tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14099028594268745982024-03-13T04:01:13.234-07:00The Blossoming Writera blog that follows my blossoming writingThe Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-25857227447638414232023-06-17T00:00:00.054-07:002023-06-17T00:00:00.134-07:00Book Review: Calligraphy Guild by R. M. Archer<p> Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Today marks the one-year anniversary of</span> <i>Calligraphy Guild's</i> <span style="font-family: courier;">publication. Now, I feel almost sad to say that, when I knew this book was in the works I brushed it off as just another fantasy that probably included elements I had no desire to read. (Some of my readers may know that I do not favor the fantasy genre, for reasons that I will post about later.) However, as I followed Archer and saw her passion and heart for this story, and learned more about the story itself, I became curious. So curious that,when I was given the opportunity, I bought</span> <i>Calligraphy Guild</i>. <span style="font-family: courier;">I don't usually buy books unless I am convinced that they are worth reading. I have also never bought a fantasy novel. I ask you to keep these things in mind, dear reader, as I try to review this book. Let's begin with the synopsis...</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span> </span><span> </span><span> <span> </span><span> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>~</b>š<b>~</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiSTE9A2l2epVxmzYbABfrk4BwwRvjtp3VRzAJKx9nmPqsQzBF1OMQctG_E7Xr8AsK6IM69HHRpcr9XXRQsEN46k1mhQDHPAOJfiWRKBCtrepckyC5U5-KHrXlrRxcOMnex7xBIoOVRgSqO5G6f-Jo7O4QoxfOlj0Rnq7Adl2sx9ebtFC1XS7ggkdH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="269" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiSTE9A2l2epVxmzYbABfrk4BwwRvjtp3VRzAJKx9nmPqsQzBF1OMQctG_E7Xr8AsK6IM69HHRpcr9XXRQsEN46k1mhQDHPAOJfiWRKBCtrepckyC5U5-KHrXlrRxcOMnex7xBIoOVRgSqO5G6f-Jo7O4QoxfOlj0Rnq7Adl2sx9ebtFC1XS7ggkdH=w209-h320" width="209" /></a></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>(Can I just say, I love the whole aesthetic of this book!)</div></span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">~Synopsis~</span></b></p><p><i></i></p><blockquote><p><i><span style="font-family: courier;">Dragon ink gives calligraphers the power to set history in stoneāor to change it.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Lai DuyĆŖnās dreams are realized when sheās admitted into the ranks of the calligraphers, authors considered trustworthy enough to defend time from those who would change it. Sheās thrilled at the opportunity to record her countryās history, and to work with the other calligraphers in her village.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But when DuyĆŖnās guild is set upon by ancient dragons demanding a time-changer be destroyed, her world is flipped upside down. Her guildmates turn on each other, suspicion coloring their every move. To make matters worse, sheās begun hearing the dragons in her head and finds them impossible to block out: a condition that rendered her grandmother insane.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">With the calligraphy guild in turmoil and DuyĆŖnās ever-present fear of madness clouding her vision, will the group be able to discover which of their guildmates has altered time before the dragons pass judgment on them all?</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">~š~</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>~My Thoughts~</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">To begin with, I would like to thank R. M. Archer for including both a glossary and a pronunciation guide. This novel is set in an Asian-inspired world and I have little to no knowledge of Asian languages. I will break this part down into subcategories. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b style="font-family: courier;">The World:</b><span style="font-family: courier;"> The world and setting of this novel felt so realistic that I almost forgot it was fantasy. </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Calligraphy Guild</span></i><span style="font-family: courier;"> immersed me in Hairen and I didn't want to leave. There is a strong sense of culture and community throughout the novel that I really enjoyed. My favorite part was all the different guilds and how they worked together and the different options for choosing one. I would love to work in the Calligraphy Guild. To go to work to write and write with other people would be a dream come true. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Characters:</b> Lai-DuyĆŖn is the main character/protagonist. She reminded me a lot of myself. Her relationship with Ryuu was adorable. They were so sweet together and there were times I just grinned at the book because š they were adorable. I appreciated the portrayal of a couple of characters with chronic illnesses. I think this was the first book I read with that kind of representation. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I don't know if the dragons were considered "characters" or not, but for the purpose of this post, they are. The dragons were really fun! The snark and the way they interacted with the characters were fun to read. Especially ManhZen's pet dragon, Emiko. I think I need an emotional support dragon now š. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Plot:</b> One of the characters gets the idea in their head to break one of the foundational rules of the guild. I am very bad at making guesses in mysteries as to "who dun it?" but I guessed correctly and that made me sorta happy... though I was disappointed in the character themselves for thinking they could just get away with doing what they were expressly told not to. *pokes them* they should know better š. The plot is slow, but that was good for me because it helped me keep track of everything going on and focus on how the characters were growing and building relationships.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>The Prose:</b> I'm a writer, so I can't help but talk about the beautiful way that this novel was written. The words and ways that the scenes were described were lovely. This novel was very well written. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>Overall Thoughts:</b> As I began reading this book I was prepared to put it down and say it wasn't for me if there was anything that made me uncomfortable. I had forced myself through another book that was awful and learned my lesson the hard way. I appreciated that Archer kept all of the witcraft-y parts of fantasy out of the book. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><span style="font-family: "Lucida Handwriting"; font-size: x-large;">~š~</span></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">I would give this book a solid 4/5 stars and recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean fantasy without witchcraft and other questionable elements. It's also great if you love dragons with snark and sass. šš </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">If you would like to add to the reading experience, you should definitely listen to the <i>Calligraphy Guild </i>playlist on Spotify while reading! You can find that and </span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">learn more about the book, find a character test (I got Lai Duy</span><span style="font-family: courier;">ĆŖ</span><span style="font-family: courier;">n), and the Pinterest boards you can find on the book page<b> <a href="https://rmarcher.com/my-books/calligraphy-guild/" target="_blank">Here!</a></b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">That brings this post to a close, if you would like to connect with R. M. Archer and see more of the amazing work she does you can follow her on...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/RysaArcher" target="_blank"><b>R. M. Archer's Facebook Page</b></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rysaarcher/" target="_blank"><b>R. M. Archer's Instagram</b></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://rmarcher.com/" target="_blank"><b>R. M. Archer's Website/blog</b></a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Calligraphy-Guild-R-M-Archer/dp/1639016449/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: courier;">Buy</span> Calligraphy Guild <span style="font-family: courier;">Here!</span></b></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">That's all for today ya'll! Have you read</span> Calligraphy Guild? <span style="font-family: courier;">What did you think? Do you want to read </span>Calligraphy Guild? <span style="font-family: courier;">Let me know in the comments!</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Blessings,</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mattie May</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-21506450605050216732023-06-12T19:47:00.001-07:002023-06-12T19:47:32.093-07:00Because Life Never Goes As Planned...<p> Hello Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Much has happened since my last post. I had intended to post more frequently, but life has a way of hitting all at once. The past few months have been a whirlwind of school, work, a vacation, a friend's wedding, and turning 21 :o.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Since this blog has been neglected, two important birthdays have happened. First, at the end of March, this blog turned 3, I can't believe it's been so long. I was only 17 when I started and I am happy with how it has developed over the years. The second birthday was Everlasting Gold, my novel has now been in the hands of my precious readers for 3 years as of the end of April. I want to thank all of you, readers, for coming alongside me as I walk this road of writing and blogging. Your reading and commenting mean so much to me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Schoolwork was the main time stealer. I have been enjoying my online classes at The Master's University so much. I learned many new things that I will hopefully remember beyond the finals. I've learned more about myself and how I study and, perhaps most importantly, that I am able to pull at least two all-nighters in a row given proper motivation and caffeination. I do not recommend this style of getting assignments turned in on time, but it does work in a pinch. </span><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My family and I took a trip back east to my friend's wedding this summer. We finally got to go to the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY which was definitely a highlight of the trip. We also went to Dollywood, TN, (w</span><span style="font-family: courier;">hile there we celebrated my *21st birthday*. Y'all, I feel so old. I am fully legal, which is kinda scary)</span><span style="font-family: courier;"> and Mt. Airy, NC. Besides getting an allergy/head cold during the trip, it was a lovely time. The wedding was beautiful and I'm so happy for my friend. We also got to visit some old friends, and reconnect with even older friends (meaning, we've known them longer, sorta... it's complicated in the best of ways). </span><span style="font-family: courier;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Since I'm on break from school for the next couple of weeks, I thought I should revive this blog. In the next few days, I will be posting another book review because, with the school semester over, I have once again been able to read books for pleasure instead of school. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope y'all are having a lovely summer! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Blessings,</span></p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-749291464497187472022-12-31T23:37:00.003-08:002023-06-12T19:35:27.454-07:00Well itās that time of year for a new one to start<p>Dear Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I apologize for falling off the face of the blogosphere. School started, life happened and here I am almost four months laterā¦ writing a long overdue blog post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I had a lot of plans for this year, and not many of them actually happened. And the word that will continue to be my excuse isā¦ school. This wrap up post will not really be my usual one because itās more exciting that way. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Actually because Iām writing this and itās almost 2023 :o) </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Sadly, with school I didnāt get hardly any writing done. I wrote some, mostly poetry to help process some of the things that were going on in my life. Most all the prose I wrote was for school. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I also didnāt do much reading, but Iām on Goodreads now if you care to keep up with my reading. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The podcast got neglected after April because I started school. Iām hoping that as I fall into the swing of school and work Iāll figure out my time and maybe get an episode out, weāll see. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I learned a lot this year. I learned more about me and I learned about people. I learned the importance of being honest with people. And I learned the pain of loss. Above all though, through the crazy insane things that life will throw God is still sovereign and on the throne. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This is where I would usually talk about my goals or resolutions for the new year, but I havenāt given them too much thought at this pointā¦. Iām also working toward keeping my goals realistic so I donāt completely fail, but I also want to challenge myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think I will close this post with the words of Longfellow. </span></p><p>āThen peeled the bells more loud and deep</p><p>God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.</p><p>The wrong will fail, the right prevail</p><p>With peace on earth, good will to men.ā </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">~I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow </span></p><p>Happy New Year! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Blessings in Christ,</span> </p><p>Mattie May</p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-73356214611699772642022-08-31T14:26:00.000-07:002022-08-31T14:26:00.561-07:00August Wrap-up<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Hello Readers! