Using a Sick Day :)

My sweet baby and I both have pretty nasty colds. And so we stayed home from church today so that we wouldn't spread our germs or catch any new ones. :) Since I was home all day and Gary was actually sleeping most of the afternoon, (yes, the angels were singing Hallelujah!) I decided to work on my wedding album. Yes, you read that right, wedding album. I am notoriously slow in part because I am a perfectionist. And a wedding album should be the very epitome of perfection, right? So there are now four pages compete and one page just awaiting journaling. I don't have the right color pen yet. (Time for a trip to Scrappin' Time!)

Here are the pictures. I hope you'll enjoy! :) It's not for Spread the L-O-V-E and it's not Charming Academy related, but since it is me essentially writing my own fairy tale, it still fits in on this blog. :)

I actually did this page quite a while ago (like a year and a half ago). But it's the first page of the album and it's pretty so I thought I'd share it anyway. I love illumination and since I kind of had a fairy-tale/stars theme for my wedding, I thought this would be the perfect place to use it.  So I used the computer to write out the words (my handwriting isn't anywhere near that good) and traced them onto the paper.

It's hard to see, but I traced the edges of our names with a glitter pen to give it sparkle.
Then I added the flair to the sides.

The flowers around the "O" are the same that were in my wedding bouquet: lavender, blue stephenotis, lavender and white roses. 

I'm not doing the pages in any particular order. Just whichever pictures inspire me. So first I did some of the landscape-y pictures. I loved the butterfly picture from Grandma Pollmann, and so had to make that part of the pages.

The left-hand page.

I love my stamp set "Butterfly Wings" from Close to my Heart. With the butterfly picture, this seemed to be the perfect message to add to the page. (It says "Love is like a butterfly. It goes where it pleases and pleases where it goes.")

The journaling.

More close-up on the other page.

This is the second set of pages I got done today. I fell in love with a lot of the wrapping paper my wedding presents came in. And so naturally, I saved it! :) On these pages, I used a rose motif wrapping paper for accents.

Close-up on the right-hand page. I debated using the same color as the other page, but really loved this periwinkle color.  These pictures are of the detail on the train of my dress. The blank spot is where the journaling will be as soon as I have the right color pen to do it in.

The left-hand page. Thank you so much to Linda Goold for giving me these beautiful purple and blue flowers! They made the perfect accent and helped tie the two pages together. :)

The flowers and a better picture of the wrapping paper accent.

I want to carry the font used in the title page throughout the  album. I considered illuminating this as well, but decided against. Instead, I added the little rose and flourish below to add color and definition. This also uses the glitter pen.

The flowers on the left-hand page.

Anyway, these are the pages that I've gotten done. I've still got tons of pictures left to put in, but I've at least got it started. Hopefully I'll have some more time to work on this. :) Tell me your thoughts!

Feverish Writing

Having finally finished with all the updates for Charming Academy, I am now back to writing in Finding Prince Charming. So far it's coming along pretty well. For those interested in knowing "where" I'm at with it, Allegra has finished school and is now about to set off on her quest.

Since Valentine's Day was this week, my gift to you is a sneak peek of what I've just written. I hope that you'll enjoy it!

Late that evening, after everyone else was in bed, Allegra lay on her bed recalling her final meeting with Melantha. Her mind took her back to knocking on the door and being ushered in. “Hello, Allegra. Come have a seat,” Melantha said kindly. After resuming her seat, she smiled, “You have grown so very much. The young girl who first walked into my office has become a beautiful and strong woman. I couldn’t be prouder of you.”

“Thank you,” Allegra blushed.

“You find yourself in a unique position, Allegra. As you prepare to begin your quest I would urge you to read the wording carefully. Oftentimes the greatest hints are within the very words of the quest. Use your resources wisely. You have wonderful parents and a brother who...”

“But, Lucian is on his quest,” Allegra interrupted. “How can I possibly use him to help me?”

“My dear, as a princess you will perhaps be given some advantages that a prince would not. There will be nothing stopping you from returning home to gather your thoughts and begin again. Think of what you have learned from everyone, not just the fairies.

“Now,” Melantha continued as Allegra contemplated what she had said, “your coursework has been very good this semester. All of your teachers are quite proud of what you have accomplished. Each of us sees in you great potential. Look within yourself and find the courage to act. This will be a very difficult challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Remember what you have been taught and use the skills you have. Do you have any questions for me?”

Allegra thought for a moment. “Where do I begin? I mean, even with all my classes I still have no idea where to start looking.”

“Why, my dear, you start at the beginning, of course,” Melantha replied with a smile. “It is not for me to decide where the beginning might be. That is your task. I’m sure when you read your quest, things will become clearer to you than they are right now.”

“Do you really think I can do this?” Allegra asked quietly.

