancy kind you have to hang up to dry!
  • A gift card to Maurices (sp?) Yay! I can get clothes without having to spend my money on them! :P
  • About 8 strings of beads for necklace making I'm really into that right now! Post about it later....
  • The Kingdom of Heaven director's cut! Need I say more??
  • 15 pennies from my lil brother :) 
  • A purse Okay, I am not one to rave about purses(I usually just jam a couple bucks in my pocket when I go shopping) but this one is cute!! It's orange cloth and.... I'll just have to post a picture later! along with my easel :)
  • Beautiful horse folders to put my drawings/paintings in
  • Watercolor paper
  • Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia I'm not a huge fan of the Inheritance Cycle but this has got fantastic illustrations!!!
  • Ink for my calligraphy pens
  • $100 total from my grandparents Saving up for that violin...!
  • ...And the traditional Birthday Socks: purple fuzzy things :)
And that's my Special Day for you;) I'd better get cracking with all those art accessories!
Tally ho! ~Gwyn

Friday, November 13, 2009

WhooooHoooo! It's ma Birfday!!!!


The title pretty much sums it up! Yippee! This week has taken forever to get to Friday! Speaking of which, I've had a lot of people remark on my birthday being 'Friday the 13'. Personally, I see no reason to be unhappy about it; I like Fridays! Last day of school for the week, you can stay up late and no house chores! What's not to love? And the #13? It's actually my lucky number ;D Maybe I'm just a counter-weight person! lol ;D
  Interesting fact about the No. 13: The reason it was widely known as an unlucky number is because there were thirteen people present at The Last Supper and one of them, Judas, later betrayed Christ. 
 I never knew that. I always did wonder why 13 was supposed to be unlucky; well, now we know.:)

Returning to my B-day:
I shall post all about it tomorrow after its happened, and, in the mean time, can anyone guess how old I am now?

Monday, November 9, 2009

I need some chocolate l:'(

Today has got to be one of the worst this year for me.
I woke this morning fresh and semi excited because I was going to get my braces off finely!! 
Well, I get there and they talk like I'll get them off this very am! But then I took some x-rays and two roots aren't quite straight, so, no go. TWO TEETH! 
Not happy.

This afternoon didn't go so bad. We 'winterized' everything outside. Washing the deck, replacing plastic water buckets with rubber ones, cleaning out the yard water tanks and filling them to the rim, draining the summer pasture tanks, etc...
I had to move Cokie and Wilber into one of the yards too, and in the process of opening the gate, my thumb got caught up between the chain and the gate post, and, before I could get it out, Cokie{our biggest, fattest, tallest horse} spooked and ran into the gate smunching my thumb flat D(:) Yaaaooow!!!
Not an hour later I dinged up my left hand pretty bad too. And then found out there was Youth Orchestra tonight. My bow hand's thumb was wrapped in athletic tape and swollen and my string fingers were swathed in vet wrap{it was all there was at the time!} Great.
Well, we end up going even though my brothers hands were cut up too. {a bad day for hand and fingers, eh?} We get there and... no one else does. Y.O. is next week.

Very not happy. Pass the choco, please...

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A FULL weekend


After 23 weeks two of our hens have finely started laying! My mum was ecstatic! It was hilarious; she opened the coop door and let out this loud "WHOOOP!!". She never made that noise before! She's usually quite laid back....
Anyway, after that she and I went to town to put my name on my 4-H group's bank account because last month I was elected Treasurer and Secretary. The whole switching over names and info took an hour, and I got to know "June" pretty well.:)
 Along the walls of the bank are big framed pieces of leather with lots of area ranch brands burned into them. I stared at those a lot as June straightened the records. There were some I knew and most I didn't. I tried deciphering them too. Brands are like a whole language of their own: There's the Walking J, a j with little 'feet'. The Triple C, three c's stuck together. The Flying E, or Lazy E, an E on it's back with 'wings'.    And those are just a few...! (the ones I can explain :P) Many of them I couldn't begin to read. A heart on a stick, the odd squiggle-bar-letter, and so on.

{{Can I just say right now that I love living the Western life? Just 'cause I really do! ;)}}
  
  After that it was off with my brother(who plays cello) to play at a special Mass for a friend's parent's anniversary. That went very well and I'm quite happy with my performance, if I do say so myself:) Yeah, I really enjoyed it :)

Sunday was the big violin concert. The very one I have been dreading. The one where... the Youth Orchestra plays! Ahhh! We were soooo not ready...! And yet... by some miracle we pulled together at literally the last second and sounded fine! Whoo! God is great!! I had been worrying a bit. Just a bit. O.o How fruitless it was! And I'm glad it was(:D
Em and I played The Lover's Waltz again and afterwards got asked to play it at a wedding, a concert, and a talent show! And almost every parent at the concert came up to us to say we did real well. That felt really good. I get a warm fuzzy feeling thinking about it:)

Yes. 'Twas a good, if packed, weekend.