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Iām back again for another wrap-up post! This will probably be a short post because Iām currently with my family on vacation and I didnāt plan ahead enough to post this before we leftā¦ so here I am in the car, writing this post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The big news for this month was switching schools. As you might know from my last post, I was struggling with some of the theology from CCU. In the midst of trying to figure out if I could take some Bible classes at The Masterās University I discovered that they had a creative writing and publishing program starting in the spring! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Now Iām also working on school in the car because my classes started Monday! So far I am really enjoying them and learning lots. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I didnāt get much for writing done this month except continue to learn about WWI and the events and people surrounding it. It has been very helpful as I try to grasp some of the complexities of a full-blown worldwide war. I have an editor scheduled to help me in October, so weāll see how that ends up going. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Thatās all for today, yāall! Are any of you doing college? What are you looking forward to most this school year? Hope you have a lovely almost fall! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings, </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mattie May</span></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-18954078055330986662022-07-30T22:10:00.000-07:002022-07-30T22:10:12.754-07:00Random Life Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl3B5d_lLo2SrkkbZyiSLQ8r4YvuLDLCfKQC0PuOho-vjVzq9Nif-47lbkGI2pr2BjALUYmUmpjOZs1bOm6DXOobDzoPdwotSBlsb-ye1ZQHimz9diAroDDflFDWFA_YG-_7clcCxIZnTRitONpqay-0v_nPadL6OoPE0qKF862bwR2yRdGAN8M8T/s726/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="726" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMl3B5d_lLo2SrkkbZyiSLQ8r4YvuLDLCfKQC0PuOho-vjVzq9Nif-47lbkGI2pr2BjALUYmUmpjOZs1bOm6DXOobDzoPdwotSBlsb-ye1ZQHimz9diAroDDflFDWFA_YG-_7clcCxIZnTRitONpqay-0v_nPadL6OoPE0qKF862bwR2yRdGAN8M8T/w400-h303/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Hello Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This month has flown by. It seems that so much has happened, and I lost track of it. So here I am doing another blog post... later than I hoped. </span></p><p>Things that Have Happened...</p><p>- 4th of July</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">We had a party and a pie contest. My pie won for the best looking and I'm really proud of that lol. We also went to see the local fireworks for the first time. </span></p><p>-My family had two birthdays this month. </p><p>-I finished my 2nd college class and started my 3rd. Almost done with my first semester! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">These past two classes have been challenging in a theological sort of way. But they have helped me solidify my own beliefs. </span></p><p>-I started working. </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I work for a very sweet family that goes to my church. A bonus with gas prices going up is that they live one house down from me, so I get to ride my bike! An exciting thing that happened this week was when I dumped dirty mop water into a meat bee hole... somehow I managed not to get stung. </span></p><p>- I got some editing done on OtF!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This was a highlight of my month. I got some editing done. Not as much as I would like, but at this point, anything is a win. I have found it very helpful to ramble at a writing friend about my characters. I think OtF may take a slightly different turn theme-wise than I originally planned. (As a side note in my writing life, I wrote a poem that I might share with y'all at a future time.)</span></p><p>-I feel as though I am an official adult.</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Between phone calls, emails, signing paperwork, doing college, work, getting a new phone, and starting to pay my own bills... ahh, adulting here I am.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have ideas for more thought-out blog posts in the future. I'm hoping as I settle into a routine I can factor in more time for blogging. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope y'all are having a wonderful summer!</span></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-48200388689889797632022-06-30T18:06:00.001-07:002022-06-30T18:06:07.669-07:00Character Quotes Blog Tag<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVFBDLKshCozuRLv4MUncvxRptYvMRP4lkU-SqVsWHDohktk8k0Wqc5P8phn8l32CdvAzY1fe4bzXn2Y6c_OBIYSYJW8kSPZw67waSte_jXJ3n6ULBVU-pQ-tdnse18trHJdvfQGEszwizWuxExVsL6EKG3L8YfCEbrkk4et44Kn7uEde-SKBwZQ0/s730/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="730" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVFBDLKshCozuRLv4MUncvxRptYvMRP4lkU-SqVsWHDohktk8k0Wqc5P8phn8l32CdvAzY1fe4bzXn2Y6c_OBIYSYJW8kSPZw67waSte_jXJ3n6ULBVU-pQ-tdnse18trHJdvfQGEszwizWuxExVsL6EKG3L8YfCEbrkk4et44Kn7uEde-SKBwZQ0/w400-h301/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I realized that today was the last day of June. I also realized that I have yet to do a blog post for this month. And so here I am, fashionably almost too late... oops. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Earlier this month, I got tagged by the lovely <a href="https://findingdiamondsintherough.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Abigail over at Diamonds in the Rough</a> for a blog tag that she created in an attempt to get to know her own characters better. I also need to get to know my characters better, and so here I am, actually doing the blog tag... <span style="font-size: x-small;">(I may have a list of tags that I have yet to do... o.o)</span> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Instructions: take the characters from your current WIP and list a quote that describes each one. It can be something they do, a piece of dialogue they say or something of that nature. Do what you will.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I am going to be taking the 6 main(ish) characters from my WWI <strike>disaster</strike> WIP. (Please note this story has had minimal editing.)</span></p><p>Jenny Blair</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: courier;">"She was nervous, but wouldnāt admit it. That would show weakness and she was strong; she must be strong in honor of her dad. In honor of all the other men fighting. She would have to find out when she arrived if she would be brave enough. She sincerely hoped she would. She must be brave."</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(Possibly my favorite character... she's sweet, strong, and stubborn...)</span></p><p>George Blair</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: courier;">"āI have every intention of us both returning home safely,ā George gave his friend a reassuring smile. George felt a shot of adrenaline rush through his body as he said the word safely. Yes, they would both return home safely. George noticed that Jamesā hands were shaking. Wanting to support his friend, George put a hand on his friend's shoulder. āWe'll get home alright, just wait, this war will be over before Christmas,ā George hoped that would help. Just then, something deep inside told him that it wouldnāt. That it would be a bloody war, that lives would be lost, that he- and all the men standing with him would never be the same. That they might not return home safely. A sinking feeling made his heart feel like a ship's anchor, cast into a turbulent sea. George tried to push the feelings further down; he had to be strong for Jamesā sake. For the sake of the men around him."</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(Husband, Father, Soldier... what else can I say?)</span></p><p>Mabel Blair</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: courier;">"āYou could refrain from encouraging your dad and Mr. James to go get killed.ā Mabel replied a little sternly."</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(Anxious wife? Yes. Supportive wife? Also yes. Honestly she's really sweet and just cares a lot about her family and friends.)</span></p><div><br /></div><p>Kenneth Martin</p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: courier;">"No matter what anyone said or thought, he didnāt like the idea of fighting or going off to war. He didnāt like the idea of men killing one another. Kenneth winced as he thought of what it might be like to have a bullet hit him. He never thought of himself as a brave man. How would he fare when he started fighting; would he turn and run like a coward? Would he hold his ground? Kenneth didnāt know, he likely wouldnāt know until his first battle."</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(My farm boy turned soldier...) </span></p><p>Fred Martin</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: courier;">āKenneth, it is your duty to protect your country; how dare you think youāre going to stay here on this farm for the duration of the coming war!ā</span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(Slightly over patriotic father who wants his son to do what he cannot. Hint, Kenneth does not appreciate it.)</span></p><p>Peggy Martin</p><p></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: courier;">āFred, Kenneth, please, calm down, we arenāt going to be able to help the war by creating one at the kitchen table.ā </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">āIām not taking sides; I just want to help. You two need to stay in line or Iāll whip the lotta ya,ā</span></p></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">(Kenneth's mother, trying to help and throwing a bit of humor in with it.)</span></p><p>Tag! You're it! </p><p>If you have yet to do this tag, consider yourself, Tagged. </p><p>I hope you all have a patriotic 4th of July and lovely summer! </p><p>Blessings, </p><p>Mattie May</p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-53329546396244382852022-05-23T16:48:00.001-07:002022-05-23T16:48:59.887-07:00April Showers Bring May Flowers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbKbH-UGNKansW30UYo6ynkEUKtl_9wrl8Pz7R36R8Ltpm8-1Vwm-4UHNchELqRKw3gVGDtfv9_9e6gnFiTKvaXI6rqHbDuuDWyxpTKtoEliNflqRXYQpfJ5lWlwupw4VMn_JdMwcmtPqcOWOs7s2nEXC_x_tDZe4LyB-AxT_0FBSkkyR8YQI-f44/s730/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="730" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbKbH-UGNKansW30UYo6ynkEUKtl_9wrl8Pz7R36R8Ltpm8-1Vwm-4UHNchELqRKw3gVGDtfv9_9e6gnFiTKvaXI6rqHbDuuDWyxpTKtoEliNflqRXYQpfJ5lWlwupw4VMn_JdMwcmtPqcOWOs7s2nEXC_x_tDZe4LyB-AxT_0FBSkkyR8YQI-f44/w400-h303/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Hello Readers! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It feels like summer is already here, technically it's not, but it sure feels like it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This month and last month have felt like a whirlwind. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I know I never posted the giveaway results, so I'll go ahead and do that now! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Congrats to Naomi W! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Life has been very busy this past month. I'm always amazed at how God takes our life trajectory and then flips it upside down. What I'm about to tell you about I never would have thought that I would, but here I am. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I am a college student now. š®</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As is typical for me, I didn't decide to do college till about four or five weeks before registration ended for summer classes. I seem to be a last-minute kind of person. I'm currently working toward a Creative Writing degree at Colorado Christian University. I have one week left of my first class and so far it hasn't been as bad as I might have expected. My first class was an introduction to college writing and so far I've made it. One of my biggest fears of doing college was writing a college paper. I didn't think I could do it. But now I've written a few, and they weren't as bad as I might have thought they were. So that's my first bit of news. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The second bit is that I done left the teen years. I guess I should probably update my bio since I'm no longer a teen writer. š¦š </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It feels weird. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">You know how people ask if you feel any different on your birthday... up until now, I've said no... but now... I think I feel a little different. It could be purely psychological, but I have no way of proving it. I had a very lovely birthday with friends and family. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't really enjoy all the attention having a birthday gives me, but I guess you're only two decades once in your life and you may as well enjoy it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've lived a wonderful twenty years. It's been beautiful and ugly. It's been hard and easy. There have been hills and valleys. And I thank the Lord for each and every blessing and trial that He has allowed me to walk through. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've learned so much about life and growing up and while I might be in shock that <i>I'm not a teenager anymore, </i>I hope I can learn and grow a lot through this next decade of my life. </span></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May, The Blossoming Writer</p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-12000470177805228012022-04-13T09:00:00.001-07:002022-04-13T09:00:00.152-07:00Who Loves A Free Book!?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfiZAqu10Z4FRzd8gr5fSm5Dm-ay3iAG2rij8KnR5qfmBGYsffSkf3pVAZOCw9qNPdMhdgkobrnUyDzbLbswasrZN5HijnsBcICbDUVwx_H2BFBulmVnDlVv_zymDF1pEfNmry0NQPpGUHzTC-qCuviWo04I0VDUKJ_VRNtKcnRoaHbmfwxp_aFt7/s732/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="732" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfiZAqu10Z4FRzd8gr5fSm5Dm-ay3iAG2rij8KnR5qfmBGYsffSkf3pVAZOCw9qNPdMhdgkobrnUyDzbLbswasrZN5HijnsBcICbDUVwx_H2BFBulmVnDlVv_zymDF1pEfNmry0NQPpGUHzTC-qCuviWo04I0VDUKJ_VRNtKcnRoaHbmfwxp_aFt7/w400-h301/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I bet you're shocked to see a post from me this early in the month since I usually post at the last minute LOL. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">But today, and this month is different! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">About two years ago at this time, I was furiously editing my debut novel Everlasting Gold to prepare it for the public eye. One week from this Friday will be the two-year anniversary of Everlasting Gold being published! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It's so crazy to think that it's been that long, that my book is two years old already! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So celebrate this momentous occasion I am hosting a giveaway! One person will receive a free, signed copy of my book! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;">*This giveaway is only open to US and Canada entrants* </span></p><p><br /></p><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d8ad93bf1" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d8ad93bf1/" id="rcwidget_0ctb1e4m" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script>