“If I didn’t, you wouldn’t be in my office right now,” Melantha said, her tone gentle, but serious. As Allegra nodded and dashed tears away, she smiled. “Going on a quest is not the end of the world, Allegra. In fact, I’m sure you’ll find it less difficult than you might expect. And when you have completed it, you will have a wonderful story to share with your children and grandchildren. Now, do you have everything you need?”

 “I think so.”

“Then I shall bid you good evening. Have no fears, Allegra,” Melantha said as she opened her door. “There are many who believe in you. You need only believe in yourself.”

Allegra rolled over on her bed as she tried to clear her thoughts. What had Melantha meant? How could she use Lucian as a resource unless he finished his quest very quickly? As far as she knew, her parents hadn’t received any note from him regarding his whereabouts or how he was doing. They just held firmly to their belief that he was fine and would join them soon. She sighed; she missed him so much and wished more than anything that he could be there to tell her how to start. “How did you start, Lucian?” Allegra asked. But as usual her only answer was silence.

The next morning the girls gathered in the carriages and began the familiar ride to Charming Academy. Clarissa and Allegra talked the entire way, going back and forth between feeling nervous and excited. Their parents met them at the castle and they spent breakfast talking to them and enjoying these last precious moments together. When breakfast was finished, they went outside to the grounds. Summer was just around the corner and the air was warm and clean. Leaf-laden trees seemed to dance with the breeze as their branches gently swayed. Birds and bugs added to the symphony with their chirps and calls. The two families walked about, basking in the glory of nature while talking about what lay ahead of each girl.

“You know that you can come home at any time if you feel stuck, right?” Lysander said as they walked around the glittering lake.

“I know, Daddy,” Allegra smiled. “Thank you for believing in me.”

Alexandra hugged Allegra close to her. “My dear daughter, we have always known that you would be able to make any circumstances lead to a happily-ever-after. Believe in yourself and you’ll see it too.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Allegra replied. She smoothed her skirt down nervously. “Was it difficult for you to graduate? I feel so lost and scared.”

Smiling, Alexandra said, “It’s hard on everyone. It’s only natural to feel trepidation at the start of a new chapter in your life; especially when the ones you love can’t necessarily join you. But do not give in to fear, everything you need is right here.” She pointed to Allegra’s heart.

“Your mother’s right,” Lysander agreed. “Have confidence and everything will be fine. Before you know it, we’ll be recounting how successful you were.”

Allegra laughed. “I hope you’re right.”

“I know I am,” Lysander said, taking hold of Allegra’s hand.

All too soon it was time to go inside for the graduation ceremony. Allegra felt nervous and jittery as she watched her classmates receive their diplomas. She watched Clarissa disappear and silently hoped that her quest with Jacobi would be an easy one. Then her name was called. She walked onto the stage slowly and tried to keep her hands from shaking as she took her diploma and quest from Melantha. “Good luck, Princess Allegra,” she said with a kind smile.

Nodding, Allegra returned to her seat. When the ceremony was over, she walked outside with her parents and, as Lucian had done the year before, opened her quest.

Though you must travel far and wide, your love is never far from your side.

Look beyond what your eyes can see and let your heart take the lead.

To save your prince from any harm, true love’s kiss will undo the charm.

Allegra sighed. “I was hoping it would tell me where to start.”

Laughing, Lysander said, “My star, it is never that simple.”

“Unfortunately, it is now time for us to leave,” Alexandra said, her voice a mixture of pride and worry. “My precious daughter, know that we love you.”

“I know Mom,” Allegra replied, allowing her mother’s arms to envelope her in a comforting hug.

“Come home if you need to. As a princess, you have that option. You may come home once to get guidance and help. If you need to do so, come home and we will do all we can to help you,” Alexandra said.

Allegra nodded as her mother moved so that Lysander could say his goodbyes. He hugged her gently and said in a voice choked with emotion, “Be strong and courageous. Carry this with you.” He handed her a sheathed dagger. “I used it when saving your mother.”

“Dad, why didn’t you give this to Lucian?” Allegra asked.

“I planned to, but when we learned that you would be going on a quest too, I decided that you might have greater need of it. Besides, Lucian already has several good weapons to choose from.”

Allegra looked over the gift. It was nothing fancy, just a plain dagger with a bronze hilt. “Thank you,” she said at length.

“You’re welcome. When you have moments of doubt, remember that we love you and we believe in you,” Lysander said, hugging her once again.

“I will,” Allegra promised. “Did you remember to bring Obsidian?”

“He’s waiting for you in the stables where Sunset Rose had been,” Alexandra said. She hugged Allegra close to her as she continued, “And now, we must say farewell. We love you.”

“I love you too.” Allegra watched as her parents left her, going to their carriage where Sunset Rose was tied and waiting. Waving until the carriage was out of sight, Allegra wondered how long it would be before she saw her parents again.