I had regular violin lessons today and I discussed getting a better violin. The one I have now is good quality and good for starters, but now that I'm getting really, seriously into fiddling, I need one with not just good sound but great sound. I'm saving my money up and I hope to get one *maybe* by Christmas or later... Cross fingers! The one that I would really like is $9,000, but I don't think I can afford that so I'm shooting a bit lower. Okay, way lower. Like, less than $1,000. We'll see!! My birthday is coming up *gasp!* next week?? That snuck up! Yup, next Friday! Yay!! I'll have to stick one of those count down clocks up...! :D

~Till the next exciting thing!~Gwyn~

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

My city expedition :D

Like I mentioned yesterday I got to visit the city because of the sculpture dedication for The City of Presidents. I don't think I've ever mentioned my Dads a sculptor..... Well, he is! ;D
This year he did Abraham Lincoln and his son Tad.
This is after the unveiling in the theater. It's not very good quality because the lighting in there was horrible for pics.
Outside the theater there was a bum playing the harmonica. To be obscure, I took the photo while walking. lol!
The statue in the left is Ronald Reagan, another of my dad's for the Presidents deal.
This here is the theater where the presidents were unveiled.
Across the street was a Celtic shop! Mum and I really wanted to go in, but we didn't have time. Drat.
Another president. This one not done by my Da :)
My favorite pic! My first ever parking meter!! How exciting!!:D
An alien landing site! Well, that's what occurred to me when I took this.
An interesting... turret... thing...
Wall mural...
An awesome mural on the wall of the old fire house that's now a restaurant that we ate at.

The sign of said restaurant we went to with fellow sculptors, donors, and history buffs from the unveiling.
The bar in the restaurant. It was really loud in there, but the food was good and it was so cool inside; full of old fashioned fire engines and things like that.
My tea and lea-a-mon;)
Apparently The Fire House also has theater dinners on special days. For Halloween there's one for Dracula. Ooo! Scary! :P

That's the last of my pictures, but afterwards we went shopping.
I got a grey tee and a pair of jeans. Hopefully these will last longer than the others. I also got a brown tank, or, as my elder sister informs me, a 'cammi'. O.o Whatever. Shows how much I know about fashion and all that. XD
We had to stop at the book store and everyone but me found a book worth buying. I can't believe all the terrible sop that goes on the teen bookshelves. A lot are just run-offs of Twilight and other such drivel.
The only thing I came out with was disgust. There were some rather *ahem* air headed girls my age in the same aisle as me and they were talking about how much they disliked Christians. When asked why they said because of all the witch burnings in the past and because we are 'so narrow minded'. They said if they had been back in the middle ages they would have been burned too. I can only guess they meant they practiced witch crap too(scuse moi).
I didn't say anything because, quite frankly, I though I might say something rash. My emotions were on the high anyway so I simply stomped out of the store and fumed in the kitchen shop next door. That helped; looking at the tea pots and the scent of coffee wafting in the air... It gave me time to think. But it still bothers me a bit; should I have said something?

Other than that it was a great day, though I'm glad I don't live there. All that noise! Ugh! And so many people crowding about... I don't know how some people like that stuff. But its cool to get out there occasionally.

My times up! Later!~ Gwyn

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Weekend in the City(coming tomorrow)

Whoohoo! Saturday I had quite an adventure in a real city! My dad deticated a sculpture and we went shopping and(biggest part!) I got to use my first parking meter!!!!
Look for all that to come tomorrow! I've got loads of pics!
I would post it today but I'm out of time...
Till tomorrow!~Gwyn

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Letters from your imagination....

The majority of my followers (probably YOU, if you're reading this) are, like me, aspiring authors; or perhaps you just write down your imaginings because you feeling the need to bring it to life. Either way, have you ever slipped into your character's skin? I have many times and enjoy it immensely.
Today I had the odd thought to write a letter penned by Cilla. It was more than a thought, really. It was as if I had to write it; to explore her world through her eyes. And so, I became Cilla and wrote home to Tovah. Wether I will add this to the actual book or not, I don't yet know. If I do, it will be in the second one when she is around 17 or 18.

Salvete!{Latin greeting} (See? I'm learning!) 