<div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope y'all enjoy this as much as me ;D. Have a wonderful April and perhaps you'll see me post again this month to announce the winner! </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Blessings,</div><div>Mattie May, The Blossoming Writer </div>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-39290588347596184882022-03-29T17:31:00.000-07:002022-03-29T17:31:09.697-07:00All About You and Around the Blogosphere Tag! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCiYSTpsC0pPfXhZQ7LYgOXlsbjCcY_yfuAK6QvYoolNVEf6ySwxEZ32-KwIF9yvhbgX9aAFV2jeu1kpxuSjLq-x6fC074gRGeaJ-rPbMjKFfqA5B1INm-Z-01toggJHkRywMxnu4ZTUwYcP6vFtDmoda7RdTFJhbecAdxxIr2ZtB3N4dhute2Jy2/s732/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="732" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCiYSTpsC0pPfXhZQ7LYgOXlsbjCcY_yfuAK6QvYoolNVEf6ySwxEZ32-KwIF9yvhbgX9aAFV2jeu1kpxuSjLq-x6fC074gRGeaJ-rPbMjKFfqA5B1INm-Z-01toggJHkRywMxnu4ZTUwYcP6vFtDmoda7RdTFJhbecAdxxIr2ZtB3N4dhute2Jy2/w400-h301/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I was tagged for this back in September by the lovely R. M. Archer, at <a href="https://rmarcher.com/">Scribes and Archers</a>, so please go check out her lovely blog and enjoy me trying to answer this tag. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rules:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Answer the following questions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Tag at least a couple other bloggers</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Have them answer these questions</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Questions:</p><p><br /></p><p>Whatās your favorite book/book series and why?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My favorite book right now is The White Rose Resists by Amanda Barret</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My favorite series might either be The Baker Family Adventures by C. R. Hedgecock or The Whispers of White Duology by Miranda Marie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p>Who is your favorite author?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">My favorite author is probably Douglas Bond. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">After him would be the three that I just mentioned, Amanda Barret, C.R. Hedgecock, and Miranda Marie. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p>What is your favorite food?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I really enjoy a variety of food, but my favorite is probably Lasagna.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p>What gives you inspiration for your books?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Other books, people, memories, random historical facts that I think "Hey, someone should write a story about ________" </span></p><p><br /></p><p>If you could live anywhere, where would it be?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Somewhere cold and in the mountains. I love where I am now, but I could go for somewhere with cooler summers. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p>Are you an introvert or an extrovert?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'd have to say introvert. Though I do need to have people interaction and I do enjoy and can get energy from being around people... as long as they don't take too much mental/emotional energy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p>If you had a warning label, what would yours say?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Hmmm</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Caution, Writer may spout random facts or speak of fictional characters as if they are real. Or know too much for normal people about </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">or</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Caution, I may be quiet at first, but beware if you get me on one or more of my favorite subjects. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I really don't know š.</span></p><p>Tagees:</p><p>Edna Pellen at <a href="https://ednapellen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bleeding Ink</a></p><p>Adria Avalon at <a href="https://adriaavalon.wordpress.com/">The Works of Adria Avalon</a></p><p>Maple at <a href="https://maplequillpenningmagic.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Maple Quill Penning Magic</a></p><p>S.J. at <a href="https://whenicesingsandstarsfall.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">When Ice Sings and Stars Fall</a></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Alrighty, I hope y'all enjoyed that and you're impressed that I got this month's post out before the very last day of the month š. I'm impressed at myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Also, this past week marked my two-year Blogversary! <span style="font-size: x-small;"><strike>I forgot again</strike>.</span> So consider me finally doing this tag as celebration! šš„³šāØ </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'll write to y'all again next month, Lord willing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Have a lovely spring! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mattie May</span></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-59902806968609225162022-02-28T21:52:00.001-08:002022-02-28T21:52:29.645-08:00Why I Collect Journals <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjADn3uII445Pk5vSirQ_5gGlPa9TmXU6J7ni8OoSdoDOMlDdEcrO4ZMAcJbzxXmSrm5Yx3q2A0rVUoSrwFrmzK7puZZNLZP6-V11-1nGfwlrwewYXuqeUnR8tiIo7niEUNCz6mvpFD_K-SgnPkFum5-D3oC8rgE-Nd4-dLVEj3LLNizSAmd_5B_SPT=s729" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="729" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjADn3uII445Pk5vSirQ_5gGlPa9TmXU6J7ni8OoSdoDOMlDdEcrO4ZMAcJbzxXmSrm5Yx3q2A0rVUoSrwFrmzK7puZZNLZP6-V11-1nGfwlrwewYXuqeUnR8tiIo7niEUNCz6mvpFD_K-SgnPkFum5-D3oC8rgE-Nd4-dLVEj3LLNizSAmd_5B_SPT=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've been asked before whether or not I collect anything, and to be honest, I'm not much into dusting things, so I don't really collect knick-knacks and the like, but I think there is at least one thing that I seem to collect and that is Journals. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I was recently writing in one of my journals, the one I write in daily about whatever happened, and I got to thinking. Those little gears in my brain started turning, and I thought, why do I have so many journals? From where I was sitting, I could see two, plus the one I was writing in, plus one that was in my backpack, which was sitting in the same room. I have this sense that writers, in particular, have a knack for collecting journals... and I'm wondering why? So here are a few reasons I <strike>hoard</strike> collect journals.</span></p><p>1. They are Really Pretty~</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I love my journals; some have Owls, some flowers, or Bible verses, (one even has a wooden cover š)... But then others are plain or just dollar tree style. There is just something very lovely about journals.</span> </p><p>2. They Have a Purpose~</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Yes, they do. Before you ask about all the blank ones that are tucked into my desk, those will have one at some point. Each of my journals are for a different thing. For example, my pink journal is my daily journal, my owl journal is for writing ideas and scraps of stories, my plain one is my official random journal. (By the way, I believe everyone should have a random notebook. They are amazing.) My fancy-looking green one has funny family stories... I could go on for a while, but you get the point. (Comment below if you'd like another post where I can share pictures... <span style="font-size: x-small;">but I'm writing this last minute again whoops... so no pics :( sorry.) </span></span></p><p>3. They Represent Ideas~ </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Each blank page, every line, represents a fresh start and new idea. I often write better on paper than on my laptop. There is something cozy about writing in a journal. It's less intimidating than my laptop screen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Those are all the reasons I can think of at the moment. Perhaps I'll do a part two with pictures; that'd be fun. I've found journaling/writing in a journal very helpful for both my mental and spiritual health. At the beginning of the day, when I sit down to do my devotions, I end my time by journaling about what I read and end by writing out a prayer. At the end of the day, I usually journal about whatever happened and what I'm thinking about. I enjoy, to some extent, reading my old journals because they show me ways I've grown and can point out ways that I still need to grow. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So the next time you want to comment about all the journals that your writer friend has, maybe ask why they love journals so much. I'm sure every writer has their reasons. š</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">What are some reasons you have journals? Do you keep a journal? Should I do a follow-up post and share pictures? Let me know in the comments!</span> </p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-71532334121789451382022-01-31T20:59:00.001-08:002022-02-01T09:33:30.165-08:00New Years Resolutions Blog Tag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDZJX6f1AiB6wmYTRtMoxDVn3JbrM701PharbZ9Dxae0okTWsJxklgfoiR1SY8SCgwFLL5XUASevn2Vyw3wqJnzRU76NDJmPOFs7mF3z5G0f2gNQbiJwMEkOXBp7b1yPbXaYSgxTq8C549JvW-sgpy15S13Wo5Yv72sSocfAoP55554sopcnV4Ke3q=s728" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="728" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDZJX6f1AiB6wmYTRtMoxDVn3JbrM701PharbZ9Dxae0okTWsJxklgfoiR1SY8SCgwFLL5XUASevn2Vyw3wqJnzRU76NDJmPOFs7mF3z5G0f2gNQbiJwMEkOXBp7b1yPbXaYSgxTq8C549JvW-sgpy15S13Wo5Yv72sSocfAoP55554sopcnV4Ke3q=w400-h303" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Hello Readers! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So, confession time. I kept telling myself throughout this month that I needed to do my blog post earlier, and here I am, the evening of the last day of January... doing my blog post... finally. But, hey, at least I'm actually doing it :) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Last year I got tagged for the New Years Resolutions blog tag, but I didn't do it, so I'm doing it now since it's a fairly new year still XD</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Link back to the creator of the tag ~ Lavender Bleu at <a href="https://lavenderbleubooks.weebly.com/">Always Write The Good Write</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Link back to the blogger who tagged you ~ Farren Green at <a href="https://daydreamingandletterwriting.blogspot.com/">Paper and Quill</a> (sorry I'm doing this a year late...)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Answer the questions</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Tag 1-5 more people</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Keep at least 5 questions from the person who tagged you and make at least 5 of your own (Basically you can replace up to fifteen of my questions with your own.)</span></p><p><br /></p><p>1. What was the best thing that happened in the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Hmm I'm not sure, possibly Camp, getting my Drivers license, Starting my podcast, going to Kauai.... </span></p><p><br /></p><p>2. What was the biggest challenge that you faced in the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think it would have to be spending a little over 6 months away from home. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>3. What was the most memorable book you read in the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The White Rose Resists. It was AmAzInG! </span></p><p><br /></p><p>4. Did you succeed in completing your new year's resolution in the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think I did... I don't remember too many of them now lol </span></p><p><br /></p><p>5. What was something new you tried in the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Paddleboarding on a river and in the ocean! Along with ziplinning. And starting a podcast lol. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>6. Do you any any last parting words for the past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Did you actually happen? </span></p><p><br /></p><p>7. What does your To Be Read list look like for the new year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I want to read more classics and theology.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p>8. What is your motto for the new year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Be the moon... perhaps I'll explain that more in another blog post.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p>9. Do you have any big plans for the new year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I wanna go to England for Douglas Bond's Creative Writing Masterclass.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>10. What would you try if you knew you wouldn't fail?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm really not sure lol... probably a job that helped people... I wouldn't wanna fail at that an ruin their life.</span></p><p><br /></p><p>11. What in the new year are you anticipating the most?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Maybe working on getting my NaNo 2020 Project edited... Or maybe a trip to England. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>12. How would you like to spend your free time in the new year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Reading, Being with Friends and Family, Writing. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>13. Where would you like to go on vacation in the new year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">England! </span></p><p><br /></p><p>14. What time-wasting activity could you part with?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Needless Scrolling... after about three swipes I know there's not much else... so I need to cease my scrolling lol </span></p><p><br /></p><p>15. What is your new year's resolution?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have a lot, but I'd like to work on time management. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>16. What would you be most happy about completing?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Not be constantly doing things at the last minute... (like this blog post) </span></p><p><br /></p><p>17. What book would you like to read by the end of the year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have a lot, but probably Mirage, by Miranda Marie. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>18. What can you never seem to find the time to do that youād like to find time for this year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Write. Blog. Podcast. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>19. How can you add 15 minutes of joy to each day?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've been reading a Psalm every night before I go to bed and honestly I've noticed my general anxiety levels go down, so I think that makes me a more joyful person, in general. I hope that counts. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>20. What was the best way you used your time this past year?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Putting my laptop down and being with my family, and writing letters to friends. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Well that's the end of that. If you're a blogger who hasn't done this tag, please do it. You're tagged, so you really don't have a choice. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-24622574500811936532021-12-31T19:19:00.001-08:002021-12-31T19:19:21.162-08:00New Years Wrap Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIbXIh5VRkIQgIQyF0rsQ_G5OPCaK2jqwd3-VW6QZYEyuDkBCNqDkIe0zSzJn6h2qzh514aYwsRC--B0HRQME46LyzH7eT7F3T_m_dJk312t_-vCZLesnN8PXEZKz7PZN9UJVpKcX_wBs8osgWh4aApmSxnOCaA4Vj8zZPf3t_0v15Bn3xgVn1ONbX=s729" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="729" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIbXIh5VRkIQgIQyF0rsQ_G5OPCaK2jqwd3-VW6QZYEyuDkBCNqDkIe0zSzJn6h2qzh514aYwsRC--B0HRQME46LyzH7eT7F3T_m_dJk312t_-vCZLesnN8PXEZKz7PZN9UJVpKcX_wBs8osgWh4aApmSxnOCaA4Vj8zZPf3t_0v15Bn3xgVn1ONbX=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I can't believe this year is over. This year has been difficult for me, one of learning and growing. And both of those things aren't always the most enjoyable. A lot of fun things happened this year, a lot of not-so-fun things happened as well. I didn't write much, compared to some, but I'm learning that comparing myself to others isn't a great habit. I had a lot of firsts this year; I entered my first poetry contest; I went to Kauai; I went on scary rollercoasters; I won the 100-for-100 challenge... </span></p><p>Reading</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As of writing this, I've read 42 1/2 books as I write this. A highlights from my reading were....</span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Rockies-Baker-Family-Adventures/dp/1930133448" target="_blank">Rescue in the Rockies</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by C.R. Hedgecock. This was the 8th book in her series, The Baker Family Adventures and as usual it was amazing and I'd highly recommend the whole series!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I reread most of the</span> <a href="https://www.prpbooks.com/series/chosen-daughters" target="_blank">Chosen Daughter Series</a>. <span style="font-family: courier;">If you ever can get your hands on any of those books, read them, and your life will be better for it.</span> </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Enough-Thats-Self-Love/dp/0593083849" target="_blank">You're Not Enough (And that's Okay)</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Allie Beth Stuckey. My sisters have been listening to Allie's podcast, called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx_2Vso6Qz76n-w5KV8DZcA" target="_blank">Relatable</a>. It was an excellent book, and I really enjoyed her points. We can't ever be enough for ourselves and other people. But that's okay, because God is. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Rose-Resists-German-Students/dp/0825446481" target="_blank">The White Rose Resists</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Amanda Barret. The book should be a must read on your list. I don't care what you read, what genres you like or don't. You will love this book to bits and pieces. And if you do read it, please share your thoughts with me and let's fangirl together!</span> </p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Two-Cities-Anniversary-Classics/dp/0451530578/ref=asc_df_0451530578?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80264400674965&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583863979830966&psc=1" target="_blank">A Tale of Two Cities</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Charles Dickens. I don't think I've ever read anything by Dickens before and this was a treat. I remember watching the movie adaptation of this and was intrigued, and I was not dissapointed by the book. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/43/43-h/43-h.htm" target="_blank">The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Robert Louis Stevenson. I didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. I honestly really enjoyed it. It had a lot of interesting points that I'd like to pull out in a blog post or review at some point. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0446310786">To Kill a Mockingbird</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Harper Lee. This is a classic, I've seen the movie with Gregory Peck and I was excited to see the characters come to life on the pages. I enjoyed the story very much. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lamentation-Sinner-Katherine-Parr/dp/1549731572" target="_blank">The Lamentation of a Sinner</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Queen Katherine Parr. This is a short book that'd I'd recommend. Her humility was inspiring, and it was neat to read something written so long ago. I think this book wins the oldest book I read this year it was originally published in 1547. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">A fun read was </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Pocket-Gun-Hand-Frontier/dp/0803257252" target="_blank">Bible in Pocket, Gun in Hand,</a> <span style="font-family: courier;">by Ross Phares. It was rather entertaining. My dad originally bought the book for me while I researching Everlasting Gold. I'd recommend it if you love historical books with the kind of stories that make history come alive! </span></p><p><a href="https://www.lauraagrace.com/dear-author" target="_blank">Dear Author,</a> <span style="font-family: courier;">by Laura A. Grace.</span> <span style="font-family: courier;">If you're a writer, read this. Especially if you're discouraged and wondering why you even thought writing was a good idea. </span></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Whispers-White-Miranda-Marie/dp/1976379466" target="_blank">Echoes</a>, <span style="font-family: courier;">by Miranda Marie. I love this book. I love the story. I love the characters. I love everything about this book. Please read it and fall in love with it with me. (Technically, I haven't finished it... but as of writing this I have about 10 chapters left and I've already read it once.I'll likely finish it later tonight...) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">So those were the highlights of my reading this year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Writing</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I didn't do NaNo this year, but I did do the 100-for-100 challenge this summer. It was really fun, and it felt good to write again. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I wrote about 500 words on my WWI project</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I edited the Christmas Truce scene</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I wrote and entered the Story Embers poetry contest. You can read that poem on my Writing Page. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">In total, I wrote 18,399 in the year 2021.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">In the next year, I'm planning on editing and working through my WWI project. </span></p><p><a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7" target="_blank">Podcast</a></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I started my podcast in June and published 13 episodes, two episodes a month. So far, it's been a success for the amount of effort I've put into marketing... which isn't much. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">We got snow! Quite a bit for the area that I live in. We got two decent snows. It was lovely. I love the snow so much. Here are a few *pictures...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSR6s8nltcG_qwvQmTlk6CKuqEftlzYyZ-WjfIhp0CJvr-dTyngDSX3MPTd7jxXuq3qCRQ05F48gMqfu7Qdp_HuohHsKihjJaYoHUYRkYypA7LPmWb3BzGaxY7pkk3mIh_RR-Nbu8_KNb0UBwLhupGbJLCbChZ9jMA4HDuRmpIE2CaB6QY-hI6sXf8=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSR6s8nltcG_qwvQmTlk6CKuqEftlzYyZ-WjfIhp0CJvr-dTyngDSX3MPTd7jxXuq3qCRQ05F48gMqfu7Qdp_HuohHsKihjJaYoHUYRkYypA7LPmWb3BzGaxY7pkk3mIh_RR-Nbu8_KNb0UBwLhupGbJLCbChZ9jMA4HDuRmpIE2CaB6QY-hI6sXf8=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-A4Dl_mMhkXLoTDKzmgK2gOj_U9wOQGMIo2oWBDDrLrdlDGS6CDAON5_Fol_ijDbCQnmHi3dhQSZh-bSj6w3b1YxLDYT6CF6Xql0aM8C90BvZTYixiKZmtyqZ1pAzLiPBJ82qlAwkRpjwscFuhOGlO5yIK-t22MU4Bkc04CsBmFLhHjSYramIPhpL=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-A4Dl_mMhkXLoTDKzmgK2gOj_U9wOQGMIo2oWBDDrLrdlDGS6CDAON5_Fol_ijDbCQnmHi3dhQSZh-bSj6w3b1YxLDYT6CF6Xql0aM8C90BvZTYixiKZmtyqZ1pAzLiPBJ82qlAwkRpjwscFuhOGlO5yIK-t22MU4Bkc04CsBmFLhHjSYramIPhpL=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht0SsUVNLX3RE29AlyCY7iHmA7jRzcb-dRHSgOspRwt95ImoGaQTMDIo-lcpAsKLyp7XCKEbg_qvkzOf6PyqHSsxfFpDENm3aOF4Z6mtvOGJa7K5NjpRRa8sq_8hfJ78E-koNuVyPdVGDnQFUiYkFF_m4q-G8r7jE8MGryEdmGVAiYRQZh08zpGVKT=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEht0SsUVNLX3RE29AlyCY7iHmA7jRzcb-dRHSgOspRwt95ImoGaQTMDIo-lcpAsKLyp7XCKEbg_qvkzOf6PyqHSsxfFpDENm3aOF4Z6mtvOGJa7K5NjpRRa8sq_8hfJ78E-koNuVyPdVGDnQFUiYkFF_m4q-G8r7jE8MGryEdmGVAiYRQZh08zpGVKT=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgosSZl_ipM2Semp7BTGg8ypYA8USJ95sTyzb4Mx8WWcWImoPLuEdiS60Saf1Tq_q6UW_ATO1GNg1xAtbTGeY-KuQ3mpVPKurgkOoDZUUwv0P0QVL4iCnoa8c9H7yhwxLOKrJr8K_sOi2ZR8LwYPjmH4DRPFpFOmE-ChWasBAhTElj0JAmspqdzkAAO=s3264" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgosSZl_ipM2Semp7BTGg8ypYA8USJ95sTyzb4Mx8WWcWImoPLuEdiS60Saf1Tq_q6UW_ATO1GNg1xAtbTGeY-KuQ3mpVPKurgkOoDZUUwv0P0QVL4iCnoa8c9H7yhwxLOKrJr8K_sOi2ZR8LwYPjmH4DRPFpFOmE-ChWasBAhTElj0JAmspqdzkAAO=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Something I really love about the snow is the day after the storm. Usually the sky is bright blue and there are only a few scattered fluffy white clouds. It's like a lot like life; after the darkest storms, there is light. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I pray this next year is your light at end of the storms of the past two years. </span></p><p><br /></p><p>Blessings in 2022,</p><p>Mattie May, The Blossoming Writer</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: x-small;">*These pictures are mine and I kindly ask that you don't use them without asking like a decent human. ;)</span></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-13482155674803913792021-12-24T20:21:00.008-08:002021-12-25T17:44:07.674-08:00'Twas December 25th...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS-VM1vBbMGkuV7EAczxo53eOVviRHgk-_78ognQKGt-zmO-6bWuwEkMxtfJTFrKM8xienq2cM-PJquq6JpqF9ALBpfTP_hFkm0ChspMrfq5UN85ttfyJeAIy1cNIc_e59NLAPM8RuBP07HGJ7hzPdvvRTQqf-yrtL_8f1VdHqJ8gm_dOxZYCncBii=s731" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="731" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjS-VM1vBbMGkuV7EAczxo53eOVviRHgk-_78ognQKGt-zmO-6bWuwEkMxtfJTFrKM8xienq2cM-PJquq6JpqF9ALBpfTP_hFkm0ChspMrfq5UN85ttfyJeAIy1cNIc_e59NLAPM8RuBP07HGJ7hzPdvvRTQqf-yrtL_8f1VdHqJ8gm_dOxZYCncBii=w400-h296" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Dear Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As you know, I wrote a novel last year that took place during WWI and I couldn't talk about WWI without talking about the Christmas Truce... so, I enlisted help from my dear friend, <a href="https://rmarcher.com/" target="_blank">R. M. Archer</a> to help me edit this chapter in time for Christmas, and in time to share it with some family and friends. I always love working with her and if you're ever in need of a fabulous editor, check out her services <a href="https://rmarcher.com/editing/" target="_blank">Here!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Anyway, with no further Ado... </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">The Christmas Truce</h2><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mattie May</span></h3><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><br /><br />'Twas December 25th <br /><br />All was silent, and all was still<br /><br />From inside trenches,<br /><br />Souls sang songs, <br /><br />From foreign tongue and nation,<br /><br />Songs of Christmas joy and cheer<br /><br />The guns were silent<br /><br />The men just listened<br /><br />Listened to the voices singing,<br /><br />āJoy and peace to the worldā<br /><br />How can this be? <br /><br />How can they sing of peace? <br /><br />When there is no peace nor joy in war,<br /><br />Only pain.<br /><br />Only suffering.<br /><br />Only loss.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />One by one, men appeared,<br /><br />The land of death now filled with life.<br /><br />A place where instant death occurred, <br /><br />Now, a place of song, dance and life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The men who'd just the day afore,<br /><br />Cocked, and aimed, and fired, and killed<br /><br />Now, sang, danced, and played as before war <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Men with aching broken hearts. <br /><br />Those with aching broken bones.<br /><br />All joined the singing, laughter, games <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the dark corner of a trench,<br /><br />A heart; aching throbbing torn<br /><br />Couldn't join the fun.<br /><br />Not after what those men had done. <br /><br />They'd taken his brother, <br /><br />His friend,<br /><br />His soul.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The joyous cries, <br /><br />Laughing and cheering.<br /><br />The kicking of helmets like balls, <br /><br />The games, the fun. <br /><br />Everything made the ache acute.