Melantha was suddenly at her side. “You’ll see them soon enough. For now, you need to get your horse and be off on your journey. Be safe and remember to use the resources that you have wisely. I think you’ll find that you have many things which will help you along your way; even if you don’t realize it.”

Allegra nodded . Just as Melantha was turning to leave she said, “Wait a minute, Mom said that Obsidian was in the stables where Sunset Rose usually is. She’s always at Fair Damsel’s!”

Laughing, Melantha said, “During the year, yes, but at the end of year meeting your horse has always come here. You’ll find your new horse in the stable with the boys’ horses. I’m sure you won’t have any trouble finding it. And now, dear Allegra, I must leave you. Good luck.”

“Thank you, for everything.” Allegra watched Melantha turn and begin to walk away. Then Allegra called, “Wait, I have one last question.”

“Yes?”

“Will Clarissa be alright?”

Melantha smiled, “Was your mother alright on her quest?” She paused a moment as Allegra considered this and continued, “Clarissa is a very gifted and bright young woman. She will be just fine. Farewell, Allegra.” She then turned and walked back towards the castle.

Allegra sighed and went to the large stable. Where Sunset Rose normally was, a large, black gelding stood watching expectantly for her. He nickered softly as she came closer. “Well, Obsidian, are you ready for this?”

The horse whinnied and stamped his hoof eagerly, the shaggy feather about his hocks swaying with the movement.

Allegra smiled and led him out of the stable. He followed her, his long, wavy tail swishing about. While he was a large horse and stocky, Allegra had known that she couldn’t take everything she owned with her. She had given her parents a trunk with most of her belongings. Now she had a very large, very full double saddlebag filled with everything she needed. At least, she hoped it was everything. In one side of the saddlebag, she had packed clothing necessities including a winter cloak. The other side contained maps, a compass, the two small memory boxes filled with letters, flints for fire-starting, a large coin purse with money, and now she put in the dagger her father had given her. She saddled Obsidian, placed the bridle over his head and put the bit in his mouth. Then she heaved the saddlebags up and over the saddle until they were set up evenly. After making sure her sword, bow and quiver were tightly secured outside the bags, Allegra looked at her map and then at her quest again. “I have no real idea of where to start, Obsidian. Do you?”

The horse snorted. She laughed, “Alright, so you’re not going to be much help on choosing where to go.” She looked again at her quest. “‘Though you must travel far and wide’, hmmm. I suppose that could be anywhere.” She sighed and looked at the map again. “Well, I guess we’ll start by going north and then I suppose we’ll just work our way around. If I go to every province I’m bound to find him eventually right?” Obsidian snorted again. Allegra rolled her eyes and mounted up. “Let’s go, boy,” she said and Obsidian was off at a brisk trot taking them both into the unknown.

Have a great day and be watching for further announcements and sneak peeks at what's going on. Happy Reading!

Spread the L-O-V-E - Pizza!

Having finally finished my Valentine projects, it was time to start a new one! Everyone loves food and this week I was helping my mom out with her Relief Society evening meeting. This was my part in it and since everyone loves a good pizza, I thought it was too good to pass up!

Project: Whole Wheat Pizzas
Details: The Ridgepoint Ward Relief Society sisters were doing an evening meeting on homemade pizza, basically having take-out at home. Mom asked if I could help out by making some of the pizzas. This dough recipe is fabulous!!! Click here to go to the recipe. It makes eight individual pizzas or two regular sized pizzas. Or you can be creative and make six like I did. Three I kept at home and these are the three I made for their meeting.

The two pizzas on the left are savory and the one on the right is a dessert pizza. These pizzas bake at 450 deg. for 18 - 20 minutes, depending on your oven. If your oven tends to run hot, like mine, check the pizzas after about 15 min. 

This is the taco pizza. It's a great way to use up the leftovers from a taco night. Or make the taco pizza and use the leftovers for a taco salad! (That's what we're doing.) Spread ranch dressing as the sauce (homemade tastes best), then top with Mexican mix cheese,taco meat and your favorite taco toppings. This one has tomato, salsa,  and green onion.

This is a bruschetta-style pizza.  Brush the pizza crust with olive oil. Then top with Italian blend chees, green onions, tomatoes and bacon. This pizza was also used to demonstrate "splitting" a pizza. There are tomatoes on two thirds and green onions on two thirds with bacon on the whole thing. In the middle, the ingredients are all present while to the right there is only tomato and bacon and on the left there is only green onion and bacon. If you have picky eaters, this is a great way to please everyone!