So much has happened since you dumped me here that I know not where to start!
Lady Erin has been very kind to me, almost like a sister. I respect her beyond measure. Can you imagine, being governor over one of the largest fiefs in Ithreal at twenty-four? And well does she do it too. I doubt any man could do better in her place. I think that is why the King allows her to continue without having to marry as tradition goes. Heaven forbid a woman be put in charge of something more than embroidery! I'm glad to see this new king has seen his father's idiocy and has relaxed some of the laws that bind women to simplicity. But I stray...
Ben{I think I've mentioned him before? He's my personal tutor for all my studies. The young scholar?} anyway, he says my script has improved greatly and I have to agree, though, I'm nowhere near as good as him{or should that be he? The grammar world varies so much...} with his curling calligraphy and flourishes. How he can know so much about books and papers and such at his young age is beyond me.
We get on quite well. Well, mostly. He is very patient with me and does not get angry when I get frustrated. I must confess, however, that one day last week did not go smoothly. 
   It was during arithmetic{the one subject I absolutely loath}. It was also nearly dinner time and I had been in his stuffy study all day, and you how how short tempered I get. I couldn't solve the last problem and he wouldn't let me let me leave until I got it. After a half an hour and nothing but miles of scratched-out figures I had nearly had enough. At last I thought I got it and handed him my latest try, steaming a bit, only to have Ben glance it and hand it back telling me to try again.
I lost it I tell you.
   I remember throwing back my chair and demanding what the point of the whole blasted arithmetic was, using words I haven't said since my... ahem ... rather 'unguided' childhood. Ben remained stubbornly calm, though I recall his features flushed a bit. He began explaining as only he can, but, for the life of me I can't remember any of what he said. A heated argument ensued, and, I regret to say, I threw 'Advande's Grammare'{a nice heavy book} at him. I missed on purpose, but it did make him dodge and trip over one of those confounded  stacks of books he has laying about everywhere. I stormed from the room angry but triumphant. I was nearly at the door when I knocked into a pile of those ridiculous books myself. I didn't fall, but an open inkwell spilt all down the beautiful green gown I had borrowed from Lady Erin that day. I don't know how to explain how guilty I feel with words. She insisted that I take the green one... 
You're shaking you head right now, aren't you?
    Oh, is there any girl as utterly and hopelessly stupid as I? If there is than I pity her; but I doubt there is.
I packed my things that night. If, by some miracle, Lady Erin didn't chuck me out straight off, I would leave anyway. I just plain don't belong in castles.
   I had just stuck my leg out the bedchamber window to climb out when Erin herself knocked at my door. After convincing me not to jump{she thought I wanted to hurtle to my death!... good thing I hadn't thought of that yet.} We discussed what happened earlier for a long time. She did not chastise or scold as I would have expected, but remained her pleasant self throughout. She didn't make me feel like a worm, but neither did she make me feel good. She told me that it was natural for me to react as I did seeing my normal lifestyle and being thrown head first into academics. But{and its a but the size of your nag's. Joking, Tov, joking...}, she did impress that I should not get violent when frustrated. Where have I heard that before?
  She said that if I chose to stay she would give me two days off from studies a week instead of just Sundays. She said it would be better for both Benjamin and me. I reluctantly told her that, if she would allow it, I would stay.
I know how important it is that I stay here, for one reason or another, but before I answered her I thought hard. I wouldn't dream of abandoning my post, but she was offering a me a chance to return home to my usual duties, away from arithmetic and musty lesson books. But then, if half the rumors are true and there is danger here, it is more than my duty to stay and protect her as well as the Chief of  Council{and what a stuck up pig he is when Erin isn't around!}.

  Ben and I have put aside last week and even laugh about it. It was rather ridiculous, looking back. I was in hysterics as I wrote you of the incident. Can you believe I actually lobbed a book at his head? Don't answer that.

Gana is well. I think she misses the other horses though. She hardly lets me leave when I visit her in the stable. I wish I could take her out on the moores more often. But with my lessons, keeping an eye out for danger, and checking the village once a day, I really have no time to just ride.
 Jax{Her mink -G} is a nightmare. He's always going and pestering the guards on the wall -- they've taken to lobbing rocks at him! That is until I heard of it. Brutes. Trying to kill my fur-baby. I bet if they knew he'd nearly died when he was small they wouldn't be so mean. When that little devil isn't up on the walls he's in the kitchens or in the library, making a frightful lot of noise. Poor thing's bored to death. He doesn't like castles any more than I.


I must make the rounds now, before dinner. There's supposed to be a dance too. *bad word*. There have been a few free-lance knights visiting here and glancing my way. They think they're so subtile. Blundering oafs. I wish I could show my true colors and sock them in the eye. But that would give me away. I hate all men. Well, maybe not you. Or Liam. Or Faegan, or the rest of them at home... You know what I mean. I hate "most" men. No, I don't know about that either. Darn it, I hate "these" men! There!