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He heard footsteps, <br /><br />āC'mon, brother, <br /><br />C'mon, enjoy yerself for once. <br /><br />Who knows when this war'll end, <br /><br />we might as well enjoy ourselves,ā<br /><br />A friend encouraged him. <br /><br />He shakes his head, bitter in reply- <br /><br />āHow do you sing and dance when you're hurt?ā <br /><br />His heart is aching, it's broken. <br /><br />It's shattered in so many pieces. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />He's left alone again. <br /><br />The cheering: relentless. <br /><br />It won't leave him alone. <br /><br />He finally drags himself up. <br /><br />Out of the trench, <br /><br />Out of the dark.<br /><br />The cold, fresh snow stings his nearly bare feet. <br /><br />He pulls a threadbare coat tighter around his shoulders. <br /><br />āYou've come, ol' pal, you've come! <br /><br />Enjoy yourself, put down your gun.ā <br /><br />With every game,<br /><br />With every song,<br /><br />With every laugh,<br /><br />The broken heart begins to heal. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />āāā<br /><br /> Snow was freshly fallen, and the mud had finally frozen. It was December twenty-fourth. Christmas Eve. The day that in just the previous year had brought joy and cheer to the men who now sat in frozen French mud. When families should have been together around a crackling fire in the hearth, George sat on his sandbags, breathing into his cupped hands in a vain attempt to keep them warm. As the sun began slipping below the horizon, George ignored the temperature drop as he pulled his coat closer around his shoulders. He shivered, unsure if it was from the cold or the gathering shadows throughout the trenches. <br /><br />Then he heard it. A harmonica. It sounded so foreign to his ears,which had heard only explosions and the groans of dying men for the past few months. <br /><br />He recognized the tune: Stille Nacht. Silent Night. What a joke in this war zone, he thought. A voice joined the melody. George was surprised that it was loud enough to carry across no-man's-land. <br /><br />He tried to ignore it as a gust of wind cut through his coat, reminding him where he was. Cold. Wet. Heartbroken. Hidden behind eight feet of frozen French mud. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht<br /><br />Alles schlƤft; einsam wacht<br /><br />Nur das traute hochheilige Paar.<br /><br />Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar,<br /><br />Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!<br /><br />Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The song ended. <br /><br />George bit his lip and pulled his helmet down over his eyes. Today was not the day for Christmas cheer. <br /><br />He rolled his eyes in annoyance as the enemy broke into singing another carol. He once again recognized the tune: Adeste Fideles, known better in England as O Come All Ye Faithful. <br /><br />George groaned. There was no such thing as Christmas cheer in wartime. Songs of this kind seemed inappropriate. This was war, not a Christmas party, not a family joined around a hearth on the eve of Christmas celebration. It was not where they belonged. <br /><br />George sighed. He should be home right now, sitting around the fire, singing these Christmas carols with his family. He shouldnāt be dug into the frozen French mud. George tried to block out the singing. In disbelief, his eyes widened for a brief moment before he closed them as the wind cut through again, jerking tears. The men of his own lines had joined the unwelcome Christmas caroling:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning;<br /><br />Jesus, to thee be glory given!<br /><br />Word of the Father, now in flesh, appearing!<br /><br />O come, let us adore Him, <br /><br />O come, let us adore Him<br /><br />O come let us adore Him <br /><br />Christ, the Lord.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />George grimaced. Some happy morning this was. Trying to ignore the good cheer, he pulled a thin scarf up, closer to his ears. He noticed that his commanding officer had climbed out of the trench and joined a group of other commanding officers. George was stunned; what was he trying to do? Get killed? He listened intently for the fatal gunshot, but it never came and his officer soon returned without a scratch. George was stunned. What had happened? For a moment he hoped the impossible - that it was all over. <br /><br />āWeāve decided to have a truce... for Christmas,ā the commanding officer announced. <br /><br />George pulled himself further into the corner. He didnāt want a Christmas truce. Christmas was a time of love, warmth and friendship; war was a time of hate, cold, and man against man. There was no real Christmas in war, only the date of December the twenty-fifth that would pass like every other day during this miserable war - anxiously awaiting the order to go and kill the enemy. <br /><br />Some of the men cheered, others cautiously looked over the edge of the trenches. George watched them climb out, but it wasnāt for battle and no shots were fired. <br /><br />The men werenāt slaughtered, and he didnāt have to get up and go over the edge of the trench. <br /><br />George exhaled once again into his frozen fingers. <br /><br />George noticed Marvin shuffling over to him, huffing at his pipe as usual. He sighed a bit. He wasnāt feeling particularly friendly, nor was he in the mood for conversation. A smile played at his lips though, remembering Marvinās kindness. <br /><br />āYou gonna go over, friend?ā he asked. <br /><br />George shook his head. No one had called him that sinceā¦ James had. And now James was gone. <br /><br />āCome on, I think it would do you good.ā Marvin nudged Georgeās shoulder. <br /><br />George shook his head again. He was tired. Tired of war, and fighting. Tired of men who pretended like it was over, who would only return to fighting in a matter of hours. Plus, he couldnāt be sure that it wasnāt a trick by the enemy to kill them all. He just wanted to be left alone. Nothing would make the ache in his heart any less. <br /><br />āI know youāre hurting, George, but you have to start healing. You canāt live like this.ā<br /><br />āLike what?ā George rolled his eyes. <br /><br />āHiding from the world, life, barring yourself from others. You canāt close yourself off from relationships because of fear. Donāt think that going home will fix anything, because it wonāt. Itāll only make things worse. Iāve seen things, George. Iāve seen men come back from home. Things werenāt the same as when they left. You wonāt be the same after fighting like this. No one will.ā <br /><br /> Marvin shifted his weight a bit uneasily, then tilted his head toward the makeshift ladder leaning against the side of the trench. āWhy donāt you go over? Say goodbye to James and bury him? Eh? I think itāll do you good, friend.ā<br /><br />George pulled a blanket around his shoulders. It was a good point. Maybe he could find James and give him a proper burial. <br /><br />āMaybe,ā George mumbled. <br /><br />āOkay.ā The man wandered off and went up over the side of the trench.<br /><br /> For the first time in a long time, George was alone.<br /><br /> He shivered in the cold as he heard the other soldiers laugh and pop open the few drinks that were to be found in the sparse trenches. He never drank much, but he found himself craving some of the warmth that it offered.<br /><br /> George sighed. If James had been there he would have been the first one out, the first one to celebrateā¦ He would have sung with the menā¦ George had to admit that the one song in three languages was spell-binding. Men who had become hardened by war were singing songs of a young babe in a manger, men who likely had families at home waiting for them, men who needed the savior they sang of. There was something in its sound that mere words could not describe. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />George sighed again. His mind kept replaying what Marvin had suggested - to go bury James. After fighting the idea for some time, George finally gave in and no amount of self pity could keep him from grabbing a shovel and climbing out of the trench. He had to find Jamesā body. <br /><br />He did his best to find the part of the trench that he had been in when he had to toss James out. That night after the battle had been such a blur, but he looked for the familiar sight of sand bags that were stacked along the edges of the trenches. As he walked along the trenches the sounds of the joy and cheer of men drifted through the air. <br /><br />He tried to block the noise out; there was nothing joyful about trying to find a lost friend. There was nothing to sing about. <br /><br />When he noticed things looking vaguely familiar, George began dusting the snow off the faces of those that had been killed. After some short searching, he found him. Pain shot through him at the sight and he wished he could keep searching. Part of him wished he never found him. So cold, so paleā¦ so lifeless. Dead. <br /><br />George blinked back threatening tears and wandered off a bit to try and find a suitable place to dig a grave. Finding the right place seemed impossible in a war torn land. In reality, it was. No grave out here would be fit for James. <br /><br />George thrust the shovel into the frozen mud, his passion driving each heap of mud furiously from the growing hole. Some flew up in little bits into his face, but the tears streaming from his eyes washed it away. <br /><br />The mud grew more packed together as he got deeper down, and George bit into his lip ātil he tasted blood. Exhaustion threatened to topple him into the freshly dug grave, but he resisted as another biting wind chewed through his jacket, making the desire to keep warm overtake the desire to cease his hurried movements. <br /><br />Finally, he reached deep enough to bury the body. He collapsed at the opening of the grave and sobs once again racked his body. James had been his dearest friend, practically a brother. <br /><br />He thought of the last time that he and James had sat together at the warm hearth, the last time they had laughed together, the last time they had spoken. He thought of his failure to protect James and bring him home safely. He wished it would have been him that had run ahead when the shell exploded. That it was his body that was hurled through the air. <br /><br />It was over now, James was gone.<br /><br />He pulled himself up despite the tears and went over to the body as another wave of tears threatened to once again stream down his face. He took a deep breath, then knelt beside his friend. <br /><br />He gently touched Jamesā face, brushing the stray hairs from eyes that were glassy and cold. George gently lifted James and brought him over to where he would finally be at rest. <br /><br />A final thought crossed his mind. Jamesā family would probably appreciate one last memory of James. George gently laid James down and carefully pulled the well-worn jacket off. As he did so, a small book, the size of a large wallet, fell out. Without thinking, George picked it up and set it in his pocket. After this gruesome task was done he gently lowered James into the makeshift grave.<br /><br /> If only James could be buried in a nice churchyard grave with a service. What this man, friend, soldier and brother had done for his country deserved to be remembered. George looked down into the grave. This man had done better than he could ever do. He thought over what should be at the burial service. There would be a hymn, a message, a eulogyā¦ but he was too overcome with grief to say anything. <br /><br />Silently, George began to shovel the dirt onto his friendās body, wishing that he could be in the grave with him. The shovel felt heavier than it had before, perhaps because this was the final goodbye. Heād never see Jamesā face again. George shoveled the dirt back. He watched as it slowly covered his friend.<br /><br /> After he had filled the hole he flattened it best he could. He found a couple twigs and shaped them into a cross using some of the barbed wire that was abundant in no-manās-land. He stuck the make-shift cross into the freshly disturbed mud and surveyed his work. George was surprised by how neat it looked in the midst of a battlefield covered in knots of barbed wire and strewn with bodies of men. As George scanned the battle field, this small piece of order was quickly lost in the chaos of no-manās-land. <br /><br />George glanced up as he felt a hand on his shoulder.<br /><br />āYou did it, brother,ā a familiar voice said. The faint light from his pipe highlighted enough of his features for George to recognize Marvin with a small smile. <br /><br />George sniffed, wiping his frozen nose with his equally frozen index finger, then nodded. āYes, sir.ā <br /><br />āCome join us. Weāre gonna play football here in a bit.ā <br /><br />āI donāt knowā¦ā<br /><br />āCome on.ā Marvin grabbed George's shoulders and led him to where the men were organizing. George offered little resistance since part of him was a bit curious. āFound another teammate for us.ā Marvin announced. <br /><br />The other men cheered. <br /><br />George managed a smile. It had been a long time since he had done that. Smile. It felt good. <br /><br />George felt a feeling of panic spread through him as he noticed a German soldier was on his side of the field. It felt so odd. Before the war, he wouldnāt have thought twice about sharing the road with a German, but now it was different. The panic dissipated as the game began and he was soon engrossed in the game of football, ignoring the nationalities of his teammates, ignoring where he was and what would likely commence in the morning. That would be more serious than any game these men had ever played when they were boys. War had a way of making boys into men. Kicking the ball made out of helmets seemed to be more fun than when he remembered playing as a boy.<br /><br /> After the game ended, some of the men laughed, told stories, and George found himself wrapped up in Jamesā jacket in front of a small fire that had been started. <br /><br />He sat there, looking around at the faces of the men he had been shooting at for the past few months. They were real people. It hurt them when a friend died. They had hearts. Most of them hadnāt chosen to join; the choice was made for them. <br /><br />George regretted making the choice to join, yet at the same time he knew that there was no way he would have been able to stay in his warm home with his family, knowing that there were men just like him giving their lives in this war. George sighed as he reflected. This war had taken so much from him: his health, his best friend, his trust in Godā¦.