The dessert pizza! I made an apple streusel pizza. Brush the crust with butter. In a small bowl mix 1/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a dash of cloves. Sprinkle over the buttered crust. Then chop up a small apple into very small pieces. Put the pieces on the pizza (you can also add chopped nuts if you like) and bake. After it's cooled a bit, drizzle icing over it. Easiest icing: powdered sugar and water. (About 1 cup sugar and 2 T water)

 They were delicious so feel free to steal the recipe and try it at home! And the other great thing about this recipe is that you can freeze the dough for up to three months. It's a great way to have a quick and easy dinner to throw together when you're scrapped for time. :)

Proof Copy Is In!

Today my proof copy arrived. In the next couple of days, the revised Charming Academy will be available for sale. But in the meantime, I wanted to show you some of the changes that have been made that will make Charming Academy that much better!

This is just a generic picture of the book. As you can see, they left out my middle initial, so we have changed that online and are now waiting for approval before making it available to everyone!
My hope is that it will be available on or before February eleventh.

This is a comparison picture. As you can see, the revised edition (left) is smaller in size than the original  (right).

Using the pencil to give it context. 

The back cover really hasn't changed, it's just smaller. :)

In the original book, we used white paper for the pages.
For the revised edition, we decided to use cream, making it less harsh and easier for most people to read.

There's actually space between the lines! :) One of the hardest parts of the original book is the lines were so close together it was easy to lose your place. While the lines are still fairly close, there is now about half spacing between the lines so that reading is easier and more enjoyable. And it looks better too!

So, be on the watch for announcements on my Facebook page and on here regarding Charming Academy's rerelease. I truly believe that with the changes we've made you'll enjoy this revised copy of the book even more than the first!

Happy Reading!

Charming Academy Update

I figured since in my first post I mentioned that one of my goals with this blog is to keep my readers up to date with what's going on with my books, it was time for an update. :)

This is a picture of the first proof copy from July 2011

First off, Charming Academy has been revised and submitted to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest (ABNA). The cut off date for entries was yesterday, but I got it in on Jan. 25th, so I was well before the deadline. Now we're playing the waiting game. ABNA has four rounds: initial submission which judges your pitch. (A pitch is basically the letter you would write to a publisher telling them why your book is so awesome.) Around Feb. 23, I should hear whether or not Charming Academy will make it to the second round. That round judges your book on the excerpt, the first 3000 - 5000 words of the novel. Next is quarterfinals in which the entire manuscript is reviewed. From there is the finals which will be voted by Amazon.com customers. Of a maximum of 5000 entries, only three will make it to the final round. I'm horribly, horribly nervous, but really excited too. Keep watching for announcements regarding where Charming Academy is in the contest. I'll be sure to let you know!

Anyway, so that's that on the contest. With the revision process finished, I am now waiting for the proof copy to arrive from CreateSpace before making the revised copy available for sale. For those of you who already own Charming Academy, the revised version keeps all of the important story elements and is still the great story it was before. It is now more succinct and put in an easier-to-read format. Ironically, it is the same number of pages, however there is more space between lines and it is now a smaller trim size (that's the height and width of the book). Again, watch for announcements, because it will be available soon!

And now for what many people are anxious to hear: the sequel. Well, obviously with having so little time to prepare for the contest, Finding Prince Charming, the first sequel to Charming Academy, was temporarily put on the back burner. However, now that Charming Academy is submitted, I am back to working full-force on writing Adrian and Allegra's story. Thanks to all of you who participated in the Facebook vote on the name of Allegra's horse. I am now working on writing the actual quest and Obsidian is very grateful to have a name now and not be simply the highlighted word "Horse". :) Keep an eye out for new excerpts and tidbits on this new story.

Well, I think that's everything that needed to be updated. Hope you're all well and having a great day!

 

Spread the L-O-V-E - Valentines

So this project is actually going to span two weeks because it's going to take me that long to get them all finished. I'm two down with four to go! :) First thing you should know; I am a pack rat. I get it and then I keep it forever and ever until my sweetie says, "Um, dear, do you plan on actually using this anytime soon?" Well of course I do! Let me think about how and I'll get back to you. :)

Valentine's Day is always a fun time to craft and this year for my visiting teaching sisters (and a few other special people) I decided that everybody needs more chocolate. And what would be cuter than your very own, personalized goody jar? It will far outlast the goodies inside and ca then be used for your own favorites.
So, check out my pics and tell me what you think!

I keep jars from everything, spaghetti sauce, pickles, salsa, etc. etc.  This seemed like a great way to use some of those jars and play with my creative side.

The first thing I did was paint the name and then accent it with pearl finish to give it some sparkle.

Then the time-consuming part: the vines. But this was also my favorite part. The name was framed by vines which weave around the entire jar and then tiny roses, buds and blooms were added by first painting a red blob before adding details in white. It may take forever, but the effect is gorgeous! (If I do say so myself!)

Last, a white band was painted around the top and bottom of the jar then gone over with the pearl  finish.  The lid of the jar was then painted first with pink then with pearl finish. And the final touch, a single rose tied on with pink ric-rac.