 I hope you are well. Please write soon, I feel so isolated from the Annoad. 
Your (in)sane friend,
Cilla


Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Apple Sauce!! and some other thingies:)

These last days, as the cold wind blows outside, Mum and I have been making apple sauce from homegrown apples. De-lish! Sooo good on a winter day! I ate a whole pint by myself!
Yesterday was rather eventful too. Firstly, my brother and I got to go in to town!{we go less than three times a week al right?} Sadly, it was because of dentist appointments.:P I've got braces so it was the usual and I also got my teeth cleaned. But, because I have braces, they can't use the brushes and stuff they usually do, but instead had to scrape them clean.O.o It wasn't too bad, until I realized that the taste in my mouth wasn't the metal of the scrapper thing but blood! That's when it started hurting real bad. Now, I'm not at all squeamish when it comes to blood but I'm pretty sure my eyes were huge. O.O because the hygienist kept apologizing. Or maybe it was because of all the blood. *gulp*
Anyways, the GOOD news about the whole ordeal is that I might get my train tracks off before Christmas! Whooot! And my brother has to get them>:) He was teasing me so bad when I had to get them because his teeth were perfectly straight but then he got some pulled and now he has to get them>:} Bwahahahaha! Revenge! 
I also joined a youth orchestra as a first violin. The only problem I have with it is... well, most everyone else stinks.(:/ I'm not trying to be mean, but, out of about 23 only five of us are serious about it and so it's really discouraging to work hard all week and then play with the rest of the group and sound like a bunch of dying cats O.o
   My teacher put me next to one boy to help him stay on tune.... let's just say that wasn't his only problem.
I am capable of being in the professional chamber orchestra{and I was last year} but they only play Classical and me, being a Celtic fiddler, I hate the strictness of Classic music so I went for the teen group. I'll tell ya, though, Classical was sounding pretty good at the end of last night's practice, if ya know what I mean.
And we only have one practice before we have to preform. O.o Aaaaaaahhhh!!!
*in a higher voice than normal* We'll see how this goes (:)-l
~Gwyn

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Random tag!

Random Questions Tag

What kind of car would you like when you're older?
Hmm... A big black Dodge duly truck. For  haul'n horses;) 

Where would you want to live when you're older?
I'm not sure just yet. I'd like to get out and see places before I choose. But definitely on a ranch.

Do you want to go to college?
Kinda.

How many siblings do you have?
4

How many children would you like to have when you're married?
I don't really want kids or to get married.


Boys or girls
(see above)

This or That?
This

City or Country girl?
Definitely country. I really dislike cities.

Gourmet meals or steak with a big salad?
Steak with salad. I loath gourmet unless it's a drink.

Flying or driving?
I've never been on a plane, but I think it would be driving anyways 

Bike riding or swimming?
Uh, riding!

Sports or no sports?
Sports! I love physical challenge!

Books or movies?
Books. 

Outside or inside?
Outside!!!!!

School or chores?
Chores


Wednesday or Sunday?
Sunday!!

Friends or Family?
Both.


This or that?
This--Again?

Fried or scrambled eggs?
I hate eggs


Pancakes or cereal?
PANCAKES!!!!!!!!!!! 

Big meal or something small?
Small!!

Movie or tv show?
Movie(tv is filled with trash now and days.... and we only get two channels!)


Favorites

What is your favorite thing to do outside?
Ride and hang out with horses

What is your favorite meal?
My aunt's style chicken(Italian dressing over white chicken breast :P)

What is your favorite pass-time?
IDK I do a lot.

Where is your favorite place to read a good book?
Up a tree

What is your favorite vegetable?
I hate all veg

Next Quiz......

Where do you want to live when you graduate?
Who knows?

What time of the day do you like best?
Afternoon to evening

What is you favorite flower? if you're a boy you don't have to answer...
Prairie wild flowers

What is your favorite weapon?
My hands or a hand-and-a-half sword

Do you like sports? If so which is your favorite?
Yes. Polo!

Do you like writing?
Yes! Yesyesyesyesyeyes!!

What is your favorite month?
June. Not too cold, not too hot

Do you not like adventure?
I AM adventure! lol!

Do you collect anything? What do you collect?
Yes,  feathers

Do you live near your grandparents?
Yea-noish ;)

Are you bored of this?
A tad

Well it's over how did you like it?
Uh, can I answer that later? Mum wants on!

I tag any one who knows how to eat with chopsticks!