<br /><br /> The last one scared him a bit. He didnāt really want to admit that he had nearly ceased to trust God. He had too many questions that needed answers, and he didnāt know where to find them. <br /><br />He pulled Jamesā jacket tighter as the sun finally fell below the horizon, and his hand brushed across something he didnāt remember putting in his pocket. He pulled it out, raising his eyebrows a bit in curiosity and holding it closer to the fire to provide light. It was a book. It was leather. It had a bullet embedded in its center. <br /><br />George carefully pried the bullet out and opened the front page. It occurred to him that this was what had fallen out of Jamesā jacket when he had taken it off his body. It had belonged to Jamesā¦ and it was apparent that this book had literally saved Jamesā life at some point. Tears once again threatened to spill, but George held them back. He didnāt know when the Bible had saved James, but he was grateful that this little book had given him one more day with his friend. For a moment, he could only stare at the book.<br /><br />Finally, he flipped through the pages. Dirt stained the edges, and some pages had blood on them. George hoped it wasnāt Jamesā blood. The book so absorbed Georgeās attention that he hardly noticed when some of the men began returning to their trenches. <br /><br />As the fire died down, to the point George could no longer make out the small words on the pages, he realized he was one of a few remaining soldiers left and got up to start heading back to his own lines. He was interrupted from his daze at the sight of the fresh mud and cross that marked Jamesā grave. After blinking back tears, he looked up into the night sky as the stars began to make their appearance. A peaceful smile came to his lips as a sigh left them and lifted up a silent prayer. He would not let his next friend down like he had James. <br /><br />George wandered back to his division's area of the trench. The familiar voices of the other men he had been around for the past few months and the extra row of sand bags along the top told him this was his home for now. He threw himself into the eight-foot-deep trench. It was cold. And slippery where the water had turned to ice. George struggled to keep his footing. <br /><br />Tired from the events of the day, he fell onto his accustomed seat. Deep in thought about everything that had happened, he composed a letter to his wife. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i>Dearest Mabel, <br /><br />I don't know when you'll receive this, but the most extraordinary thing happened this evening. I'm sure the commanding officers, who are safely hidden at the back of the lines, will not be happy, but this thing has done a good deal for me. <br /><br />It started when the enemy started playing one of their traditional carols. As they moved into the next one, our men joined in. I've never heard anything so beautiful in my life. It is often hard to realize that in war, men can still celebrate good cheer. It's hard to remember when you are in a war that man is still capable of doing good things. There was a truce declared for Christmas. I was, at first, so heavily lost in sorrow as it is still hard for me to acknowledge that James is truly gone and I will never have Christmas with him. <br /><br />I miss you and Jenny sorely today. It's Christmas Eve and today is meant to be shared with family and friends. Not in some muddy frozen trench. I think all of us feel lonely. <br /><br />I haven't been able to really make friends with any of the men. I'm scared to get close to anyone. I might lose them like I did James. I don't know how I would handle that. I don't know if I could. <br /><br />Every day I fear something might possess me to go over and get myself killed, like that one man. It is truly a frightening thought. Sometimes I think I might be losing my mind. <br /><br />I don't know how much longer I can hold together. Losing James is by far the hardest thing I've been through. I don't know how to process it. James was such a dear friend, I don't know how long I can go on without his company. <br /><br />While sitting at a small campfire this evening I found James' Bible. I found out that he had been hit by a bullet. That Bible saved his life. I'm wondering if it can save mine too, but in a different way. Perhaps itās time I sought God more. <br /><br />Your husband,<br /><br /><br /><br />George</i></span><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: courier;">Merry Christmas y'all! I'll likely be back sometime before New Years for a Yearly Wrap Up post.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "Playfair Display", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings,</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mattie May, The Blossoming Writer</span></span></div>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-30684538700707570522021-11-30T15:43:00.005-08:002021-11-30T15:44:57.691-08:00November Wrap-Up<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsSJepu_eFE3BDoG09duYogr0YTgBkwOhwNWMfPRjaSRY9vbbMRnejCpzavDBEPvnUDMKJK04Q0UmD1vIy-fenQyI3dvS2vMe7ZUATXLqglsQHOkZELLriNtWWV66oAw7AYl-hHHqmbHcq3GmUHIikQdulZnZL-daghchH0KhphMBthplMYwsY1i3L=s734" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="734" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsSJepu_eFE3BDoG09duYogr0YTgBkwOhwNWMfPRjaSRY9vbbMRnejCpzavDBEPvnUDMKJK04Q0UmD1vIy-fenQyI3dvS2vMe7ZUATXLqglsQHOkZELLriNtWWV66oAw7AYl-hHHqmbHcq3GmUHIikQdulZnZL-daghchH0KhphMBthplMYwsY1i3L=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Dear Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">After trying more times than I'd like to admit to, my idea of writing a blog post earlier this month on the struggles of a writer being unable to participate in NaNoWriMo and simultaneously feeling guilty for not participating did not happen. And so here we are with a rather boring monthly wrap-up post. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The month started slowly as I tried to once again form a sort of routine to fall into. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. It feels as though as I wandered through the month of November looking for something to do while being surrounded by things to do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Then it hit me. I was behind on the number of books that I wanted to read this year, so I have challenged myself to read at least 20 books during the month of December. Will I actually finish 20 books in one month that is filled with Christmas fill-in-the-blank-everything? Probably not, but who doesn't love a good challenge?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">In other exciting news, I poked my old NaNo project... I wrote about 500 words that will probably get edited out later, but hey, I wrote, so that counts for something. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The podcasts for this month centered on the Reformation because that was where my brain was last month and I think I'm running about a month behind schedule in my processing functions. This month I'm doing at least one person who had a connection to the first Thanksgiving... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving, my family and I went down to our old romping grounds and spent the weekend with family. I also got to spend an afternoon with one of my roommates from camp, which was a blessing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't know what next month will look like posting-wise, but I'd like to do a Story Behind the Carol post, comment below if that is something you'd like me to do!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! Merry Christmas!</span> </p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-9888753466994264262021-10-25T18:11:00.001-07:002021-10-26T09:34:52.506-07:00October Wrap-Up and Reformation day! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQHYPt4vOV6SoRBbj8jIuivIoNnD1sFwzZx1fyGoi665G0nBs_SOEzayLOaX7Qi-Ipxk-v50EDnDyvxk2lJpevlICnJ0aD_c2q0VlhlsDsIvzIamIOQEkKN9hWFjykVS1N2rPePnKEWlp5jOFZbkG12aTGRu9W19qim-YB-ap4sp6Am6lTCsxYopwn=s712" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="712" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQHYPt4vOV6SoRBbj8jIuivIoNnD1sFwzZx1fyGoi665G0nBs_SOEzayLOaX7Qi-Ipxk-v50EDnDyvxk2lJpevlICnJ0aD_c2q0VlhlsDsIvzIamIOQEkKN9hWFjykVS1N2rPePnKEWlp5jOFZbkG12aTGRu9W19qim-YB-ap4sp6Am6lTCsxYopwn=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Dear Reader,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, here we are again - the end of another month... nearly the end of another year. This wrap-up post will be a little different from previous ones. I'd like to talk about women of the Reformation since this month has basically been a mixture of Memorial services, a banquet, blisters, a trip to Solvang and Reformation day prep, and more blisters! Instead of complaining to y'all about the beauty and pain of playing the harp, or other happenings this month, I'd like to talk about some people who have inspired me in multiple ways. I'd like to talk about who they were and why they are important, so with no further ado... </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">I think itās easy when studying the Reformation to dig deep
into the theology and the great men who were champions of what the Roman
Catholic Church deemed heretical. While those things are important to our
understanding of the Reformation, I think itās also important that we acknowledge the
ones who made it possible for the men to do what they did. The Reformation
impacted all areas of life, from how we worship in church today to how women
are treated. During the early part of the Reformation, the world, in general, had
a low view of women. They were to be seen, not heard. Unless they were a royal
or a nun, they had little to no education. Life was far from easy. Women were
uniquely able to support the men of the Reformation and the teachings of the
Reformation in various ways. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Without Anne of Bohemia's protection of John Wycliffe, the gospel may not have spread all
the way to Lithuania as a result of his teachings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Without the support of Anna Reinhard, Ulrich Zwingli may not
have had as much of an effect on Switzerland. He would not have the example of
a biblical family or been able to host and teach students. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">In the case of Marguerite de Navarre, I donāt know if weād
have as much of a Reformation in France as we did. She protected reformers and
gave us Jeanne dāAlbret, who was the greatest military defender of France for
the Huguenots. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Sometimes I wonder what Martin Luther would have done if he
had never married Katherine von Bora. Iāve spent a little time researching
Katie and the relationship she shared with Martin, and how she helped him to
the extent of his critics, crediting some of his ideas to her. I think this says a lot about what kind of woman that she was. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">The second wife of King Henry VIII, mother of Queen
Elizabeth I, Protector or William Tyndale, and brought Reformed teachings to
the Tudor court. Sadly, Anne Boleyn lost her head. Though the teachings of the
Reformation did not cease to be brought into the court, as with
Henry VIIIās last wife, Katherine Parr. She was reformed and tried to bring the
King to the same conviction, sadly he had no interest. Katherine Parr also
raised the young Lady Jane in the Reformed faith. Lady Jane followed Edward V,
when he chose her as queen of England because of her reformed beliefs, over his
elder sister Mary, who later beheaded Jane and took the throne. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">For most of his life, Calvin lived as a bachelor. But soon
his colleagues went on a quest to get him married. After a few failed
tries, they finally found one that Calvin approved of. Idelette Storder de Bure. It was a loving marriage and Calvin deeply mourned for her when she died. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope most of us know who Prince William of Orange the
Silent was. He led the Dutch against the Spanish duke Alva, which led to some
freedom of religion in the Netherlands. But, as it was said by the poet William
Ross Wallace, āThe hand who rocks the cradle rules the world,ā Julianna von
Stolberg was the faithful, God-fearing mother who raised her sons in the
Protestant faith and ultimately lost all of her sons to war, or assassination. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Living in the Italian court of Ferrara with a Roman Catholic
husband, Renee de France, lived something of a double life. She kept Protestant
servants and may have even smuggled Calvin into Italy and got him out alive.
It is in this court where Olympia Morata learned about the Protestant faith and
became more curious; it wasnāt until later after her father died that she
became a Protestant herself, and became known as a great writer of poetry and translator
of the Psalms into Greek meter. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Though not much is known about Joan Waste, it is known that
she was blind, and as a young girl, she was taught the Scriptures and memorized
large portions, for this, she was burned at the stake. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Earlier, I brought up William the Silent. Well, he, like
Martin Luther, married a former nun. Charlotte de Bourbon was sent to a
convent at a young age and against her will. While there, she became convinced of the teachings of Luther and Calvin
and escaped. Some say that it was during the St. Bartholomewās day Massacre,
but we canāt know for sure. After seeking refuge with her sister, and later
Frederick III. While with Frederick III, she met William. It is said that she
is the only one of his four wives he married for love and not to gain more
popularity or money. Charlotte died after intensely nursing William back to
health after an assassination attempt. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">A very important group of people involved in the Reformation
in Scotland were the Scottish Covenanters. There are a couple in particular
that I would like to highlight and then Iāll close. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Jenny Geddes was a covenanter who was a street seller of fruits
and veggies. When Charles I tried to introduce the Book of Common Prayer to the
Scottish Kirk, Jenny threw her stool at the Dean of the Church who was leading
the service. As a result of this daring act, three civil wars were started
which led to the beheading of Charles I. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Another Scottish Covenanter was Margaret Wilson. When she
was around eighteen years old, she was drowned along with another Covenanter
named Margaret for thier beliefs and rebellion against the Scottish Kirk. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">So why do I make such a big deal about the women of the Reformation?
