Zion vs. Babylon

I will be dividing books I review on my blog into two categories: Babylon Reads, and Zion Reads.

Babylon Reads? Sounds a bit risqué, you say? Why would I read such books?

Well, allow me to elucidate. Since most of what I read is considered young adult, I have formed definite opinions on which books I feel are truly suitable for young adults and which are labeled as such erroneously. So, even though I may find a book well written, intriguing or not necessarily deserving of a “Babylon” status if marketed for adults, if it is unsuitably designated as YA, I shall graciously impart of my “very subjective” estimations. Books may also earn a “Zion” status with an age specification: i.e., Zion Read—16+.  The filling of my Zion Reads and Babylon Reads bookshelves will commence soon, so check back often.

Oh, and as long as you’re here, see the “Follow” button to the right? Just above the lovely little photos of my faithful, and much appreciated, followers? Yeah, that’s the one. Click on it and become a follower of my blog. (No, I won’t be able to stalk you, even if I were so inclined.)

FLASH!

"How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." Henry David Thoreau

Here I am standing. I'll be back to writing after a bit of living. (Do you hear that? Yep, it's my family cheering and doing a 'raise the roof'.)

7 Random Things

In keeping with the honor of receiving the “Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award”, here are 7 Random things about me.

1. I spent a winter living on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Gallup, NM – 2 room shack, outhouse, woodstove for heat and cooking (thus chopping beaucoup firewood), the whole shebang!

2. I was raised in western Oregon and spent a year living in our summer getaway overlooking the beach. I miss watching the sunset over the ocean and falling asleep to the crash of waves breaking upon the shore.

3. States I’ve lived in: Utah, Oregon, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado and Idaho.

4. Things I’ve tried and enjoyed(some more than others): Ballroom dancing, Whitewater rafting, Rock climbing, Repelling, Weightlifting, Hiking, Cliff diving(more like cliff jumping while screaming), Snorkeling, Aerobics, Kickboxing, Volleyball, Softball, Tennis, Cross country skiing, Traveling and Writing.

5. Creative things with my hands that I’ve managed to pull-off: Scrapbooking, sewing, wooden wall plaques and basic cake decorating. That’s about it! My creativity tends to be limited to my mind.

6. I still have a vivid memory of saving a girl from drowning during swimming class. I was in grade school. I’m not sure where the instructor was at the time, and I don’t remember the girls name.

7. I use to want, more than anything, to skydive, though with age, I’m not certain if I’ve grown more fearful or more wise.

And now, for the 5 blogs I have selected upon which to bestow

"The Irresistably Sweet Blog Award"



Drum Roll Please!!!

Holly - Holly Lin Design

Canda - Canda's InkBlast

Brenda - The Startled Spyglass

Karen - A Writer's Ramblings

Robin - Robin Weeks

Please check out their blogs and follow them if you're so inclined:

Congratulation Ladies!

To claim your award:

1. Copy and paste the award to your blog.

2. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.
3. Share seven random facts about yourself.
4. Pass the award along to 5 deserving blogging buddies.

5. Contact those buddies to congratulate them.

AWARD!

Wow! Look what my wonderful Authors Incognito pal,
Donna Weaver, gave me.

"The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award"!

Soooo cool! Thanks Donna.

You can check out her blog here.

I'll be sharing 7 random facts about myself and passing along this prestigious award to 5 deserving blogging buddies in my next post.

FLASH!

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds."

- Albert Einstein

Kudos!

The local library has a 'Summer Reading Program Kick-Off' where youth are suppose to come as their favorite Novel character. One of my youth readers, Beth, told me she wants to go as either Ocean or Penelope from Ocean Wylde. I took it as a great compliment!

FLASH!

"Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood"

Steven Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Ocean Wylde Gives Thanks

I want to extend a special thanks to all those who have given support, praise, encouragement, editorial reviews and proofreading suggestions on my manuscript. First and foremost, my sister, Sally, who read and commented as I wrote, you are so invited to my launch party! My author friends, Kate Kae Myers and Laura Bingham, your input and suggestions have been invaluable. Carol and Lorraine, your editing skills cleaned up a real mess and taught me so much about punctuation (which is definitely not my strong suit!). You have gone above and beyond! Jessica, Tawnya, Suzie, Jeri, Levi, Natalie, Colin, Barbara, the Hoover Table at LDStorymakers Boot Camp, my Critique group at CrittersInk, (Rebecca, your great!) and my youth readers, Megan, Beth and Trinity, thank you all so much! Ocean Wylde would not be what it is without all of your input. Your encouragement and belief in me have kept me going long after I may have otherwise given up. (I wish you were all agents!)

This is the first novel I have written, and one in a planned series of five. (I never start small). Book two, Journey to Menpotis, is in progress, with the others mapped out in my head. I am very optimistic they will be published despite the odds.

I'm Blogging!

Okay, I’ve joined the world of blogging. Now you can keep posted on all things related to writing, reading and occasional flashes of brilliance.