Because I firmly believe the Reformation would not have been all that it was without
them. Many of these women have become my role models as I strive to become the
woman God has called me to be. Iām passionate about telling other young ladies
like me about these women because I think they are a good role model of
women with noble and godly character. It also causes me to think about how I would react
if I was put in the situation that these were. It challenges my faith. Would I be willing
to do what they did? Would you be willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;"> If you'd like to learn more about some of the women that I mentioned today, please check out my podcast, <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7">Blossoms of Courage</a>! I started it because I want to inspire and encourage women of today with the women of yesterday!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">For any of you wondering if I'm doing NaNoWriMo this year, I am not. One reason is I have been very busy, and I currently don't have anything planned. I also do not think it would be wise for my physical and mental health to push myself in that way this year. I am not giving up writing; please don't think that, but sometimes we need to rest. I might have a story idea forming in my mind for a future project, we'll see where those might go and I will keep you all updated. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">I hope you all have a lovely fall and Reformation day!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Blessings,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: courier;">Mattie May </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-36269987995520770032021-09-30T17:31:00.009-07:002021-09-30T17:31:58.408-07:00Dear September: A Wrap-Up<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZBfaPPoXSIBE2q33Hov6yEPbyJVeLewoV3RnUhhIkswEEr5gokNonv4IbhfDUPqWzy1elnyeRA7Ig6AnxZSp0X4FD85impT7PyUOS29EIAB-Rz3ci29UA8-enxQABTncm-erLd-JEWufHeUay0ZqOJr2pBVpkyzxu8cnrldGYV8VRu36sy8Z4zwlq=s736" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="736" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZBfaPPoXSIBE2q33Hov6yEPbyJVeLewoV3RnUhhIkswEEr5gokNonv4IbhfDUPqWzy1elnyeRA7Ig6AnxZSp0X4FD85impT7PyUOS29EIAB-Rz3ci29UA8-enxQABTncm-erLd-JEWufHeUay0ZqOJr2pBVpkyzxu8cnrldGYV8VRu36sy8Z4zwlq=w400-h299" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Dear Readers,</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm wondering if you've seen this past month? I think I saw it start, but after the first week, I'm wondering where it went. If September did in fact happen, I'd like to know where it went, and how on earth today is supposedly the last day of the month... 'cause last I checked, I still had a week or so left. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'd also like to request that future months slow down so I can actually acknowledge the fact that they did in fact happen and exist since I have little to no memory of what went on in September. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Did I read anything worth noting? Possibly? But again, this month seems to have either lost a few weeks or went by too quickly for me to take notice. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I did get my podcasts done for September, but was I up until midnight trying to get them done? You will never know...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Did I write something? I'm sure I did. After all, I'm writing this, aren't I? Anything else, though? Umm I don't know. Maybe? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Anything else notable happen in life? I think my sister and I started volunteering at the local crises pregnancy clinic this month, but we might have started last month, and honestly, I can't remember. I think when/if September's rushed by; it wiped my brain clean. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">And so if you have seen September, please let me know in the comments, what happened this past month in your life? (Since I can't remember mine, oops.)</span></p><p>Blessings, </p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-83804819997689045702021-08-31T15:02:00.001-07:002021-08-31T15:02:23.110-07:00August Wrap-Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzi19eXTdVs/YS6l7Irx_lI/AAAAAAAACc0/xVNr0B0dDdQrKEJlR5XG-9_mX_lNH0JQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s737/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="737" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzi19eXTdVs/YS6l7Irx_lI/AAAAAAAACc0/xVNr0B0dDdQrKEJlR5XG-9_mX_lNH0JQgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Today's post will be short because life is crazy. I haven't even been home very much this month. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For the first two weeks, my family and I were on vacation in Kauai. It was beautiful. It was amazing to be surrounded by God's creation. We all got to see over a dozen sea turtles, tons of birds of all kinds, fish, and a seal. My sisters and I got to go zip lining, paddle boarding, and kayaking. We also learned how to snorkel, (though I still can't really do it š.) We then returned home and a couple of days later, we went to a friend's wedding. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As far as writing goes, I haven't done much. The only writing-related thing I did was edit a poem and submit it to Story Embers for their 3rd Annual Poetry Contest. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Both podcasts happened while I was in Kauai. The first was on <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Episode-04-Sophie-Scholl-e1570nq" target="_blank">Sophie Scholl</a> and the other on <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Episode-05-Katherina-Von-Bora-e15730a" target="_blank">Katharina von Bora</a>. They were so fun to research and write. I really enjoyed the stories and I hope you do too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This month I read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. I wasn't expecting to enjoy it, but I did and I plan on rereading it at some point soon. I also almost finished Fighting for Life by Lila Rose. So far I've really enjoyed it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">That's all for today y'all have a wonderful week!</span></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May </p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-51363531837521320482021-07-26T16:33:00.000-07:002021-07-26T16:33:01.958-07:00July Wrap-Up and Announcement<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8zPA2or91Q/YP9F3X8AawI/AAAAAAAACKs/arRDcCKcBI4cBwmkW2Gflw9EHT2Jnm42gCLcBGAsYHQ/s736/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="736" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P8zPA2or91Q/YP9F3X8AawI/AAAAAAAACKs/arRDcCKcBI4cBwmkW2Gflw9EHT2Jnm42gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p>Random Lifeness:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It's been a while since I've posted; life has been extremely crazy this month. The first week of July was Worldview Academy Leadership Training Camp; it was the best week of my life. After 25hrs of lectures on everything from apologetics to philosophy, I was excited to implement what I had learned at camp into my life. On the fourth day of camp, we went to the nearby pier and went witnessing. My group of four had the privilege of getting to pray with a man who was interested in the Gospel! I am always so amazed to see God working in the hearts of people. After camp ended, my family and I packed up and moved back into our home after almost 11 months of caring for my grandfather. This past weekend I met most of the girls from my small group at Knott's Berry Farm and we had so much fun. My small group was such a blessing and I already miss the girls so much. And now, in less than a week, my family and I are heading off to Kaui!</span></p><p>Reading:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have no idea if I read anything this month, I might have, I might not have. Honestly, I don't remember. Oops...</span></p><p>Writing:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, this summer I decided to do the 100-for-100 challenge. I've been writing 100 words every day for the past 50 something days. It's not a story, just random rambles, other than that I haven't really written anything besides a few poems. I'm not sure if I'll add them to the writing page or not, we'll see. </span></p><p>Podcasting:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Two new podcast episodes are up! (<a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Episode-02-Dicey-Langston-e13sjaj" target="_blank">Dicey Langston</a> & <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Episode-03-Dorcas-Richardson-e14ovdv" target="_blank">Dorcas Richardson</a>) The country for this month was America (I had to do the USA because of the 4th of July and all) It was so much fun this month putting these together; there are so many interesting people! I'm looking forward to next month because the Country is Germany and I have two really amazing women to tell y'all about!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Announcement:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As I mentioned a month or two ago, FeedBurner is taking away the "Follow by Email" so In an effort for y'all to keep getting updates from this blog I'm moving my subscription to Aweber. There is now a tab that says "Subscribe" I will begin sending out a newsletter or something so y'all can continue to follow my blog and writing. For those of you who are already subscribed you don't need to do anything as I have moved you to the list for Aweber. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think that's all for now. Have a wonderful week y'all!</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-74668851189892493012021-06-24T18:04:00.002-07:002021-06-24T18:04:40.670-07:00June Wrap-Up and Ramblings<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-814vutk9EF0/YNUrRiJXtGI/AAAAAAAACGE/6Lp1vLhsXb0FqEEfD5KxJOL1-_tdd8KlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s780/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="780" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-814vutk9EF0/YNUrRiJXtGI/AAAAAAAACGE/6Lp1vLhsXb0FqEEfD5KxJOL1-_tdd8KlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h295/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm sorry I'm so bad at keeping this up. I nearly forgot it existed till a couple of days ago when I remembered I should probably update you all on the happenings of my life and writing and podcasting. </span></p><p>Life:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've been busy with reading and researching and writing podcasts. My mama signed me up for driving lessons so that has been good. I've had two so far and the cars are still in one piece and all humans in the car while I'm driving have survived my driving. So far, so good. </span></p><p>Writing:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">For fun, I'm participating in the 100-for-100 challenge hosted by Go Teen Writers. So far I have written 100 words every day since it started on May 31st. It's purely for my enjoyment and it's not a real writing project per se, but hey, at least I'm writing. </span></p><p>Podcasting: </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've published two podcast episodes! One is an <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Introduction-Episode-e11upqo" target="_blank">Introduction</a>, and the other is on <a href="https://anchor.fm/mattie-may7/episodes/Episode-01-Olympia-Morata-e12qivn" target="_blank">Olympia Morata</a> who I covered in a blog post <a href="https://theblossomingwriter.blogspot.com/2020/10/women-of-reformation-olympia-morata.html" target="_blank">Here</a> back in October. For July... well, you'll have to check out my podcast to find that out ;) It has been very fun and I love it. I love these women of history and I love talking about them to anyone who cares to listen. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Reading has been a bit slower this month because of Life so I have nothing to report on that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As always, I hope you all are having a wonderful summer and surviving the heat. </span></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-68450303434719015282021-05-27T16:16:00.002-07:002021-05-28T11:43:05.966-07:00Exciting Announcement!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnA60QZKOOg/YLE5rtxKmXI/AAAAAAAAB18/gCK3077jn1UM5jd-l4bQVMxJQFcWOciUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s779/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="779" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnA60QZKOOg/YLE5rtxKmXI/AAAAAAAAB18/gCK3077jn1UM5jd-l4bQVMxJQFcWOciUQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm sorry I didn't post earlier this month, but I have been busy getting ready for the announcement I am going to be sharing with y'all today. I am *so* excited to tell y'all about this! There is also a very much less exciting announcement at the end. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As most of you probably know, I love history and I especially get excited about women in history. I also love telling others about history and learning more myself! So, I decided to combine my passion for writing and history and telling stories into one thing. </span></p><p>....</p><p>I'm starting a podcast!!! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I'm calling it</span> Blossoms of Courage, <span style="font-family: courier;">a podcast that will encourage the women of today with the women of yesterday. My goal is to launch it on June 1st. And I'm stuck between mild panic and excitement as I try and pull everything together. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Anyway, if you want to learn more, you can check out the Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Blossoms-Of-Courage-109181928009745">Here!</a> and check out the blog <a href="https://blossomsofcourage979489726.wordpress.com/">Here!</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Please follow, like, and join me in learning about these amazing women of courage! </span></p><p>....</p><p>Not so exciting news...</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">FeedBurner is taking away its option to follow by email in the next month or so... I will be either switching to a new site or figuring out how to set up a newsletter type thing so y'all can get updates on my writing and such things. I'll keep y'all updated on any upcoming changes. And what I decide to do in the end.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">That is all for now y'all. I hope you have a lovely rest of your week and Memorial Day weekend!</span></p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-31266360969411441982021-04-30T10:00:00.004-07:002021-04-30T10:27:20.071-07:00April Wrap-Up <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db1Ko9mDTgc/YIw97jcHjTI/AAAAAAAABto/wzLRXVoGLnYXjxTdBLQszHgzrXCHm3EPACLcBGAsYHQ/s778/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="778" height="299" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-db1Ko9mDTgc/YIw97jcHjTI/AAAAAAAABto/wzLRXVoGLnYXjxTdBLQszHgzrXCHm3EPACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h299/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This month went by way too fast. So fast that most of it is a blur and I don't really remember what happened.... oops... </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I didn't do as much reading this month, because of Reasons that will be announced in my next post... ;) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think my favorite read this month was <a href="https://store.lamplighter.net/sir-knight-of-the-splendid-way-p309.aspx" target="_blank">Sir Knight of the Splendid Way, By W.E. Cule</a>. It has been a while since I last read an allegory and I really enjoyed it. I love finding parallels and looking at the symbolism hidden in the story. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I didn't write much this month, that I remember, maybe a poem or two, but nothing that is worthy of being shown lol. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Another thing that happened this month is that I started taking an Italian class and I love it. Italian is a beautiful language and I'm excited to be learning it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I don't know about you, but I <i>love</i> giveaways, even if I never win, it's still fun and I get to support other authors! A friend of mine, <a href="https://ednapellen.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Edna Pellen from Bleeding Ink</a>, is hosting a giveaway for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/bookseries/B0716XTZ6Z" target="_blank">The Fire Rain Chronicles by Miranda Marie</a>! Click this <a href="https://ednapellen.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-fire-rain-chronicles-five-year.html" target="_blank">Link</a> to read more and find instructions on how to enter and hopefully win this lovely series!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I think that's all for today, I hope y'all have a lovely weekend!</span> </p><p>Blessings,</p><p>Mattie May</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-41965569880089463872021-04-08T17:29:00.001-07:002021-04-08T17:51:33.588-07:00My Favorite Memes (Writing Edition)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--biCnsHinUY/YG-kyyCpVYI/AAAAAAAABkI/NT9ZwlH8lUIxOnO7H8D3ltNfLzJj9OgMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s780/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="780" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--biCnsHinUY/YG-kyyCpVYI/AAAAAAAABkI/NT9ZwlH8lUIxOnO7H8D3ltNfLzJj9OgMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Part of what makes writing fun is that countless writing memes. Writing memes are painful because they are often true. Today I'd like to share a few of my favorite writing memes with you! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;">***</span></b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2ZySeSjTt8/YG-iLIXwefI/AAAAAAAABjg/s1T4HPdpSpYg5MKydfIW4RZEyip1LH5UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s736/writingmeme1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="736" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q2ZySeSjTt8/YG-iLIXwefI/AAAAAAAABjg/s1T4HPdpSpYg5MKydfIW4RZEyip1LH5UQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/writingmeme1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8fq-iN5mq0/YG-iYlDNF0I/AAAAAAAABjk/yYxwlths3HkPizo90wvkP0yjYB7GK7yGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s610/writingmeme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8fq-iN5mq0/YG-iYlDNF0I/AAAAAAAABjk/yYxwlths3HkPizo90wvkP0yjYB7GK7yGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/writingmeme2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBTNV0UmpJg/YG-irpGIPYI/AAAAAAAABjw/0jJpgv82p8Ap1bMz18xxYvNozZNzjS1mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s254/writing%2Bmemes4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBTNV0UmpJg/YG-irpGIPYI/AAAAAAAABjw/0jJpgv82p8Ap1bMz18xxYvNozZNzjS1mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/writing%2Bmemes4.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrWb1uI0y2E/YG-i2Yto3eI/AAAAAAAABj0/4Rny0DTk5TgDO41SGl_vfzbbHDv3DchFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s355/writingmemes5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="236" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RrWb1uI0y2E/YG-i2Yto3eI/AAAAAAAABj0/4Rny0DTk5TgDO41SGl_vfzbbHDv3DchFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/writingmemes5.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDeEX78T638/YG-i_dJIY2I/AAAAAAAABj8/gCW_eqYHx-AEbWjqUwqink2EjJ_WUnBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/writingmemes6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="160" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDeEX78T638/YG-i_dJIY2I/AAAAAAAABj8/gCW_eqYHx-AEbWjqUwqink2EjJ_WUnBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w256-h320/writingmemes6.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;">(This is a bit hard to read but it says: Dark and difficult times ahead, Soon we must face the choice between what's right and what's easy)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: medium;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: courier;">That's all for today folks, hope you enjoyed this post, it was fun to put together! Let me know in the comments if you'd like another post like this in the future. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Blessings,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mattie May</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-27179281994611386982021-03-29T15:41:00.000-07:002021-03-29T15:41:07.163-07:00Life Update and Other Randomness<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnmXlrshDnc/YGJWK1H7ZbI/AAAAAAAABfk/GILhxS2uHfsYZri7AsfpcVkeEUc4QbwogCLcBGAsYHQ/s780/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="780" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnmXlrshDnc/YGJWK1H7ZbI/AAAAAAAABfk/GILhxS2uHfsYZri7AsfpcVkeEUc4QbwogCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p> <span style="font-family: courier;">I can't believe it's already nearly April! These few months of 2021 have flown by. I'm sorry I haven't posted on here in nearly forever, but life went down and I went down with it... I'll try to explain. </span><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: courier;"><span> </span>Since the week of Valentine's day, I have been on an internet fast or reset, depending on who in my family you ask. At first, it was extremely challenging I really struggled with the decisions that my parents made, but as life has gone on and I've seen the benefits and understood where they were coming from, I appreciate the steps they took. Not only has my relationship with them been strengthened, but my relationship with God and with my sisters has flourished during this time. As with any other fast/reset, it's best not to go all the way back on the first day. Since that kinda defeats the purpose of the fast in the first place. So for all of you wondering where I disappeared to... that's where. </span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: courier;"><span> In my last post here I told y'all that I was dealing with writer's burnout. I'm happy to say that I've recovered... or at least recovered enough where I don't feel like I'm living in a black hole. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: courier;"> I've done a lot of reading these past few weeks:</span></span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span>1. <a href="https://www.prpbooks.com/book/johanna-and-henriette-kuyper">Johanna and Henriette Kuyper: Daring to Change their world (Chosen Daughters Series), Abigail Van Der Velde </a></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: courier;">This one is a reread and I started before the reset. I finished within the first few weeks. It was honestly amazing. Johanna and Henriette have quickly climbed the ladder of my favorite women of history.</span> </span></span></p><p><span><span><span>2. <a href="https://www.bondbooks.net/product-page/hammer-of-the-huguenots">Hammer of the Huguenots, Douglas Bond</a></span></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: courier;">For those of you who know me, you know that Douglas Bond is one of my</span> <span style="font-family: courier;">favorite HisFic authors. This book was fascinating. I'm fairly familiar with the Reformation in France, and the St. Bartholomew's day Massacre, but this book focused on the events leading up to St. Bartholomew's day. I find books like this very inspiring to my faith.</span> </span></p><p><span><span><span>3. <a href="https://www.bondbooks.net/product-page/the-hobgoblins-a-novel-on-john-bunyan-preorder-bonus-gift">The Hobgoblins, Douglas Bond</a></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: courier;">This book tells the story of John Bunyan from the POV of his childhood friend Harry Wylie. Harry's POV is entertaining and the use of old English is charming. John Bunyan is such an interesting person I'd recommend this book wholeheartedly.</span> </p><p><span><span><span>4. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/White-Rose-Resists-German-Students/dp/0825446481">The White Rose Resists, Amanda Barratt </a></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: courier;">A year or two ago my family and I watched the film Sophie Scholl: the Final days. This book shares the story of Hans and Sophie Scholl in detail. For those who don't know, White Rose was a group of college students who were from WWII Germany and dared to write leaflets against Hitler, a crime punishable by death.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: courier;"> I think my favorite part of the book was that it was written in 1st person. I honestly love 1st person. It's personal and beautiful. My favorite character was Kirk Hoffman, one of the fictional characters. I liked him because of his view of soldiers, as in one part he muses on the life that each man has. I've done that several times and it was really neat to see someone else think the same way, even if they were fictional. Sophie was also a favorite. I liked how she reached out to Analise, who is another fictional character. If you get anything from this short review, it should be: READ THIS BOOK NOW!</span> </span></span></p><p>5. <a href="https://www.prpbooks.com/book/dr-oma">Dr. Oma: The Healing Wisdom of Countess Julianna Von Stolberg (the Chosen Daughter Series), Ethel Herr</a></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">This was a reread and I don't regret it. Julianna was the mother of Prince William the Silent of Orange (he married Charlotte de Bourbon, who is a favorite lady of the Reformation of mine). Julianna went through a lot of hardship and struggles, losing three sons to the religious wars in the Netherlands at that time. Herr did an amazing job of telling the story through the eyes of Julianna's granddaughter, Maria Princess of Orange. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">That's all the fiction I read... I'm sure you can't tell what kind of books I like...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've also done some writing and if you check the Writing page of this blog you can read two of my newest poems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To close out this blog post, I'd like to recommend Isa. 58, I've so blessed by all fourteen beautiful verses. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">On that note, I'll close this blog post with the hope I can post again soon. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mattie May</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><i>Have you ever done a fast/reset before? What have you been reading?</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><i>Let me know in the comments!</i> </span></p><p><br /></p><p><span><br /></span></p>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-9765441484590851802021-02-19T07:00:00.001-08:002021-02-19T07:00:06.654-08:00Dealing with Writer's Burnout<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVgHQRAI1UY/YC867cy8XJI/AAAAAAAABcI/mCbwa5DTJ9cRc-9bl5z8QAWTLqDvHLfgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s778/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="778" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVgHQRAI1UY/YC867cy8XJI/AAAAAAAABcI/mCbwa5DTJ9cRc-9bl5z8QAWTLqDvHLfgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h297/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers!</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">As you might guess from the title of this post and my posting infrequency, this post has something to do with writer's burnout. In this post, I'd like to talk about what writer's burnout is and how I'm dealing with it, and how you can deal with it too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Some of you all know, I took on a huge project for NaNoWriMo last year. As a result of this and several other factors, I wore myself out. I have been burnt to a crisp. </span></p><p>What is Writer's Burnout?</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Writer's burnout is basically a loss of interest, a loss of physical and mental energy, loss of motivation, and a loss of words. It is usually a result of stress. </span></p><p>How I knew I was Dealing with Writer's Burnout:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">When NaNo started last year I was already tired from the life things going on around me. In retrospect, I should have chosen a different project. By mid-NaNo I was ready to just quit that project and try a new one it was so exhausting. Looking back, I should have. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The problem for me is that I'm still getting story ideas. I still want to write. Until I sit in front of my blank document and wonder what I should write. </span></p><p>Processing Writer's Burnout: </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've been feeling a lot of guilt from not writing. A writer should write every day, every chance they get... right??? Wrong. So very wrong. I've had to learn to accept that my ability to write is not the same as it was before burnout, and it may or may not return. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">The other frustrating side of it is it might not affect all areas of writing. For me, I have almost zero motivation to write blog posts or finish my NaNo project. Yet at the same time, I've written over 1k of poetry. I'm not sure about the quality of that poetry, but at least I'm writing something.</span> </p><p>Encouragement for those Dealing with Writer's Burnout:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">It won't last forever. Sure, you might not be able to return to writing the way you once did, but it won't last forever. I will love the day when I can open my NaNo project and finish the story, but for now, it will have to wait. And I can let it wait knowing that one day, hopefully soon, I'll have the energy to come back to it. </span></p><p>Avoiding Writer's Burnout:</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I have to say that a lot of times writer's burnout is stress-related, so to prevent it, take care of the stress in your life and don't let it eat your health and energy. </span></p><p>Tips for Dealing with Writer's Burnout: </p><p>Tip one: <span style="font-family: courier;">Writer's burnout means you're not going to be able to write the way you used to until you recharge. This means you're going to have to learn how you recharge, be that getting more exercise or taking a nap. Your mental and physical batteries have to reach one-hundred percent. </span></p><div>Tip two: <span style="font-family: courier;">It will look different for you, then other people. While you're burnt out, don't compare your writing habits or quality to someone who isn't struggling with writer's burnout. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Tip three: <span style="font-family: courier;">Try something new. If you're burnt out in the area of writing a novel, try to write a poem or short story. Last month I wrote a couple very short stories, and it felt so good to write. Even if you aren't focusing on your main project, you're still writing. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;">That wraps it up for today y'all. Hopefully, I'll get recharged and be able to post more frequently soon! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blessings,</span><span style="font-family: courier;"> <br />Mattie May</span></div>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1409902859426874598.post-88100986384378181382021-01-30T19:46:00.003-08:002021-01-30T19:47:35.502-08:00January Wrap Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEzJRS8yGiA/YBYoAtNhLWI/AAAAAAAABao/42JbzT8Df9wFPoMDlPVOUqRfdP_0gv1lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s783/Blogheader.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="783" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEzJRS8yGiA/YBYoAtNhLWI/AAAAAAAABao/42JbzT8Df9wFPoMDlPVOUqRfdP_0gv1lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h296/Blogheader.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hello Readers! </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I didn't do much this month due to being busy and burnt, but this is an overview of what I've been doing!</span></p><p>Reading:</p><p>~ Book Four: The Dark Heart, Julie Cave </p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I would not recommend this series. While it covers a variety of interesting topics and themes with fun characters, it also deals with the darkest side of man. </span></p><p>~ Book Eight: Rescue in the Rockies, C. R. Hedgecock</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I technically started this book in December, but I finished it this month so we're counting it here. For the past few years, my sisters and I have enjoyed the Baker Family Adventures, and I'd highly recommend them.</span> </p><p>Writing</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">To be honest, not much of this happened š. I did go through about half of On The Field, leaving myself comments on what to fix on the next draft. I wrote one poem.</span> </p><p>Personal</p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">I've done pretty well at keeping up with my goals for this year, given that it's only January I'm not sure how much that is saying š.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Well, that's all for today, y'all! Have a lovely February! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Blessings,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;">Mattie May</span></p><p><span style="font-family: courier;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><gdiv id="ginger-floatingG-container" style="left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG ginger-floatingG-closed" style="display: none;"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-disabled-main"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-tooltip">Enable Ginger</gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-offline-main"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-tooltip"><em>Cannot connect to Ginger</em> Check your internet connection<br /> or reload the browser</gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-enabled-main"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-disable"><ga></ga><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-tooltip">Disable in this text field</gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool"><ga class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-edit">Edit</ga><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-tooltip">Edit in Ginger</gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-mistakes"><ga><span class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-mistakes-count"></span></ga><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-bar-tool-tooltip">Edit in Ginger</gdiv></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-contentPopup"><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-contentPopup-wrap"><ga class="ginger-floatingG-contentPopup-close">Ć</ga><gdiv class="ginger-floatingG-contentPopup-frame"><iframe scrolling="no"></iframe></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv></gdiv>The Blossoming Writerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010972065054235033noreply@blogger.com0